Parkinson's Diseaseaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neurological Disorders
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that predominantly affects motor functioning. It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and a host of other non-motor symptoms. These symptoms stem from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra.
Over time, this degenerative condition can lead to severe disability, although its progression varies among individuals. While there is no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How Does TCM View Parkinson's Disease?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on Parkinson's disease, viewing it not as a singular illness but as a manifestation of imbalance within the body’s energetic systems.
TCM does not directly correlate its concepts with biomedical terms; however, it perceives symptoms similar to Parkinson's as disruptions in the flow of Qi, or vital energy, and imbalances in the Yin and Yang energies of the body. Treatment in TCM is centered around restoring harmony and balance, rather than directly addressing the disease itself.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease According to TCM
TCM postulates that the root of Parkinson's-like symptoms lies in deficiencies and stagnations within the body's organ systems. Liver Blood Deficiency leading to Wind, for instance, can manifest in tremors and involuntary movements, akin to the motor symptoms of Parkinson's.
Moreover, a Deficiency in Kidney Essence, believed to nourish the brain, might contribute to the degenerative aspect of the disease. By recognizing these patterns, a TCM practitioner can determine the most appropriate interventions tailored to the individual's constitution and symptomatology.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Parkinson's Disease
The treatment of Parkinson's in TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas to address the identified patterns of disharmony. Bu Gan Tang, rich in Prepared Rehmannia, nourishes Liver Blood to address the internal Wind, while Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang targets both Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiencies.
To calm the Mind and pacify Internal Wind, Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang may be prescribed, particularly when there is agitation. These formulas exemplify the TCM approach of holistic treatment, focusing on restoring balance to the body's internal landscape.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address parkinson's disease, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
Formulas that tonify Blood
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for parkinson's disease
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bu Gan Tang | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
| Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, with achyranthes root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Parkinson's Disease
In conjunction with herbal therapy, acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM treatment. Shenmen HE-7, a point on the Heart Channel, is often utilized for its purported ability to calm the Mind and nourish the Heart, potentially alleviating some of the emotional and psychological distress associated with Parkinson's. Each acupoint is selected for its traditional indications and is thought to influence the flow of Qi, contributing to the overall therapeutic strategy aimed at rebalancing the body's internal environment.
See more details below about Shenmen HE-7, an acupoint used to address parkinson's disease.
- By Meridian
- Heart Channel
Shenmen HE-7
On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the articular region between the pisiform bone and the ulna, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
TCM Herbs for Parkinson's Disease
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address parkinson's disease, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Bu Gan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for parkinson's disease
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Bu Gan Tang | Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Bu Gan Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Parkinson's disease can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for parkinson's disease, like Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang.