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Importance of Traditional Indian Practices of Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation as Adjuvant Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Patients - A Review

Nagalakshmi CS, Santhosh NU

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by appearance of Lewy-body-like inclusions in Nigro-striatal terminals, which finally ends up with reactive gliosis and cell death. In its familial forms, a loss of normal function of α-synuclein, as well as toxic effects of its mutated form, finally leading on to oxidative stress has been discussed. Several motor and non-motor symptoms of PD still continue to offer a challenge to PD patients as well as Neurologists, since no such treatment is as yet available, which would cure or even slow its progression.

Physical exercise is known to improvise the oxidative stress, motor functioning and mood. However, it requires regular monitoring and is equipment-dependent. Further, controlling body balance is a complex process requiring an integration of brain as well as multiple body systems. Yoga is one such intervention which works on the principle that the union of spirit and mind with exercise would bring about body balance, thus ensuring healing. Meditation practices incorporate self-observation of mental activity & attentional focus training. While the relaxation and breathing techniques include awareness of breathing rate, rhythm and volume.

For patients with clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease (Hoehn & Yahr stages I–III), a composite program of Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama, each session lasting for 45 minutes has been proposed. These are known to be feasible, significant and relevant to PD, which can improve the speed of movement, muscle strength and power. All these practices can reinforce both physical and mental well-being of PD patients, thereby enhancing quality of their lives.