Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of integrated complimentary Yoga & Ayurveda treatment in improving the motor symptoms and also to achieve a reduction in the intake of Levodopa/carboxydopa.

Background: Long-term treatment of PD patients with levodopa results in fluctuations in motor performance, dyskinesia and neuropsychiatric complications. As PD progresses, patients develop features that do not respond well to levodopa therapy.such as freezing episodes, autonomic dysfunction, falling, and dementia. Complications of existing therapy require search for effective alternative therapies, truly the need of the hour.

Methods: Yoga Therapy: The practice of yoga begins with 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques followed by 40 minutes of posture involving stretching and strengthening of muscles. Each posture was typically maintained for 3-7 minutes and total of 5-8 postures per session was practiced. Each session ended with 10-15 minutes of meditation that included breathing and visualization techniques and positive affirmations. Each session was of 60 minute duration. Patients underwent 2 sessions per day with an inter session interval of 10hours. Ayurveda Treatment: During the stay, patients received sarvanga Abhyanga (full body massage) followed Nadi sweda (Steam bath) as external therapy and also given as a oral medication ashwagandha bala pippali ksheerapaka (50ml/twice a day) and Zandopa powder ( based on the intensity of PD signs and symptoms).

Results: Here we present case reports of three PD patients who were treated with an integrative approach consisting of Yoga & Ayurveda in addition to continuation of allopathic medications. The patients were evaluated by UPDRS and Hoen & Yahr Scores. Three weeks of treatment resulted in a significant improvement of the above scores. We could also achieve over 60% reduction in the dosage of levodopa/carboxydopa without compromising the clinical status of these patients.

Conclusions: Based on our study, we believe Integrated Complimentary Yoga and Ayurveda therapy can play a significant role treating PD along with conventional therapy. Reduction in the dosage of levodopa may delay the onset of dyskinesia.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/integrated-complimentary-yoga-and-ayurveda-treatment-confers-significant-benefits-in-pd-patients/