Acupuncture and Photobiomodultion have both shown success in randomized controlled trials as complementary treatment modalities for those looking to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. This disease ranks as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, estimated to affect 10 million people worldwide. Known for causing a range of motor symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and difficulty with balance and coordination, Parkinson’s can also cause non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms may include sleep disturbances, depression, and decreased or altered cognitive capacity.
Research has shown that acupuncture and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) are both promising treatment modalities for a number of Parkinson’s symptoms, whether administered alone or jointly.
Improved Motor Function: Acupuncture and PBMT both indicate improvement in motor symptoms, potentially by impacting dopamine and neural communication leading to better control of tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Pain Reduction: Research has shown acupuncture is an effective method for managing various types of pain, including muscle pain and joint stiffness, by stimulating the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms and improving blood circulation.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Studies indicate both PBMT and Acupuncture may offer benefits that extend beyond treating motor function, potentially improving sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, leading to a more holistic well-being.
Non Invasive and Complementary Treatment: Acupuncture and PBMT as complementary therapies may enhance the effects of some medication and other treatments. Both are non invasive and have relatively few contraindications. Addition of either (or both) treatment(s) may allow patients to manage their symptoms more effectively to potentially enjoy a better quality of life.
Whether you are recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, have been managing your symptoms for years, or are simply interested in learning more about Acupuncture and PBMT, please call our office at 301.880.3232, it would be our pleasure to assist you with scheduling a consultation.
References:
About Parkinson’s Disease. parkinsonfoundation.org. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://parkinsonfoundation.org/about-parkinsons-disease?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwydSzBhBOEiwAj0XN4PeR6gbUmOl7CQRto-sOIdWDl4FH_9s8V_P9MV2GMdnYLOBsnzwQ1hoCx9UQAvD_BwE
Berman MH, Nichols TW. Treatment of Neurodegeneration: Integrating Photobiomodulation and Neurofeedback in Alzheimer's Dementia and Parkinson's: A Review. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019;37(10):623-634. doi:10.1089/photob.2019.4685
Fan JQ, Lu WJ, Tan WQ, Feng WC, Zhuang LX. Acupuncture for Parkinson's disease: From theory to practice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;149:112907. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112907
Hamblin, M. R., & Huang, Y. Y. (Eds.). (2019). Photobiomodulation in the brain: Low-level laser (light) therapy in neurology and neuroscience. Academic Press.
Kim Y, Lim Y, Ahn S, Oh J, Chae Y, Choi Y, Kim JU. Efficacy of Acupuncture for Parkinson's Disease over the Last Decade: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Acupunct Res 2024;41:29-52. https://doi.org/10.13045/jar.2024.00024
Luo M, Duan Z, Song X, et al. Effects of Optimized Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment on Depressive Symptoms and Executive Functions in Patients With Post-Stroke Depression: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Neurol. 2022;13:833696. Published 2022 Mar 18. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.833696
McGee C, Liebert A, Herkes G, et al. Protocol for randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel helmet to deliver transcranial light emitting diodes photobiomodulation therapy to patients with Parkinson's disease. Front Neurosci. 2022;16:945796. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3389/fnins.2022.945796
Pereira CR, Machado J, Rodrigues J, de Oliveira NM, Criado MB, Greten HJ. Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease Symptoms-A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(11):2334. Published 2022 Nov 21. doi:10.3390/healthcare10112334