Common features include slower movement, delayed reactions and limb stiffness. Walking may become more shuffling, with smaller steps or difficulty turning. Some people develop a resting tremor, and others may notice reduced facial expression or a softer voice.
In addition, some people develop non-motor symptoms early in the condition, such as poor sleep, reduced sense of smell, constipation or mood changes, but these are often not recognised straight away.
When movement coordination and day-to-day function gradually decline, clinical assessment is needed to determine whether Parkinson’s disease or a related neurodegenerative condition may be present.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative condition mainly associated with the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain.
Typical motor symptoms include:
Common non-motor symptoms include:
Disease characteristics:
The main goals of Parkinson’s disease management are symptom relief and preservation of function.
Medicines such as levodopa and related treatments may be used to replace or regulate dopamine.
This may include physiotherapy and movement-based training to help maintain mobility and physical function.
Some people may be considered for treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Ongoing review of medication, function and lifestyle is often needed over time.
Clinical focus: the key is to maintain movement function and quality of life, while slowing the decline in day-to-day ability as much as possible.
In Chinese Medicine, Parkinson’s disease is often discussed within the category of tremor disorders. It is generally understood as a mixed pattern of deficiency and excess, with underlying deficiency being the main basis.
From the perspective of disease progression, the early stage is often related to internal stirring of Liver wind, presenting as tremor and reduced motor stability. As the condition progresses, Liver and Kidney deficiency, together with Qi and Blood deficiency, becomes more apparent. The sinews and channels are then less well nourished, leading to slower movement and stiffness. At the same time, phlegm turbidity and blood stasis may obstruct the channels, further affecting coordination and movement control.
Common underlying patterns include:
Poor nourishment of the sinews and channels may contribute to slow movement and stiffness.
Reduced driving force and nourishment may be associated with slower reactions and lower physical resilience.
This is often associated with tremor and reduced stability of movement control.
Obstruction of the channels may affect movement transmission and coordination.
Overall, this condition is commonly understood as primarily rooted in deficiency, especially involving the Liver, Kidney, Qi and Blood, with wind, phlegm and blood stasis acting as contributing factors.
Assessment considers movement changes, disease progression and constitutional pattern to identify the main clinical direction.
Common Chinese Medicine patterns include:
The core of pattern assessment is to determine whether the current stage is mainly deficiency, or whether wind, phlegm or blood stasis is having a greater impact.
For Parkinson’s disease, the treatment focus is maintaining function, regulating overall rhythm and helping slow functional decline, while working alongside neurological care.
Treatment focuses may include:
Helping reduce the daily impact of tremor and stiffness.
Supporting the body’s capacity to regulate movement and maintain resilience.
This may include support for sleep, digestion and energy levels.
The aim is to help maintain daily mobility and slow further decline in motor function.
Depending on the individual situation, treatment may include Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and lifestyle advice. This should be used alongside existing medication, and medication should not be stopped or adjusted without medical advice.
If Parkinson’s disease has been diagnosed, or the person is in an early observation stage, Chinese Medicine support may be considered when the following concerns are present:
Clinical focus: whether the person has entered a stage that needs longer-term functional support and rhythm regulation.
However, specialist medical care should be prioritised if any of the following occur:
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive condition. Alongside appropriate medical treatment, ongoing adjustment and functional support may help maintain daily activity and quality of life.
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