CAM Study
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms
By Dwight E. RothÂ
When referring to my own Parkinson’s I prefer not to use the word disease. I do not feel
at dis-ease with my health.  If my symptoms become severe maybe I will use the word, disease. For the present I prefer to say I have Parkinson’s Challenge (PC) – a summons, a call to learn about the nature of Parkinson’s for others and myself.
People with Parkinson’s (PWP) typically become depressed when diagnosed as having PD by a neurologist. Many neurologists are not very helpful  — they tend to say upon diagnosis, “Here is a prescription. See you in three months.â€Â  This is tragic because there are a wide variety of services that benefit PWP. Most people are not aware of this. When depressed it is hard to look for these resources. Somewhere I read that about forty percent of PWP do not seek any service/treatment after being diagnosed.
When I was diagnosed in January of 2013 I was not depressed but I was frustrated by made my doctor because he gave me only a pharmaceutical prescription.  I wanted more for myself and I wanted to be an advocate for others PWP.  I quickly searched for another neurologist and found one in Wichita, KS.    A few months ago she moved to another state and I found someone to take her place.
 My new neurologist is holistic in her approach to PD and paid close attention in our first meeting when I said I practice reflexology on my hands and feet (I was trained as a reflexologist by the International Institute of Reflexology http://reflexology-usa.net/).  Likewise she was interested in my taking lessons to help my balance through BAL/A/V/X http://www.bal-a-vis-x.com/.   The latter since its beginning thirty years ago has been for youth with special needs. The creator / director of this program, an older adult himself, a long time professional educator (and in my view mystic/shaman) is beginning to see how BAL/A/V/X might help in balance problems for people late life. I think that reflexology and Bal/A/V/X are helpful to me –at little cost and no side effects.                                                                                                 Â
   In my Parkinson Challenge in Wichita I have been served well by physical and occupational therapists. Of all treatment for my PC these workers have been the most important. They have taught me the necessity of specific exercises for Parkinson’s – especially use of a treadmill helpful for stamina, stretching, stride/gait, balance, etc.Â
One of my occupational therapists (WWSD) seeing my interest in dance suggested I attend the Dance for PD program in Brooklyn, N.Y. I did so and it was a great experience. Positive outcomes for PWP who dance in a structured class include: improved motor control, decreased rigidity, increased balance, reduced risk of falling, and improved self-concept.Â
Most physical exercise rearranges the neurological pathways. For me, dance is the best way to do this. Thus it was that in 2014 I teamed with a professional dancer, Danika Bielek, director of the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts to create Rhythm Connections – a dance program for people with mobility challenges http://www.thekansan.com/article/20150905/NEWS/150909620. We have led workshops in five PD support groups in central Kansas. Additionally, we had our first class at the Academy this fall. Eight individuals participated in this class that met for ten weeks, one hour weekly. Danika meets each Saturday at the Kidron–Bethel Retirement Community for one hour. We have received excellent feedback regarding our work.Â
I did not ask for Parkinson’s. Now, that I have it, as said above, I see it as a Challenge – a call. This summons is to learn as much as I can about PD to help others and myself, especially to create new neurological pathways. https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvqAOHRWUHUAmQwnnIlQ?p=neeurological+pathways&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&fr2=piv-web&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002. Creation of these pathways, help counter the neurodegenerative that is basic to PD.  I want to help PWP to see that they have a responsibility to slow the breakdown of their system of nerves and muscles.Â
In my PC I am learning so much about the amazing human brain. I am meeting wonderful, exciting people – professional health care workers and PWP.Â
I realize that my Parkinson’s symptoms could drastically worsen. In that case I hope I can take the view suggested by Wendy Lustbader regarding the meaning of frailty. She said according to a Sufi idea two curtains separate the individual from the sacred – security and health. If developed advanced PD after tried all forms of appropriate health care technology and found that I was frail, I hope would exp.erience the sacred in its mystery, wonder, and love. And, maybe a bit of holy foolery to make others and myself laugh for if can laugh at something problematic, chances are you have conquered it.
