Agent Orange and Parkinsons Disease

I have just joined your remarkable “Rosetta Stone” that will help me understand my disease  (Your approach is the 1st that includes laughter as a pathway to recovery). I am requesting “Where to Start” for information on Agent Orange and Parkinsons Disease.

I have been exposed, almost on a daily basis for 8 months, to Agent Orange spraying while serving with the 1st Infantry Division. I am presently receiving disability benefits from the VA. I was “diagnosed” in 2003 @ age 62. My CranioSacaral Therapist has told me that many Vietnam Vets require a good “cleansing” of their body of toxins that have “resided” there  since exposure.

Until I joined your group I have not been able to nail down research-wise this aspect of recovery or specific 1st hand “stories” of how other Vets are handling the Holistic” natural approach” to recovery. In order to save time could you point me in the right direction?

“Time is of the essence” as I have my first appointment with a nutritionist who alleges experience with PD patients on Tuesday PM 06/07/2011. I need to do some reading so I know what to ask her. Please forgive me for this intrusion on your time with such a short response time. Thank you for you good work and consideration.

Charles

Congratulations. You have unearthed a primary cause of symptoms you are currently experiencing. Research definitively confirms that exposure to agent orange (which can be from service in Vietnam or through exposure to pesticide applications on farms) does significant damage to the neurological system. Symptoms of Parkinsons are a likely outcome.

Even the VA now recognizes the compelling evidence on agent orange and Parkinsons disease – as you note in your letter – now offer benefits to veterans who were exposed. Once the agent orange toxin has been cleared from your body (and there may be other toxins as well) and damage to your delicate neurological system repaired – your state of health will improve dramatically.

A consultation with a nutritionist is an excellent choice. Detox diets can help your body detox. I would also recommend that you pursue this further by exploring various detox protocols that will facilitate the release of the agent orange toxin in your body. Be circumspect in the choices you make. Some detox protocols chase the toxins into the brain.

There are functional medical doctors who work with people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons and various naturopath doctors who specialize in detoxing the body. I suggest that you start your journey by exploring options for treatment in addition to those prescribed by your nutritionist.

I also suggest that you detox slowly. Toxins cannot be cleared quickly. It is not like getting an oil change for your car.

May you continue to pursue ways to release trauma as you are currently through your treatments with a cranio-sacral therapist. When toxins are present, it is usually the case that the person has experienced significant trauma that is unresolved. The mere fact you served in Viet Nam suggests that focusing on releasing trauma will be needed to release the toxins. The body will refuse to release the toxins as long as trauma remains trapped in the tissues of your body.

When many people detox from a toxin like agent orange their symptoms flare. This is because the trauma is now presenting itself to be released. I discuss the connection between toxins and trauma at length in my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery