Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bradykinesia, rest tremors, muscular rigidity, shuffling gait, and flexed posture. In Ayurveda, it is described as Kampavata, a Vata Nanatmaja vikara, where the primary symptom is kampa (tremor).
Clinical manifestations include:
- Kampa (Tremor)
- Stambha (Rigidity)
- Chestasanga (Bradykinesia and Akinesia)
- Vakvikriti (Speech disturbance)
Key features of Kampavata in Ayurveda:
- Karapadatale Kampa: Tremors in hands and feet
- Dehabhramana: Postural instability
Charaka describes Avarana of Vyana and Udana by Kapha, producing symptoms like Gatisanga, Vakswaragraha, Gurugatrata, Stambana, and Kampana.
Treatment
Kampavata, correlated with Parkinson’s disease, is Dhatukshyaja, Vatavydhi, and Apatarpana in nature. The treatment principle is Santarpana Chikitsa, which includes Bahyopakramas such as Sarwanga Snehana, Sarvanga Swedana, Shirobasti, Nasya with Ksheerbala Tail 101, Shiropichhu with Ksheerbala tail, and Yapana Basti in Karmabasti Krama. Panchkarma procedures like Shirobasti and Nasya (with Ksheerbala Taila) are effective for Kampavata management and can be performed regardless of the patient’s age. Ksheerbala Taila is indicated for managing eighty types of Vata Vyadhi.
