Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Author: manabunnow4zph (Page 31 of 37)

How to Prepare Fava Beans for Best Results

Question:

What is the best way to cook fava beans for relief of the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease?

Gino

Response:

I forwarded this question to Aunt Bean who is a resident expert on everything there is to know about fava beans and how they have the potential to offer relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. I post regular correspondence from Aunt Bean on the Fava Bean Website (http://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com) sponsored by Parkinsons Recovery.

Dry Fava Beans do not have as much l-dopa as the sprouts.  Sprouts are the best way to get l-dopa supplementation.  They are easy to do.

You just soak the beans overnight  (about a 1/2 Cup in a bowl)  In the morning drain & rinse them well. Drain them well and cover with a paper towel to keep light out.  Rinse and drain well 3 times a day until they start to sprout. It only takes about 3 days. Then rinse well and let them stand in water about 15 minutes to soften the skins.

Drain & remove the skins.  Rinse well again. Then put into a steamer (beans not in water)     & steam covered for 6 minutes after the water starts boiling good.  Remove from steam  Rinse with cold water. Dry. Put on a plate or cookie sheet in a single layer to freeze.  Then after about 45 minutes put in a plastic freezer zip lock and freeze
until needed.

Experiment with eating 2 or 3 every couple of hours or/ just in the in between times when you are not taking meds…everyone is so different & so are the doses of meds & time schedules and activity levels…you will have to find your own dose amount and how often to take them.   Always start with a small amount as with any medicine…They are medicine…just a natural whole food medicine for us.

Also, remember to have a G6 PD blood test done to make sure you are ok to take them(having the right enzymes necessary , or they can hurt you!)  Also, ask your physician if you are on any MAOI’s…fava supplementing can cause a quick and dangerous rise in Blood Pressure when mixed with these drugs. Let your doctor know, so  they can work with you and be aware of your experimenting!

Goya Favas usually sprout well. If you wish to cook dry fava beans:  Soak them overnight to hydrate them. Then rinse well in the morning and put in clean water and cook til tender.  After they are coked, they taste great stir fried with garlic & onion.  YUM

God Bless!

Aunt Bean

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery

Resources
Vibration Therapy
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Eye Drops for Cataracts
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News


Can Medications Make Symptoms Worse

Can medications make symptoms worse? I have been taking L/Dopa for 6 months now and just increased my dose in the last couple weeks and I have noticed more tremors in my legs.

Mandy

Unfortunately, taking medications is a two edged sword. Yes, they can provide relief from some of the symptoms – especially in the short run. And yes, all prescription medications have side effects.

If you list all of the side effects associated with the prescription medications that are available to treat Parkinson’s Disease you will actually see a long list of all the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s.

Some people experience few side effects. They find the medications provide them with welcome relief. Other people report that the side effects are worse than the symptoms they experienced before taking the medications.

I am not a medical doctor. I am not qualified to diagnose what is happening to you. I can offer a simple observation.

If you increase the dose of a medication and the symptoms are worse than before, your body is giving you a strong message. For whatever reason, the medication(s) at the current dose do not appear to be helping.

It could be a single medication. Or, it could be the side effects created from taking more than one medication. Your doctor is the go to resource when it comes down to resolving this problem. It may be a simple problem with a dose that is too high.

I would recommend entertaining other options that offer the opportunity to tame tremors which can be used in conjunction with medications. I have documented dozens of natural therapies that are proven to quiet  tremors in my online course here: Tame Tremors.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Is Recovery Possible with Parkinsons Medications?

I have been reading information on how to recover from Parkinson’s Disease and I came upon a article that indicated that once you are on the Parkinsons medication you cannot recover from the disease…that you cannot go back so to speak. Do you believe this to be true? Is Recovery Possible with Parkinsons Medications?

Mandy

No I do not believe this is true. What do I believe?

Our thought forms determine our health and wellness. If you believe recovery is not possible for any reason – in your example because of the medications – recovery will not be possible. Period. End of story.

If on the other hand, you believe that recovery is possible, the magic begins. You will quickly begin to feel better. Transform your moment to moment thoughts and the miracle of life will unfold before your eyes.

