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Out-Thinking Parkinson's

Progressive Symptom Reduction Strategies for Parkinson's Disease
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Stuck on Pause with Parkinson's Disease

May 3, 2024

Indeed, I was recently contacted on this topic by Dave Faller, a person with a PD diagnosis, who has been exploring ways to help himself. Dave has written a very useful two page summary of Janice’s “Stuck on Pause” book and other work, and so I asked him if we could reproduce it here. He agreed, and hence the article below.

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In Books, Brain Science, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Chinese Medicine, Thalamus, Qi

Fright and Parkinson's Disease

January 2, 2024

In recently re-reading this excellent article, it struck me that, as part of their own literature review, the authors describe what it is like on the inside to be in the fright response, and hence according to my thesis, what is like to be symptomatic with PD.

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In Mental Health, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Freeze, Nervous System, Trauma

Acetylcholine, Dopamine and Parkinson's Disease

September 16, 2023

In reality, the interactions between very many different neurotransmitters is super strong. It is not just the lack of one chemical that causes the problems in many cases, but actually it is the resulting lack of balance with other chemicals.

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In Brain Science, Diet & Supplements, Re-thinking Movement Tags Supplements, Neurotransmitters, Research

Fascia Decompression and Parkinson's Disease

February 8, 2023

I have been working in the fascia system for twenty three years and have come to understand this system intimately. Spending over 60,000 hours working on both patients, and myself, the changes I have seen from Fascia Decompression, is helping people all over the world.

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In Assistive Technology, Biography, Books, Brain Science, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Video Tags Fascia, Self Help, Bodywork

The Neck and Parkinson's Disease, Part 2

June 29, 2022

This is a follow on from previous articles on the subjects of the roles of lack of oxygen to the brain, the neck and breathing problems in Parkinson’s Disease. Here, we focus on the potentially profound role of special chemical sensors in our necks, which most people affected by PD will never have heard of, called “carotid bodies”.

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In Brain Science, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Breathing, Oxygen, Anatomy

Motivation, Pleasure, Pain and Parkinson's Disease

November 4, 2021

The activation of the habenula inhibits or deactivates the dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, and, conversely excites or activates them when it is deactivated. This has profound implications for PD, as this points to the possibility that it is not cell death which causes the issues in PD, but chronic activation of the habenula permanently switching off the cells in the substantia nigra from producing dopamine. This is a more hopeful hypothesis, as it means the cells are just dormant, not dead. If we can figure out how to deactivate the habenula, this could provide significant symptom reduction.

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In Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Dopamine, Cell Receptors, Addiction, Neurotransmitters, Applied Neuroplasticity

Dopamine and Parkinson's Disease

August 15, 2021

The Huberman Lab podcast is a lecture series by Prof. Andrew Huberman, professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, on practical and free tools for optimizing health based on the very latest neuroscience and human biology research. This podcast contains vital, actionable, and need-to-know information for people with Parkinson’s Disease, in particular of the latest pragmatic research into dopamine biochemistry. Dopamine is the major neuromodulator which is most problematic in PD, and the target for the mainstay medical interventions. So here I’ve extracted from the podcast episodes the timestamps of everything Prof. Huberman has to teach us on the subject of how to optimize our dopamine biochemistry. The format is the episode title, in order of release, followed by the corresponding timestamp links and descriptions whenever dopamine is referred to.

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In Brain Science, Diet & Supplements, Exercise, Mental Health, Music, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Video Tags Dopamine, Neurotransmitters, Neurology, Nervous System, Research
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Visual Cues and Parkinson's Disease

July 26, 2021

I learned about the connection between the eyes/vision and movement of the body in an online course run by my friend and "Wisdom Coach" Cheryl Townsley, where a tutorial showed how, looking up or down with the eyes (not via movement of the head) creates an immediate increase in the range of specific arm/shoulder motions. I could quickly check this was indeed true for myself. Indeed, the connection between eye and body movement is so important that professional athletes are being trained in these types of techniques, and are given specific eye exercises to improve sports performance!

