Not necessarily "Frequently Asked" but asked and answered all the same. You may send YOUR question to: anarreshealth(at)gmail.com.

Q: I was wondering if you are knowledgeable about Parkinson's Disease and if you have ever worked with patients who have this condition.

A: I have a number of therapeutic approaches that are effective in relieving the symptoms of PD.

1. Essential oils have a strong impact on the nervous system. I can develop an Individual Prescription based on the client's medical history and current complaints, and the resulting essential oil blend can be used in baths, lotions, creams, dish washing liquid, diffusers etc.
2. Massage (every week to two weeks) creates a healing relaxation response, with improvements expected in body sensations, muscle control, sleep, awareness, emotions and immune function.
3. Reflexology (massage of the reflexes of the feet) is effective in relieving symptoms throughout the body, in particular in relieving the symptoms of and sometimes halting the progress of neurological disease.

My preference in treatment would be to combine all three approaches in a series of 10 1 hour massage and reflexology treatments, and to teach a home reflexology routine and daily use of oils. I have quoted an article below that supports the above approach. One hour normally costs $60, but in packages of 5 the cost is $55/hr, and packages of 10 sessions $50/hr.

Although I have not treated a client with Parkinson's Disease, I am confident that aromatherapy massage is an effective and enjoyable treatment with lasting benefits. I base this opinion on my training (I was taught by a student of the author of the study below) and on various studies.

Parkinson Disease Project by Shirley Price
listed in aromatherapy, originally published in issue 15 - Oct/Nov 1996 http://www.positivehealth.com/article-view.php?articleid=100