I wrote Five Steps to Recovery to help people transform the thought forms that no longer serve their best and highest good. The steps help me moment to moment transform my own thoughts which do not serve my best and highest good. The challenge of transformation is tricky because we have as many as 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts each day!

I say to you today – believe in your heart, mind and soul that recovery will happen. Then sit back and enjoy the ride to recovery. Is recovery possible with Parkinsons medications? My answer is yes.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Lyme Disease and Parkinsons Disease

I was tested and treated for Lyme disease (including intravenously) 3 times last year. In January 2010, I was diagnosed with PD.Is there a relationship between Lyme disease and Parkinsons disease?

Have you seen the same thing with many of your bloggers?

Joanne

There is an overlap between the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Lyme Disease. The research suggests that some people are misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease when in fact they have Lyme Disease. From how I see it, this is a possibility that is often overlooked. The symptoms are very similar.

Of course, the recommended treatments are vastly different. This is one of the reasons I talk so much about strengthening your immune system regardless of the diagnosis.

Most of the cases involve a process that is reversed from yours. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s is given. No treatments seem to help. The person searches for other solutions. They eventually discover that they have Lyme disease, not Parkinson’s.

About Lyme disease and Parkinsons disease

Your question elicits a larger issue. I believe that many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s are actually caused by bacterial infections. Lyme is only one of the culprits. Some of the bacteria do not have cell walls and thus defy detection by standard diagnostic tests.

If you had three separate treatments last year, you must have a deep respect for the resiliency of the Lyme infection. It is only one of hundreds that can create havoc in the neurological system. Most bacterial infections these days are very difficult to treat successfully.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Eye Drops for Cataracts

How Can Toxins or Stress Be Removed?

How can toxins or stress be removed if it’s trapped at a cell level?

Gino

This is certainly an important question. There are a wide variety of detox methods that remove toxins and a wide selection of approaches that assist the body with releasing trauma.No gold standard exists for either because everyone’s body is different.

Many people discover that one therapy will work for a while. Then, they have to switch off to another in order to continue the recovery process. Different methods are successful at different points in the recovery process.

One of the reasons I air the radio show is to offer a wide variety of choices you can consider. Whether my guest is a health care practitioner or a person who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson’s, they usually tap into their approach for detoxing and de-stressing. People with the symptoms of Parkinson’s talk about what therapies are working for them. It doesn’t mean it will work for you – but it is a starting place.

I am guessing you were hoping for a much more simplistic answer to your question – how can toxins or stress be removed? Perhaps a few websites to visit? There are not just a few. There are hundreds. There are hundreds of resources out there for you to pick and choose from.

The most important step is to begin taking action now. Initiate your own exploration. Call or e mail some of my radio show guests. Get more information. See what calls out to you.

You really can’t go wrong. Most of the therapies people find are the most helpful are safe, non-intrusive and effective. The only side effect is improved health on some level.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 

Liver and Kidney Detoxes

Can Parkinson’s be caused by problems in either kidney or liver? If so, can liver and kidney detoxes help relieve tremors?

Gino

Response:

Research has shown that many of the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease – and there are many – can be caused by toxins. The kidneys and liver get clogged up with a residue of toxins that create a formidable bottleneck in the elimination system. New toxins that enter the body have no where to go other than hide away inside the cells. Cells are a nice place to hang out.

My answer to your question is yes. Detoxes for everyone – those with a diagnosis of Parkinsons and those without – are a critical component of health and wellness. Think of detoxing your kidneys and liver to be the same chore as brushing your teeth. Both are necessary. Both need to be done on a regular basis.

Will a liver and kidney detoxes relieve tremors? The answer depends on whether you are also able to release the stress and trauma that may be trapped at the cellular level of your body. Toxins are impossible to release as long as trauma resides within the structural membrane of the cells.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership

 

Dentists in Australia Qualified to Give TMJ Assessments

Hi Robert,. I’ve just listened to Cheryl’s fascinating story. Thank you for making it available. I have a question about dentists in Australia qualified to give TMJ assessments.

