Acupuncture: A Beacon of Hope for Parkinson’s Patients

Parkinson’s disease is a formidable challenge affecting a substantial number of individuals. Typically, its onset is more prevalent among individuals aged 60 and above. Although Parkinson’s isn’t fatal, it’s a relentlessly debilitating condition that robs individuals of their freedom of movement. This chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease primarily involves the degeneration of nerves in a specific brain region responsible for controlling movement. This breakdown causes a lack of dopamine, a key chemical messenger needed for smooth, controlled movements. This lack of dopamine causes the movement problems that are typical of Parkinson’s.

 

Understanding the Impact on the Body  

The journey of Parkinson’s often commences on one side of the body, progressively affecting both sides. One of the initial and prominent symptoms is tremors or muscle tremors, usually starting in the hands and potentially extending to the arms and even the head. Stiffness, rigidity, and a sense of heaviness can make limb movements arduous, ultimately affecting walking, slowing movements, or even rendering them impossible. The hesitation before taking a step, often followed by a shuffling gait, becomes common. Parkinson’s also impairs essential body movements, including walking, talking, writing, and eating. As various muscle groups are affected, additional challenges emerge, such as a stooped posture, balance issues, weakened vocal capacity, diminished facial expressions, and difficulties swallowing.

 

The Impact of Acupuncture on the Parkinson’s Brain

Extensive research, primarily conducted in animals where Parkinson’s was induced, has unearthed significant changes in signaling pathways and neuroprotective mechanisms within the brain in response to acupuncture . Acupuncture demonstrates a remarkable ability to rectify pathological processes such as cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, acupuncture stimulates critical brain regions, including the motor-sensory areas, thalamus, and cerebellum, essential for initiating movements. Following acupuncture treatment, an increase in cerebral blood flow and dopamine uptake is noted in regions responsible for dopamine production, as evidenced by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Clinical trials involving Parkinson’s patients spanning eight weeks observed an increase in motor scores, indicative of “significantly higher neural response” in the thalamus. The Journal of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society highlights acupuncture’s therapeutic potential for Parkinson’s, manifesting as symptom improvement, reduced antiparkinsonian drug dosage, fewer side effects, and enhanced overall quality of life.

 

Bridging the Gap with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Combining Chinese Herbal Medicine with conventional treatments has proven more effective than relying solely on traditional therapies. Meta-analyses reveal substantial improvements in Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores among Parkinson’s patients integrating Chinese Herbal Medicine into their treatment plans. The efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine hinges on its ability to combat oxidative stress, inhibit cell death, and reduce inflammation in the brain. Certain Chinese herbal remedies also serve as natural antioxidants within the body, enhancing grip function.

 

Your Path to Unrivaled Parkinson’s Relief

When it feels like there is nowhere else to turn and hope seems distant, Bennett Acupuncture emerges as your beacon of last resort, promising unparalleled results.

Navigating Parkinson’s is a complex journey unique to each individual. We at Bennett Acupuncture are aware of this diversity, and our devoted staff, under the direction of Dr. Bennett herself, will create a specialized treatment plan that is specifically suited to you and your condition. Our comprehensive approach encompasses acupuncture and ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ protocols for each patient’s presentation.  Parkinson’s disease takes a toll on the brain, often leading to balance, coordination, speech, and movement challenges. Fortunately, cutting-edge clinical research now highlights the remarkable advantages of acupuncture treatments in providing effective and enduring relief from these common symptoms. Choose Bennett Acupuncture as your partner in the battle against Parkinson’s and experience a path to recovery.

 

Embracing a Comprehensive Healing Journey

Initial Parkinson’s treatments aim to soften the body and restore its normal circuitry, enabling the relearning of typical movements. By improving the physical body and creating a conducive environment for brain healing, these therapies pave the way for significant progress. Moreover, these holistic treatments positively influence sleep, digestion, and psychological well-being, setting the stage for comprehensive healing.

 

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Whether you’re personally navigating Parkinson’s or advocating for a loved one, Bennett Acupuncture extends a warm invitation to consult with Dr. Stefanie Bennett and her dedicated team. Initiating a one-on-one consultation is as straightforward as calling us at 714-962-5031 or using the user-friendly form below.

 

References

 

1. Danqing, X., 2015. Acupuncture for Parkinson’s Disease: a review of clinical, animal, and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(6), pp.709-717.

1. Betterhealth.vic.gov.au. 2020. Parkinson’s Disease. [online] Available at: <https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ parkinsons-disease> [Accessed 14 August 2020]. 

1. Yang, J., Chen, J., Yang, Y., Chen, J., Lin, C., Chang, R., Tsao, P., Chen, F., Chern, C., Tsai, T. and Chiu, J., 2011. Neuroprotection effects of retained acupuncture in neurotoxin-induced Parkinson’s disease mice. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 25(7), pp.1452-1459.

1. Yeo, S., van den Noort, M., Bosch, P. and Lim, S., 2018. A study of the effects of 8-week acupuncture treatment on patients with Parkinsonʼs disease. Medicine, 97(50), p.e13434.

1. Lee, M., Shin, B., Kong, J. and Ernst, E., 2008. Effectiveness of acupuncture for Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Movement Disorders, 23(11), pp.1505-1515.

1. Zeng, B. and Zhao, K., 2016. Effect of Acupuncture on the Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease-A Review of Clinical Studies. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 22(5), pp.333-341.

1. Jiang, F., Yang, T., Yin, H., Guo, Y., Namba, H., Sun, Z. and Asakawa, T., 2018. Evidence for the Use of Acupuncture in Treating Parkinson’s Disease: Update of Information From the Past 5 Years, a Mini Review of the Literature. Frontiers in Neurology, 9.

1. Li, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, Y., Xu, J., Xin, P., Meng, Y., Wang, Q. and Kuang, H., 2017. The Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine Underlying the Prevention and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8.

1. Uchida, S. and Hotta, H., 2008. Acupuncture Affects Regional Blood Flow in Various Organs. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(2), pp.145-151.

1. ZHANG, D., LI, L., MA, H., YE, C., WANG, S. and CHEN, D., 2010. Correlation of the Cerebral Microvascular Blood Flow with Brain Temperature and Electro-Acupuncture Stimulation. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 30(4), pp.243-248.

1. Hsieh, C., Chang, Q. and Lin, Y., 2018. Acupuncture and neuroregeneration in ischemic stroke. Neural Regeneration Research, 13(4), p.573.