Korean (Panax) Ginseng: There are hundreds... - Cure Parkinson's

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Korean (Panax) Ginseng

Farooqji profile image
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There are hundreds of studies about its effectiveness in neuro protecton and energy boosting. Has anyone used it?

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Farooqji
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PDGal4 profile image
PDGal4

I used Korean Panax ginseng for several years. I did find it boosted energy and I had already read about neuroprotection. You have to be sure to get pure ginseng--I purchased Auragin on Amazon. My acupuncturist told me to stay on it for 2-3 months, then go off for a month, alternatively. I eventually stopped altogether as I 'run hot' in acupuncturist terms and it was not recommended for me, specifically.

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji in reply to PDGal4

did you use an extract or plain powder

what is meant by run hot BTW

PDGal4 profile image
PDGal4 in reply to Farooqji

The brand is Auragin. It is made in Korea and is 100% Red Ginseng pressed into a tablet form. The instructions said to take 3 tablets 1-2 times per day. I think I took 2 once a day.

Just checked the website auraginhealth.com and it says they use whole roots ground into powder and pressed into tablets. THere's a lot of information here and on amazon, including questions and answers.

As to running hot, acupuncture is based on Chinese principals, different flows. I am running late for yoga; will try and give a more coherent response to this later.

PDGal4 profile image
PDGal4 in reply to Farooqji

I wanted to come back to your question about 'running hot'. I don't know much about Chinese medicine or acupuncture, although I've been to several acupuncturists since diagnosis. I prefer those with a more modern approach incorporating Chinese philosophy. One acupuncturist I went to took my pulse all over my body. He's the one who announced I 'ran hot'. Since acupuncture is based on the Qi or Chi energy in your body, and the theory is when it becomes blocked you become sick (and acupuncture unblocks or opens that energy flow), I can only guess running hot has something to do with that.

One of my earliest symptoms was sweating and I still have difficulty in hot weather (and adapting to cold). I also have trouble sleeping, which was the reason my regular acupuncturist advised the alternating months on/months off. Found this website if you wish to read more: certifiedpst.com/chi-acupun...

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji in reply to PDGal4

thanks for the details

when were you diagnosed and have yoga and acupuncture helped you?

PDGal4 profile image
PDGal4 in reply to Farooqji

Diagnosed May 2012. What about you?

Yoga has most definitely helped. At the time of diagnosis, I had a rotator cuff tear in my right shoulder (as a result of a fall while running 2 years earlier, which in retrospect I am sure was PD-related--my feet just didn't want to lift off the ground that day and my toe caught on loose gravel where I could not regain my footing). One of my girlfriends kept insisting I go to her yoga class, one day a week. Every time I lifted my right arm, I was in excruciating pain. I thought, yoga shouldn't hurt. Then when I was diagnosed, I decided to get the surgery I'd been putting off, reasoning if I ever needed a cane or walker, I need shoulder strength.

The surgery had a 6 month recovery, but once I was cleared for exercising, I joined a gym and gravitated to all the yoga classes. I take about 4 classes a week now, 6 years later. Definitely helps with balance. Mine was good on diagnosis, but is getting worse now. Yoga made me very aware of my body and helps me retain balance, physically and mentally and emotionally, in everyday life. It also is good for strength and flexibility, both of which I've developed over my yoga years. I'll add that no one at my gym knows of my diagnosis, which gives you an idea of my level of function (on meds).

Body awareness is the most positive effect of yoga for me. I also meditate 30 minutes every morning. As to acupuncture, I think it's more subtle. I've been to a lot of acupuncturists. First was an MD, who was amazing, but then she moved out of the area. I finally found another who gets Parkinson's (she also treats her uncle for it). Some acupuncturists are focused on acute pain and illness, not chronic conditions. I do think I feel better when I go regularly, every 10-14 days. I've not gone the past few months because of other things taking up my time, and I have a lot of muscle tightness, stiffness and pain, so I just started back again this week. She also treats digestion, sleep, anxiety, dyskinesia and other related symptoms.

Probably way longer of an answer than you were looking for.

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji in reply to PDGal4

thanks again for taking time

I was diagnosed 1.5 years ago