Remarkable stories of natural therapies keep rolling in. Have you every considered giving bare back horse riding a trial run? The progress report from Hanne below would inspire anyone to give horse back riding consideration!
Hanne was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 1998 by a neurologist and again in 1999 by two other neurologists. She had a PET-scan in 2000. The result was a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in the early stages.
Hanne stopped taking Parkinson’s medications in 2000 and has adopted her own approach to treating her disease. Her balance and muscle strength was very bad at that time.
Horse riding is a good way to facilitate better balance and strengthen muscles. Hanne is riding her Icelandic horse Jari nearly every day, but once or twice a week she rides bare back as it facilitates better balance and strengthens the muscles even more. Below is a photo from Hanne from October 2011 as she rides in a gallop up a hill. Hanne was born in 1954.
I need your help. I am 70 years old. I recently discovered that my right hand “tremors a little” when I hold a pen, a cup, or a fork. What is the best way to eliminate a hand tremor?
My friend told me that I may have early symptom of Parkinson and suggested to take 5 mg. of Enada.
What do you think? What is the best way to eliminate the hand tremor?
Thanks.
James
I can sense that the comment by your friend that you may be experiencing the early stage of Parkinson’s Disease elicited considerable fear and anxiety. The instinct of course is to find a quick remedy that will calm the tremor down or make it go away.
There are certainly medications of one type or another that will silence a tremor in the short term. For many people relief [if even in the short term] is most welcome. You have ask for a recommendation on a medication that will do just that – silence the tremor whether in the short term or the long term.
There are variety of herbs and prescription medications that will serve that purpose and provide just that type of relief. I have interviewed several herbalists who recommend one herb or another for tremors – so this is clearly an avenue you might want to pursue. Aunt Bean makes a homemade tincture from fava beans which gives her incredible relief from her symptoms. You can find more information about her remedy on the Parkinsons Recovery Fava Bean website. [http://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com]
Let me suggest an alternative approach to discover the best way to eliminate a hand tremor. Instead of dampening the symptom
– investigate more systematically. Why is your body telling you that something is currently out of balance? Treat the tremor as valuable information your body is giving you right now.
Have you been exposed to toxins of one type or another?
How about exposure to Agent Orange?
How about exposure to radiation?
How about exposure to pesticides?
How about exposure to heavy metals?
We have discovered that unwelcome critters that live inside your body can also create neurological havoc.
Is Lyme Disease a possible factor for you? It’s symptoms are the same as those of Parkinson’s
Do you possibly have an overgrowth of candida? This can cause the symptoms too.
Is it possible that you have a reaction to a tetanus inoculation? Sharry Edwards has discovered that tetanus is a primary factor for a surprising number of people who have had BioAcoustic profiling done.
I will not attempt to provide a full of possible causes list since it would take a book and this is only a short post in a blog. Consider the above as a short list of possible factors that may be causing your tremor.
Most importantly, use your intention to dampen the fear that your friend has triggered. Once you determine the factor (or factors) that are causing the tremor, you will be able to find a resolution to the problem. One the cause has been identified and treated you will no longer need to mask the symptom with a prescription drug or herb.
Might I suggest that the perfect New Year’s Resolution for you would be to set the intention to determine the cause of your tremor, to treat it and subsequently become symptom free.
I just released Pioneers of Recovery which includes the stories of 11 persons with Parkinsons who reversed their symptoms. Each pioneer was a guest on my radio show. You
can listen to the shows as you investigate causes that may be factors or you can read about their stories in Pioneers of Recovery.
The one and only person who can solve the puzzle of why you are experiencing a tremor is you. Join with others on the road to recovery as you set the intention to heal the tremor instead of treating it symptomatically,
I am suffering from Parkinson’s disease since 5 years. Presently I am taking Entacom Plus and Pacetane 3 times daily. But recently I observed that I am mentally disturbed. I am not able to work easily. I am not able to put myself stable. An unknown fear or angry is developing in me.
Kindly let me know the remedy
Rao
By your description, it certainly sounds like you are experiencing the medication side effects in the form of fear and anger. People react differently to medications. Some people have no side effects and experience only the benefits of the medications. Others – and it appears you fall into this category of people – can experience debilitating side effects.
I wish I could report there is a simple remedy for this problem – perhaps a pill that would solve the problem. Alas, such simple solutions are not available. I am quite sure this is not the response you were hoping to hear, but it is the honest truth.
At a minimum you can read the list of side effects that you will find in the prescription inserts that your pharmacist will have. This would likely pinpoint the problem.
It is possible however that the problem you are experiencing is triggered by the particular combination of both medications taken together. That is to say, taking one medications may not be problematic for you, but when both are consumed, certain processes are triggered in your body that are creating the alarming fear and anger.
It is possible the problem may be solved by eliminating one or both medications or finding substitutes. Work with your doctor to explore alternatives. Keep in mind that with most
prescription medications, it is not advisable to stop taking them. The consequences can be disastrous. For most medications, you must reduce the dosage you take very slowly and very deliberately. Make these decisions in close consultation with your doctor.
