Parkinson`s disease, also known as Paralysis agitans or shaking palsy, is a serious chronic disease of the nervous system. It is characterised by stiffness of muscles and a continuous tremor or shake. It is a disease of the extra-pyramidal system.

Symptoms of Parkinson`s Disease:
In this disease, there is an involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in parts not in action and even when supported, with a propensity to bend the trunk forward, and to pass from a walking to a running pace, the senses and intellect being uninjured. The patient shows a combination of tremor of the limbs and muscular stiffness. These tremors are more noticeable when the patient is at rest, and tend to disappear when he attempts to move or when he is asleep. The tremors are more pronounced, when he is excited or fatigued. Older patients occasionally exhibit involuntary rapid jerking movements of their arms and legs.

In a less extreme form the condition presents as purposeless mastication and lip smacking movements. The condition is embarrassing both to the patient and his relatives, but is not associated with mental impairment and rarely causes severe incapacity. Later, there may be impairment of speech, and the patient may complain of cramping pains in the back because of muscle spasm. He remains mentally active and his senses are also normal. In many cases, the patient may have only mild form of Parkinson`s disease and continue this way for many years before any serious symptoms develop. In severe and advanced cases, however, the patient is not able to move, and presents a distressing spectacle, for his mind may be uninjured but still he cannot speak or write.

Causes of Parkinson`s Disease:
The brain changes that lead to Parkinson`s disease are not fully understood. It, however, appears that they involve the nerve cells containing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. These cells, called substantia nigra, are concentrated in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia. As the cells deteriorate, production of dopamine a chemical that carries messages within the brain falls and the result is the characteristic symptoms. Parkinsons` disease may follow severe attacks of encephalitis or some type of poisoning, such as carbon monoxide.

In older patients, this type of palsy may be due to hardening of the arteries in certain vessels leading to the brain. In most cases, however, the disease begins to show itself in later middle age, and is considered to be a consequence of `degeneration`, particularly in the basal ganglia. Parkinson`s disease may also result from deficiency of antioxidant Vitamin E earlier in life. Less intake of Vitamin E foods earlier in life may somehow leave the brain vulnerable to the onset of Parkinson`s years later.

Treatment of Parkinson`s Disease by Nature Cure:

Diet:
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of Parkinson`s disease. The patient should resort to a short juice fast for five days. In this regime, he should take a glass of fresh fruit or vegetable juice, diluted with water on 50:50 basis, every two hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fruits and vegetables which may be used for juices are apple, pineapple, grapes, orange, tomato, carrot, cabbage and spinach. A warm water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the period of fasting. The patient should always follow certain rules regarding eating. These include taking of water or other liquids half an hour before and one hour after a meal and not with meals, eating very slowly and chewing your food as thoroughly as possible and never eat to full stomach.

After the short juice fast, the patient may adopt an all fruit diet for further 5 days. During this period, he should take three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits, such as apple, pear, peach, papaya, grapes, orange and pineapple, at five-hourly intervals. Thereafter, he may gradually adopt a well-balanced lacto-vegetarian diet. The emphasis should be on raw seeds, nuts and grains, plenty of sprouts, raw milk, preferably goat`s milk, and raw fruits and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables and yellow turnips are especially beneficial. Sesame seeds and sesame seed butter can be taken with beneficial results. In general, a low-protein diet of raw, organically grown foods is best for the patient with Parkinson`s` disease.

The patient should avoid tea, coffee, chocolate, salt, spices, condiments, pickles, flesh foods, white flour and white sugar and all products made from them. He should also avoid all processed, tinned, canned and frozen foods. The short juice fast followed by an all fruit diet should be repeated at monthly intervals till condition improves. Even the use of vitamin E in high doses is considered beneficial in the treatment of Parkinsons` disease.

Exercises:
Stress can lead to this disease but Meditation and relaxation methods, especially Shavasana can help reduce it. Combining meditation with yoga may also improve muscle tone and control. Meditation can also be helpful in inducing sleep, if insomnia is problem. Everything possible should be done to help the patient to maintain a cheerful mental outlook. The patient should remain as active as possible and lead a quiet life.

Water Treatments:
Hot moist packs may be applied to the stiffened muscles, which should also be gently massaged. The daily warm baths are useful. Fresh air and light exercise, especially walking, are essential for the treatment of Parkinson`s disease.

Treatment of Parkinson`s Disease by Magnetic Therapy:
The type of paralysis decides the mode of application of magnets. In case of the limbs on one side of the body are affected, the magnets should be applied to the hand and the foot with North Pole applied to the palm of hand and the South Pole applied to the sole of foot. In case the upper or the lower portion of the body is affected, the magnets should be applied to the palms of hands or the soles of feet. The magnets can also be applied diagonally to the hand of one side and the foot of the other side.

Mixed magnetized water should also be taken four times a day. The application of south-pole oil and the sunbathing of the affected parts are essential for relief of pain and stiffness. It also leads to speedy recovery. Initially, The duration of application of magnets should not exceed 15 minutes. This should be gradually increased to 30 minutes. The length of treatment depends on the disease and the age of the patient. Recent cases and young persons stand good chances of a quicker recovery.