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Acupuncture for Parkinson’s Disease

  • Writer: Bethesda Acupuncture
    Bethesda Acupuncture
  • Oct 1
  • 2 min read
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Estimates indicate 10 million people are affected worldwide by Parkinson’s, making it the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Known for causing a range of motor symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and difficulty with balance, Parkinson's can also cause non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, depression, and decreased cognitive capacity.


While conventional medications are essential for managing this progressive neurological condition, many patients are looking for complementary therapies to provide additional support. Recent research has shown acupuncture is a promising treatment for many Parkinson's symptoms.


From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Parkinson's symptoms reflect an imbalance in the flow of energy, or Qi, through the body. Acupuncture helps restore this balance, which may lead to improved mobility, reduced tremors, and a decrease in fatigue.

Current research shows that acupuncture may:


  • Support Dopamine Pathways: It may impact the brain's dopamine pathways and improve neural communication, leading to better control of tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

  • Reduce Inflammation: Research indicates acupuncture can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Calm Overactive Brain Circuits: Acupuncture is believed to help calm overactive brain circuits and modulate neurotransmitters such as GABA.

  • Improve Sleep and Mood: Acupuncture has been linked to better sleep quality and reduced anxiety.


The addition of acupuncture in conjunction with other treatments may allow patients to manage their symptoms more effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.


Whether you are recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, have been managing your symptoms for years, or if you are simply interested in learning more about acupuncture, please call our office at 301.880.3232. It would be our pleasure to assist you with scheduling a consultation.

References:


Fan JQ, Lu WJ, Tan WQ, Feng WC, Zhuang LX. Acupuncture for Parkinson's disease: From theory to practice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;149:112907. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112907


Kim Y, Lim Y, Ahn S, Oh J, Chae Y, Choi Y, Kim JU.  Efficacy of Acupuncture for Parkinson's Disease over the Last Decade: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.  J Acupunct Res 2024;41:29-52.  https://doi.org/10.13045/jar.2024.00024


Pereira CR, Machado J, Rodrigues J, de Oliveira NM, Criado MB, Greten HJ. Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease Symptoms-A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(11):2334. Published 2022 Nov 21. doi:10.3390/healthcare10112334


Wu Y, Kong Q, Li Y, et al. Potential scalp acupuncture and brain stimulation targets for common neurological disorders: evidence from neuroimaging studies. Chin Med. 2025;20(1):58. Published 2025 May 7. doi:10.1186/s13020-025-01106-0


Zhou H, Zhong H, Ying W, Li Z, Nie Y, Zhang B. Acupuncture for the anxiety and depression in Parkinson disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025;104(32):e42136. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000042136

This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.

 
 
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