I would also suggest that you approach the challenge you are facing from a new perspective. While the medications appear to be triggering anger and fear, everyone holds both in their subconscious. We all have anger that is repressed and that is contained at the cellular level of our body. We all hold fear that we suppress as well.
A healthy approach is simply to acknowledge that everyone confronts the issues that you describe in your question. The only difference is that these issues – dealing with fear
and anger – are very difficult to manage and keep under control right now.
There are many powerful therapies you might explore that invite your body to release all of the repressed fear and anger that are making it difficult for you to function right now. Since I do not know where you live or what country you are from, I am not in a position to be specific here. I invite you to begin your own search for therapists you offer such services.
Approach your investigation by searching for people who work with the body rather than the mind. Such therapies will likely be much more helpful than talk therapists for the challenges that you describe in your question.
The solution lies deep within. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to acknowledge it will take time, clear intent and patience to resolve the challenges you currently confront.
Sharry Edwards, pioneer of Bioacoustic healing from Sound Health Options, discusses voice profiling discoveries for Parkinsons. When ask: What can people do to get relief from their symptoms – her answer:
Get away from aspartame, get away from MSG, get away from gluten and avoid eating GMO (genetically modified) products.
Sharry Edwards
Click on the arrow below to hear Sharry Edwards discuss revelations from voice profiling discoveries for Parkinsons on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with host Robert Rodgers, PhD.
I have noticed that when I drink more water I begin to feel really lousy. I get more headaches, have low energy and feel like I have the flu. Parkinson’s symptoms are problematic as it is – and now this. I there a connection between toxins and Parkinsons?
Response:
I suspect you may be experiencing a huge detox effect from becoming better hydrated. The symptoms you list are all the symptoms that are typical of detoxes. Toxins may well be the pest causing the neurological problems you currently experience. Is there a connection between toxins and Parkinsons? The research clearly concludes the answer is yes.
You might consider getting an assessment of toxins of some sort or another – perhaps bioenergetic testing or voice analysis or hair analysis. You may have already had some assessments done – but they might not have picked up the true culprit which can show in the form of heavy metals of one type of another or pesticides. I aired a radio show with Dr. Joe Hickey, MD, several months ago who offered some fascinating perspectives on diagnostic assessments for heavy metals and detox protocols that succeed for people with Parkinson’s.
If the diagnostic assessments show toxins – then a strategy would be to set in motion a detox program to release toxins gradually and safely. The hydration is obviously a key but some toxins need a little extra nudge to leave your body. They do not exit willingly unless gently encouraged.
If the nudge is too aggressive you can pay dearly for the consequences. You certainly want to be rid of the toxins, but not at the expense of feeling lousy for months on end.
I have received a number of reports from people who report a worsening of symptoms when their detox programs are begun. This may be due to an inadvisable protocol or to a detox program that is too aggressive. It is best to proceed with detox programs slowly. Do not expect immediate relief.
Or they may simply be seriously dehydrated. Naturopath John Coleman ND recommends taking the Aquas which were formulated to hydrate the body.
People often assume that because they are feeling worse, the detox program is making the situation worse. They thus decide to abandon the detox program. Instead of giving up, I suggest that you recognize that toxins are an issue. Search for another detox protocol that offers a more gentle release.
A few months ago I have ordered and read your book Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease. It gave me a lot of hope, and support for recovery from Parkinsons disease with very valuable information.
It was important for me to see that some people managed to recover! I am much more relaxed now, not in a panic any more.
I have a diagnose since August 2010. I took Azilect until December 2010, but afterwards I have stopped taking it. I’m exercising yoga, meditation. I’m walking every day. Tuina massage also helps. I have changed food, reduced stress factors, etc. And I’m taking Dr Paneri’s medicine for a month now.
Great news: I am already noticing some improvements!
I hope you know, how important your help is! Thank you.
I wish you all the best.
Kind regards,
Romana
Response:
Support for Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Thanks so much for letting us all know about your recovery progress and giving me permission to post your update. I am hearing more and more stories of recovery every week now. I just released a new book this week – Pioneers of Recovery – that reports 11 stories of recovery as told on my radio show. These are exciting times to be alive.
My friend’s husband is 53 and has been living with Parkinsons for 12 years. The medicine does not seem to work anymore. He now shakes the whole day where as before it was only once the medicine wore of. Is There Any Hope After the Medicines Stop Working?
Is there any treatment that he can go for that will help him to live a normal life again?
Have you had any feedback on stem cell replacement therapy?
Regards:
Annelie
Response: Is There Any Hope After the Medicines Stop Working
Yes indeed. There are many, many therapeutic possibilities that your friend’s husband could find that would be helpful now that the medicines are have stopped working.
Most people are familiar with the approach used in the specialty of western medicine. Help offered by prescription medicines has been useful to your friend’s husband for over a decade, but is now no longer working for him. He can celebrate the many years of relief he obtained from the medicines he has taken thanks to western medicine. Some people discover that the prescription medicines are only helpful for 2-3 years at best.
Now what? The good news is that the treatments offered by western medicine in the form of medicines and surgeries are only one among dozens of other treatment options and approaches. Recovery really hinges on broadening the perspective on recovery options and being willing to consider other treatment modalities.
There are a multitude of therapies – some thousands of years old – that people with Parkinsons report offer relief from their symptoms. Most are natural, safe and offer the potential for improvement in health on some level. I have documented dozens of therapies in Road to Recovery that help people recover.
There is a wide range of choices to consider from sound therapy to vibration therapy to herbal remedies to quantum healing to energy healing to biofeedback to Emotional Freedom Technique to photobiomodulation to focused ultrasound … The list goes on and on.
Western medicine has been in existence for about 100 years. Many of the other specialties that offer profound relief to persons with Parkinson’s have been around for thousands of years and and have proven true to the test of time.
Success with recovery requires that the cause (or causes) of symptoms be identified and therapies adopted that address the cause. I have documented 11 stories of recovery in Pioneers of Recovery. Each person had a successful recovery but went about it with very different therapies and approaches. In short, each situation is unique and requires an individualized approach.
Listen to my interview with the amazing Bianca Molle who discusses her full recovery from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Bianca is one of the nine pioneers featured in the second edition of Pioneers of Recoverynow available on Amazon.
Her essay, Metamorphosis: Shakin’ to Awaken is posted below. Her metamorphosis and subsequent full recovery from Parkinson’s disease is an inspiration for everyone.
Below is the link to the Youtube video where Bianca Molle discusses her full recovery from Parkinsons Disease and offers a brief demonstration of Chi Gong.
(Originally presented 9/24/10, at The Marin County, California Civic Center)
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly-proverb
I found a refrigerator magnet with that lovely proverb while waiting in line at Whole Foods shortly after I had been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. That saying became my mantra. I needed it to be my mantra because something told me that I could find some good in my situation. What was my situation?
For a number of years I had felt pain and extreme fatigue. Of course, I was not getting any younger, and teaching middle school requires so much energy in the classroom, and grading and planning in the off hours that I thought this was just a sign that I was ready to retire. And my handwriting had become so small and cramped that my students could no longer decipher the very cogent, insightful comments I was writing on their papers. Also, I had demonstrated a tremor that had gone from almost negligible to formidable over the past few years. When it got in the way of one of my favorite activities, eating, particularly eating soup, I went to see my first neurologist.
So, in April, 2008, I was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and began a program of treatment medications shortly after my retirement that June. I was taking Sinemet 25/100, the dopamine drug, three times a day, and Requip once daily. After a while, my symptoms began to worsen. I had the option of increasing my meds, something I did not want to do. What I was really looking for was relief from the chronic pain. I could continually feel the muscles in my spine and arms and shoulders contract. Also, navigating stairs became a cumbersome endeavor, feeling like I had sandbags strapped to my arms and legs as I tried to make my way up to the bedroom.
Although I found myself increasingly inactive, it is not like I took m situation lying down. In the first year after my diagnosis I was proactive about research and treatment. I saw two neurologists and a movement disorder specialist, visited the Parkinsons Center in Sunnyvale, California, applied to and was selected for the PD DNA study co-sponsored by Sergei Brin of Google and Michael J. Fox, a study called 23andMe. I had also joined the local PD support group, researched and read numerous books and internet sites, practiced yoga till I became too stiff for downward facing dog and so off-balance that my tree pose looked like downward falling tree!! I had explored every avenue, visited everywhere, except inside myself.
Enter Qigong, with its holistic approach that integrates the body, mind, and spirit.
In June of 2009 I attended a Healer Within workshop presented by Mingtong Gu at The Marin JCC. Mingtong explained a little bit about energy clearing out the blockages that cause disease and then we began a Level 1 physical practice, Lift Chi Up Pour Chi Down. Although I was shaky and having some difficulty following directions, I immediately felt a layer of pain lift away. Something was happening. By the end of the weekend, Sunday night, I was convinced that qigong was working for me. Then, as we were leaving, Mingtong announced that anyone working on healing a chronic or serious illness should expect to practice a minimum of two to three hours daily. When I first heard this, my state shifted from blissful to annoyed. What, two to three hours a day?! I did not sign up for that! The truth is, I had not signed up for Parkinsons either. So I began reflecting, and within a few moments my attitude changed from negative to positive. It was a no-brainer. What was better: two to three hours of qigong practice daily, or ten to twelve hours on the sofa everyday, fatigued and in pain?
Probably one of the most difficult aspects of receiving my diagnosis was breaking the news to my family and friends. I could not bear to see sorrow or pity in their faces. So I told them that this was a gift. Here I was retiring, and now I had Carte Blanche to indulge myself. An example of this was visiting friends in Melbourne, Australia, during the winter of 2009. Then, at the June qigong workshop, Mingtong offered a Zhineng qigong retreat in China for the following fall. I went home, got on the computer, and booked the trip to Guelin, which happens to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
I began pinching myself. This Parkinsons journey was becoming a wonderful adventure. Qigong became my tour guide. I continued to practice at home, three hours a day, every day, doing the physical forms as well as the sound-healing and other Zhineng qigong meditational practices. Something unusual began to happen. Generally, I did not need the clock to tell me it was time for more PD meds, my body would tell me first. Then my body began forgetting. I took that as a sign that maybe I did not need so much medication anymore, so I gradually took myself off all PD medications, ( I did this while practicing qigong a minimum of three hours per day and am not offering medical advice here or anywhere in this narrative; I am simply relating my story) . So by 9/24/2009, the day I left for China, I had been off all PD meds for almost a month. I wanted to work on my situation at the China retreat without drugs possibly masking the symptoms.
