Has anyone here read and had success with the plan of treatment recommended by Howard Shifke in his book, "Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning: A memoir of my recovery from Parkinson's Disease." I'm quite skeptical of the claims that he's making of not taking any PD medications or using any well established PD treatments such as DBS, etc but just use his "Recipe" based on Eastern medicine. Here's a link to his book and website for reference:
He was under extreme stress at the time of his Parkinson's diagnosis, and he was familiar with the symptoms because his father had it. In his book, he devotes one single sentence to the matter of his diagnosis. So there is reason to wonder.
With that said, I personally have received considerable benefit from the practice of Qigong. My story here: healthunlocked.com/cure-par...
The holistic approach advocated by Shifke is certainly commendable. His emphasis on treating the patient as a whole, rather than merely addressing the symptoms of PD, is invaluable. Additionally, the focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides valuable insights, particularly regarding the importance of balance and the role of nutrition and herbs in treatment.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the concepts and treatments within TCM and other alternative therapies are not always supported by scientific evidence. Notably, his PD therapy is also not regarded as the definitive "cure" within the Chinese research community. This further reinforces the suspicion that he may have received an incorrect diagnosis in the past.
Howard’s book and blog really motivates me and I am really grateful for his support. Keep in mind he is offering his qigong practices and all information for free. So take it or leave it.
Indeed Jay, a healthy skepticism is always appropriate, especially when claims are made about discovering a cure for PD. However, this does not mean that these individuals, regardless of a potentially accurate diagnosis, do not often have valuable insights to share. A prime example is John Pepper, who has truly brought attention to the importance of exercise through his emphasis on fast walking.
That said, it is crucial to critically examine the diagnosis and other contributing factors. As I have often stated, in John Pepper's case, a reduced chronic work-related stress likely coincided with the onset of fast walking, as he described in earlier editions of his book. These deeper analyses are both fascinating and educational, yet unfortunately, the authors involved do not always contribute positively to this discussion. Their focus on their therapies, personal beliefs, religion and, not to forget, the sale of their books can overshadow a more objective evaluation of the situation. This tendency can limit the opportunity for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding PD and its treatment.
I think that the 'dopamine dancer' case is more convincing. There's evidence (video and neurologists' reports) of her diagnosis and symptoms before she undertook her program. Unlike some other cases she is also not offering to coach PWP for a fee. The report doesn't claim complete recovery but suggests that significant symptomatic improvement may be possible given sufficient effort - I've found it quite motivating.
Thanks for your reply and information. Could you please elaborate and provide a reference about the “dopamine dancer”? I would love to learn more about it.
“For the past 10 & ½ years, I have been completely free of PD”
“The body can heal itself from anything”
"I felt the theory that brain cells are dead is not accurate”
He says PD medications caused his mother’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia
He says, by bringing your elbow in close to the body, you completely resolve the issues with hand writing, shaving and teeth brushing because when the elbow is away from the body it locks up gall bladder meridian #21 which blocks the flow of energy.
I’ve read and follow Howard’s work. It hasn’t worked for me yet (over 1 yr), but there’s more to it than qi gong. I don’t think everyone will heal from his approach but some ppl have. Dr Hadlock healed herself too. It happens.
While I don't doubt that many pwp have improved or slowed their progression using various therapies, (as I believe I have and I don't take any PD meds) I don't believe anyone has cured themself of PD
Thanks for everyone’s replies. I didn’t post this question here to stir up controversies and contention about this book. I have my own personal opinions about what I’ve read so far, but I’m not going to share it here and potentially stir up things. If there is a moderator here, this thread may now be closed please as I started it and I now consider the discussion to be at an end. Thanks.
Howard Shifke successfully overcame Parkinson’s Disease through a holistic recovery approach that he developed, known as his Parkinson’s Recipe for Recovery®. This comprehensive recovery method is detailed in his blog post dated January 5, 2011, and incorporates a variety of healing practices, including Qigong, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure, Soul, Mind, Body Medicine, Chanting, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Yin Tui Na, a vegetarian diet, and numerous techniques for meditation, affirmation, and prayer.
According to his website, Howard has empowered several individuals to become symptom-free from Parkinson's Disease:
Lisa H, Gail W, Elaine J, Tony C, Helen Gil, Betty M, Marie, Pratmai
About 20 months ago, I reached out to him, and he responded with genuine encouragement. His support gave me the confidence to refrain from Western medication, and I have remained free from any Parkinson’s medication since. Instead, I practice his Parkinson’s Recipe for Recovery, along with meditation, yoga, and fast walking exercises inspired by John Pepper. I also incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine and attend regular acupuncture sessions.
I strive to avoid overthinking, focusing my awareness on my breathing through mindfulness practices, and I aim to remain as relaxed as possible. Consequently, I limit my work to just a few hours each week.
In addition to my holistic recovery practices, I also incorporate extended fasting into my routine. My journey into fasting was inspired by the insightful book Fasting Can Save Your Life by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton.
The longest water fast I have undertaken lasted 12 days, which I completed on September 24. In the past 50 days, I engaged in two shorter fasts: a 4-day fast and a 5-day fast. I found these experiences to be profoundly transformative--promoting neurogenesis, autophagy and ketosis--enhancing my overall well-being and reducing my tremor (though tremor came back after a few days of breaking my fast).
However, I consciously decided against pursuing longer fasts, as I began to notice significant weight loss. Listening to my body is crucial in this journey.
I read the book and followed the Recipe for 6 months and did not notice any changes. I started exercising more regularly (5x /wk) and noticed a lot of improvement.
I go to my local Family YMCA and take Silver Sneakers classes, Monday is a circuit class, Tuesday is a boom muscle class, Wednesday is rest day, Thursday is a small group TRX class with a personal trainer. Friday is Enerchi and Chair Yoga. Saturday is Reps FX. Sunday is also a rest day. TRX is the most strenuous activity. I enjoy the activities and the socializing.
Thanks so much for sharing your exercise routine with me. I appreciate it. What I really need is an exercise partner that will hold me accountable and kick me in the behind to get off the couch and out the door to exercise. PD apathy is a killer.
it truly amazes me to see some of the comments here. Sometimes I wonder if we're not collectively " impaired". Thank you to those of you who have shared your alternative health practices here. Never fear speaking about your successes no matter how outlandish they may deem your efforts.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
My subtype : Postprandial and orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease. 1987
"Reflections of a Scientist with Parkinson's disease": An Invited Article in the Newsletter of the European Network on Nrf2
New to Parkinson's? Or not new, but tired of taking supplement that don't improve Parkinson's cardinal symptoms of bradykinesia and tremor?
If anyone is interested, my wife Beatrice interviewed me for the Young Onset Parkinson's Network newspaper
The Epidemiology of Parkinson's Disease