I am becoming interested in teaching ways to improve balance and how to fall to lessen broken bones, especially hips. Hopefully, I will do so through instructions from Danika and the BAL/A/V/X program.Â
 My Parkinson Challenge is expanding. It is exciting. It is as if I am receiving a first rate graduate school education where I simultaneously professor and student – somewhere past the borders of academia as we know it.  The PC summons is fascinating.   Sunnum bonum –Mysterium magnum
http://www.parkinsonsdisease-guidebook.com/
Wendy Lustbader, (1999). “Thoughts on the Meaning of Frailtyâ€, Journal of the American Society on Aging. Winter, pp. 21-24.
What is virtually guaranteed to experience relief from Parkinson’s symptoms? Answer: Reduce stress. When stress sizzles, symptoms are bound to flare up. The strong correlation between stress and Parkinson’s symptoms is scary.
What can you do today to experience a reversal of your Parkinson’s symptoms? The answer is clear: Reduce your stress level. How in the world do you accomplish such a formidable agenda?
I have asked countless individuals who currently experience Parkinson’s symptoms about what stresses them out. The most frequent response has been: Dealing with difficult people stresses them out the most.
I took this insight to heart and developed a new online Udemy course: How to Deal with Difficult People. Content of the course provides practical ways to reduce the stress that is fueled by dealing with the difficult people in your life.
Check out my new course! Here is a link that includes a 50% discount on the course tuition.
https://www.udemy.com/how-to-deal-with-difficult-people/?couponCode=how-to-reduce-stress
Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Much of my work at Parkinsons Recovery over the past decade has been dedicated to identifying all sorts of options that are helping people reverse their symptoms. This has been important work and it seems I am the only researcher in the world doing this type of research. Everyone else is very focused on a narrow issue (as was I when employed as a professor). If you do not focus narrowly as a professor, you do not get promoted or tenured. I succeed with the promotions and tenure but contributed little to the world in terms of insights and revelations.
What is my revelation this week? I believe we do not need to struggle for the answer. The journey down the road to recovery need not be a war of us against a “disease.†I believe the answer comes quite naturally and effortlessly as long as we allow it to float in and “have its way.â€
What do I mean here? If we are struggling to find a solution, we are activating all of the hormones and systems in our bodies that sustain neurological problems. If we are always on the go – searching and struggling to solve the problem – our bodies are never able to hang back and get the rest and space that it needs to heal.
Believe me when I say that the body really does know how to heal. Just give your body the power to heal and let recovery unfold gently in its own time. Focus on the health side rather than the disease side.
Yes, it may take a little time to come back into balance. No one ever said (certainly not me) that the body can heal quickly or instantly. Allow it a little time and patience. Then, relish in the signals and signs of recovery as they unfold gradually and effortless over the coming months.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons DiseaseÂ
I have a friend that suffered a major brain hemorrhage and is recovering. He can stand with assistance and has a goal of 5 metres but is still unable to walk. In your opinion, do you think that playing music would help him to get moving?
What an interesting possibility to consider. There is no question but that sound is healing for many issues in the body. They question for your friend turns on what sounds to use to get the therapeutic benefit. What music do they like to hear? It would likely be beneficial for them to hear the sounds they love to hear!
When it comes to sound therapy, I would contact an expert to get some advise and support. I have interviewed two fascinating individuals on Parkinsons Recovery Recovery Radio who your friend might contact to get some additional direction:
Dr. Suzanne Jonas http://www.innerharmonyhealthcenter.com
Sharry Edwards http://www.soundhealthoptions.com
They each have been guests on Parkinsons Recovery Radio several times. You can listen to the recording of the previous shows to learn more about their approach and work.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Good evening Robert,
So I’ve been reading these great books written by a guy named, Robert Rodgers, PhD…have you heard of him?
I was reading about energy healing, amongst a myriad of protocols and treatments suggested. I proceeded to type in a google search: energy healing in Hollywood for free. Long story short…there is a spiritual community that is literally 5 minutes from where I live, and every Tuesday night, they welcome people for 1/2 hr hands on energy healing…cost: zero.
They train these healers and it’s all very legit. So I called, made an appointment and Tuesday night I went. Sat erect in a chair with my hands on my legs. My right hand tremor was very apparent. 10 minutes in, my 4 fingers stopped shaking…my thumb continued. Then, at 15 minutes…my entire hand stopped shaking for the duration of the session, and it didn’t come back till I was outside. Amazing!
The best news is that they suggested me coming every Tuesday night indefinitely!!
Robert, it’s true…
The best things in life are free!!
Blessings, Marsha
I’m very sorry I was unable to get to the seminar due to financial difficulty, however, I listened to your radio show on Trauma and believe that it played a major part in my PD
I’m having a little challenge in your website with connecting to the online course. I have purchased 3 of your books, but would like to further my efforts into getting the trauma under control. Is there an access to instructions on your site with a program I can do. Finances have been stretched with medical bills and supplements that its difficult for me to join a therapy program that is expensive. I was going to do Qigong or boxing at a facility but the cost would break me, so I’m doing some on you tube. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it. I have to beat this……
Trish
Hi Trish:
I have created a 50% discount coupon for the online Jump Start to Recovery course which covers the same topics we just finished working with at the Alderbrook Jump Start program that concluded yesterday. There is an extended section in the course that identifies ways to release trauma. Many of the  methods I suggest are free to do.
I decided to put the content up onto an online course because Udemy (the company that maintains the course) offers a lifetime access. It is the best deal in town to be sure. If you are having problems signing up for the online course, Â keep in mind that you first have to sign up with Udemy by entering your email and creating a password. The second step is to register for the course. You can get started by clicking on the link for the course that includes the discount: Jump Start to Recovery Online Course.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Glen Pettibone discusses his ongoing progress applying the diet and exercise approaches he uses to treat his Parkinsons disease, as featured in his book “Powerful Food And A Walk In the Sun“. He will touch on some of the newer approaches he has discovered about food for Parkinsons disease that are featured in his blog atpowerfulfoodandawalkinthesun.blogspot.com.
Glen Pettibone started developing Parkinson’s Disease symptoms in 2008. In 2011 he was diagnosed. It was going fast and he could not tolerate most of the drugs. In January of 2013 when off meds due to food poisoning, he shook so bad he could not walk. He was taking very high doses and at the “end of the algorithm”. His doctors were suggesting Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery.
He did not like the high risk and marginal results he saw regarding the surgery So, he drew upon his scientific and engineering background and started reading every paper he could find.
He developed a diet combining Solanaceous vegetables, featuring eggplant juice, green tomatoes, and peppers with perhaps every other suggested dietary element and suggested supplement already discussed in the Parkinson’s community. Also other nutrient dense foods. Dr. Mischley’s book was inspirational and helpful to him. He added more elements. He has been under her care for 6 months or so. She added intranasal glutathione which has helped.
Glen is now off more than 93% of his Parkinson’s disease medication. He completely cured his acid reflux, asthma, allergies and moderated his cholesterol. He regained color vision and acuity, his hearing and sense of smell are improving. His skin has tanner color and healthier texture. He has more energy, strength, and stamina.
He is in the top 5 consulting employees in his company every month; sometimes number 1. Also, prior to a car accident last summer, he was off all medication for 3 months. This spring he thinks he will be again.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Below is an email I received from songwriter Marsha Malamet with a link to an amazing YouTube video which plays one of her songs sung by Barbra Striesand. Take five minutes out of your busy day to listen and watch this video. It worked healing miracles for me.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Parkinsons Recovery
Robert,
Hi Dr Rodgers.
I have emailed you before and so I’m in the process of doing various therapies to help my recovery but I would still like to purchase “7 Secrets to Healing” and “Five Steps to Recovery” but not sure which one I should read first. I am still having chronic anxiety and bouts of depression due to PD. Also feeling of hopelessness that I will never get better just worse hoping my condition isn’t beyond repair.
Also, I would like to know if you do individual counseling sessions. I don’t have a lot of family here to accompany me so I’m kind of on my own.
