Reviewed by: Balthasar Schaap, MD

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It is a holistic treatment, that is it treats the whole being, and has an emphasis on the use of body, mind, and spirit in the prevention and treatment of illness. This holistic approach aims to promote a sense of wellbeing, including physical strength, improved health, mental fitness, inner peace and calm.

Ayurveda encompasses a wide range of treatments including:

  • guidelines for a healthy lifestyle and diet
  • a course of purification to detoxify the body and energise its healing abilities
  • herbal preparations
  • massage
  • exercise
  • breathing and meditation
  • spiritual advice

The doshas

Ayurvedic practice is founded on the belief that good health is enjoyed when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humours, or ‘doshas’, known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each of these doshas has certain attributes or body-mind types, and our individual dosha make up - and so our traits, likes and dislikes - is determined by that of our parents at the time of conception. We are generally a combination of the three doshas, although there is usually a dominant one, and when they are in equilibrium, as they are when we are born, a perfect state of health may be enjoyed. But if they become imbalanced, as may happen for many reasons, our health and behaviour will be affected. 

- Vata is the driving force which mobilises the function of the nervous system and relates to the body’s energy centre.

- Pitta is fire which relates to digestion, metabolism, enzymes, bile and acid.

- Kapha is body fluid which relates to mucous, lubrication, phlegm, moisture, fat, the lymphatic system and the carrying of nutrients. 

How can Ayurveda help in Parkinson’s?

Research into the benefits of Ayurveda in Parkinson’s is limited. There have been some small studies but more research is needed to prove if there is any connection between this treatment and improvements in Parkinson’s symptoms.

Ayurvedic treatment in Parkinson’s aims to balance the disturbed dosha and restore healthy balances in the mind, body and soul. Depending on the symptoms this may include:

  • diagnosing the cause of symptoms in order to identity the reason for any imbalance and the appropriate solution
  • use of mild herbal laxatives to help with colon cleansing if digestion is a problem
  • massage using powerful oils, as well as enemas
  • use of herbal nerve tonics to relieve rigidity and nourish the nervous system
  • use of herbal medications to alleviate depression
  • dietary advice to improve the digestive, nervous and emotional systems in the body
  • use of yoga or mediation to focus on overcoming symptoms, managing internal energies, and for relaxation and reducing stress or anxiety.