Understanding Tremors and Parkinson’s in Chinese Medicine
Today, we’re addressing a heartfelt question from a listener undergoing evaluation for Parkinson’s disease, seeking guidance on reducing spontaneous body tremors. Remember, the insights I share are complementary and should harmonize with your personal health journey and any advice from your healthcare providers.
Understanding Tremors in Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tremors are seen as manifestations of internal imbalances, particularly involving the liver and kidney energy systems. These systems are not just organs but represent a holistic network of functions. Disruptions in the smooth flow of Qi (chi), your vital energy and blood can create what is known as internal wind. This isn’t flatulence, but rather a chaotic climactic condition that can lead to spasms and tremors throughout the body.
Involuntary movements such as tremors, twitches, and spasms, including conditions like Bell’s Palsy, Dystonic tremor, Essential tremor, Parkinsons, and stroke can be addressed by nourishing the body’s yin energy and calming excessive yang. We want a smooth flow of blood, governed by the liver, and a grounded essential energy, governed by the kidneys. Supporting these systems through dietary choices is an excellent place to start.
Walnuts are a really great yin food. What do they look like? They look like brains, and they have such a complex range of minerals within them, making them excellent for supporting kidney energy and yin. The kidney governs the winter of the body, that still, quiet, deep time where everything is in transition, just waiting for the rising of spring. So, any foods that nourish kidney energy in Chinese medicine help to calm spasms and tremors.
Find a full outline of Kidney and Liver foods in my 5 element Cook books
Seaweed is a fantastic yin-nourishing food, packed with minerals like magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, and calcium. These nutrients help relax tense, tight, spasming muscles. Barley is another grain that cools the body, often recommended for urinary tract infections, to cool the heat and irritation, super effective for nourishing yin.
Conversely, it’s important to limit yang foods such as refined carbohydrates, refined sugars, and alcohol. These introduce heat and agitation to the body. While some warming yang foods, like ginger, garlic, and chili, can be useful when fighting infections, they may exacerbate tremors. Hydration is also essential; drinking ample water helps nourish the kidneys and support overall balance.
Qi gong for Reducing Tremors
Qi gong (Qi = energy, Gong = work) is an ancient practice that aligns the mind and body to regulate energy. Sometimes, energy rises excessively, leading to heat, anxiety, or jitteriness.
Through gentle flowing movements, Qi gong helps restore the smooth flow of qi and blood, preventing energy stagnation, excess tension and movement.
I offer a free Qi gong class at the end of each month (sign up at the bottom of this blog post), it’s a great way to experience these practices firsthand.
My husband, Davey, has Parkinson’s, and together, we use Qigong to help him manage his symptoms. While Parkinson’s currently has no cure, there are ways to live well with the condition.
Davy shared that before he began practicing Qigong, he often felt as though the tremors were overwhelming his mind, making it difficult to think clearly. Through mindful movement and breathwork, he found that while the tremors may not disappear, they no longer dominated his focus.
Qi gong Practice for Tremors
Before practicing, it’s important to acknowledge the presence of tremors rather than resist them. Fighting against them can increase stress and exacerbate symptoms. Instead, mindful practices help create a deep state of acceptance and tranquility.
Shaking Qi gong Exercise
• Find your space: You can do this sitting or standing. If standing, place your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, tailbone gently tucked under.
• Amplify the shaking: If you are already shaking, lean into it! Place your hands on your lower belly and shake from your core.
• Shift the weight: Move the shaking energy down your legs:
• Inhale deeply, exhale, and shake down one leg.
• Inhale deeply again, exhale, and shake down the other leg.
• Shake through the arms one at a time: Imagine the energy flowing to your fingertips as you shake out your hands.
• Full-body shake: Ensure there is space under your armpits, as Parkinson’s can often lead to excessive tension in the upper body.
• Release into stillness: Let the shaking subside and take a deep breath in through the nose as if smelling a rose, exhaling fully pressing the belly button to the spine, allowing the energy to settle.
• Take 3 breaths: one to land in the stillness, one to integrate the sensation into the whole body and one to let the body accept being here now.
Kidney and Bladder Meridian Qigong
• Rub your kidneys: Place your hands on your lower back and gently massage the area.
• Sweep down the hamstrings/bladder channel: Let your hands glide down the back of your legs, allowing your head to drop forward.
• Inhale, drawing energy up/kidney channel: Place your hands on the inner legs and sweep them up the body, over the pubic bone, and flick the energy off.
• Exhale, descending the energy: Bring your hands down with palms facing the earth, grounding your energy.
• Repeat: Continue this cycle to smooth the qi through the kidney and bladder meridians, which are vital for nervous system regulation.
Finding Peace Within
As you conclude your practice, place your hands over your lower belly and take a moment to connect inward. You may still feel tremors, but you might also notice a newfound sense of stability. This practice isn’t just about reducing shaking, it’s about reclaiming your sense of self and balance.
You may have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have you.
May you be happy, safe, and well. May I be happy, safe, and well. May all beings everywhere be happy, safe, and well.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
The Ask Me Anything podcast series has been created to answer your questions using my knowledge of Chinese medicine, Qi Gong, Qi Food therapy and Shiatsu.
You can ask a question by clicking on THIS LINK, or you can watch past episodes to see if your question has already been answered.
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Also, join me in Chi Flow with Jo every weekday morning for live online Qi Gong where we will practise Qi Gong, as well as self-acupressure, delicious healthy recipes, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tips and Meridian stretches.
You can sign up for a FREE online qi gong class with the form below.
Hope to see you in the Chi Flow!
Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.
Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.
The information provided should not be considered medical advice.
In Chinese Medicine, each of the organs is linked to an emotion, a colour, a time of day, a season, a flavour and much more.
Take a breath, breathe as deep as you want to feel well, and press into this point to re-connect with your spirit. Don’t lose heart dear one.
