About Parkinsons Recovery®

Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms

Improve Your Walking Gait

No doubt many factors potentially contribute to walking difficulties that can involve freezing, stumbling, shuffling or even falling. Regardless of the challenges, how can you improve walking gait?

Walking difficulties become more challenging with multi-tasking. When walking alone and totally focused on the task of walking, gait difficulties are minor. When walking and talking with a friend while holding a dog at the very same time, gait disturbances become problematic.

OK. So that is the problem. What needs to happen to improve your walking gait? Consider two options.

  • Never multi-task when walking
  • Practice the skill at multitasking.

As a side note – men as a general rule have significantly more difficulty with multi-tasking than women so the first option may be preferred for men over the second.

The second option involves practicing the skill at multi-tasking doing fun and engaging exercises that coordinate the intricate interactions between the mind and body.

For suggestions of just such a simple and fun activity, watch my short video below.

Discover other strategies, therapies and programs that will convert walking difficulties to rock solid walking in the Parkinsons Recovery online course Rock Solid Walking.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
Parkihttps://www.Parkinsonsrecovery.com

Hydration Benefits

Below are the questions I asked Jaroslov Boublik PhD, one of the researchers who formulated the Aquas, about how and why hydration benefits healing the body from the inside out.  

  • Why can’t we become better hydrated by simply drinking more water?
  • Why do we become more dehydrated as we age?
  • Why is a well hydrated body essential to eliminating toxins from the body?
  • Why can’t we become better hydrated by simply drinking more water?

How do the following affect hydration?

  • Salt
    Energy Drinks
    Coffee
    Alcohol
    Milk

Answers to Other Questions

  • What are the symptoms of dehydration?
  • Do structured water products facilitate better hydration?
  • Does good hydration help alleviate symptoms of diseases?
  • Does good hydration improve: 

    • Mental clarity?
      Digestion?
      Make us look younger?
    • Body weight?

For more information about the Aquas visit: https://www.aquas.us

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®

How to Tame Tremors

Listen to this clip of my interview with Naturopath John Coleman who succeeded in reversing all of his Parkinson’s symptoms using a variety of approaches, therapies and methods. Here is what he has to say about how to tame tremors. His answer will surprise you. 

John Coleman’s website: http://www.returntostillness.com.au/

Tremors of course can be a perpetual irritant. Most people make an effort to quiet their tremors by holding them or sitting on them. Tremors are actually the natural way the body uses to release stress and trauma.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Tame Tremors Online Course

Swallow Safely

My husband was just diagnosed with Parkinson back in January. His main problem is an inability to swallow safely.  He has to use thicket for liquids and other food has to be mushed. He has to take small bites and hold his head down and swallow twice.

I am his caregiver. I feel our life is about over. We used to go out to eat at least 2 times a week. Now we can’t.

He just had knee surgery and while he was in rehabilitation they treated his Parkinson which I am grateful for. The doctor who treated it upped his medication and told him people with swallowing problems can get better with the medication. The therapist said that was not true, that he has to be very careful because he could get phenomena.

I have been chopping his food with my food processor. I have also been buying him TV dinners because I am a loss about what to do anymore.

We are both miserable. We are both 68 in what they call the Golden years. Someone lied about that. I went to the care givers chat no one was there. Any suggestions we would be grateful for. he does not shake at all.

Thanks

Linda and Bill
Texas

My reaction as a researcher (not a medical doctor) is that you are approaching the current challenge of recovering from a swallowing problem from a limited perspective. No wonder you are both feeling hopeless!

There are dozens of alternatives that are available to you that will provide relief from the symptoms your husband currently is experiencing. Your medical doctor suggested medication might be one solution, but I can assure you there are many other treatments that might be considered.

Here is one suggestion offered by Tao:

Hey Robert,

After having done lots of CPR through the years and also taking hand fulls of supplements on and off through the years, I wanted to mention that what may make it easier to swallow pills is simply the anatomical alignment of your head and neck and spine. For me if I tilt my head up even slightly it makes swallowing pills nearly impossible. If I look ahead and even move the eyes slightly downward there is no resistance whatsoever (like offering breath for a small child or infant in CPR ~ if the head is tilted back at all it usually blocks the airway so we use a more neutral position most effectively).

Tao

You assume that the problem will never resolve. Why? What thought form leads you to draw that depressing conclusion? I can assure you that the body has the strength and agility to recover from any imbalance.

You are assuming that medications are the one and only answer to your husband’s swallowing difficulties. Medications are one among dozens of other therapies that might be considered. Medications do not address underlying causes. They are formulated to suppress symptoms. As such they have side effects. To be clear here – it may be medications will be a wonderful solution. But there are also many other alternative treatments that can be considered that have no side effects.

Have you been following the posts here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog?

https://blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com

You will find incredible suggestions here. These are exciting times for any and all persons on the road to recovery. Climb aboard.