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In Assistive Technology, Brain Science, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Video, Exercise Tags Walking, Recovery, Exercise, Symptom Relief, Vision, Eye Exercise
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The Eyes and Parkinson's Disease

July 10, 2021

Motivated by the launch of the Eye Guide MC wearable device for Parkinson’s Disease, I have updated this article, originally published September 2017, with some more information about the role of dopamine in the eye, and also about the emerging field of Neuro-optometrics.

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In Assistive Technology, Brain Science, Diet & Supplements, Exercise, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Vision, Visual Therapy, Neurotransmitters, Epithelial Cells, Eye Exercise
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Eye Exercises and Parkinson's Disease

June 25, 2021

I have updated this article, originally published on 4th December 2017, to include information from Prof. Andrew Huberman, Neuroscientist at Stanford University, who is providing information and tools based on the latest high quality science. His episode on the eyes appears to support much of what I originally wrote below

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In Brain Science, Exercise, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Video Tags Eyes, Vision, Movement Disorders, Eye Exercise, Visual Therapy, Neck

Feeling Heavy and Parkinson's Disease

January 5, 2020

A friend suggested I write more about what Parkinson's Disease is like "on the inside". At the same time, I was researching the different senses of the human body, and the problems which can occur with these in PD. Later, I learned about fascia (connective tissue) and its potentially vital role in PD. In this article, I attempt to tie these three threads together.

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In Brain Science, People, Re-thinking Movement Tags Senses, Symptoms, Neuroception, Proprioception, Understanding
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Brain Healing and Parkinson's Disease

November 17, 2019

Here are annotated excerpts from the book, on the stages of neuroplastic healing - according to Dr Doidge, this works by modulating or downregulating the abnormal and noisy brain wave activity which occurs in nervous system dysregulations, that are either blocking clear movement and sensory signals or are over-exciting pain responses. It is worth noting that such “noisy brain” problems have been identified as a key element of Parkinson’s Disease.

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In Assistive Technology, Books, Brain Science, Exercise, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Applied Neuroplasticity, Neurofeedback, Neurology, Book Review
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Athletics Training and Competitive Sport with Parkinson's Disease

October 18, 2019

How I Bounced Back After Parkinson’s Diagnosis to Make US National Rowing Team, by Todd Vogt

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In Biography, Exercise, Mental Health, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Rowing, Sport Therapy, Mindset, Motivation
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Fascia (Connective Tissue) and Parkinson's Disease

October 7, 2019

We discover that fascia is essentially the connective tissue which is found throughout our body, wrapping muscles and organs, nerves and bones. This connective tissue is incredibly important and has profound and primary roles in our biological system, health and wellness. This is an “emerging” field in medicine, but has been known about and worked with in other disciplines for a very long time.

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In Books, Exercise, Therapies, Re-thinking Movement Tags Facial Expression, Fascia, Stress, Muscle, Pain
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The Past, Persistence and Parkinson's Disease

June 28, 2019

By Stefania Lungu, contributing author and person with Parkinson’s Disease.

“I am 66 years old and this is my story. I strongly believe that almost all major illnesses have deep roots in some traumas/shocks we have at certain moments of our lives, which we were not able to “digest”. All my emotional traumas are related to members of my family. My first shock was back in 1994, when I was alone with a little child to raise. Knock-knock, depression installed itself immediately and I was not able to recognize it and give it a proper treatment. I was very angry, and afraid that I would not be able to cope with all my problems. Yet, in all the critical moments of my life, I received from seemingly nowhere some help from ”above”, and somehow I managed to solve step by step the problems which arose, even when I remained jobless in 2000, and by miracle an old tennis friend helped me to find a new job in a bank, that help restore confidence in myself.”

