Ayurvedic Management of Parkinson's Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition which affects the basal ganglia and Substantia Nigra and presents with differing combinations of bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors and loss of postural reflexes. Parkinson's disease has an annual incidence of about 0.2/1000 and a prevalence of 1.2/1000 worldwide. Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive disease that adds substantial physical, emotional and financial burden to victims and their families. Modern science's management of this condition has shown its limitations with severe side effects. With the changing demand and awareness among people, the role of Āyurveda is an emerging reality. A 65 years old male patient priory, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease came to our P.D Patel Ayurvedic  hospital, Nadiad with chief complaints of continuous tremors in his right extremities and difficulty in walking for one year. Before he came to us, he took conventional medicines for the same complaints but didn't get satisfactory results. Here he was consulted and diagnosed as having Kampavāta, and he was admitted and treated accordingly with Śodhana (pacifying) and Śamana Cikitsā (purifying Treatment). The present study reveals that this treatment protocol is effective in managing patients with Parkinson's disease. Extended follow-up and more patients are required to reach any conclusion. Still, in this case, it can be stated that this Treatment is a hope for the patients of Parkinson's disease who are not benefited from conventional medicaments.