Can acupuncture be used for Parkinson's disease?

Written by Zhou Yan

Geriatrics

Updated on May 06, 2025

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The treatment of Parkinson’s disease is comprehensive, where pharmacotherapy is the core method, supplemented by surgical treatments. Additionally, physical rehabilitation and psychotherapy can also be performed. For Parkinson's patients, acupuncture is an option. Since elderly Parkinson's patients may suffer from other illnesses, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of these additional ailments. If patients wish to use acupuncture to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it is feasible. However, it cannot cure the disease or solve the fundamental problem; it can only alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

55sec

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Where to treat Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a very common neurodegenerative disease in neurology. Therefore, if Parkinson's disease is suspected, treatment can be sought in the neurology department, which is available in most hospitals. Many neurologists have extensive experience in treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment primarily includes medication and surgery. Medication therapy mainly refers to the administration of anticholinergic drugs or dopamine receptor agonists, as well as preparations of Levodopa. These medications can help improve symptoms, such as reducing muscle rigidity and tremors. Surgical treatment mainly refers to deep brain stimulation, which is suitable for patients who have been clearly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for over five years and whose primary symptom is tremor, without significant dementia.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 4sec

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What to do about constipation in Parkinson's disease?

Among Parkinson's disease patients, constipation is a very common clinical symptom. In fact, many patients have experienced constipation for many years before the onset of Parkinson's disease symptoms, mainly due to the impact on some autonomic nerves in the intestines. For Parkinson's patients experiencing constipation, the main suggestions are: First, be sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking enough water can sufficiently lubricate the intestines and facilitate smoother bowel movements. Second, be sure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C and can promote gastrointestinal motility. Additionally, it is recommended for patients to eat more bananas, as bananas have an evident laxative effect. Also, eat less of certain foods that can dry out the stool, such as sweet potatoes and chestnuts. If necessary, patients can be given laxative medications, and if bowel movements are extremely difficult, enemas can also be administered.

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Written by Zhou Yan

Geriatrics

58sec

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Can people with Parkinson's disease eat honey?

Parkinson's disease, also known as paralysis agitans, is a common neurodegenerative disease of the nervous system. Clinically, it is primarily characterized by symptoms such as bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and resting tremors, as well as non-motor symptoms such as loss of smell. Patients with paralysis agitans also experience autonomic dysfunction, commonly manifesting as constipation due to slowed intestinal peristalsis. These symptoms can appear 10 to 20 years before the motor symptoms and may include lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and increased salivation. For patients with paralysis agitans, consuming honey is beneficial as it can help alleviate constipation by softening the stool and facilitating bowel movements, due to the reduced intestinal motility.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 3sec

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Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common degenerative disease in the elderly, primarily causing the death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, leading to corresponding clinical manifestations. Research has confirmed that other systems may also be damaged in the early stages of Parkinson's disease symptoms. The early symptoms may primarily include: First, patients experience persistent constipation, which is a very important early symptom of Parkinson's disease. Second, some patients may experience sleep disturbances, mainly characterized by tossing and turning, shouting out loud during sleep, without being aware of it. Additionally, some patients in the early stages may also experience a reduced sense of smell, constipation, cognitive impairment, and other clinical manifestations. There are also some early motor symptoms, mainly that the patient becomes clumsy and inflexible in the movements of one side of the body. These are the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 7sec

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How does one get Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. The actual mechanism of the disease is not very clear, and its fundamental cause has not yet been identified. It is generally believed that Parkinson's disease is mainly caused by the following factors. First, genetic factors. Some cases of Parkinson's disease have a clear familial tendency, where patients may experience mutations in synaptic nuclear protein genes, leading to abnormal aggregation of these proteins. This abnormal aggregation can damage the neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, leading to Parkinson's disease. Second, there are some external factors related to sporadic cases of Parkinson's. These may be closely related to oxidative stress, trauma, poisoning, or an excessive stress response of the body. However, the specific cause is not very clear. Parkinson's disease, which causes symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremors, and rigidity, requires active treatment to improve the quality of life of the patients.