Are you aware of the marvelous book, Swallow Safely?  Authors Roya Sayadi, Ph.D.and Joel Herskowitz, MD, offer many excellent suggestions that enable people to swallow safely.  Click on the book title below to purchase their book on Amazon:

Swallow Safely

I recount a rich variety of approaches people are using to get relief from the symptoms of Parkinsons disease in the second edition of my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease: For information about the second edition visit:

If you believe medicine is the only answer – you will in the long run likely be disappointed. More and more medication over time is usually required to attain the same result. If you believe all healing comes from a place from deep within, you will be delightfully surprised with the outcome. It takes hard work on your part and your husband’s part and a strong intention for healing, but recovery is possible.

In summary – it sounds to me like you are looking to medicines as the sole answer. Be open to other possible treatment modalities. There are many to consider and many that might potentially prove very beneficial indeed.

I suggest that your husband look in the mirror. He is the one person in the world who can solve the challenges he currently faces.

Believe me please when I say that you are overlooking dozens of therapies that can potentially have a huge impact on his recovery and your collective mood.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Bioenergetic Assessments

Bioenergetic assessments are an energetic screening method to identify various inbalanaces in the body that causing problematic symptoms. Assessments evaluate the body’s energetic responses to pinpoint systemic imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, toxins and allergies.

About Bioenergetic Testing

Ivy Faber ND uses a sophisticated testing device to transmit imperceptible, low-voltage electrical frequencies to saliva samples she obtains from patients. Bioenergetic assessments measure how the body’s energy field reacts to these signals. These reactions determine which organs or systems are compromised.

Results of assessments reveal …

  • Allergies
  • Environmental sensitivities
  • Toxins
  • Viral, bacterial and parasitic infections
  • nutritional deficiencies
  • Hormonal imbalances

Practitioners use the Bioenergetic assessment to recommend dietary adjustments, specific supplements, lifestyle changes and homeopathic remedies designed to address the imbalances.

Click on the purple arrow to hear Naturopathic doctor  Ivy Faber, ND, answer my question below:

What are Bioenergetic Assessments?

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

 

Science Behind Aloe Vera

Cells divide and replicate continuously. Abnormal cells results from this process due to radiation, infection, chemical irritation and free radicals. Abnormal cells are implicated in a wide variety of diseases.


Certain extracts from plants and foods offer the best medicine ever when it comes to celebrating a relief from chronic conditions. One plant in particular that happens to contain “miracle” ingredients is Aloe Vera which is used to heal cuts and burns. Aloe also contains a molecule that provides healing of chronic conditions from the inside out.

Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

The body is equipped with with an immune system that surveys and recognizes aberrant cell structures which it then either repairs or destroys. When damaged cells are not recognized and repaired, life threatening health problems can arise.

Healthy cells are nourished by the food we eat. Most modern diets do not have the nutrients required to support cell rejuvenation and regeneration. Without proper nutrition, cells will not have the capability to perform their normal biochemical processes. Unless corrected, this unnatural biochemistry leads to chronic conditions like Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Only food can restore the balance of biochemical processes without affecting other aspects of physiology.

About Acemannan

Bill McAnalley PhD is the scientist who first discovered and revealed the healing component of Aloe Vera which is called Acemannan. His book reveals the – get this – 6,000 year-old history of therapeutic applications for Aloe vera up to more recent discoveries.

Some naturally occurring dietary polysaccharides (e.g. acemannan) can help maintain the proper structure and function of cells. More specifically, they can stimulate the immune system (i.e. macrophages in particular) to identify and manage aberrant and foreign cells. By enhancing the normal function of macrophages, the body is able to effectively maintain and regulate its functions. Dietary polysaccharides are one of nature’s means of ensuring optimal health

Recent developments in immunology have allowed scientists to understand the role of Acemannan, and other similar food polysaccharides, in supporting systemic immune health.

Visit the replay link below of a presentation by Kari Skinner who discusses the healing properties of Acemannan. Her focus is on how this extract in particular offers the potential to help persons currently confronting neurological symptoms.

Aloe has Magical Properties of Healing

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®

“Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food.”
Hippocrates

Exercise is the Best Treatment for Parkinsons

Recent studies have documented a connection between insulin resistance and Parkinsons. Exercise is the best treatment for Parkinsons because in large part it has a direct and profound impact on ability of the body to process sugars.

Muscles play a leading role in glucose uptake which which is why exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve the management of blood sugars in the body. Exercising muscles increases glucose utilization and improves insulin sensitivity. This makes it possible for the body to regulate blood sugar more efficiently and effectively.

An isolated exercise session temporarily improves glucose utilization. Regular exercise leads to lasting improvements in the ability of the body to assimilate and process sugars which is why exercise is the best treatment for Parkinsons.

