has anyone tried alternate treatment for parkinsons? or accupuncture? does it help? i hear some good things about accupuncture.

[tmhiggs]

[Hidden]

I had some accupuncture and it didn't help at all...but we are all different.

[Hidden]

For me (as we are all unique):

electro-acupuncture : highly effective at eliminating severe pain and restoring mobility function post severe car accident (I was hit by a drunk driver) I had multiple breaks and TBI

acupuncture with mox (direct non scarring moxibustion) : for adrenal fatigue - circulation restoration

electro-acupuncture : eliminated nausea from chemo treatments

acupuncture : supportive treatment for peripheral neuropathy

Much depends upon the practitioner / technique.

Dedication to multiple on going treatments is imperative - similar to physical therapy in this way.

There is ongoing scientific research which suggests that acupuncture increases the release of endorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine, or gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Best to get a reference from your doctor/s for a licensed professional practitioner specialty with neurodegenerative diseases in your area.

Professional standards upheld by members of :

British Acupuncture Council

British Medical Acupuncture Society

Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists

Beware of reused needles. Beware of lay practitioners.

Carry on strong.

[hilarypeta]

I try a mix of things..read the john coleman book..acupuncture helps makes me feel more balanced with having just one side affected. Currently trying kinesiology , bio magnetism and homeopathy...bach flowers.

I find the more balanced and happy i can feel the less the symptoms! Bad weather is hard to get round as that usually makes me feel worse...we need sun and to keep vit d levels high.

I also apart from exercise take co enzyme q10 1000gm vit c and omega 3 oils.

Lucille leader ihas also helpful books for nutrition.for pd.

[PatV]

I tried and it was a release emotionally, but I ended up injuring the very group of muscles and tendons that my PD is targeting (left leg, inner thigh up into ab). I won't do it again.

[honeycombe3]

I have been receiving 5 Elements acupuncture for around 8 years, soon after I was diagnosed, so I was really interested in this question. As a lay person I don’t have great depth of understanding of the mechanics of acupuncture or PD. However I have been treated with 2 types of acupuncture:

• For pain – delivered by a physiotherapist

• For PD – delivered by an MD (anaesthetist) trained in 5 Elements acupuncture in China

The good news is that both work!!!

The therapist who treated pain caused by PD muscle spasm recommended that I try 5 Elements as her trainer had been trained by a 5E practitioner (there are less than 10 in UK). The treatment is for the whole person: it balances the ‘chi’ forces of the body.

I have PD – mainly on my left side - so anything which improves balancing natural forces is of benefit, just as it is for anyone/everyone.

It has taken me years of trying to explain how 5E benefits PwP to conclude that

• there is no ‘special’ treatment for PD.

• the treatments are specific to the person not to the condition.

Regarding placebo effects: as I have been treated with 5E for so long I imagine that any short- term ‘honeymoon’ or ‘placebo’ effects would have long since faded & died. We are each unique & respond differently to therapies, treatments & drugs. I am fortunate in that my sensitivity to acupuncture leads to very positive outcomes.

Re needles: I have not been receiving needle treatment for approximately 2 years. My therapist tried tuning forks on the key points as an alternative & this works really well. We have now progressed to ‘sound therapy’ which involves no physical contact. This is great for general well-being & energising but is not so effective in, for example, reducing spasm or relieving pain.

Since this treatment is not available on the NHS in UK & is very expensive I wouldn’t have attended this long without being certain of the benefits.

[tmhiggs in reply to honeycombe3]

i was especially interested in your feedback. why did you have it done in china? do u live there. or is that type of accupuncture not done here in states? is it very expensive and does insurance cover?

[tmhiggs]

thank you for the feedback

[hillsborougnjhpd]

Neurologist specializing in PD at Mt Sinai hospital in NY who happens to be Asian says no

[tmhiggs in reply to hillsborougnjhpd]

did he say why?

[hillsborougnjhpd]

exercise, Every day, no excuses, you have to keep moving

[honeycombe3]

hillsborougnjhpd,

This PwP from UK opens her mouth & says 'no'. Lord knows why or to what but it is definitely not about 5E or other acupuncture being ineffective for her (me). Exercise does help but only the right regime monitored by the appropriate professionals. As some other respondents have found to their cost what suits one person can harm another. I have always been responsive to acupuncture & hypnosis so in the right hands they are of great benefit to but ME. I loathe most exercise but find hydro, swimming & Tai Chi tolerable & beneficial. Any 'expert' is limited by his/her experience of medicine & life & by their attitude to PD, including their patients. Please keep an open mind, be receptive to new treatments & ideas & above all 'think for yourself'

[Court in reply to honeycombe3]

I agree with your comments. We are all individuals and what helps one may not help another. We all have to try different treatments in the hope that one will suit us. After reading John Coleman's book I am looking into trying the Bowen Therapy. Need to do some more research before I make a decision. Unfortunately, due to a bad back and severe knee pain I have not been able to exercise as much as usual and really noticing the difference.

[tmhiggs]

thank you for all your comments.

[Hikoi]

Yes i have had accupuncture too and it was beneficial i believe. Good for symptom management espec tremor, pain and sense of well being. The downside is it is long term tratment so cost can become an issue. My accupuncturist practises in london and specialises in treating people with PD. She is utterly passionate about her PD work. Anyone wanting contact details PM me.