By this time much of the pain and fatigue and some other symptoms had gone or greatly abated, but not the tremors. This made meals in China, using chopsticks, an entertaining and suspenseful event. Needless to say, I managed to eat very well, despite some aborted efforts between rice bowl and final destination.
I continued my practice when I returned home from the retreat, and still practice a minimum of three hours a day, or minimum two hours a day when I am working. (This retired teacher now substitutes and loves it, and is full of energy, not fatigue). I saw the neurologist last week and was described as showing no signs of Parkinson’s at all. And it is not just me, some people with Parkinsons in the qigong community are demonstrating steady signs of improvement – like reduced tremors, better balance, increased flexibility in shoulders, faster, more fluid walking, and more energy.
If dedicated practice can show such benefits for a neurological condition, then what about for every human condition? Einstein said it best: Either everything is a miracle or nothing is a miracle. We can create miracles in our lives through dedication, practice, and positive intention. I came to qigong seeking a physical healing, and received that and so much more. Returning to the butterfly metaphor, I could say that qigong brought my body and spirit out of mothballs. And now that I am flying free., let me wish one and all a giant HAOLA . All is well. _____________________________________________
***Because this was originally a timed oral presentation, I omitted some details like severe constipation, sometimes difficulty swallowing (choking sensation) especially when in a prone position, sometimes dragging of right foot, Parkinsons dry eye, and some lack of mental clarity, also my hands tended to hook in , with fingertips curling toward wrists, especially when at rest.
Having difficulty sleeping? No one approach for getting a good night’s sleep will work for everyone. Here are four natural cures for insomnia that you might consider giving a trial run. I have a strong hunch that one of the four natural cures for insomnia will work beautifully for you. Why not try them all and see which one works best?
Focus on your breath. Breath in for five seconds. Hold your breath for one second and breath out for 5 seconds. Change the time you count to match your comfort level. The rhythm of the breath will quietly sink the tissues of your body into a relaxed state and quiet your busy mind from rattling off babble that does you, your family or yourfriends no good whatsoever.
Formulate lists based on totally arbitrary criteria. The idea here is not to make lists of tasks you need to accomplish the following day. Making task lists will just keep you wide awake. Rather, formulate lists based on criteria you create for that night. For example, make a list in your head of red foods or animals with long legs or states that grow corn or words that have the letter z. You get the point – send you mind working on random tasks that call your subconscious away from activating worries that keep you awake. Change the task each night. This really does work folks.
Imagine having an experience that is sensually pleasing. The experience of course will differ from person to person. Perhaps you need to float on the warms waters of a Miami beach or meditate on top of Mount Ranier or hike through the ancient forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains or walk barefoot on the warm sand of a Puerto Rico beach. Perhaps you need to fly above the clouds in your imagination or simply sit on top of a cloud. Everyone has their own special place where they feel totally relaxed and comfortable. Go to that place when you are ready to sleep. Enjoy the fantasy. Notice how easy it becomes to sink into a cozy place of deep sleep and relaxation. Celebrate how quickly you sink into a deep sleep.
Tense up, then relax each of your muscle groups. This is a relaxation approach I have personally used with great success since I was a teenager. I tense up my muscles (starting from my left calf) for 5 seconds, then relax them. I do this will all the muscle groups up my body from my feet to my head. It really helps to tense up the muscles in my face since those particular muscles are always tense (from babbling too much I suspect). Once the muscles in your body become fully relaxed, your mind will switch off worrisome thoughts and fears.
Please note: These four natural cures for insomnia do not have any unwanted side effects. They help promote better sleep, not make sleep more problematic.
I am a recently joined member from England. I am so excited about finding your web site and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are no words to express my gratitude and excitement. I am really going to enjoy my recovery. Parkinsons Recovery happens day by day. I have always had a little place inside me that says “I will figure this out”. Now I have found the way with your help and I have regained my drive. It is fantastic!
I have had definite symptoms for 12 years though I have been burdening my mind and body with severe stress for years, mistakenly believing I could handle anything. Then the oak tree collapsed: I was totally exhausted and had no idea. I have been taking requip for 5 years and sinemet for 18 months and am determined to get free of them. I know I will though I don’t know details of the how yet. Don’t worry I shall be very careful and I have a lot of support. I have learned that relationships are even more important than health.
The things I am doing NOW are:
listening to your radio shows lots of exercise, my dog gets 2 1hr walks per day in beautiful woodland exercise bike stretches and balancing listening to guided meditations really clean healthy diet lots and lots of water singing class nintendo wi writing out and reading poetry aloud eft feldenkrais recording my progress and activities and goals. my writing is loads better already hot and coldshowering every day. The EFT Deft is HUGE for me.