Why do I say best here? Annual Parkinsons Recovery® surveys reveal that the therapy most frequently listed as beneficial for celebrating relief from Parkinsons symptoms is – you guessed it – exercise.

Aerobic exercise improves glucose regulation. Weight lifting and resistance exercise improves the strength of muscles and the capacity of the body to store sugars. Adding both types of exercise to exercise routines would thus be particularly beneficial.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Acemannan Benefits for Parkinsons

What are the best natural remedies for Parkinson’s symptoms? Many centuries ago Hippocrates knew the answer to this question:

“Let your food by your medicine and your medicine be your food.”

Food is the best medicine when compared to all the options. It is a natural remedy with no side effects that is more effective than taking dozens of supplements every day.

Of course it depends on what food we are talking about here. The typical American diet acidifies the body which leads to chronic illnesses like Parkinsons. The ability to buffer acidity is exhausted by the young age of 45.

Worse, acidic bodies significantly reduce oxygen levels. Without sufficient oxygen circulating through the body, chronic illness can not be reversed.

Researchers have recently discovered that a specific extract from the aloe vera plant boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation. Both issues are well known to be a cause of Parkinson’s symptoms.

There is no doubt about it. The most effective medicines with no side effects are derived from plants. Extracts from certain foods heal a variety of conditions including Parkinsons and Alzheimers. They do not address neurological symptoms specifically but provide support for the body’s ability to heal from the inside out rather than suppressing symptoms temporarily.

We all know on some level that the aloe plant heals burns and cuts, but the health benefits from a specific extract derived from Aloe turn out to be far greater than wound healing alone.

Researchers have named this extract Acemannan. Its health benefits are considerable including it …

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Has a molecular structure similar to a mother’s milk which offers support needed by newborns to thrive
  • Helps regulate the immune system by stimulating one that is under-active and depressing one that is over-active
  • Supports the function of a healthy gut
  • Repairs cellular damage
  • Facilitates the creation of new stem cells
  • Stimulates the production of glutathione

As a natural food the extract of Acemannan from the Aloe plant has no documented side effects.

Visit the replay link below of a presentation by Kari Skinner who discusses the healing properties of Acemannan. Her focus is on how this extract in particular offers the potential to help persons currently confronting neurological symptoms.

Aloe has Magical Properties of Healing

I recommend this natural treatment option for Parkinsons be given serious consideration. It supports the ability of the body to heal rather than simply suppressing symptoms with medicines and supplements for the rest of a person’s life.

For more information visit: alovea.com

Research on Acemannan

Pharmaceutics. 2023 Jul 9;15(7):1913. A New Biomaterial Derived from Aloe vera—Acemannan from Basic Studies to Clinical Application

Abstract

Aloe vera is a kind of herb rich in polysaccharides. Acemannan (AC) is considered to be a natural polysaccharide with good biodegradability and biocompatibility extracted from Aloe vera and has a wide range of applications in the biomedical field due to excellent immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitumor, and tissue regeneration effects.

In recent years, clinical case reports on the application of AC as a novel biomedical material in tissue regenerative medicine have emerged; it is mainly used in bone tissue engineering, pulp–dentin complex regeneration engineering, and soft tissue repair, among other operations. In addition, multiple studies have proved that the new composite products formed by the combination of AC and other compounds have excellent biological and physical properties.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Best Therapies to Become Symptom Free of Parkinson’s

I have been a subscriber for awhile now and have tried some of the treatments (qigong, dental appliance). I have explored the best therapies to become symptom free of Parkinson’s. Although I’m still not symptom-free I remain hopeful I’ll find something that eventually works for me.

Have you ever polled or collated responses from subscribers to see if, and which of, these methods have also helped them to become symptom-free? Thanks for all you do and for your uplifting spirit!

Mary

Response:

The reference to “subscriber” in Mary’s question above is to the Parkinsons Recovery Membership Program. The program involves an interface with a website that is updated daily with wide variety of information, support and resources that support ongoing recovery. I record meditations every week that are posted, the most recent of which involve mindfulness invitations.

I have had four thoughts after reading your question. I will reflect on each one rather than censoring or editing them!

First, I discovered something fascinating since I began researching how people succeed in reversing their symptoms. Few people actually realize they are feeling better and better. The recovery process is slow and difficult to track. The focus tends to reside on symptoms that are in your face, so few people actually acknowledge and celebrate the progress they are making toward recovery as evidenced by symptoms that do reverse.

I have discovered this observation applies to everyone. If you ask me how I am feeling now when compared to six months ago – my response would be – I do not know. I really do not have have the memory capability to know one way or another. Am I feeling better, the same or worse? I do not have a clue. So what are the best therapies to become symptom free of Parkinson’s? Most people cannot say because they do not track their progress toward recovery.

