Complementary and Alternative Therapies

People with chronic diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, doctors emphasize that PD should not be treated with alternative medicine alone.¹

Used with traditional medicine, CAM may help relieve symptoms of PD. Some CAM approaches may interfere with drugs used to treat PD or cause severe side effects. People with PD should talk to their doctor about all therapies and practices they are using to manage their symptoms.¹

The difference between alternative and complementary medicine

The terms “complementary medicine” and “alternative medicine” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they refer to different concepts.

Alternative medicine is used in place of traditional medical care. Complementary medicine is used along with traditional medicine. Neither have necessarily been tested in clinical trials like traditional medicine.²

There have been research studies on many CAM practices to determine their effectiveness in treating many conditions, including Parkinson's disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review CAM therapies.²

Types of complementary and alternative medicine

People with PD use a variety of CAM approaches as they seek to relieve symptoms of the condition, such as:^3-6

Massage

Massage uses touch to press, rub, or manipulate the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage is often used to reduce stress and pain and relieve muscle tension.^1,4

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the use of thin needles inserted through the skin at strategic points on the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine and is most often used to treat pain.¹

Dietary supplements, natural remedies, or herbs

Dietary supplements are products that contain a dietary ingredient, such as a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, or herb. Herbal remedies refer to the use of plants and plant extracts.^1,5

These products are taken by mouth and are intended to add nutritional value, help manage symptoms from PD, or improve general health and well-being. These products may cause side effects or interact with PD drugs, so talk to a doctor before taking them.⁵

Supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way other drugs are. This means that no outside agency confirms the ingredients or suggested dose.⁵

For example, a fish oil supplement may have more or less fish oil than listed on the label. A supplement may also contain ingredients that are not labeled correctly or at all. This can be dangerous. It can lead to taking too much or taking unwanted ingredients.⁵

The FDA created good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to help this situation. GMPs are guidelines for companies to follow when making supplements. But the FDA rarely inspects facilities making supplements in the United States. Companies outside the United States do not have these inspections at all.⁵

Many more supplements are sold than are tested. Your doctor can help you decide if a supplement is safe.

Some supplements may interfere with the traditional medicines used to treat PD or cause severe side effects. Before starting any supplements, talk with your doctor.

Alexander technique

The Alexander technique focuses on improving posture and movement awareness, helping people recognize and release muscle tension. By learning to move with greater ease and efficiency, people with Parkinson's may experience improvements in balance, coordination, and overall mobility.¹

Shiatsu

Shiatsu, a Japanese form of massage, can be a soothing complementary therapy for Parkinson's disease. By applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body, shiatsu aims to improve energy flow and reduce muscle stiffness, which are common challenges for those with Parkinson's.¹

Meditation

Meditation involves quieting the mind and may use images or words to focus on. Meditation may help reduce stress and improve a person’s sense of well-being.¹

Music or art therapy

Some people with PD use the arts, such as music, painting, or ceramics, to help them relax. Music therapy can also be helpful for walking or speech challenges experienced by people with PD.¹

Medical marijuana

Medical marijuana has had mixed clinical results. However, many people with PD find it helps reduce symptoms like pain. In one study, people using medical marijuana reported pain reduction, improved sleep, and some psychological benefits.⁶

Talk with your doctor

Before beginning any complementary or alternative therapy, talk with your doctor. While not cures for PD, complementary therapies can offer a valuable way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life alongside conventional medical treatments.