Thanks,
Jeannette
Hi Jeannette:
Given your current situation, you might start with diving into Seven Secrets to Healing which addresses the core issues in healing. Five Steps to Recovery covers the key issue of how to transform thoughts that are in our best and highest good. We manifest what we think. This book down the road should also prove useful.
By the way, both books are included in my new Jump Start to Recovery Online Course at Udemy  which provides 24 hours of lessons on how to reverse the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s using natural therapies and approaches. This would be a resource which I update every month which has proved extremely helpful to the students who have enrolled. I like using Udemy because they offer lifetime access.
Yes, I do offer personal consultations in a package of four sessions. You can sign up at
www.parkinsonsrecovery.us. I would be honored to provide the ongoing support you need now.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Olympia Washington
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com
877-526-4646
Two questions which a similar theme follow which both ask whether they will ever be a cure for PD
Hello Robert,
I have just listened to your podcast “what is the biggest roadblock to recovery“. You talk about reversing symptoms or finding compelling relief of symptoms ~ Would you liken this to a cure for PD?
I am writing because my husband, 44 yrs old has a hand tremor & we are concerned that he has PD. We are in the process of finding a neurologist to evaluate him and give us some direction. This is an absolutely frightening experience for him/us. I appreciate any information you can provide.
Sir:
I am suffering from Parkinson’s disease since 8th year. How can the the Parkinson’s disease be cured?
Speaking as a researcher who focuses on identifying the factors that cause neurological symptoms and natural therapies that help to reverse them, I never think in terms of a “cure” for anything. In general, this term is typically used when a treatment resolves the symptom completely. I know of no such intervention that works this “magic”.
The term “cure for PD” conveys a static condition. If the body is “cured” it is set in “concrete” so to speak. Once “concrete” is cured – it is hardened. The body is fluid and dynamic. Symptoms come and go for everyone – those with Parkinson’s symptoms and those who do not have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The body is always communicating to us what is out of balance. Instead of thinking of tremors as a “problem”, think of them as a message your husband is receiving from his body. In many cases, the body is simply releasing trauma – which it does successfuly by shaking (or tremoring).
You can certainly suppress tremors with medications which is an option many people prefer. There are also natural therapies that are helpful in suppressing tremors which I have document in my recent book “Treatments for Tremors“.
As you already know from listing to my recent radio show What is the Biggest Roadblock to Recovery? I believe the most formidable roadblock to recovery is a failure to recognize the impact of trauma has on the ability of the sensitive neurological system to function.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
robert@parkinsonsrecovert.com
Below is an email I have permission to post from Larry who is having a quite fascinating journey on his own journey down the road to recovery.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Hello, Robert.
In September 2014 a neurologist concluded that I exhibited symptoms of early Parkinsonism, which I understand could well be the initial stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This followed a brain scan that discounted other explanations: tumour, aneurism, stroke. The diagnosis explained symptoms of slowly-increasing severity that I first became aware of some two years (?) earlier.
Those symptoms (mainly evident in my left hand) are declining finger dexterity – speed, strength, and proprioception, the effects of which are difficulty touch typing, tying laces, fastening buttons, using cutlery, etcetera and ad nauseam.
The neurologist concluded this no-hope-diagnosis with the cheerful thought that because I was at the time 74, I would likely die of some other ailment before the PD symptoms became debilitating, and should they worsen, there was always the promise relief by drugs.
Now, one year later, he has decided that because my symptoms have not worsened in the slightest that I don’t have PD after all! In fact, I am remarkably fit for my age. (I played ice hockey last winter and tennis this summer.) As for my “symptoms”, well, he has no explanation.”
Larry
Below is an email from Janet that I received permission to post.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Recovery
“I was diagnosed with PD 8 years ago, just after my 44th birthday, and have been on the road to recovery ever since. I have taken various approaches over these years including various supplements, stress reduction, acupuncture and various bodywork, Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, positive attitude, forgiveness, visualization, curiosity, meditation, read many books on healing, trained in (as well as received) Reiki, reflexology, cranio-sacral therapy, shiatsu and shiatsu shin tai. I attended your Summit in Santa Fe. I currently receive Shiatsu Shin Tai or therapeutic massage every week. Â I still exercise daily bicycling, yoga, qigong and walking. I am 2 months into a candida overgrowth diet and just learned I have fibrin monomers in my blood (thick blood) so have added nattokinase enzyme. I still believe I will recover during this lifetime and believe there is purpose to what I am experiencing.
I have never taken PD meds and continue to intuit that I should not start. I have done very well, although there has been progression of symptoms since May. I still walk and function without aids except for family members helping with some fine motor household tasks I can no longer do without great effort. I currently do not have the energy, strength, and coordination to practice as a body worker but continue bookkeeping at home for our family businesses.
I would like to know if there are others diagnosed but not taking meds. I cannot find any through Patients Like Me site or other searches. I am curious how others are managing without meds I have read and heard various recovery stories, but think most, if not all, recover within two years of diagnosis. I am curious what you have found in your research.”
Janet
“I am curious about is the link between toxic mold causing symptoms akin to Parkinson’s! Our basement has been flooded three times in 19 years and there is residual damp in the walls although no obvious mold. Muscle testing has suggested I have a mold problem. Does anyone have any experience of this?”
Anita
There are so many fascinating ideas for how you can reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s disease using natural methods and therapies. In fact, there are so many good ideas out there these days that making a choice of which ones to pursue can be daunting to say the least.
I have an idea for you to consider (among the many possibilities) that attracted my interest. Researchers found success using ground up Ceylon cinnamon in rat studies. I know. I know. It does sound a little silly that a spice like cinnamon might make a difference and humans as research subjects are a far cry from mice. I also know that it will take many years for research studies with humans to be run, if ever.
Why should cinnamon of all spices help reverse Parkinson’s symptoms in mice? Researchers at Rush University report that “It is known that some important proteins like Parkin and DJ-1 decrease in the brain of PD patients.†The Rush study researchers
report that ground cinnamon metabolizes into a substance known as sodium benzoate, which helps stop the loss of Parkin and DJ-1 proteins, protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels, and improve motor functions in mice with Parkinson’s
symptoms. That is a pretty impressive list, even for mice, Eh?
Why not step aside from the details of the academic research and simply ask yourself – do you like cinnamon? Have you always liked cinnamon? If so, why not make it a point to add a little extra Ceylon cinnamon to spice up your food? Who knows. Maybe your body
will thank you profusely.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Parkinsons Recovery
Free Jump Start to Recovery Crash Course
I was fascinated by your thoughts on multi-tasking. I am a multi-tasker par excellence and I have always thought this is a factor in my neurological symptoms. The physical and mental sensations I get when I have problems moving put me in mind of the children’s game where you put hand over hand over hand speeding up until everybody loses the sequence and order become chaos. I lose my place in the same way when I have the intention to walk for example. Competing intentions and the consideration of too many factors cause garbled inputs and the system jams. It is as if I “forget” what I am doing and parts of my body get momentarily lost. In other words my proprioceptive system is blanking out.
My solution is to have a focus and slow down but this multi-tasking habit is deeply embedded in my physical, mental and physical worlds, so it is not easy. For example when my writing is running out of control I slow down, print, lift my pencil after every letter and sometime says each letter old loud as I write. This can be uncomfortable to almost unbearable but is always revealing.( In other words I have to become mindful)
I recently read that dopamine is involved in salience which I found very interesting. Maybe I am not able to prioritise inputs of intention, a situation that is hardly helped by multi-tasking.
I think intention is key. When I am unable to march on the spot I am very often able to “lift my right knee as high as I can, lift my left knee as high as I can”. Same movement;a slight shift in intention makes the impossible easy!
All the Best
Fiona
Greetings, can you please give me the title of your booklet on sprouting fava beans?
many thanks
Darrell
This is a little handbook that has been written by Aunt Bean, It is available as a free download from the Parkinsons Recovery Fava Bean website here:
http://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
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