I am not the person I was before my symptoms came along. The changes are quite staggering that actually I am a bit overwhelmedand confused. It has helped uncover something of the pay- off I get from having my symptoms – a mega breakthrough.
I found your site, actually the radio downloads on itunes 5 weeks ago and have improved so much already from really quite a bad place as the drugs were beginning not to work. They work well now. I have only stared eft in the last week
I was doing something of the above list before but now I have designed myself a programme which is a little bit strict and a little bit flexible. I have decided to stick to working with this before I look at supplements and more complex things. I want to give my body some time on the basics – good food, fresh air, mental stimulation, relaxation, fun etc. I have realized how sensitive I am at last. And I forgot to mention I have started detoxing my environment – so far I have junked all my toiletries for natural ones, and only have about 1/8 what I had before! Now I am working through the cleaning stuff. It feels so good.
I am 55 years young, have a great husband who doesn’t give me too much sympathy and does his own thing, yet is fantastically caring and I have 2 fantastic sons aged 24 and 27. I have a brother who I would do anything for and a sister that I value and love though I don’t have the same rapport with her.
I have just joined your membership pages today to continue my parkinsons recovery and it is great to get your emails. Encouragement is fab.
The crucial thing you have given me is the knowledge PEOPLE GET BETTER. Now I know that I am on my way.
With heartfelt thanks
Fiona
Thank you Fiona for your inspirational progress report and reminder that Parkinsons Recovery happens day by day.
I purchased yourbookand have found it most useful. My only symptom of Parkinson’s seems to be the tremors. I could not take Valerian as it gave me insomnia. I am now trying oat straw extract for tremors and was wondering how long I should take it to see any possible results. Is it immediate or does it take weeks or months?
Thanks you for any advice.
I have taken a few days to ponder on your question. I considered calling some of my resources who are herbal experts and ask them to tell me about about their experience with oat straw extract. Then I thought – no – that might well give misleading information.
Why? Because everyone’s body is different. It might take you several months to see a result from taking oat straw extract or you may never see a benefit while someone else sees a result within 24 hours. The body mechanisms are truly complex. Underlying reasons for your tremor are likely to be entirely different from anyone else – whether they currently have a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease or they are experiencing neurological difficulties of one form or another.
Here is what I believe is true. Your body has the answer to your question. Your body is the expert here that is entirely trustworthy.
When I have a question such as yours, I always just ask my body. My body always gives me the correct answer.
Oat Straw Extract for Tremors Questions
Should I take oat straw extract?
How often?
How much should I take each time?
How long should I take it?
We can ask our bodies questions like these by testing our muscles. If the response is strong – our body is giving us a yes answer. If the response is weak, the answer is no. Your body will always give you a reliable answer to your question.
Why not ask your body and see what answer you get? You can ask repeatedly and see if you don’t get the same answer each time. If you are uncomfortable doing muscle testing on yourself, ask a health care practitioner to help you out. Many use muscle testing as a foundation of their practices.
If we rely on presumed experts to give us the answers, they will certainly give us the best answer they have – but they do not have any idea how any supplement – be it oat straw extract or another substance – will impact your body.
I was infused with a large dose of infinite inspiration Saturday. The Northwest Parkinsons Foundation sponsored an event In Seattle which boosted my appreciation for the power of raw courage and determination. Everyone who attended the event heard the stories of people with Parkinsons disease and MS who participated in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
A majority of participants made it to the top – but not all. People without any symptoms of Parkinsons or MS experienced just as much of a challenge on the climb to the top as those with the symptoms. The slide shows which were shown of the 6 day climb up the mountain showed smiling faces and determined spirits on each day of the climb – from day one to day six.
You are likely thinking – Right. The people who joined this adventure probably had a few minor symptoms and were diagnosed last month. Wrong my friends. One of the participants had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. All had experience the symptoms of Parkinsons for a number of years.
Two of the climbers were guests on my radio show – Nan Little and John Carlin. Listen to the radio show and you will hear them talk about their expectations of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.
You are likely thinking – that mountain is probably no big deal. Wrong again my friends. Mt. Kilimanjaro is one mile higher than the highest mountain in Washington state – Mt. Rainer.
There were two members of a medical support team who also participated in the climb up the mountain to provide support to the climbers who had MS or Parkinson’s and their support person. Both members of the medical staff expressed some initial concern before the trip about whether some of the people who signed up would be able to do the climb. Both said that their doubts were quickly dismissed.
Once on the climb up the mountain, both did not even think about who had symptoms of PD or MS during the climb. Everyone on the trip – those who had symptoms of PD or MS and their support person.
I encouraged the company who organized the climb to do it again next summer.
If you are like me, you think from time to time you can’t do something, be it exercise or a change in life style or change in diet or … The desperate thought that creeps in is:
I do not have the balance or stamina or energy or physical strength to fulfill my dreams.
