Acupuncture in the Integrative Management of Parkinson’s Disease: A Bridge Between Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62354/ijoa.v4i2.100Keywords:
Parkinson’s disease, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, integrative medicine, Chan ZhengAbstract
Parkinson's disease has no cure, and Western treatments only manage symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine views the condition as an internal imbalance rather than a dopamine shortage. This paper integrates both perspectives to guide clinical practice. A 76-year-old female patient with Parkinson's received six acupuncture sessions based on a TCM diagnosis of Spleen Qi Deficiency. Points included ST36, SP6, GV20, BL20, CV12, LI4, LI11, ST40, and additional points for breathing difficulties such as BL13, CV22, and LU9. Her muscle rigidity eased, memory sharpened, and leg strength improved. A chronic cough and wheezing disappeared entirely. Her tongue changed from swollen and red with a greasy yellow coating to thin pink with a moist white coating. Her pulse shifted from strong, rapid, and slippery to moderate and even. Acupuncture proved a useful addition to her regular care.
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