Disease Condition: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that requires diagnosis, medication (e.g., levodopa/other neurology-prescribed drugs), and ongoing monitoring by a neurologist. TCM does not treat, cure, or slow the underlying neurodegeneration — our role is limited to supporting quality of life alongside the patient’s neurological treatment plan.
How We Diagnose: We begin by reviewing the patient’s neurological diagnosis, current medication and dosage timing, and disease stage. We then assess specific functional concerns — tremor severity, rigidity, gait/balance difficulty, sleep quality, and mood — combined with TCM pulse and tongue diagnosis, always in the context of the patient’s medical history and never as a substitute for it.
TCM Pattern: Typically classified as internal Liver Wind stirring due to underlying Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency, occasionally complicated by Phlegm obstructing the channels in more advanced presentations.
Treatment Protocol: Acupuncture aimed at calming internal Wind and nourishing Liver-Kidney Yin (points such as Taichong, Fengchi, Sanyinjiao), combined with gentle Qi Gong-based movement and balance exercises to support daily functioning. Any change to Parkinson’s medication must come from the treating neurologist — we coordinate our care around the patient’s existing medical schedule rather than adjusting it.
Typical Duration: An ongoing supportive program, typically 2 sessions per week, with functional progress (not disease progression) reassessed every 8–12 weeks in coordination with the patient’s neurologist.