Parkinson's & Tremor
Acupuncture for Parkinson's & Tremor in North Vancouver
Tremor, stiffness, poor sleep and fatigue can make everyday tasks harder. AcuLife Wellness offers gentle acupuncture as complementary support for people living with Parkinson's disease or tremor, alongside care from your physician and neurologist.
Overview
Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition of the nervous system. Along with tremor, slowness and stiffness, many people also live with poor sleep, constipation, fatigue, pain, low mood and anxiety. Essential tremor is a different, common condition that causes shaking, most often of the hands, during movements like writing or holding a cup. Stress, anxiety, tiredness, caffeine and some medications can make tremor worse.
Diagnosis and medication are managed by your physician or neurologist. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning about your symptoms, how they affect daily life and your current treatment before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Shaking of the hands, arms or other parts of the body
- Stiffness, slowness or tight muscles
- Difficulty with fine tasks such as writing or buttoning
- Poor sleep, fatigue or constipation
- Tremor that worsens with stress, anxiety or tiredness
How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine May Be Used
Acupuncture for Parkinson's and tremor is gentle and uses points on the scalp, hands and legs chosen for your symptoms and overall pattern. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tremor is often described in terms of internal "wind" and of the body lacking nourishment as qi and blood decline with age, so treatment also considers sleep, digestion and energy. Chinese herbal medicine may be suggested alongside acupuncture after a careful review of your medications.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may help certain non-movement symptoms of Parkinson's, such as sleep or fatigue, for some people, but the evidence is limited. Acupuncture does not slow the disease and does not replace your medication or your neurologist's care.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your sleep, digestion, mood and energy as well as your tremor.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about your symptoms, diagnosis, medications and dose times, and what matters most to you day to day, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. A family member or caregiver is welcome to come with you. How often you come in is discussed and adjusted over time.
Sleep is often affected. See our insomnia and sleep page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call 911 for sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion or a sudden severe headache, as these can be signs of a stroke. See your physician for a new tremor, symptoms that change quickly, falls, hallucinations or trouble swallowing. Don't stop or change Parkinson's medication without talking to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Parkinson's or Tremor Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.