How to Benefit from Acupuncture if you have Parkinson's Disease

People with Parkinson's will learn:
1. about acupuncture
2. benefits
3. to choose an acupuncturist
4. to use acupuncture as one means of controlling and treating symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• phone book
• computer with internet connections to visit some web sites
• Open mind to alternative therapy

1. 
   Cover. The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine

   Determine if acupuncture is for you by researching the recent research that shows a benefit for Parkinson's patients from acupuncture.

2. 
   Charts showing points for the application of acupuncture needles or pressure. (http://www.buyamag.com/professional_aids.htm)

   Find a licensed acupuncturist. My acupuncturist is a physician in rehabilitative medicine, using traditional and non-traditional approaches. The yellow pages, web searches, and word of mouth from support groups, doctors, and friends are good sources.

3. 
   PD also affects about 100,00 in the US under age 50.

   Approach the acupuncture treatment as a time of relaxation. Scientific articles have demonstrated its benefit not just in PD but in depression, pain disorders, anxiety, and sleep disorders. All of these problems affect PD patients.

4. 
   Acupucture can benefit PD physical symptoms and improve mood and outlook.

   Continue with your traditional treatment. To me, this is an adjunctive therapy, a little extra to help decrease symptoms and improve quality of life.

Tips & Warnings

• an excellent web site: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm
• for acupuncture info: http://acupuncture.researchtoday.net/about-acupuncture.htm
• acupuncture does not cure PD!
• it helps in some patients by reducing symptoms. You may not get that benefit.
• Do not stop any medications or other treatments unless directed by your neurologist or movement disorder specialist!

Resources

• Access : Acupuncture may show effect in treating Parkinson's
• Acupuncture therapy for the symptoms of Parkinson'...[Mov Disord
• Parkinson's Disease: Possible Treatment with Chinese Medicine
• Understanding Parkinson's Disease

[AbbyNormal]

on 8/16/2008 Interesting article. I don't have Parkinson's (knock wood), but I have had acupuncture done. It is so incredible.