Introduction

Exercise is always a wise choice to make for everyone, whether they are suffering from a particular disease, for example, Parkinson’s, or they are living a normal life. Parkinson’s is a disease that affects both the brain and the body, leading to physical and mental impairments often associated with one of the doshas, which is the vata dosha. It is a neurological disorder that mainly affects motor symptoms, resulting in tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. The disease hampers daily activities, like limiting one from performing the usual routine of the day like walking, dressing, bathing, and eating. Its prevalence is steadily increasing in the older generations. 

Though it is very difficult to treat this disease, there are ways by which we can treat this disease to some extent. Ayurveda or some traditional treatment methods can defeat the growth of this disease. Ayurveda offers a more comprehensive approach to dealing with the root cause of the ailment. Ayurveda is an age-old practice for natural healing, focusing on the significance of harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. So if we get into the Ayurvedic and holistic approach to healing, there are the least chances that the topic of exercising will not come into discussion. Exercise is an essential practice to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is also helpful in managing Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms like mental stress, exhaustion, and other physical symptoms can be alleviated if there is regular physical activity in the body. 

This blog aims to find out how Ayurveda combined with some physical activity can help treat this untreatable disease and improve the quality of life. 

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Parkinson’s Disease: 

Parkinson’s disease in Ayurveda is categorized as “Kampavata,” which means “disease of tremors” or “shaking disease.” The condition of Parkinson’s disease is mainly associated with one of the three fundamental energies of life called Vata Dosha, which also governs our bodily functions. Vata is linked to the movement, whether it is the mind or our bodies. If it becomes imbalanced, it leads to poor coordination between the mind and the body, and hence it can lead to symptoms like shaking, tremors, stiffness, and unusual vibration in the body parts. 

Ayurveda’s viewpoint on Parkinson’s is a demonstration of vata aggravation. The main cause for this imbalance is due to different factors such as chronic stress, poor sleeping patterns, poor diet, and environmental factors. 

Ayurvedic treatment aims to ensure and restore the balance between all doshas, especially the Vata dosha. That way, easing the tremors and improving motor functions. 

Physical activity is important for treating or, to some extent, eliminating this disease. It maintains and promotes blood flow, circulation, and flexibility in the muscles and joints. It works in harmony with Ayurvedic therapies like herbal treatments, detoxification procedures, and body massages, which work together to regain vata balance. 

Ayurveda focuses on the fact that managing a condition like Parkinson’s disease not only requires us to perform physical exercise for Parkinson’s disease but also requires us to maintain mental and emotional balance as well. In the same regard, mindfulness practices such as meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) can significantly contribute to alleviating stress and anxiety, supporting the body’s natural healing process. With exercises and yoga, foods with warming spices, nourishing, and grounding can help reduce excess vata.

• Benefits of Exercise for Parkinson’s Patients:

Offering numerous benefits by improving mental, physical, and emotional benefits, exercises prove to be a keystone in managing Parkinson’s disease. A body that regularly does physical activity gets improved quality of life by:

• Improving motor symptoms and maintaining balance:

The most common problems that a Parkinson’s patient faces are slow walking, rigidity, and tremors. The continued movement or exercise of the body helps to maintain and improve motor functions, strengthen muscles, and enhance coordination between muscles and body parts. Exercises for Parkinson’s disease that are done to improve balance, like standing on one leg or walking help in avoiding the risk of falling, which is a common concern for people with Parkinson’s disease.

• Enhancing flexibility and reducing stiffness:

Muscle stiffness is the basis for the limited or slowed movement of body parts, and hence it is one of the most challenging symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Exercises like stretching help loosen the tight muscles, reduce stiffness, and increase flexibility. The stretching exercises for Parkinson’s disease not only improve mobility but also help decrease pain and discomfort in the joints. 

• Reducing Stress and Boosting Mental Well-Being

Exercises are believed to have a direct effect on mental well-being by boosting endorphins, which are bodies natural mood elevators. This disease mostly brings about depression and anxiety. Regular physical activity helps in improving mood, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental well-being. There comes this sense of accomplishment that comes from social interactions, and doing exercises contributes to emotional healing. 