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In Biography, Exercise, Mental Health, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies Tags Tennis, Shock Trauma, Early Trauma, Mindset
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Hand-Held Accessories and Hand-Eye Co-ordination in Movement Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

February 6, 2019

An early discovery in pursuing whole-body movement as the principle therapy for increasing my range of motion, re-connecting body and mind, and integrating Primitive Reflexes, was the importance of holding something in my hands as part and parcel of the therapy, thereby enhancing the Applied Neuroplasticity and Somatic Experiencing benefits of movement.

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In Video, Assistive Technology, Brain Science, Exercise, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Toys Tags Bradykinesia, Movement Disorders, Neurofeedback, Applied Neuroplasticity, Somatic Experiencing
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Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

December 14, 2018

Of all the therapies and modalities we’ve discussed here, I believe the most beneficial overall for progressive symptom reduction and movement recovery are Dance based. Here we define Dance Therapy broadly and simply as “moving to music or a beat”

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In Video, Music, Re-thinking Movement, Exercise, Brain Science, Books Tags Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Mental Health, Emotions, Recovery
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Balloon Based Play Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

December 8, 2018

Playing with balloons helped me re-discover much more slow, fluid and graceful movement. I believe that this type of controlled movement exercise could be very beneficial - even more so than playing with balls.

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In Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Toys, Exercise, Brain Science, Video Tags Balloons, Curiosity, Play
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Light Therapy and Parkinson's Disease

November 30, 2018

The purposes of this article, which I will endeavour to keep updated, is to act as a central resource of information on light therapy and its applications to Parkinson's Disease.

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In Brain Science, Re-thinking Movement, Mental Health, Therapies, People Tags Light Therapy, Research, Infrared, Science
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The Dorsal Vagus Nerve and Parkinson's Disease

October 16, 2018

In this article, I would like to return to this topic, and concentrate this time on that primitive, reptilian branch of the Vagus Nerve, and its potentially central role in Parkinson's Disease.

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In Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, Therapies, Video, People, Re-thinking Movement Tags Vagus Nerve, Nervous System, E, Social Engagement, Gut
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Parkinson's Disease Carousel: Original Articles and Ideas
Jul 20, 2025
Dopamine's Role and Parkinson's Disease
Jul 20, 2025
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Waking Up the Senses and Parkinson's Disease
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Feb 19, 2025
The Nervous System and Parkinson's Disease
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Jun 23, 2024
Dopamine Breakdown and Parkinson's Disease: Part 2
Jun 23, 2024
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May 3, 2024
Stuck on Pause with Parkinson's Disease
May 3, 2024
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Apr 10, 2024
Dopamine Breakdown and Parkinson's Disease: Part 1
Apr 10, 2024
Apr 10, 2024
Jan 2, 2024
Fright and Parkinson's Disease
Jan 2, 2024
Jan 2, 2024
Sep 16, 2023
Acetylcholine, Dopamine and Parkinson's Disease
Sep 16, 2023
Sep 16, 2023
Jul 24, 2023
Sleep and Parkinson's Disease, Part 2
Jul 24, 2023
Jul 24, 2023
Jun 4, 2023
Emotional Armouring and Parkinson's Disease
Jun 4, 2023
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Apr 2, 2023
Histamine, Allergies and Parkinson's Disease
Apr 2, 2023
Apr 2, 2023
Feb 8, 2023
Fascia Decompression and Parkinson's Disease
Feb 8, 2023
Feb 8, 2023
Dec 30, 2022
Lack of Oxygen to the Brain in Parkinson's Disease
Dec 30, 2022
Dec 30, 2022
Dec 13, 2022
Constipation and Parkinson's Disease
Dec 13, 2022
Dec 13, 2022
Oct 19, 2022
The Endocannabinoid System and Parkinson's Disease
Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022
Jun 29, 2022
The Neck and Parkinson's Disease, Part 2
Jun 29, 2022
Jun 29, 2022
Apr 7, 2022
Thiamine and Parkinson's Disease
Apr 7, 2022
Apr 7, 2022
Feb 18, 2022
Early Retirement and Parkinson's Disease
Feb 18, 2022
Feb 18, 2022
Dec 13, 2021
Feeling Trapped and Parkinson's Disease
Dec 13, 2021
Dec 13, 2021
Nov 4, 2021
Motivation, Pleasure, Pain and Parkinson's Disease
Nov 4, 2021
Nov 4, 2021
Oct 2, 2021
Dopamine Cell Receptors and Parkinson's Disease
Oct 2, 2021
Oct 2, 2021
Aug 15, 2021
Dopamine and Parkinson's Disease
Aug 15, 2021
Aug 15, 2021
Jul 26, 2021
Visual Cues and Parkinson's Disease
Jul 26, 2021
Jul 26, 2021
Jul 10, 2021
The Eyes and Parkinson's Disease
Jul 10, 2021
Jul 10, 2021
Jun 25, 2021
Eye Exercises and Parkinson's Disease
Jun 25, 2021
Jun 25, 2021
Jun 9, 2021
Podcast Therapy and Parkinson's Disease
Jun 9, 2021
Jun 9, 2021
Apr 19, 2021
Relationships and Parkinson's Disease
Apr 19, 2021
Apr 19, 2021
Mar 4, 2021
Sleep and Parkinson's Disease
Mar 4, 2021
Mar 4, 2021
Jan 19, 2021
Cell Danger Response and Parkinson's Disease
Jan 19, 2021
Jan 19, 2021
Dec 8, 2020
Eating Habits and Parkinson's Disease
Dec 8, 2020
Dec 8, 2020