Become acquainted with what these four amazing people with PD symptoms accomplished last month. They inspire us all to fulfill our passions and dreams. They teach us that with focus and clear intention, anything is possible, absolutely anything.
A transcription of my radio show with John Carlin and Nan Little will be featured in the second edition of Pioneers of Recovery. I consider it a high privilege and honor to have met each of them.
I heard the interview with Dr. Hickey. Very impressive. Some of the health care practitioners I have worked with specifically to rid my system of heavy metals all shy away from heavy metal chelation. I have used various highly touted products. The process is very slow and I am not sure that they are strong enough to pull the metals out of the deep tissue including the bones. In your opinion from all of your interviews and readings is intravenous chelation the most effective, the quickest way to get rid of metals in all body tissues including the central nervous system? My patience is at a low point.
Thank you for all you do.
Kevin
Response:
I have the same problem with impatience Kevin. Can’t this release of heavy metals happen now? Will heavy metal chelation do the trick? Unfortunately, the true answer is that it is likely to take time and patience.
Chelation simply means to claw out the heavy metals from the tissues and bones of your body. You put in your body something that has a positive charge. This attaches to the heavy metal which has a negative charge. The heavy metal toxin is eliminated through your liver, kidneys and bowels.
I have heard from a number of people on their experience with heavy metal chelation therapy. Some report positive results. Others report that the treatment was horrendous. It triggered a worsening of symptoms. I understand that most doctors (whether MDs or naturopaths) are very cautious in the chelations they prescribe for people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons for this reason. This explains your own doctor’s hesitancy to use IV chelations.
I understand it is helpful to assess precisely what heavy metals are at issue in your body. Different chelating agents are needed depending on the metals that are at issue. I would suggest that you work with your doctors to assess which heavy metals in particular are problematic for you. As you now know from listening to my radio show with Dr. Hickey, there are serious issues with the current medical tests used to assess the presence of heavy metals.
I personally think the diagnostic tests that are most revealing are bioenergetic testing, hair analysis and voice profiling. I have interviewed experts who discuss the benefits and outcomes of all three diagnostic approaches.
Naturopath doctor Ivy Faber from Canton, Georgia has been a guest on my radio show who uses bioenergetic testing. She has done those tests on myself. They are really quite amazing. Compounding Pharmacist Randy Mentzer from Olympia, Washington discussed hair analysis for heavy metal testing during my radio show with him. Sharry Edwards has been a guest on my show several times. She diagnoses heavy metal toxicity using voice profiling.
In summary, if this were me, I would step back and go through a series of diagnostics using several assessments that are different than the tests that you have already had done as a reliability check. Once you know what you are dealing with, a chelation approach can be designed that will be effective. It may still take time and patience!
In summary – it is a process which can be slow, tedious and frustrating. In my personal opinion, everyone in a body should be chelating the toxins using one approach or another.
Hang in there. There are many approaches to detox. Some actually makes things worse. When you land on the chelation approach that works for your body, I predict you will be very pleased with the outcome.
Many people who happen to currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s think of tremors as a problem and a nuisance. Recovery from Parkinson’s disease means that you have successfully eradicated the tremor or, at a minimum, numbed your neurological system so that the tremor does not exist. My report below documents two fascinating approaches that illustrate the hidden gift of tremors.
There is an alternative mindset that some people have adopted to their great advantage. Professional photographer Alan Babbitt finds his tremor is a huge advantage. Instead of trying to still his hand when he takes pictures, Allan allow his camera to jiggle in whatever position his hands move. He has produced a remarkable series of pictures that he aptly describes as “”tremor enhanced” work that are incredible in every respect. I was so taken by his images that I contracted with Alan to use one of his images as the featured cover of my book Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.
A second person with Parkinson’s who has used his tremor to great advantage is Whit Deschner. Whit is the founder of the Salt Lick contest in Baker City, Oregon which raises money for Parkinsons research every year. Whit was my featured guest on my radio show this week. How does author and humorist Whit Deschner manifest the hidden gift of tremors?
I have no doubt there are many answers to this question, given Whit’s off the chart creativity and innovativeness. Like Alan Babbitt, Whit has found his tremor to be of immense advantage in his own photography. Whit has always loved to take pictures, especially pictures of children as they are jumping. After experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s beginning 10 years ago, Whit found that when he began taking a picture of a child jumping his finger continued to snap the shot. Instead of one shot, he would invariably wind up with a long series of single shots taken with his still camera.
The 16th Annual Great Salt Lick Contest & Auction was Saturday, September 21, 2024.
As every cowboy and cowgirl knows, critters can be pretty darn creative when deriving minerals from a block of salt. By auctioning off the works of art, the Great Salt Lick contest has used that animal creativity to raise over $175,000 for Parkinson’s Research at OHSU!
Created by local artist, photographer and creative entertainer Whit Deschner, the Great Salt Lick Contest & Auction became a claim to fame for the ranching community of Baker City, Oregon. The community sits in the heart of cattle country, surrounded by mountains and grasslands. Deschner led the event through 15 years and has handed over the reins to the Baker City Lions Club. He’ll still be on hand to inspire the auction, as will the longtime auctioneer, Mib Bailey.
What do you do with a long series of single shots of the same scene? Choose the “best”? Or, use them all in a sequence of slide show like images. When you string together all of the pictures in sequence, it looks much like a movie of the scene such as a child jumping. ‘Talk about being creative!
There is a Youtube link below to a 9 minute video that tells the history of horses on Whit’s ranch. It is well worth taking 9 minutes of time in your busy day to watch this video. When you watch, pay particular attention to the many segments where you see evidence of Whit using all of the images from a still camera. Instead of seeing a still picture, you see a horse gracefully moving through a pasture or smiling back at you with a sweet grin on his face.
There is no mention of how Whit Deschner has used to advantage his tremor in this video, but I wanted you to know because I just learned how he did it today.
Some people think of tremors of a liability. Other people – like Whit and Alan – think of tremors as an asset which has led to remarkable discoveries and innovations. It is a choice for everyone.
Who else out there has a story that actualizes the hidden gift of tremors?
I am doing better with the Parkinson’s. I wish I didn’t have balance problems when I walk. I am walking with my mother in the morning 2 miles. My equilibrium is off, but it is better now that I am walking.
Do you have any ideas how I can help myself. The tremors are so much better since I do not have stress in my life.
Isn’t it so sweet to honor and acknowledge the profound impact stress has on symptoms and – better yet – to see what happens when you succeed in reducing stress. That is certainly cause for celebration. Congratulations.
Your general question regarding balance is one many people can relate to. Obviously I have no idea what is causing your specific balance challenge and even if I did, I am not qualified to suggest a remedy since I am a researcher (Ph.D.) not a medical doctor.
If I were personally experiencing balance issues, I would pursue the checklist below:
First, am I taking any medications whose side effects cause difficulties with balance. If so, I need to consult with a compounding pharmacist who might suggest to my doctor an alternative medication that does not have balance issues as a side effect.
Second, I have personally experienced ear problems throughout my lifetime – infections, difficulty hearing from one ear, etc. I might suspect that the balance problems are centered in problems I have with my ear. I have recently regained significant hearing in my bad ear by eliminating fungi and bacteria that were hanging out in my inner ear.
Third, I would explore the deeper meaning of my balance problems:
What is off balance in my personal life?
What is off balance in my work life?
Am I being jostled from one assignment to the next, or one task to the next without being able to complete any task satisfactorily?
Do I always feel suspended in a state of rushing from one unfinished task to another?
Am I doing what gives my heart and soul pleasure?
Am I always doing what I am told to do rather than what I want to do?
Is there someone in my life who is continuously knocking me off balance?
Depending on the answers, I would make some changes to correct the imbalances in my life.
Fourth, I would strengthen my grounding – which is my connection to mother earth. Right now you are not grounded. With electrical outlets there is always a grounding line which connects the electricity to the ground. That is also what humans must do to maintain balance and energy.
We are out of balance because most of our energy field floats primarily around our head, not our feet. You will want to even out the distribution of your energy field so that there is a solid foundation around your feet. Right now your field probably looks like an upside down triangle (with the point of the triangle at the bottom). You will want to shift that triangle 180 degrees so that the flat side of the triangle is at the bottom (at your feet). Pay more attention to your feet!
Consider also enrolling in my online Rock Solid Walking course which covered a variety of methods that address balance. Visit this link for more information and to register: Rock Solid Walking
May you feet land solidly on the ground and may you find balance harmony throughout each passing day.
I am french (29 years old) and have problems related to my nervous system, similar to essential tremor but with minor symptoms. I have tremors only sometimes and little ones, but I am scared that it will get worse in the future. In am interested in Ayurvedics as a Parkinsons treatment.
I am following an Ayurvedic treatment with Doctor Joshi who has clinic in Nagpur (maybe you know) and I think it is good. I saw on the internet about Doctor Paneri in Gujarat in India who claims to have great results with neurological problems.
My question is simple. What you think about his approach. Is it serious?
Response:
One of the interviews in Pioneers of Recovery (www.pioneersofrecovery.com) is with a man Nathan Zakheim, who used Dr. Paneri’s Ayurvedic approach to heal. He is symptom free today. I have some evidence that Ayurvedics as a Parkinsons treatment can be a huge benefit to people.
It takes a huge commitment to pursue this approach. The dietary requirements are very strict. I have known of people who tried the Ayurvedic approach, but abandoned it because of the strict dietary requirements.
I personally believe that the root of many symptoms lies in the gut. Getting your digestive system back on line and fully functional is a key to being able to fully and completely recover. Ayurvedics as a Parkinsons treatment is an excellent approach to accomplish this goal.
Dr. Paneri’s family has treated people with neurological problems for many generations so he is certainly no “fly by night.” Know that there are also many experienced ayurvedic practitioners in the US, Canada and other countries as well.
I was diagnosed with Akinetic Parkinsons in July. 2003. I am now having vision problems. I have blurry vision. I have double vision, and I cannot focus. Are these symptoms typical? If so, do you know of anything that I can take to overcome these symptoms.