Ayurvedic Recommended Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease:

Ayurveda emphasizes gentle and mindful exercises that promote balance, flexibility, and strength, especially exercises that do not overstrain the body. Some of the recommended exercises that Ayurveda emphasizes are: 

Yoga for Parkinson’s

Yoga works for the human body as a therapy that aligns completely with the Ayurvedic approach and healing principles. Such yoga includes gentle poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness to balance the body and mind. 

Below are a few yoga poses recommended for Parkinson’s patients, including:

• Tadasana (mountain pose): This pose is a foundational standing pose that improves posture, strengthens legs, and promotes balance. It is also helpful in keeping the mind calm. 
• Trikonasana (Triangle Pose):  This yoga helps increase flexibility in the spine and hips by improving muscle mobility and flexibility. 
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Though this yoga seems simple, it is a powerful relaxation technique that helps to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and relax the entire body.

Pranayama (breathing techniques)

Breathing exercises are considered to be integral to Ayurveda and yoga. Alternate nostril breathing (Anulom Vilom) and bee breathing (Bhramari) are some techniques that help calm the nervous system. It helps increase oxygen flow to the brain, improve mobility, and improve mental clarity. These yoga techniques reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote deep relaxation.

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching can help improve the scope of motion and soothe stiffness. Targeting the arms, legs, and neck, stretches such as shoulder rolls, wrist movement, and calf stretches can bring out an impactful increase in flexibility and comfort.

Balance and coordination Workouts

Parkinson’s patients mostly struggle with balance and coordination. Exercises such as standing on one leg, Tai Chi, or walking with varying strides help improve posture and strengthen the muscles needed for maintaining balance. These exercises for Parkinson’s disease are also good for enhancing coordination and preventing falls.

Walking and Gentle Aerobic Activities

Ensuring cardiovascular health is crucial and fundamental for Parkinson’s patients. Brisk walking, cycling, and swimming can improve heart health, boost stamina, and prevent muscle shrinkage and dysfunction.

Combining Exercises with Ayurvedic Therapies

Since exercise is crucial, combining it with Ayurvedic therapies can be highly beneficial for overall well-being and recovery.

• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage): Regular oil massage with herbal oils like Mahanarayan oil can help reduce muscle inflexibility, enhance blood circulation, and reduce stress. The best time to perform Abhyanga is before exercise; this helps prepare the muscles, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation.
• Shirodhara and Meditation: Shirodhara is a treatment where warm oil is poured onto the forehead and massaged, which can help calm the mind and increase focus. If it is done along with meditation, it can reduce anxiety, support mental health, and promote relaxation.
• Herbal Supplements: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Turmeric have neuroprotective properties. Incorporating these herbal medicines into a daily routine can aid brain health, reduce inflammation, and balance vata.

Tips For Safe and Effective Exercise

To get the best results from exercise sessions, it is necessary to approach them carefully and mindfully.

• Start Slow: Start with light exercises in your sessions and gradually increase the intensity. It is crucial not to push yourself too hard in the initial stages, especially if your body has been inactive for a long time. 

• Work with professionals: Consult a physiotherapist or an Ayurvedic expert before starting an exercise routine. They can guide you on proper exercise techniques and suggest an approach based on your specific health concerns.

• Consistency over intensity: Consistency is key. A daily routine of consistent workouts of light to moderate exercise is more beneficial than occasional intense workouts. Staying consistent helps maintain balance, flexibility, and mobility over time.

Conclusion
Managing a disease like Parkinson’s requires a diverse and comprehensive approach. Ayurveda’s holistic methods to treat Parkinson’s disease offer tremendous support if combined with exercise. The combination of yoga, breathing exercises, ayurvedic therapies, and regular physical activity can significantly enhance the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. The best approach for recovery is to restore the balance in Vata dosha, decrease muscle inflexibility, and improve cognitive and motor functions. This practice can serve as a comprehensive treatment regimen that cures the disease, targeting both the physical and mental elements of Parkinson’s disease.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease can experience greater mobility, less stiffness, and a renewed sense of well-being. Embrace the healing power of Ayurveda, along with mindful exercise sessions, which can lead to a path towards a healthy life.