I live in Melbourne, Australia and have been challenged by Parkinson’s since 1998 and now I’m 59. I am a man.

Could you kindly direct me to where I can find a list of dentists providing this retainer device – and specifically the one that Cheryl went to? Or perhaps you could put em in touch with her via email. Thanks. Of course if you have any info about dentists providing this in Australia then of course that would be much appreciated.

Robert thank you so much for your prompt assistance with this request.

Cheers

Marek
Melbourne Australia

Click on the link below and you will find a listing of dentists in Australia who are qualified to do the assessment and make the TMJ appliance. There is a listing of one dentist in Melbourne.

https://www.aacfp.org/page/AACPMemberMap

My goal for each interview with a guest  is to have information that people can act on to get sustained relief from their symptoms. I am so happy to learn that you found this program helpful in information about dentists in Australia qualified to give TMJ assessments. Please keep listening!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Dentists who Treat TMJ Misalignments

I heard your radio show describing Cheryl’s experience with TMJ. I live on Mercer Island, (relatively close to your neck of the woods) and would like to find dentists who Treat TMJ Misalignments who have the proper equipment and expertise to do TMJ properly. Can you help me on this? Also, who was her dentist in L.A?

I am 3 years into PD and want to RID myself of this thing!

And, thanks for your help with your show and optimism. I’m a strong believer in John Coleman’s protocol.

Thanks you so much for being there!

Richard

Click on the link below and you will find a listing of dentists who treat TMJ misalignments and are qualified to do the TMJ exam and make the appliance that corrects misalignments:

http://www.aacfp.org/cgi-bin/loc.pl?76

John Coleman, author of Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’ is a remarkable man in every respect. Having become symptom free himself, he now provides help as a naturopath doctor to hundreds of people with Parkinson’s symptoms.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Remedy for Frozen Shoulder

One thing that did work for me was practicing my nunchaku techniques. I was suffering from a frozen shoulder for about 12 months and tried all the recommended exercises and pain killers from the doctor without much success. So last month I tried my nunchaku with a bit of caution. Get it wrong and you can hurt yourself.

I would recommend anyone wishing to try this should use foam Nunchaku’s or go to a qualified martial arts instructor. If you are wondering what they are I have attached a link to youtube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6QbRgi4wO8&feature=related

John

Fava Beans and Mucuna

Hi Robert: I have been subscribing on your newsletter for a short while and also purchased the pdf version of the book Pioneers of Recovery. I read it and found interesting the information about the Mucuna herb (the interview with Max). He said that at times he mainly takes Mucuna on not that much traditional medication (Sinemet). I am interested in knowing more about fava beans and Macuna as therapies for Parkinsons. 

I have tried to find some information about the Mucuna Pruriens herb on the internet and especially dosages and feel like the information about dosages is hard to find. I have purchased Mucuna Pruriens powder but the information of how and how much to take it seems to be difficult to find. Is powder better than tablets etc. Does the powder lose effects if blended in warm water in with tea for example.

My mother was diagnosed some 10 years ago and I am trying to find alternative treatments for her.

I understand you get hundreds of emails regards PD but if you have the time, could you guide me in the direction of someone who can help with Mucuna dosages with powder or pills or is there something else.

I live in Northern Europe quite far from you.

with best regards

Kaj

About Fava Beans and Mucuna

It is clearly the case that Mucuna can be helpful to individuals currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Your question on the issue of the proper dosage is a very complicated. If you mother is also taking another medication like Sinemet – you will want to work closely with her doctor to ascertain the proper dosage.

If she uses both meditations – you are really using two drugs that are intended to have a similar effect. Mucuna is natural – but it is also a drug – just like Sinemet. You certainly do not want your Mom to overdo the dose – which can cause other unwanted side effects.

As I see it, the true challenge with using Mucuna to treat some of the symptoms of Parkinsons  is finding a reliable source. I receive many inquires asking about a good source for Mucuna. The truth is I really do not know of a reliable source at this time. People do not like to hear this answer – but it is the best I have at this time.

There are many companies that sell Mucuna – but it does not have the energetic charge you need. The energetic charge you need comes from growing Mucuna in the wild. Commercial growers do not typically harvest Mucuna that is growing in the wild.

I do have one great lead and suggestion for you to consider – Fava Beans. Aunt Bean has a four acre farm in Tennessee where she groes fava beans and Mucuna. Fava beans are also an alternative source of dopamine.
www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com

She writes about her harvests on the blog and is doing self guided research to determine the best way to grow and harvest both fava beans and Mucuna. Aunt Bean makes her own fava bean tincture from the tips of the fava bean plants which gives her remarkable relief from her own symptoms.

My suggestion is to contact Aunt Bean through the website and learn more about what she is doing. She has had wonderful success with growing fava beans and Mucuna plants on her farm (as have other persons) and is eager to help others get started with growing their own fava beans and Mucuna plants.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Recommendation on Walk In Shower

Question:

We want to put in a walk in shower that is easy to clean, will not splash water onto the bathroom floor, is wheel chair accessible and can be put into the space of our existing bathtub which we plan to remove.  What is a good company from which to purchase such a product that caters to the handicapped?

Theresa

Response:

I am posting your question in the event that a reader out there has a suggestion for you.

I do not center my research on issues connected with disabilities associated with the symptoms of Parkinsons for a simple reason. I believe that our thoughts determine our future. If we believe we will become handicapped in the future – we will become handicapped. If we believe we will recover from whatever particular mobility challenge we might be currently experiencing, we will recover. Our bodies can and do return to their natural state of balance and harmony.

Your project sounds wise for many obvious reasons. I have my fingers crossed that a reader of the Parkinsons Recovery blog has a good suggestion for you to investigate. This unfortunately is one question I cannot answer – though it pains me to admit I do not know.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

TMJ Misalignments and Parkinsons

Monica gave me permission to post her email below about TMJ misalignments and Parkinsons.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 

I listened to your interview with Cheryl. WOW. There are articles on the internet that discuss TMJ and its relationship to motor skills, as well as the usual headaches, ear ringing, back and neck ache, fibromalgia, shoulder pain etc.

It kind of makes me think of TMJ correction as a myofascial release for the jaws where the condyles house the nerves and blood vessels. As usual, and thru reading various myofascial release lit its exactly the same idea that the body affect somewhere isn’t exactly where one feels the pain but further up the body in another location.

The TMJ joint is one of if not the most used joint in the body. We hold tension surrounding it, we use it when speaking or chewing gum. We even grind teeth at night keeping it active. It’s got a lot of nerves running through the condyl part of it. It even has its own little disc for cushioning.

I can see why misalignment would cause problems all over the body.  I know if one part of me is out of whack, it makes me  feel bad all over. So maybe some relief or complete relief is possible if we paid more attention to our jaw then to our teeth on dentist check ups.

Myofascial massage therapists in general are hard to locate if you need help for knots. It’s special training and not many have heard of it. Sort of like the 50 or so dentists that specialize in TMJ correction that Cheryl mentioned.

I believe that the causes of PD symptoms are multifaceted like trauma, both psychological, environment and physical. TMJ correction sounds like something that should be researched. I’m calling the Parkinson resource people Cheryl mentioned for the symposium in Indian Wells in January.

TMJ correction makes the most sense to me of all the stuff I’ve seen on PD. I know my jaw is wacky. I can feel it. I’ve started getting ear ringing now ever so often. TMJ correction works by bringing the lower jaw forward and retraining it if I understand it  right. I’m totally excited about this whole concept.

Thank you Robert for everything you do !!!!!

Monica

Angela’s Story

Angela is my guest on the radio show this week. As you can ascertain from her story below, she has had a fascinating journey on the road to recovery.

Angela’s History

Work as a freelance professional engineer in the pulp and paper industry. Based near Vancouver BC but work mainly overseas, particularly in Chile and in New Zealand.

In 2009, I won the Beloit Prize, the highest honour for engineering in the pulp and paper industry.

Have had previous training as a therapist in Hakomi body centered psychotherapy.

Was a trainer in “Living Love” method as described by Ken Keyes Junior in his book “The Power of Unconditional Love” and others. Ken taught that true happiness is uncaused, that no one or nothing is ever made us upset are unhappy. This is really good news since I realized I could change myself whereas it is impossible to change anyone else.

Living Love has really helped me with my PD. I don’t have to demand that I not have it, with all the attendant negative emotions. I can prefer to be PD free and work to that goal without negativity.

For many years, was an adept meditator. Spent much of my spare time on the spiritual journey visiting spiritual communities around the world.

My hobby and passion is fine wine. I am a past president of the American Wine Society. I know that many people with PD have lost their ability to smell but I still have mine. The result of long, intense training?

My outlook on life is decidedly optimistic. I am a “reverse paranoid” as I believe that everyone is out there to make me happy!

2006

First symptoms 2006 at age 59: cramped handwriting and frozen right shoulder.

Over the years my handwriting has remained cramped but my right shoulder has thawed. The tremor in my right hand has increased from virtually nothing in 2006 to intermittently bothersome in 2010.

Saw a neurologist in December 2006. Possible Parkinson’s. I rejected this out of hand as it was obvious that I have a “pinched nerve”.

Part of me still wants to believe the pinched nerve theory.

2007

Went for a second opinion. Saw another neurologist in May 2007. Diagnosis: idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. This was a terrible moment in my life as the urologist was almost gleeful when he told me what I had, as if he had solved some great mystery. I felt like I had been shot with a cannon.

On the recommendation of my neurologist, I started on Mirapex, a dopamine agonist. Dreadful side effects: somnolence, insomnia, nausea. Just about everything except compulsive gambling. I stopped taking Mirapex after four weeks and vowed to never again take a Parkinson’s medication.

It is as if the Mirapex put a “hole” in my brain. It took over three years for this to be repaired. I would classify Mirapex is a neurotoxin.

Desired third opinion. Had a PET scan at the Inglewood imaging center in LA. Supported diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Finally accepted that I had PD and decided to defy rather than deny it.

Having read that exercise is the “best medicine” for PD decided to get serious about it. Started running. Started going to the gym. Hired a personal trainer. Within four months I had lost nearly 50 pounds and became a lean, not-so-mean, fighting machine.

I exercise regimen at the gym typically consists of 30 min. of cardio (upright bike), 30 min. on the weights, and 30 min. of stretching.

My personal trainer concentrates on keeping all of my muscle groups functional. She also includes many balance exercises. Balance on my right leg is not as good as on my left but at least I still have it.

I regained use of right shoulder by numerous injections of prolotherapy, although my right arm remained significantly impaired.

Prolotherapy is merely the injection of dextrose into the tendons. This irritates the tendon and stimulates blood flow to the area. It really hurts! But after two months I could raise my arm that was formerly just hanging at my side.

I was introduced to kickboxing by my personal trainer. Found that I enjoyed it very much.

They usually have 2×30 min. sessions of kickboxing a week. Kickboxing also feels good and I believe it is the cyclic vibrations from alternating job-crosses, right hooks-left hooks, right kicks-left kicks, that keep my movements stabilized. I particularly like hitting a dummy that I have named “Mr. Parkinson”.

On the recommendation of a friend, I started playing tennis again (I had to stop due to my frozen shoulder) using my left arm instead of my right. Soon after, however, I regained the use of my right arm. Now, I have two forehands and a left-handed serve.

I now visit Florida for two months each year where I engage a tennis coach every other day to put me through my paces. When I am on the court, I can run like the wind, and have no problems moving sideways or forwards or backwards or running. As soon as I leave the court, my PD symptoms return. I wish I could play tennis 24/7.

2008

Saw Jon Stossel, Canada’s top PD researcher at the University of British Columbia. With him, I feel that I am being provided with the best service available from standard Western medicine.

I see Jon Stossel once a year.

Became a patient of ND Caleb Ng of Mountainview Wellness Center in Surrey BC. Introduced to protocol of Dr. David Perlmutter, the “renegade neurologist”. Embraced Perlmutter’s protocol of supplements for neuroprotection of Parkinson’s patients. This included co-enzyme Q10, omega-3, B-complex, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and others.

I have been taking intravenous glutathione once or twice-weekly. I began with 1400 mg but am now taking 2500 mg each time. Quite frankly, I have never noticed any of the miraculous improvements shown in Perlmutter’s videos.

Caleb also started me on chelation therapy as urinalysis revealed high contents of lead and mercury. I had about a dozen sessions but then have stopped. I understand that dozens of sessions are necessary for any improvement to be realized.

2009

While visiting my Hakomi teacher in Ashland, Oregon, I found out about the Center for Natural Healing in Ashland where herbalist Donnie Yance had a botanical protocol for PD. In late July, 2009, I commenced his protocol for botanicals and supplements. Botanicals included Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, turmeric, and others. Additional supplements included vitamin D3, zinc, selenium, and others.

After one year on the Donnie Yance botanical protocol, I decided to stop taking Mucuna and NADH as neither of these appear to offer any therapeutic benefit whatsoever.

I am about to start using henbane, a botanical anticholinergic, in an attempt to reduce the tremors. The grand experiment is yet to begin however.

In June, 2009, I became a member of PatientsLikeMe.com (patient name: Dawn Angel). I also joined 23andMe.com where I learned that I did not have the LRRK gene for Parkinson’s.

In September, 2009, I visited John Coleman in Australia. The recommended that I go on a strict diet: gluten-free, dairy-free, coffee-free, sugar-free, peanut-free, cashew-free, and so on. He also recommended that a begin taking the Aquas. For therapy, he recommended Bowen.

I have recently stopped taking the Aquas as I have never noticed any benefit from it.

I had several sessions of Bowen therapy. Very relaxing. Not as effective as IMS (see below).

While working in New Zealand, I found a very good osteopath who was able to effect incredible improvement in my tremors.

Osteopathy is mostly hands-free bodywork. I have no idea how or why it works, but it does.

In December, 2009, I attended Robert Rodger’s “Jump Start to Wellness” in Olympia Washington. This is where I first learned that there were other people interested in getting well.

2010

A check of my free cortisol rhythm revealed that my cortisol levels were very low throughout the day. This is characteristic of “adrenal fatigue”. The only problem was, I remained high-energy and was not fatigued in the least, however, I began taking the supplement called “Adrenal Support”.

In January and February of 2010 I had a 10-session course of Hellerwork, a form of myofascial release. Very good.

Hellerwork is closely related to Rolfing. Over the 10 sessions my practitioner literally massaged all the fascia of my body. It felt great to have stiffened muscles worked upon. I return for an occasional tune-up.

I found a practitioner of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), who has been able to read awaken muscles that had become shortened due to disuse. This has been the most effective therapy of all for me.

IMS involves needling as in acupuncture but the needles are applied to the tendons instead of to fictional meridians. The benefits of IMS are immediate and last for at least several days. I see my physiotherapist weekly.

Despite improvements in my mobility and strength, the tremors in my right hand had become noticeably worse, especially when I visit either an M.D. or a neurologist. The tremors would go away as soon as they left their offices. This is clearly a manifestation of “white coat syndrome”.

I revisited John Coleman in May, 2010. He commented that tremors were the last symptom to go away for him.

After hearing about the possible benefits of neurofeedback for PD, I had a EEG done and found that my dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was not producing theta waves. I have since had six sessions of neurofeedback and have noticed improvement.

In a session, an electrode is applied to my scalp in the location of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. I listened to soothing sounds through headphones. When that part of my brain is active I hear the sounds. When it is in active, I hear only static. The reward is the sound and the brain actively creates the ability to hear the sound without intervention on my part.

I purchased a small unit for cranial electrostimulation (CES). This applies a very small current through my head by means of electrodes clamped to my earlobes. I find it very relaxing; indeed, it is a form of meditation. Since my diagnosis with PD, meditation has not come easy to me.

In October, 2010, I visited France where I completely abandoned my dietary protocol and gorged myself on foie gras, croissant’s, baguettes, rich cheeses, exotic desserts, café au lait, and other forbidden foods. After one week I felt better than I have in three years. Go figure, who would’ve thought there was such a thing as the “French Cure”! Vive la hedonism!

Angela

Cheryls Miracle Turnaround

My name is Cheryl and I want to report  on a miracle turnaround. I’m 52 and have been living with Parkinson’s for 10 years now. I will get right to the point. As of 1 month ago, my symptoms are reversing, diminishing, going away. I am healing every day.”

After 10 years of searching, Cheryl has at long last found a therapy which she describes as a miracle. Want to learn more about the miracle that has made a huge difference to the quality of Cheryl’s life? I can promise you one thing: You will not be able to predict the therapy that is Cheryls miracle turnaround and has transformed her life.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders refer to problems with the temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull. These joints are involved in essential functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. TMJ disorders can cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw, face, and neck, and may also lead to:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or speaking
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Limited jaw movement or locking of the jaw

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease Now on Amazon’s Kindle

My new book was just released on Amazon’s Kindle today for the magnificent price of $9.99. If you already have a Kindle – you can acquire the book by visiting Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

A Kindle is a device sold by Amazon which you can use to read books which are all very reasonably priced. If you do not yet own a kindle, you can purchase one for Amazon’s new reduced price of only $139. Click on he  link below for the details if you are interested in buying a Kindle so you can my new book on Kindle.

Welcome to Our World

Dancer Pamela Quinn recently made a video which was a co-winner of the first prize awarded in the video competition sponsored by the Second World Parkinson Congress. Pamela is the individual Daniel Loney talks about in the September 4th post here on the Parkinsons Recovery Blog [scroll down to the next post]. Daniel put a link to the video on his post – but I did not anyone to miss it!

The video, entitled Welcome to Our World, takes three minutes to watch. You will remember it for the rest of your life.   Click on the link below to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/user/filmbee#p/u/10/jhxtqwHO9Tg

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

Relief from Tremors

Where can I find how others get relief from tremors ? Mine get especially bad after 4pm………..it drives me NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Sinemet does not help.

Thanks

Patricia

I have extracted all of the suggestions I have discovered over the past two decades and included them in my online course – Tame Tremors. Many of the suggestions come from persons with tremors who have found various ways to tame them. Visit the page below for an overview of the course and an opportunity to enroll. https://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/tame-tremors/

There is quite a bit of great information here on the Parkinsons Recovery Blog. Look over to the right column and scroll down to the category listing that reads “calm tremors.” Click on this category. It will take you to a listing of  postings that address ways people have found relief from their tremors. (If you are using your phone the category listings will be at the bottom of the page.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Physical Therapy and Swallowing: Two Suggestions That Helped

I appreciate your work very much. It has contributed a great deal to improving my life. For example, the doctors [Roya Sayadi, Ph.D. and Joel Herskowitz, M.D., authors of Swallow Safely] who were experts on swallowing ended much of my choking problems because of the build up of bacteria. A mouth cleansing usually brings things to an end. It was good to emphasize oral care because of this cavity’s proximity to the brain.

The man who was and is a physical therapist [Kevin Lockette, author of Move It] brought such passion to his work that I took up physical therapy when it was offered. It is very difficult to do. I am not doing the full load yet, but it is bringing hope of being less disabled as new pathways are created and felt. My PT has no idea what you go through with Parkinson’s, so today I explained a bit.

Alan

Parkinsons Tai Chi

Tai Chi Master Daniel Loney gave me permission to post his inspiration account of his Parkinsons Tai Chi visit to the USA. His story, which he titled Incredible People, follows.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

I recently returned from a fantastic five week visit to the U.S. I had been invited by the Parkinsons Recovery organization to give a series of Tai Chi workshops to Parkinsons people during an eight day cruise to Alaska. After the cruise, I gave several workshops in Washington and Oregon on behalf of the Northwest Parkinsons Foundation. And then, before returning to Israel, I spent a week in New York where I attended some dance sessions for Parkinsons people, sponsored by the Mark Morris Dance Group.

One evening during the cruise, my brother and I were having dinner with Robert Rodgers and Deborah Russell, the founders of Parkinsons Recovery. In the course of our conversation, Robert turned to me and said,

Danny, all week long people have been coming up to me and saying that the Tai Chi is great, but Danny is incredible.

His words went straight to my heart. I was fighting to keep back tears. Robert continued,

When you do your Parkinsons Tai Chi, you do it with such passion that the room just explodes with a high frequency energy that draws other people in, prompting them to be involved.

I was overwhelmed that I had such an impact on others. Tai Chi is one of my passions in life. When I am doing Tai Chi, I feel at my best. I go deep into myself, to a place where Parkinsons symptoms melt away. Just as a painter expresses his inner most self through his painting, and a poet through his poetry; I express my inner most self through my Tai Chi.

This frequency explosion or whatever you want to call it, repeated itself with every subsequent Parkinsons Tai Chi workshop that I did. Participant faces would light up with smiles as they followed my movements. At the conclusion of the Mercer Island workshop near Seattle, people were standing around in small groups, discussing the workshop. In one group, Bill Bell, president of the Northwest Parkinsons Foundation was commenting to others that the energy level in the room was so high that people could not keep from participating. One woman in the group said that when we were doing our Qi Gong exercises, she felt as if I were lifting her hands for her.

There is certainly nothing special about me. If I am incredible, then it must be because I am surrounded by incredible people. In fact, the Parkinsons group on the cruise was filled with many incredible people who were taking active roles in finding relief and healing from their Parkinsons symptoms.

One such incredible person is Dave Yonce. Talking with Dave is a wonderful experience. He has a gentle personality and his life is packed with adventures. He related to me how, in his younger years, he had walked and hitch hiked across North Africa and had tried to enter Israel. But, because there was no peace agreement at that time between Egypt and Israel, he was not permitted to cross the border. Dave recently completed a walk across the Olympian Peninsula in the state of Washington, a trek of more than fifty miles (80 kilometers). I looked at Dave wondering how on earth he had accomplished that task, as Dave had marked trembling in both hands and certainly did not look able to do such a feat.

The next morning I understood how he had walked such a distance. As the ship docked at Ketchikan, my brother and I disembarked to walk around and see the town. After walking some distance, we stopped to rest and take some pictures. Suddenly, I noticed Dave and his wife walking in our direction. As a Tai Chi instructor, I pay particular attention to peoples posture, how they move their bodies and how they walk. As I watched Dave approach, I was witnessing one of the most astounding acts of movement I have ever seen. Dave was gliding along, with big strides, effortlessly and efficiently moving his body. As he floated by, he moved like a graceful crane as if he was skimming on top of water. Dave smiled at us as he passed and I turned my head staring at him as he disappeared off in the distance. Later, we managed to catch up with Dave. I noticed him through the window of a small cafe comfortably parked at a table having a bite to eat. He looked relaxed, comfortable, and energized as he smiled through the window at me. By that time, I was sweaty and exhausted after clomping along trying to keep pace with my brother. I have since tried many times to replicate Daves walk, but to no success. I hope that I will see Dave again so that I can study his walk in greater detail.

While I was at a Parkinsons dance class in New York, I met another incredible person, Pamela Quinn. Pamela is a professional dancer who developed the symptoms of Parkinsons at a young age. She is currently 55 years old and has had Parkinsons for fifteen years. As she started teaching her class, there was that same explosion of energy that Robert had described about my classes. Participants were smiling and laughing and enjoying themselves. I was deeply moved as I watched her guide the class through her routines. She had such grace and poise. Pam is extremely innovative in her approach and has developed many exercises that address specific Parkinsons symptoms. I had taken my camera along, but I was so mesmerized by Pams passion and positive energy that I completely forgot to take the pictures.

So what made my visit to the States so special? It was special because I discovered that each one and every one of us has the opportunity to become incredible. I learned that we become incredible by living and investing ourselves to the fullest of our abilities in pursuit of our passions in life. And when we begin to share our passion with others, we release explosive high frequency energy that brings healing, encouragement, comfort, and joy to everyone around us.

Links:

Parkinsons Recovery Home

https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Parkinsons Recovery Radio Blog https://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Pamela Quinn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHXP0xjxnq8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhxtqwHO9Tg

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