I have read that COQ10 is good to take, but it is expensive. I am 69 years old and living on a fixed income. If there is any additional information that you might need, please let me know.
Thank you,
Ruth
I have not heard many reports of blurry vision, so from my research it is not that “typical”. But as one neurologist explained,
If you have seen one person with Parkinson’s, you have seen one person.
That is to say – each person’s situation is unique. It doesn’t really help to compare yourself to anyone else!
As for blurry vision solutions – I pursued a journey to find a natural treatment for eye problems after my uncle experienced series eye problems from cataracts. I found one eye drop in particular which reduces inflammation and cuts down on the free radicals which cause eye difficulties. The research on Can-C is quite impressive. You can read more information about these eye drops by visiting:
Will these eye drops help your situation? I obviously do not know. Research studies report
success for none out of ten users.
I do know that they address the problem of inflammation which contributes to many difficulties people have with their eyesight. It is a natural eye drop which has no side effects. You might want to discuss this option with your doctor.
Research does reveal that Coq10 can provide relief from various symptoms associated with Parkinsons Disease.Naturopath doctor Laurie Mischley reported during my radio show interview with her last June that it is important to get a high quality CoQ10. She explains that you are wasting your money if you get low cost CoQ10.
I recommend you check out the Pharmanord CoQ10. They have dozens of research studies
that report it has a significantly higher penetration than any other brand. They offer a 20% discount with coupon code PRQ10WEB.
May you find a solution to your problem soon and begin to see more clearly with each passing day.
One item I would like to see addressed is a condition called gastroperesis. I am told I have this condition due to my Parkinson’s. Medication is not possible due to this condition. How prevalent is Gastroperesis and Parkinsons. What about diet, possible other medications? Your input would be appreciated.
Dianna
One possibility you might explore with your doctors is whether the gastroperesis (which is a partial paralysis of the stomach and inability to digest food) is presently caused by any medications you might be taking. If that is the case, a solution for the problem can been found.
A second possibility is that your digestive system does not welcome food because it is unable to process it. Explore the possibility that your gut does not have sufficient good bacteria needed for digestion. Probiotics may be a solution to consider. I personally think everyone should be taking probiotics.
A third possibility is that the myelin sheaths around the nerves that control your stomach muscles are compromised. Are you getting enough fat in your diet?
A fourth possibility is that there is a deeper meaning behind what is happening to you. Is there something in your life you have simply not been able to digest, perhaps a job or a family member or a friend or an experience which is unpleasant or …? If we look for the deeper meaning behind what our bodies are telling us, we will understand the message our body is giving us and solve the problem.
A fifth possibility is that there is something you are putting in your body that your body can not tolerate. Perhaps it is allergic to this substance (a food, supplement or medicine) or perhaps the substance is toxic for one reason or another. You might get a little mileage out of investigating more diligently what your are putting into your body.
A sixth possibility is that there is a virus that is jamming up the system. I will be releasing soon discoveries I have made about natural treatments for viruses.
Finally, it might help to disengage the association of Gastroperesis and Parkinsons. Perhaps a focus on the condition might prove useful. You can for example pursue holistic diagnostics that pick up what is happening here.
There is voice analysis and bioenergetic testing and other holistic diagnostic approaches that might provide you with valuable insights into the root cause of the problem. Many holistic diagnostic options that analyze frequencies might offer valuable insights here.
I personally do not get any mileage out of a diagnosis. That is the domain of medical doctors. I am a researcher – not a medical doctor. A diagnosis focuses on what is wrong.
I prefer the perspective that the body can heal from the inside out. Focus on the reality that your digestive system will come back on track once the imbalance has been remedied.
Your body is trying to tell you something. It is actually working perfectly. Just listen to what your body is trying to tell you and you will be able to solve the problem yourself.
Aunt Bean was a guest on my radio show last year. She invented a tincture which she makes herself from fava beans she grows on her farm in Tennessee. Her tincture has provided her with sustained relief from the symptoms of Parkinsons that she currently experiences.
I have had a flurry of requests from people wanting to know her “secret” tincture recipe. Aunt Bean has now written up the instructions on how to make the tincture yourself.
You certainly cannot buy Aunt Bean’s fava bean tincture at your local health food store. It is not available on the the internet. If you want it you are going to have to grow your own fava beans and make the tincture yourself.
Here is a genuine self help program of recovery at its best: You have to do a little work to help yourself feel better but the payoff is well worth the trouble. Just ask Aunt Bean.
To learn the step by step process (which is really not that cumbersome), visit the Parkinsons Recovery fava bean website. I posted Aunt Bean’s instructions on how to make the fava bean tincture today.
Could you please send me the fava bean tincture instructions? Thank you very much with a lot of respect
Yelena
Instructions involve using the tips of the fava bean plants and placing them in alcohol for about 6 weeks. The person who invented this approach is Aunt Bean who blogs on the Parkinsons Recovery fava bean website. I know she has been experimenting with various formulas.
She has a download of fava bean tincture instructions on the Parkinsons Recovery fava bean website. The address to claim the download is: