Naturopath John Coleman, ND, was my guest on Parkinsons Recovery Radio discussing treat the cause. An overview of the program and a set of questions he answers follow.
There is a strong view among adventurous healthcare professionals that Parkinsons disease is not a distinct, separate disease, but one possible set of symptoms arising from one or more causes that create a degenerative process.
Other diseases that may arise from these causes include Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple System Atrophy, Motor Neurone Disease/ALS, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimers disease, Dementia, Type 2 Diabetes, certain cancers, and many others.
When viewed in this way, likely causes become clearer and treatment options widen dramatically. Modern research is now showing significant benefits from folk medicine and anxient remedies like food choices, appropriate hydration, dancing, singing, gentle detoxification activities, self-love and meditation.
Lets look at Parkinsons disease as a set of symptoms, discover the individual pathway that led each person to this point, and treat the cause to manifest wellness.www.returntostillness.com.au
What evidence is there for the idea that Parkinsons disease is simply a set of symptoms rather than a distinct disease?
What are the causes or processes that may lead to degeneration and diagnosis of a disease.
How can we find the cause or causes for each individual when western medicine struggles to even diagnose Parkinsons disease accurately?
Are there some simple diagnostic tools to help us?
Are there some general health-giving activities and choices that apply no matter what cause is discovered?
You list three basic causes for all degenerative disorders. Can we talk about some basic treatment options for each one?
Suppressed trauma
Environmental toxins
Stealth infections
How much of the recovery process depends on the patient?
You talk about some specific therapies in presentations – Aqua Hydration Formulas and Bowen Therapy. Is there any evidence supporting their use for those diagnosed with Parkinsons disease?
“Stop Parkin and Start Livin was published in 2005. Have you changed your views on any aspects of treatment since then?
There is a lot of talk about the Mediterranean Diet for those with Parkinsons disease. Do you think this is the best diet to choose?
Research has been published purporting to show that coffee (3-6 cups daily) is protective against Parkinsons disease (and a number of other conditions) and is a useful dietary supplement. Do you agree?
If a person develops Parkinsons disease-like symptoms, and/or is diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, what are your top tips for moving forward towards good health?
Is treat the cause at the top of the list?
Dear Robert: I write to you on behalf of my mum, Carol, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just 3 years ago. She has asked that I carry out her correspondence since she feels she becomes anxious when working at the computer (may be a symptom of her Parkinson’s?). At the time of diagnosis she was led to believe life was all down hill from there on and felt very scared, vulnerable and of course depressed. She is reluctant to start on dopamine medication as is the type of person who looks toward trying more natural therapies where possible. We are interested in voice profiling.
It was only by accident that while browsing the internet one evening she stumbled across your web site (we’re from England, UK) and the rest is history. From listening to your weekly programs, she has grown in confidence. The incredibly useful information and advice you give is made all the more inspiring by your optimistic and encouraging style.
She has also been inspired by two guests in particular on your programs – John Coleman ND and Sharry Edwards who is the pioneer of voice profiling. She followed advice regarding the potentially irritating affects of wheat and since giving up wheat/gluten 6 weeks ago she has noticed she has started to regain her sence of smell. Only this morning she remarked how she was able to smell the roses in her garden for the first time in years!
After listening to your most recent program on voice profiling, my mum has decided to take the wonderful opportunity to download the Parkinsons Voice profiling software programs for free to process her own voice profile.
Once again, a big thank you for all your hard work and encouragement – it is very much appreciated – please keep it up!
Listen to my radio show interview with Sharry Edwards:
Since airing the show, I have heard from one individual who has taken the voice profiling classes offered by Sound Health. She reports the classes are very challenging and demanding – much like earning an advanced degree. She also reports it has been a fascinating journey of discovery.
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:
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.
I received a copy of the e-mail below from Kumar which refers to my interview with John Coleman ND on my radio program.
Kumar has given me permission to post his letter which was actually sent to John Coleman, ND. I love to post such letters – whether they are addressed to me or someone else. It is energizing and motivating to see what other people are doing to get wonderful relief from their symptoms.
I just heard the interview with Dr. Rodgers and the questions and answers. It was fascinating. I was happy you gave so much importance to meditation. I have been meditating for the last two decades, praying to the Lord in the form of devotional singing and giving importance to spiritual exercises under capable Masters but yet I was diagnosed to be suffering from PD about three years back. However I have continued all these along with medications which is syndopa plus(Levodopa 100mg + carbidopa 25 mg) 1.5 tablets four times a day and the dopamine agonist Ropark 2 mg three times a day as prescribed by the neuro physician.
I am feeling quite fine. Tremors have reduced significantly. I can walk at a stretch for 30 min with both arms swinging and climb staircases without any support since this was the severe problem I suffered with last month since I was falling backwards while climbing staircases and also while moving horizontally at home and other places. Add to this hallucinations and uneasy feeling on the back of the head which are no longer there.
The present improved condition is due to two weeks of hospitalization for drug optimization, physiotherapy done both at home and the hospital for coordination, balancing, muscle strengthening involving cycling, rowing, weight lifting for both arms and lower limbs and exercise on the tread mill for slow walking with longer steps. Beside these I have also been doing exercises prescribed by Dr. Roberts from the Internet which are also helpful. I taught some of these exercises to the physios attending on me.
I am eagerly waiting for the Aquas hydration formula which has not arrived yet even after 24 days after ordering the same. In the mean while I am trying my best to drink 8 glasses of water everyday.
I would like to share a simple technique here which we call evening cleaning. After the day’s work when we are relaxed, we seat ourselves in a comfortable seat erect and at a quiet place, take the thought once only in the beginning that all complexities, negativities, fears, darkness, grossness, disease and recently added toxins are leaving our body from behind in the form of smoke and sit quietly for 30 min using your will power but not meditating. You feel highly refreshed and empty after doing this.
I am in the process of writing my Life history in brief which I will send it to you after I have finished.
Os there a cure for Parkinsons? The problem is that no one has been cured of Parkinson. I mean no one. Everyone talks about John Coleman but he is a Bowen therapist and uses his cure to promote his practice and generate income and clients. Parkinsons happens in the brain and no amount of therapy is going to fix that, perhaps stem cell therapy in time.
Not the remedies that merely address and help control the symptoms. It is best to be honest and upfront about this I think. Otherwise Robert, please compile a list of people who have been cured of Parkinsons apart from John Coleman and distribute it and say what cured them.
Thanks
John
Response:
Thanks so much for sending in your question. John Coleman himself is very clear about not being “cured” himself. He is only symptom free. I personally do not find value in hanging my own thinking on “curing” anything.
John works hard every day at being symptom free. As a naturopath doctor he has helped many people feel better. Click on the arrow below to hear my interview with John Coleman ND on Parkinsons Recovery Radio:
There are so many stories out there and so many different programs and approaches that people adopt to get relief. The people I interview are not people who are “cured” to be sure. They are people who are leading full and complete lives. Most still have symptoms of one type of another but have found incredible ways to address them in one way or another.
I have included replays of interviews with persons that have celebrated successful recoveries here on the Parkinsons Recovery Blog. You can access all of them by clicking on the Pioneers of Recovery Category listing on this website. They are also included in my book Pioneers of Recovery.
I sent John Coleman your questions and comments above. He forwarded for posting the following thoughtful and informative response and has given me permission to post his response below.
Posted below is John Coleman’s response to John’s question above on is there a cure for Parkinson’s.
Thank you for initiating this discussion on what it means to become free from symptoms of a diagnosed incurable disorder. Whenever I enter into a discussion on any subject, I find that it is best to make sure that the information I am using is accurate and clearly stated. Therefore, I would like to correct several misapprehensions on your part.
Is There a Cure for Parkinsons
1 have never claimed to be cured from any disease. I have never claimed to cure anybody. I have never claimed to have found a cure for Parkinson’s disease. So when you state that I use my cure to promote my practice and generate income and clients, and claimed to have cured others, you are deliberately misquoting all my published literature, my newspaper and radio interviews, and my websites.
2. My professional qualifications are rather more extensive than you have claimed. I am a qualified naturopath (known as a Naturopathic Doctor in USA and Naturopathic Physician in many European countries), having studied at two prominent Melbourne College’s. The Southern School of Natural Therapies and the Australian College of Naturopathic Medicine. I am accredited by all appropriate professional bodies, approved by the Australian government, accepted by professional insurance companies and many health insurance funds. I am also a qualified Bowen therapist, having qualified in basic Bowen therapy and Neurostructural Integration Technique. I also hold a certificate of massage.
3. My charitable work within society is well documented. I received a Tattersalls award for my work in founding Very Special Kids (a support group for families whose children face life-threatening disorders), a professional excellence award from the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association for community education (most offered without charge and/or at my expense), and was a finalist in the Pride Of Australia Medal Courage Awards in 2007 for my work with Very Special Kids and my recovery from Parkinson’s disease. All those in charge of presenting these awards are intelligent, professional people, and investigated my history and claims thoroughly before offering the awards.
4. I have lectured to a number of conferences that address the question – is there a cure for Parkinsons – including an international conference on Parkinsons disease, and have conducted workshops for health professionals in several countries instructing them on my research into recovery from incurable disorders. Offering this information around the world has cost me many thousands of dollars of my own money.
5. While there are many medical practitioners who find my ideas unacceptable, there are also a number of prominent neurologists who encourage their patients diagnosed with Parkinsons or multiple sclerosis to work with me
Now that we have brought some accuracy to the discussion, let me say that I agree totally with you that day is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. In fact, there is no cure for any disease.
We can, however, create an environment in which our body can become free from symptoms. That is the story of my recovery. I created an environment in and around my nerve cells that allows me to live a life with no symptoms of Parkinsons disease or multi-system atrophy, providing I continue to be conscientious in taking care of my health.
You are correct that the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease originate in the brain. If you wish to educate your self more about this and discover answers to the question – is there a cure for Parkinsons – you will do well to read The Biology of Belief (Prof. Bruce Lipton), Saving Your Brain (Dr. Jeff Victoroff), When The Body Says No(Dr. Gabor Mat), The Brain That Changes Itself (Dr. Norman Doidge).
These books will give you a thorough grounding in the fairly basic science you need to understand this process. Once you have read these books, I am sure that you will understand that Western medicine can currently only offers temporary control of Parkinsons symptoms, while my work is focused on addressing the cause of the symptoms.
If you look into the process of stem cell research and development, you will also understand that the only change required to change a stem cell from its immature state into a cell producing dopamine is a change of environment (this is what they do in the laboratory at vast expense). This change is possible within our brain, and you will understand that this is the prime focus of all my work.
If you choose to read all my work with an open mind, you will see that Bowen therapy, while a useful and important therapy, constitutes only about 3% of the recovery process. There are some homeopathic remedies that support another 13%, but more than 80% of the recovery process comes from within the individual, the changes they are prepared to make to their life and attitude, and these changes cost little or nothing.
I am very grateful that you have given me this opportunity to clarify my position on the question: is there a cure for Parkinsons. Many people have the same question
I wish you all the best in finding ways to improve your health, and trust that you will be surrounded with love and joy in the days to come.