When you say “although I am not symptom free” I am wondering if you have actually been successful with your recovery process and just have not acknowledged it.

Second, I have an invitation for you. Ask five persons you know who do not have a diagnosis of Parkinsons the following question:

Are you symptom free today?

Ask a family member, a friend, a stranger – whomever you happen to encounter today.
Of course, I can not know the results of your informal survey, but I predict that 4 out of 5 or even 5 out of 5 persons (who do not have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s) will report a symptom of one type or another that is worrisome to them – perhaps fatigue or depression or high blood pressure or mood swings or a back ache or … We all occupy a body which presents challenges throughout our lives.

I would recommend that instead of focusing on symptoms – which triggers a series of low frequency thought forms – focus on what you love to do in your life. Make doing what you love to do happen as frequently as possible.

Third, as for polling my audience – the answer is no. There is a reason. I have discovered in my research that the factors which cause neurological difficulties are truly multifaceted. The therapies that will help you are keyed to the causal factors that happen to be at play for you and you alone.

When I examine the research on the various therapeutic options that are available to people – and there are dozens – the research shows that each and every option results in a positive outcome on average to one extent or another. Some options are much more helpful than others for any individual. The key is to find what options are the most beneficial for you and your body.

No single therapeutic option exists that is the end all – the option that everyone should pursue. People who are recovering pursue multiple options – as are you. Hooray! That approach – pursing a combination of therapeutic options – works well for most people on the road to recovery.

Fourth, having said all of this I have concluded that the best therapies to become symptom free of Parkinson’s are actually quite simple in the long run. The best road to travel for recovery is one that involves

Eating nutritious, organic, live foods,
Avoiding foods that are bad for your body,
Moving your body every day through exercise,
Becoming well hydrated,
Breathing deeply so you oxygenate your body.

Everyone knows these principles of good health are valid. The key is to begin doing it on a daily basis.

I have been recruiting Parkinsons Recovery Radio show guests who offer their unique perspectives on how to help our bodies come back on line. I love this approach because it focuses on the positive (how to become healthy and thus help your body remove the toxins naturally) rather than on the negative (how to eliminate symptoms as you ponder what is not working well in your body).

When we focus on how our body really does not how to come back into balance (which is its natural state) the positive approach and associated thoughts support our recovery. When we focus on what is not working – our negative thoughts about what is wrong impede recovery.

Keep tuning in to hear my interviews with the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Show guests.
Admittedly it takes an hour or so to hear each show, but you will be hearing some remarkable suggestions from truly gifted individuals over the coming months.

I am guessing you have been making superb progress in your recovery program. May you celebrate each and every victory as you continue to manifest all of your dreams for the future.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear about recovery is,

What happens to my life after recovery? How would I be? Will I be able to work again? Would people think I was faking it?

It was extremely freeing for me to refocus and stay on track after I read about the train story. The train story addressed the what ifs that I needed to throw off the train in order to help the train climb the last few inches over to mountain top.

I had an incredible next 3 days in a row of next to zero freezing. It was so incredible it was scary. I was in this relaxed zone that I can’t describe. I felt happiness.

I’m thinking to myself, that simply changing my thinking as a result of a train story, can have that much power? Thank you for the train story Robert.

Monica

The train story Monica refers to is found in Five Steps to Recovery. As she so eloquently expresses, the real block to recovery is our deepest fear about what we will become, not the fear over what we have become.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we areour deepest fear about recovery powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Marianne Williamson

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®

Remarkable Story of Recovery from Parkinsons

Have been struggling with the ups and downs of recovery? Has your success been terribly frustrating? Check out John Colemans remarkable story of recovery from Parkinsons.

If so, you are not alone. Naturopath John Coleman ND from Australia offers an honestJohn coleman's remarkable story of recovery from Parkinsons account of his journey down the road to recovery which took 3 1/2 years. He is symptom free today. This truly is a remarkable story of recovery from Parkinsons.

John refers to two therapies in particular that were especially helpful to his recovery: Bowen Therapy and the Aquas. More information is provided for each in the links below:

Bowen Therapy
https://www.americanbowen.academy/find-a-bowen-therapy-practitioner

Aquas
https://www.aquas.us

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

How to Tame Tremors

After decade of interviewing individuals who have succeeded in reversing symptoms of Parkinsons, I have discovered dozens of natural therapies that succeed in taming tremors. They fall into a wide variety of categories:

  • Extracts from Aloe and Beets
  • Redox Cell Signalling
  • Membrane Lipid Replacement
  • CBD oil
  • Ketone esters
  • BioAcoustic voice profiling
  • Photobiomodulation
  • Energy medicine
  • Cranio-Sacral Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Essential oils

And this is a short list of natural options that researchers find have proven helpful in taming tremors.

Click Here for Registration and Immediate Access the
Tame Tremors Online Course

Why Did I Develop The Tame Tremors Course?

