As physicians branch out into alternative forms of medicine, Acupuncture is beginning to gain more popularly for its ability to relieve back pain, headaches, and similar ailments.
However, can this prickly treatment provide relief to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease?
A little more about Parkinson’s
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.” Although the disease is most common to those after the age of 50, Parkinson’s disease can change the lives of everyone involved, both men and women, old and young.
Initially, symptoms of the disease may be mild, such as a slight tremor in the hand or one foot may feel stiff and dragging. However, as the disorder progresses, symptoms may include a few of the following:
• Impaired balance and walking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Lack of facial expression
• Rigid or stiff muscles
• Confusion or dementia
• Fatigue
How Acupuncture May Help
For those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Acupuncture may be to provide temporary relive from the chronic exhaustion.
Dr. Benzi Kluger, assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of Colorado Hospital points out, ” People with Parkinson’s disease still have fatigue even when their sleep problems are treated,” and alternative methods for the disease may provide potential solution.
Acupuncture has been known to alleviate fatigue in patients, though studies are inconclusive as to why. This eastern treatment targets specific points in the body in order to promote the flow of qi (chi) through the body. Surprisingly, pressure to these areas can stimulate blood flow, supposedly reducing chronic pain in these areas.
After acquiring nearly $350,000 from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Kluegar uses the money to study the effects of Acupuncture on patients, hopefully finding a possible remedy for this debilitating disorder. Though it may be too soon to reach any conclusive results, Parkinson patient Howard Ewy believes that Acupuncture is helping him to “walk further and faster” with “fewer naps.”