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Testimonials Carousel: What People Say
Mar 13, 2025
Coloring with Parkinson's
Mar 13, 2025
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Nov 28, 2024
Very Encouraging and Refreshing
Nov 28, 2024
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Stuck on Pause
Apr 19, 2024
Apr 19, 2024
Aug 12, 2023
Photobiomodulation or Red Light Therapy
Aug 12, 2023
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Jul 7, 2022
Tremors Reduced
Jul 7, 2022
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Mar 29, 2022
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Mar 29, 2022
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Oct 19, 2021
Staying Positive
Oct 19, 2021
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Jul 28, 2021
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Jul 28, 2021
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Jun 20, 2021
Educative Posts
Jun 20, 2021
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Mar 24, 2021
Parallels with Trauma
Mar 24, 2021
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Correcting Dysfunctional Sleep
Feb 4, 2021
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Oct 27, 2020
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder
Oct 27, 2020
Oct 27, 2020
Aug 11, 2020
Yoga Therapy
Aug 11, 2020
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Nov 27, 2019
Strategies of Recovery
Nov 27, 2019
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Sep 3, 2019
Applications of Polyvagal Theory
Sep 3, 2019
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May 24, 2019
Hope and Inspiration
May 24, 2019
May 24, 2019
Feb 7, 2019
Headed in the Right Direction
Feb 7, 2019
Feb 7, 2019
Sep 10, 2018
Husband Diagnosed
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
Making Changes
Sep 10, 2018
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Jun 21, 2018
Craniosacral Therapy
Jun 21, 2018
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May 27, 2018
Music is Medicine
May 27, 2018
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Apr 26, 2018
Social Isolation
Apr 26, 2018
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Mar 31, 2018
From Malta
Mar 31, 2018
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Mar 6, 2018
Impactful Discoveries
Mar 6, 2018
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Co-Regulation
Mar 6, 2018
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Outstanding Information
Feb 6, 2018
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Jan 21, 2018
Slowing Down Progression
Jan 21, 2018
Jan 21, 2018
Oct 25, 2017
Exploring All the Potential Causes
Oct 25, 2017
Oct 25, 2017
Sep 10, 2017
Can-Do Attitude
Sep 10, 2017
Sep 10, 2017
Aug 28, 2017
Connecting the Dots
Aug 28, 2017
Aug 28, 2017

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