Exploring the Complementary Approaches for Managing Parkinson’s Disease: A Perspective on Western Biomedical and Chinese Medical Understanding”
(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Western medicine approaches the management of PD with drugs that either increase dopamine levels or mimic its effects, along with physical therapy and other supportive measures. While these approaches can be effective in managing symptoms, they do not address the underlying root causes of the disease.
In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views PD as a complex disorder that involves a combination of factors, including imbalances in the five elements, stagnation of Qi and Blood, and the presence of pathogenic factors such as wind, dampness, and phlegm. Treatment of PD in TCM involves a multifaceted approach that addresses these underlying imbalances through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
One key aspect of TCM’s approach to PD is the concept of the Five Elements. This theory states that the body is composed of five interrelated elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) that correspond to different organs and tissues in the body. In TCM, PD is often associated with imbalances in the Wood element, which is related to the liver and gallbladder. Treatment of PD in TCM may involve herbal formulas that support liver function, along with acupuncture points that are specific to the liver meridian.
Another important concept in TCM is the idea of Qi and Blood stagnation. According to this theory, PD is caused by a blockage or stagnation of Qi and Blood in the channels and collaterals of the body. Treatment of PD in TCM may involve acupuncture, which can help to promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, as well as herbal formulas that invigorate the blood and promote circulation.
TCM also recognizes the importance of dietary therapy in the management of PD. In TCM, foods are classified according to their energetic properties and their effects on the body. For example, foods that are considered “damp” or “phlegm-producing” may exacerbate symptoms of PD. On the other hand, foods that are considered “tonic” or “invigorating” may help to strengthen the body’s Qi and Blood and support overall health.
While TCM cannot cure PD, it can offer a complementary approach to management that can help to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. By addressing underlying imbalances in the body, TCM can help to support overall health and well-being, and may even help to slow the progression of the disease.
In conclusion, PD is a complex disorder that requires a multifaceted approach to management. While Western medicine focuses primarily on the management of symptoms, TCM offers a complementary approach that addresses underlying imbalances in the body. By combining the best of both worlds, patients with PD can achieve optimal health and well-being.
References:
Liu, Y., & Li, W. (2017). Traditional Chinese medicine for Parkinson’s disease: A review of Chinese literature. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 634.
Shang, X., Li, J., Li, Y., Wu, Y., Zhang, J., & Zhao, C. (2017). Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-13
Chen, Y., Wang, Y., Shen, X. (2021). The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 56, 102623.
Li, F., Li, X., Peng, T., Lv, Y., Li, G. (2021). Clinical observation of TCM-external treatment for Parkinson’s disease. World Chinese Medicine, 16(2), 206-209.
Wu, Y. L., Ye, J. T., & Chen, X. Y. (2016). Dietary therapy for Parkinson’s disease: A review. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 22(8),390-399.
Registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine