Role of Panchakarma in the management of Parkinson’s Disease : A Case Study

Abstract

Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease is the most common akinetic rigid syndrome. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is more common in older people. Postural instability and gait difficulty are major problems in PD. Nonmotor symptoms like depression, anxiety and insomnia can affect the quality of life of patients with PD. Long term use of Anti-Parkinson’s drugs, has been known to have adverse side effects like, dry mouth, hallucinations, confusion, anorexia, nausea and diarrhea. An attempt is made here, to reduce the dose of allopathic medicines, manage their side effects, and improve the quality of life with Panchakarma procedures in a 58 year old male who was diagnosed with PD. The patient was examined on the basis of Hoehn and Yahr Scale and was found to be in stage 3 of PD. The patient exhibited symptoms like Vaak-Swara Graha (difficulty in speech) and Gati Sanga (difficulty in walking), which are the Lakshanas of Kaphavrita Udana Vata and Kaphavrita Vyana Vata respectively. Hence, the treatment was aimed at removing Kapha Avarana initially. Next procedure was aimed at Brihmana and pacifying Vata. The doses of allopathic medicines were tapered gradually. The patient was again examined on the basis of Hoehn and Yahr Scale and was found to be in stage 2.5 of PD. Repeated administration of the therapies, either same or different, based on the Avastha of the Vyadhi is advisable. Counselling the patient and modifying their home and workplace such that they can carry out their activities of daily living with ease, have to be given due importance.