It is surprisingly helpful to embrace natural methods that tame tremors. Unchecked they sustain unrelenting stress. When we are unable to reduce the intensity of stress, tremors always get worse. The cycle is endless unless checked. The vicious cycle is familiar to everyone.

  1. Tremors cause reoccurring stress.
  2. Stress inflames the tremors.
  3. Taming tremors helps reverse this vicious cycle.

The challenge for members of my global Parkinsons Recovery audience is that natural treatments for tremors are scattered all over the place, buried in hundreds of Parkinsons Recovery blog posts published over the past several decades.

The Tame Tremors course organizes, explains and updates the most successful strategies, therapies and treatments that have been reported by persons who themselves experience tremors as well as health care providers.

Some of the methods have just emerged over the past decade. Some have been practiced for centuries.  I want everyone to know about both ancient and new discoveries which have proven successful.Included in the course is a download of my book Seven Secrets to Healing which is available when you register for the class.

For more information and to register visit:
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.org/tame-tremors

P.S. The course does not address prescriptions medications which fall into the domain of medical doctors, so any issues or questions about medications will need to be addressed with your doctor.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Olympia, Washington USA
877-526-4646
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Mind Versus Body

When symptoms are unrelenting it is easy to feel at odds and uneasy. It becomes a Mind Versus Body War. My poem was inspired by this understandable dichotomy between the “you” of the body and the “I”of the mind.

Body Talk
Robert Rodgers

Just as you twitch and flutter out of control
  So I too am lost and restless

Just as you freeze without warning
  So I too am stuck in a lifeless glob of concrete

Just as you talk in a silent whisper
  So I too think thoughts that are timid

Just as you soak my shirt with sweat and wet
  So I too am drenched with the tears of trauma

Just as you wear a mask on your face
  So I too mask my full power

Just as you swallow food with gargles and coughs
  So I too find my sorrow and grief hard to swallow

Just as you endure pain that never forgives
  So I too endure the relentless pain of heartache and regret

Just as you flop and flutter from one step to the next
  So I too rattle thoughts through my rusty hamster wheel

Just as you are tormented by confusion and forgetfulness
  So I too puzzle over what step to take next 

 Just as you collapse to the ground without a heads up
  So I too give up and give out with my head down

Just as you are numb to the pleasures of life
  So I too reject its deliciousness

There is you see only one solution
One road to recovery
One path to health
For you and for me  
We must become one you and I
For I am just like you.

© Robert Rodgers PhD

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Olympia, Washington

 

 

Pneumonia and Parkinsons

People of all ages get Pneumonia, so is there any particular increase in the incidence of Pneumonia and Parkinsons? The answer is yes.

Increase Incidence of Pneumonia for Persons with Parkinsons

A 2024 meta analysis published in the European Journal of Neurology examined
studies with data on pneumonia and Parkinsons disease in hospital settings.
The concluded that patients with Parkinsons had greater than three times higher risk of getting pneumonia with an average 2.74% prevalence and 10.0% hospital mortality. Early recognition and treatment of pneumonia in Parkinsons patients
will help reduce morbidity and mortality.

Is Pneumonia a Potential Issue for You?

 

  • Are you prone to experience respiratory problems?
  • Have you ever had lung infections that were difficult to treat?
  • Did you struggle to overcome a Covid infection?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed with pneumonia?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions and currently experience Parkinsons symptoms, make it a high priority to protect yourself against a life threatening pneumonia lung infection.  Why? Pneumonia is  a leading cause of death for persons experiencing Parkinsons symptoms  death.

Promising Treatment for Lung Infections

A new study offers a treatment found to offer respiratory support for persons confronted respiratory challenges. The study evaluated a new photobiomodulation device – the Vielight RX-Plus – which was used as a treatment for 294 subjects experiencing COVID symptoms which of course involve lung infectons. Details of the study are reported in the abstract listed below.

If you have confronted respiratory challenges in the past and decide to acquire the new Vielight RX-Plus device, there are two ways the company reduces the risk involved. First, they offer a 10% discount on all orders (coupon code healing4me). Second and most importantly, you are invited to use the device up to six months. If it does not offer the relief anticipated, you can return the device for an 80% refund.

Bottom line; Pneumonia is a serious health threat. The CODIV study results reported below suggest to me that the new photobiomodulation  is a new treatment option for pneumonia worth serious consideration.

Vielight Covid Study

This first-of-its-kind PBM major clinical trial (n=294) with the Vielight RX-Plus (Vielight X-Plus 4 equivalent) examined the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) in treating acute COVID-19 infections.

The primary focus was on recovery speed in patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Patients with symptom durations of 0–7 days experienced significantly faster recovery when treated with PBM and standard care (SOC) compared to SOC alone. However, those with 8–12 days of symptoms did not show significant improvement.

Recruitment

Recruitment began in September 2020, with 701 adults who tested positive for COVID-19 assessed for eligibility. Of these, 407 did not meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria: 406 participants either had severity scores outside the required 4-7 range on the WURSS-44 scale or were outside the age range of 18-65, while one couldn’t complete forms in English. This left 294 eligible participants. Recruitment ended on July 5, 2021, due to the availability of monoclonal antibodies, declining interest, and sufficient numbers for statistical power, after which the datasets were locked.

Results summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, specifically the Vielight RX Plus, in accelerating recovery from COVID-19 for non-hospitalized patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. In patients experiencing symptoms for 0–7 days, PBM significantly reduced recovery time compared to standard of care (SOC) alone. However, in those with longer symptom durations (8–12 days), PBM did not produce a statistically significant improvement.

PBM was particularly effective in alleviating respiratory symptoms and reducing adverse effects like tachycardia and dysgeusia. It also contributed to a quicker recovery in specific symptoms such as headache, chest congestion, and body aches for patients in the 0–7 day symptom group. In contrast, the 8–12 day group showed slower recovery from fatigue and other energy-related symptoms, though they did experience milder symptom severity for some issues.

The study attributes the benefits of PBM to its anti-inflammatory effects, which have been linked to reduced cytokine levels in past research.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Parkinsons Recovery®

Declaration of Independence for Parkinsons

My invitation for you this week is to sign and post a declaration of independence for Parkinsons. Many people (myself included) have throughout much of our life looked outside of our inner wisdom for answers.  We have referred to the experts, persons in white coats or fancy suits or dresses, individuals with fancy initials beside their name, initials like PhD, MD, ND … You can list for yourself the assortment of initials that you have seen listed beside people’s names who you have sought consultations from. My own list fills up two sheets of paper.

Because power was acceded to others, we, you, I and many others gave up our own sense of independence, our own ability to make decisions that are in our best and highest good.

Loss of control is the underlying frustration that underpins symptoms of Parkinson’s. The secret to recovery is to take control back. And why wait? Do it now.

Clearly it makes good sense to seek out advice from the experts.  To see what people recommend is often a wise and smart course of action.  Yet many of us, and I say again myself included, have many times wanted someone else to fix us, to make it all right.  In so doing, we acceded our power, our inner wisdom and our ability to know what is right for us.

It is one thing to say that the body knows how to heal itself. That is certainly a mindful statement.  It is also one thing to be sensitive to the signals that our body sends to us.

Yet, it is also easy to slip out of that mindful space and to seek relief without checking in with our bodies; without asking whether or not this is in fact what our body truly needs in order to come back into balance and harmony.

Your body, my body, any body contains limitless wisdom.  We have the power and the ability to know what is in our best interest.  Becoming mindful of that wisdom is the key to recovery. Our body is the one and only resource that knows what is best for us.

Declaration of Independence for Parkinsons

I invite you on this day and this hour to print out the declaration of independence below, sign it, then post it on your refrigerator or your bathroom mirror. Read the declaration out loud to yourself for 21 days. If you happen to neglect to read the statement, start the count of 21 days all over again. It is time to honor the body’s ability to heal from the inside out.

You can print a copy on this post: Copy of Declaration of Independence for Parkinsons 

In the beginning, one cell was formed inside the womb of my mother that captured the wisdom of all that I am today. The wisdom of one is 10 billion times seven fold  today as I am equipped today with a mind to organize my thoughts, a heart to evaluate them and a voice to express them.

At this time and this hour I declare my mind, heart and voice to be independent of any and all control over the health and well being of my body.

I acknowledge the miracle of life itself.

I celebrate the ability of my body to rejuvenate despite any and all limitations I currently experience.

I see limitless possibilities to manifest any and all of my dreams.

I cast off any and all limitations for recovery I have imposed on myself and imposed by others.

I assert the independent responsibility to decide what actions are in my best and highest good.

I acknowledge that the conditions which foster imbalances in my body are complex and multi-faceted.

On this day I ask for and openly receive healing.

I pledge from this day forward to listen to the wisdom of my body.

I commit to take any and all actions that are needed and necessary to bring my body back into balance.

I welcome the opportunity to transform bad habits that have been making me ill.

I refute the oppressive and dehumanizing claims that recovery is not possible.

I accept and welcome full responsibility for the health and wellness of my body.

I acknowledge that a therapy or treatment that helps one person may not necessarily be helpful to others or myself.

I commit to continue my journey down the road to recovery with the intention to persevere despite any and all setbacks and challenges I encounter along the way.

By affixing my signature below, I join with others who honor the power of the body to heal itself as I restore, rejuvenate and regenerate the inner wisdom of my body to heal itself.

_____________________                     _______
Signature                                                       Date

To Register for the Healing from the Inside Out Online Course visit:
Healing from the Inside Out

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 

 

 

Does CoQ10 Slow Down Parkinson’s?

