Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2001. I was studying abroad in England at the time, and while it certainly was disconcerting, it wasn't exactly a surprise. I had noticed nondescript symptoms for over a year- she was easily fatigued, her handwriting was getting hard to read, and it was taking longer to do routine tasks. Aside from getting assessments and care plans from a variety of neurologists and specialist, Mom made a point of getting regular bodywork at Ohashiatsu Chicago (now Zen Chicago). Besides providing stimulation for her muscles and nervous system, the therapists at Ohashiatsu were the first to suggest acupuncture, and recommended Mark Reese at the Northside Holistic Center.
Fast-forward nine years. Mom has gotten weekly treatments from Mark and takes a steady course of Chinese herbs and supplements in addition to her three Western drugs. She is taking relatively low doses of Amantadine, Azilect, and Requip, which act as both neuroprotectors and dopamine agonists. Her Western doctors can't believe how well she is doing on such a small amount of medication- Parkinson's drugs are difficult because the body gets used to the dosages and they need to be increased, but there is only so high you can go. Many patients max out and need to seek out alternate treatments, such as Deep Brain Stimulation.
It's not been without low periods- there were times when she couldn't drive for months, had no energy whatsoever, or couldn't dress herself. We've looked seriously into moving her into a nearby assisted living facility. But for now, she rents out my old bedroom and the whole third floor to boarders through Interfaith Housing Center so I feel comfortable knowing somebody is there. I swing by often enough to help with small things, like opening jars and changing light bulbs, and am there for all the big things, like doctor appointments.
I truly believe getting acupuncture therapy from the beginning has bought Mom dozens of years of quality of life- Mark has degrees in Microbiology and Biochemistry, and an impeccable understanding of the body's energy and functioning. I see immediate results after she has a treatment, and she doesn't have the side effects associated with her drugs- nausea, lethargy, and confusion. I call him Mark the Magician and can't speak highly enough of him.
Fast-forward nine years. Mom has gotten weekly treatments from Mark and takes a steady course of Chinese herbs and supplements in addition to her three Western drugs. She is taking relatively low doses of Amantadine, Azilect, and Requip, which act as both neuroprotectors and dopamine agonists. Her Western doctors can't believe how well she is doing on such a small amount of medication- Parkinson's drugs are difficult because the body gets used to the dosages and they need to be increased, but there is only so high you can go. Many patients max out and need to seek out alternate treatments, such as Deep Brain Stimulation.
It's not been without low periods- there were times when she couldn't drive for months, had no energy whatsoever, or couldn't dress herself. We've looked seriously into moving her into a nearby assisted living facility. But for now, she rents out my old bedroom and the whole third floor to boarders through Interfaith Housing Center so I feel comfortable knowing somebody is there. I swing by often enough to help with small things, like opening jars and changing light bulbs, and am there for all the big things, like doctor appointments.
I truly believe getting acupuncture therapy from the beginning has bought Mom dozens of years of quality of life- Mark has degrees in Microbiology and Biochemistry, and an impeccable understanding of the body's energy and functioning. I see immediate results after she has a treatment, and she doesn't have the side effects associated with her drugs- nausea, lethargy, and confusion. I call him Mark the Magician and can't speak highly enough of him.
