Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and overall vitality. While modern biomedicine focuses on dopamine replacement and symptom management, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach aimed at restoring harmony, slowing degeneration, and supporting the body’s innate healing capacity.
In TCM, Parkinson’s is seen as the result of underlying imbalances that gradually affect the brain, sinews, and overall coordination. Deficiency of Kidney Essence and Liver Blood can weaken nourishment to the tendons and the “Sea of Marrow” (the brain), while internal Wind, Phlegm, and Qi stagnation disrupt the smooth flow of movement and mental clarity. Over time, these patterns lead to tremors, stiffness, fatigue, and changes in mood or cognition.
A skilled Doctor of TCM tailors treatment to the individual, often integrating multiple modalities:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, calming internal Wind and reducing tremors, stiffness, and rigidity. Points may be chosen to nourish the Liver and Kidney, open the Du Mai Meridian (Governing Vessel), and clear Phlegm from the orifices, improving mental clarity and motor control. Regular acupuncture also enhances mood, reduces stress, and supports sleep, all of which can influence the course of the disease.
2. Chinese Herbal Medicine
Customized herbal formulas address both root and branch patterns. Herbs to tonify Kidney Essence, nourish Blood, extinguish Wind, and resolve Phlegm may be combined. Over time, this helps strengthen the body’s reserves, improve circulation to the brain, and reduce progression of symptoms. Herbal therapy is adjusted seasonally and according to the patient’s changing needs.
3. Yang Sheng Fa (Nourishing Life Practices)
Yang Sheng Fa embodies lifestyle wisdom rooted in TCM, focusing on daily habits that strengthen the body and calm the mind. For Parkinson’s patients, this may include dietary guidance to nourish Kidney Essence and Liver Blood—foundational energies for vitality, movement, and brain health. Foods such as black sesame seeds, walnuts, goji berries, mulberries, and dark leafy greens help replenish these reserves. Bone broth, eggs, and small amounts of lamb or duck can also provide deep nourishment. Regular meals that are warm, easy to digest, and rich in variety support the Spleen and Stomach, enhancing Qi and Blood production. In addition to nutrition, Yang Sheng Fa includes setting a balanced daily rhythm, practicing gentle breathwork, cultivating restful sleep, and managing emotions to ensure the smooth flow of Liver Qi. These gentle but powerful adjustments enhance resilience, slow decline, and promote long-term vitality.
4. Taiji and Qigong
These time-honored movement arts harmonize mind and body, improve balance and coordination, and enhance the flow of Qi. For Parkinson’s patients, the slow, rhythmically cued, mindful motions help retrain the nervous system, promoting neuroplasticity, improved coordination and balance reducing the risk of falls. The breathing and meditative aspects calm the mind, improve sleep, and bolster emotional well-being.
By combining these modalities, TCM offers a deeply personalized, integrative path for those living with Parkinson’s. The goal is not only symptom relief, but the cultivation of health, longevity, and an improved quality of life—restoring the person’s connection to vitality and inner harmony.
Dr. Julia Pileski + Chat GPT
Blue Heron Traditional Chinese Medicine