Does coq10 slow down Parkinson’s?

Stephen

Response:

The framing of your question is fascinating- Does CoQ10 slow down Parkinson’s? There is an implicit assumption behind the framing of your question that Parkinson’s disease is a race in a download direction. I fully realize that many people hold the belief that Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease – meaning that anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease is destined to deteriorate over time, with no hope of recovery.

The mission of Parkinsons Recovery is to provide compelling evidence from across the globe that the assumption Parkinson’s is “degenerative” is misguided and wrong. In support of this mission, I have been interviewing people for the past several decades who successfully reversed their own Parkinson’s symptoms. Stories of former guests on my radio show are featured contributors in Pioneers of Recovery. We are documenting more and more cases of recovery every week now.

There are many treatments and modalities of one form or another that help reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Some supplements will help depending on the factors that are causing the symptoms. After all, a supplement is simply food for the body. You can feed your body with the nutrients it needs by eating healthy, live food or you can acquire the nutrition you need through supplements.

There is a controversy in the research studies concerning the use of CoQ10 to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s.  The difference in study outcomes (some studies report positive effects and others do not) is due to the type of Co-Q10 that is used. In the video below I provide an explanation that speaks to your question : Does CoQ10 slow down Parkinson’s.

There are independent benefits of two supplements: Creatine and CoQ10. First I summarize the benefits of taking each supplement independent of the other, then present evidence when both are taken together.

Benefits of Creatine for Parkinsons

People with Parkinson disease have decreased muscular fitness, including decreased muscle mass, muscle strength, and increased fatigue.  Taking creatine has been found to improve exercise capacity and overall endurance.

Creatine supplements have also been found to boost mood and reduce the need for medication.

Benefits of CoQ10 for Parkinson’s

Has your doctor recommended that you take Coenzyme Q10 along with your regular medications? Some doctors do. CoQ10 has been found deficient in persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Some health care professionals I have interviewed also report medications can deplete availability of CoQ10 in the body which increases the importance of supplementation.

What do you get when you take both Creatine and CoQ10?

The research reports taking both creatine and CoQ10 improves cognitive function and is neuro-protective.

But which brand of Co10 is best? There are so many!

There are so many choices on the market today. Many of them have limited potency.

Natural compounding pharmacist Ross Pelton directed me to a source of CoQ10 that is worth taking seriously. It is produced by Pharmanord of Denmark.

Most Coenzyme Q10 products sold today have negligible absorption rates. We are talking 1% at best. Why is this so? The melting point of CoQ10 is 10 degrees above body temperature. Most of the supplements you buy – even those in oil, have crystallized and cannot be absorbed by the body

Why Bioavailability of CoQ10 Matters 

Bioavailability measures the ability to absorb and utilize a substance like CoQ10 in the tissues and blood of the body. CoQ10 is fat soluble with a high molecular weight which is why its absorption is very limited.

Pharma Nord https://www.pharmanord.com has developed the most studied brand of CoQ10 globally. A proprietary heat treatment process greatly facilitates its absorption. The molecular structure of the Pharmanord CoQ10 is transformed from rough crystals to a snowflake like shape. More than 75 studies have now been published that document its superior absorption when compared to other brands.

The price is also reasonable. You can order the Pharmanord CoQ10 directly on their website. Their professional staff generously set up a 20% discount for members of my audience. You can claim this discount only if you ship to a USA destination. Enter the coupon code “PRQ10WEB“ to claim a 20% discount (not case sensitive).

CoQ10 Research

Eur Neurol . 2015;73(3-4):205-211. The effect of creatine and coenzyme q10 combination therapy on mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease Zhenguang Li, Pengfei Wang, Zhancai Yu, Yannan Cong, Hairong Sun, Jiangshan Zhang, Jinbiao Zhang, Chao Sun, Yong Zhang, Xiaohua Ju

Abstract

Background: To investigate the effect of creatine and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) combination therapy on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD; PD-MCI) and its influences on plasma phospholipid (PL) levels in PD-MCI.

Methods: The demographic data of 75 PD-MCI patients who enrolled in this collaborative PD study were collected. These patients were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). These 75 PD-MCI patients were randomly treated with creatine monohydrate 5 g b.i.d. and CoQ10 100 mg t.i.d. orally or placebo. MoCA evaluation and PL level measurements were performed after 12 and 18 months of treatment.

Results: After 12 and 18 months of treatment, the differences in the MoCA scores of the combination therapy and control groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05 at 12 months and p < 0.01 at 18 months), and the plasma PL levels of the combination therapy group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01 at 12 months and p < 0.001 at 18 months).

Conclusions: Combination therapy with creatine and CoQ10 could delay the decline of cognitive function in PD-MCI patients and could lower their plasma PL levels; therefore, this combination therapy may have a neuroprotective function.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

Road to Recovery

I received the e mail below last night from Danny. It makes my heart sing to know that my new book, Road to Recovery is having a positive impact on people who are on the Road to Recovery.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery®
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Your book, Road to Recovery is absolutely phenomenal. I’ve only read the first 50 pages and I can’t put it down. I had to force myself to take a break and write you this email. During my 10+ years with Parkinson’s, I have had doctors, family members, support group friends and personal friends insisting that with Parkinson’s I will get progressively worse as time goes by until I am eventually completely disabled.
.

How refreshing to finally find someone who tells me that that is not necessarily the case, that I have the power within me to relieve my symptoms and to heal myself. I have always felt deep down that it is possible to get better and as you know I have made much progress in that direction through the use of tai chi.

In your book, you provide proof that it is indeed possible through a myriad of alternative approaches, with the research and stories of people who have been successful.You provide the information in such a positive and optimistic light, allowing the reader to experiment, discover, and develop his own Road to Recovery that is suitable for his own individual journey.

You encourage us to live life to the fullest, using our creative powers to experience the wonderful things that life has to offer us. These are indeed the best years of our lives.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Danny

Yoga for Parkinsons

Exercise is a proven way of helping people with Parkinsons reverse their symptoms. Yoga for Parkinsons is one way of exercising that has proven extremely helpful for many.

 

Some people confronting problematic symptoms think yoga is reserved for athletic types.  A dedicated group of individuals with Parkinson’s have found a program tailored to people of all levels practice yoga on a regular basis.

Yoga for Parkinsons Testimonials

Three members of the Yoga for People with Parkinson’s classes in Seattle, Washington tell their stories about how yoga has provided them with remarkable relief from their symptoms.

Is yoga a therapy that is right for you? Listen to these incredible student testimonials and decide for yourself. Yoga is a time-tested, natural therapy and if practiced on a regular basis you can expect often dramatic improvements in flexibility, strength, balance and peace of mind. That formula is hard to beat.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Rock Solid Walking

Is Parkinsons Degenerative?

The Parkinsons Recovery survey results provide a surprising answer to the question – Is Parkinsons Degenerative?  Respondents report how they have been feeling over the past year since the previous holiday season [better, same or worse] and what therapies have been useful in celebrating relief from symptoms.

 A surprising number of respondents reported feeling the same or better over the previous year. If in fact Parkinsons disease is degenerative then we would expect that 100% of respondents would report feeling worse over the previous year. Results of the survey reveal that the answer to the question is clearly no. Parkinsons is not necessarily degenerative. 

Most interesting is the wide range of therapies respondents reported to be helpful in celebrating relief from their symptoms. This is not surprising given the more than dozen factors researchers have discovered can contribute to  the symptoms of Parkinsons.

It is not exclusively a problem with the lack of dopamine. More recent studies have actually found an overabundance of dopamine in persons diagnosed with Parkinsons, not a deficiency.

You are cordially invited to listen to a detailed listing of results that refute the universal belief that Parkinson’s is degenerative.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Healing from the Inside Out
Olympia, Washington
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Vibration Therapy for Parkinsons

A very good, very old vibration therapy for Parkinsons is depicted in the image below.

Isn’t this an interesting image? You probably already guessed that it does not originate from this century or even the last century.

Th chair depicted above is a vibration chair designed and built by Dr. Charcot in 1892. Why in the world did this early neurologist invent such a contraption?

Dr. Charcot observed that the severity of his patient’s symptoms appeared to be a function of the transportation they used to come to his clinic. Patients who came by carriage or train had fewer symptoms overall. Symptoms of patients who traveled by other means were much worse overall.

He hypothesized that the difference was linked to vibration. This observation inspired him to invent this vibration therapy for Parkinsons that vibrated his patients.

Dr. Charot’s research was lost when he died in 1893 and was not picked up until recently. Recent research has confirmed his initial suspicion:

Vibration does provide relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Some physical therapists and other medical care practitioners offer vibration therapy to their patients. And some physical exercise facilities do the same.

I suggest you shake, rattle and role whenever you get the chance however you can make that happen.

Benefits of Vibration Therapy for Parkinsons

There are a multitude of benefits to whole body vibration therapy that Neuro-Rehabilitation specialist Karl Sterling lists in the clip of my interview with him.

Vibration is now a well established therapy that also offers relief from tremors. Karl offers a marvelous suggestion in this clip of my interview with him. Tremors can be tamed when a hand held vibration device is gripped for 20-30 minutes.

If you have continuous tremors, this is an option to take seriously. Click the link below to preview a vibration device offered by the Power Plate company that Karl referred to in my interview with him.

Visit the link below for the quality source of vibration devices (some whole body some hand held) that Karl discusses in my interview with him:

Power Plate

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

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