Sel Kerans , Author of Leading the Dance: Living Well with Parkinsons Disease
Trust me on this. Take the time to listen to this interview which was recorded several years ago. It will be well worth your time!
Sel Kerans discusses his new book, Leading the Dance: Living well with Parkinsons Disease, and his own journey on the road to recovery in an open, conversational expose of a five year journey with Parkinsons disease and the experiences that have inspired the writing of a book that may be helpful, motivational and encouraging for others, especially those newly diagnosed with the condition.
His book has been dedicated to the late Robin Williams and is about overcoming adversity, staying positive and content; focusing on healing, recovery and living well. Leading the dance with an unwelcome stranger called Parkinsons disease. Sel discusses:
What hurdles have you faced?
How have you overcome them?
Would you consider yourself recovered from Parkinson’s disease?
Do you believe it’s possible to recover completely from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
You mention in your book some reluctance with medication – what’s been your approach to taking medication over the five years?
What resources have been useful for you in learning about alternative approaches to managing the symptoms?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields to induce electrical currents in specific regions of the brain. A coil placed on the scalp generates a magnetic pulse, which can influence neuronal activity. Depending on the frequency and pattern of stimulation, TMS can either excite or inhibit brain regions, offering therapeutic effects.
TMS for Tremors:
TMS may help in treating tremors by targeting brain areas associated with motor control, like the primary motor cortex or basal ganglia. The idea is to either inhibit overactive neural circuits or enhance underactive circuits that contribute to tremor activity.
For example:
Parkinson’s disease tremor may be related to disrupted communication between the basal ganglia and the cortex. TMS could modulate this communication to reduce tremor.
Essential tremor is thought to involve abnormal brain activity in the cerebellum, and TMS might help adjust the neural firing patterns contributing to the tremors.
Below is the abstract from a 2024 review study that reported spectacular results when using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Parkinson’s symptoms and tremors specifically.
Hellyon.2024 Jun 12;10(12):e32799. Differential symptom cluster responses and predictors to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in Parkinson’s disease: A retrospective study
Abstract
Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective noninvasive neuromodulation technique for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the efficacy of rTMS varies widely between individuals. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the response to rTMS in PD patients.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the response of 70 idiopathic PD patients who underwent rTMS for 14 consecutive days targeting the supplementary motor area (SMA) in either an open-label trail (n = 31) or a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) (n = 39). The motor symptoms of PD patients were assessed by the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRSIII). Based on previous studies, the UPDRSIII were divided into six symptom clusters: axial dysfunction, resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia affecting right and left extremities, and postural tremor. Subsequently, the efficacy of rTMS to different motor symptom clusters and clinical predictors were analyzed in these two trails.
Results: After 14 days of treatment, only the total UPDRSIII scores and rigidity scores improved in both the open-label trial and the RCT. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that baseline rigidity scores (? = 0.37, p = 0.047) and RMT (? = 0.30, P = 0.02) positively predicted the improvement of UPDRSIII. The baseline rigidity score (? = 0.55, P < 0.0001) was identified as an independent factor to predict the improvement of rigidity.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated significant improvements in total UPDRSIII scores and rigidity after 14-day Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment, with baseline rigidity scores and RMT identified as predictors of treatment response, underscoring the need for individualized therapy.
I extend a warm invitation to listen to a remarkable story of recovery documented in my interview with Sue. She provides a thorough and heart warming account of her rocky journey down the road to recovery from the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Learn all about the therapies and modalities that supported her ability to recover.
Parkinsons Recovery challenges the false belief that Parkinson’s is a degenerative “disease” by documenting cases of individuals who have made remarkable recoveries. Some of the recoveries are complete in the sense that the person is symptom free today. Other recoveries are partial in the sense that the person has seen remarkable improvements. Both recovery experiences cases are documented in Pioneers of Recovery.
Once anyone realizes that people can and do recover, it is much easier to fully and completely believe in your heart mind and soul that the body really does knows how to heal from the inside out.
Are you serious about wanting to get relief from your symptoms? Sue Richards used a walker last year. She walks without a walker today. How did she accomplish this remarkable feat?
Sue provides a rich accounting of her remarkable story of recovery as she traveled down the road to recovery. You might want to take notes as she provides a thorough accounting of the therapies that helped her celebrate sustained relief from her symptoms.
I opened up enrollments for memberships this week and wish to extend a warm welcome to new members. You have connected with a community of individuals traveling down the road to recovery.
If you have any issues with navigating the member websites (there are 12) please let me know. Either call or email. If you are on your computer, the page icons should be to the right of this page (and every page). If you are connecting with your phone, the icons will appear at the bottom so you will need to scroll down.
My invitation is to connect to the member websites every week day for at least 5 minutes to receive an infusion of positive energy.
Our support group meets once every month. This month we will convene (October 2024) on Saturday October 26th.
The subject of this post is a question I am often asked. Is recovery quick? No. Is recovery a smooth ride? No. OK. What is it really like?
I have edited a clip of an interview on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with Howard Shifke who offers a realistic picture of his own recovery process which led to becoming symptom free. Visit the blog below to listen.
You will not regret taking 20 minutes out of your day to listen.
How long does it really take to become symptom free with holistic healing?
Can I feel better if I embrace a holistic healing approach designed to reverse my symptoms?
Is it really possible for anyone to become symptom free?
I do not want to experience pain in my recovery process. Doesn’t pain mean I am doing something wrong?
These are the questions members of my audience have been asking for many years. I have included below a clip with my interview with Howard Shifke who addresses all of these questions. He succeeded in becoming symptom free by embracing holistic healing.
If you have been asking any of these questions, please listen to this clip of my interview on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with Howard Shift. He addresses them all.
As Howard so eloquently explains, holistic healing for Parkinson’s disease focuses on addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just the physical symptoms. Here are some of the approaches involved with this natural approach to healing from the inside out.
1. Nutrition
Balanced Diet: Emphasize whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, may help combat oxidative stress.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health.
2. Exercise
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are beneficial.
Strength and Flexibility Training: Yoga and tai chi can enhance flexibility, balance, and mental well-being.
3. Mindfulness and Stress Management
Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
Breathing Exercises: Techniques like deep breathing can help manage anxiety.
4. Massage and Bodywork
Therapeutic Massage: Can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
Acupuncture: Some people find relief from symptoms through acupuncture treatments.
Bottom Line to Holistic Healing
Is it really possible to become symptom free if a person confronts symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Howard Shifke’s answer is – simply put – yes. Does it take time and patience? Yes. Will you get discouraged? Yes. Will you want to give up? Yes. Will it be worth it in the end even if it seems to take forever to succeed. Yes indeed.
My invitation for you this week is to sign and post a declaration of independence for Parkinsons. Many people (myself included) have throughout much of our life looked outside of our inner wisdom for answers. We have referred to the experts, persons in white coats or fancy suits or dresses, individuals with fancy initials beside their name, initials like PhD, MD, ND … You can list for yourself the assortment of initials that you have seen listed beside people’s names who you have sought consultations from. My own list fills up two sheets of paper.
Because power was acceded to others, we, you, I and many others gave up our own sense of independence, our own ability to make decisions that are in our best and highest good.
Loss of control is the underlying frustration that underpins symptoms of Parkinson’s. The secret to recovery is to take control back. And why wait? Do it now.
Clearly it makes good sense to seek out advice from the experts. To see what people recommend is often a wise and smart course of action. Yet many of us, and I say again myself included, have many times wanted someone else to fix us, to make it all right. In so doing, we acceded our power, our inner wisdom and our ability to know what is right for us.
It is one thing to say that the body knows how to heal itself. That is certainly a mindful statement. It is also one thing to be sensitive to the signals that our body sends to us.
Yet, it is also easy to slip out of that mindful space and to seek relief without checking in with our bodies; without asking whether or not this is in fact what our body truly needs in order to come back into balance and harmony.
Your body, my body, any body contains limitless wisdom. We have the power and the ability to know what is in our best interest. Becoming mindful of that wisdom is the key to recovery. Our body is the one and only resource that knows what is best for us.
Declaration of Independence for Parkinsons
I invite you on this day and this hour to print out the declaration of independence below, sign it, then post it on your refrigerator or your bathroom mirror. Read the declaration out loud to yourself for 21 days. If you happen to neglect to read the statement, start the count of 21 days all over again. It is time to honor the body’s ability to heal from the inside out.
In the beginning, one cell was formed inside the womb of my mother that captured the wisdom of all that I am today. The wisdom of one is 10 billion times seven fold today as I am equipped today with a mind to organize my thoughts, a heart to evaluate them and a voice to express them.
At this time and this hour I declare my mind, heart and voice to be independent of any and all control over the health and well being of my body.
I acknowledge the miracle of life itself.
I celebrate the ability of my body to rejuvenate despite any and all limitations I currently experience.
I see limitless possibilities to manifest any and all of my dreams.
I cast off any and all limitations for recovery I have imposed on myself and imposed by others.
I assert the independent responsibility to decide what actions are in my best and highest good.
I acknowledge that the conditions which foster imbalances in my body are complex and multi-faceted.
On this day I ask for and openly receive healing.
I pledge from this day forward to listen to the wisdom of my body.
I commit to take any and all actions that are needed and necessary to bring my body back into balance.
I welcome the opportunity to transform bad habits that have been making me ill.
I refute the oppressive and dehumanizing claims that recovery is not possible.
I accept and welcome full responsibility for the health and wellness of my body.
I acknowledge that a therapy or treatment that helps one person may not necessarily be helpful to others or myself.
I commit to continue my journey down the road to recovery with the intention to persevere despite any and all setbacks and challenges I encounter along the way.
By affixing my signature below, I join with others who honor the power of the body to heal itself as I restore, rejuvenate and regenerate the inner wisdom of my body to heal itself.
Are Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs) harmful for Parkinsons, Alzheimers and any neurological conditions? Check out the research in my post today and a suggestion for attending a free Summit next that will address how we can protect ourselves from EMF exposures.
My research focus centers on any and all problematic neurological conditions which include not only Parkinson’s but Alzheimers. Please check this option out if you or any of your family or friends have issues with forgetting and dementia.
I just completed a review of the scientific research on Alzheimers published in 2024. There is no doubt about it. One natural therapy moves to the top of the list. This one is not a medicine, has no side effects and has been shown to reverse dementia.
I have had a few difficult days and been very tired and very weary – sleeping is a nightmare. I hope to start going to yoga on a one to one basis starting in March. I have also had aromatherapy a few times since last I contacted you. Still wonder what natural medications to try – there are so many – where does one start? I was thinking of NADH for Parkinsons as a beginning – what do you think?
I saw my Parkinsons Nurse last Friday and he feels I am very stressed so has put me forward for a Research Study regarding stress in Parkinsons. And I had a phone call only today and am seeing a trainee clinical psychologist who will be carrying out this study. This is aiming at finding out if the number of stressful life events a person has experienced and their coping style in difficult situations, also family history and exposure to pesticides. It does make me feel that I am not forgotten at least!
I look forward to hearing from you as you certainly raise my spirits!!
Regards
Pearl
Response:
It is refreshing to learn you are experimenting with a wide variety of therapies. My research reveals that people who are able to find sustained relief from their symptoms employ a variety of therapies.
It is also imminently clear from my research that the symptoms of Parkinsons are directly and immediately influenced by stress. When you are stressed symptoms will flair. I know of no exceptions.
NADH for Parkinsons
As for NADH, listen to this clip of my interview with Steven Fowkes.
Steven Fowkes has conducted two decades of research on Parkinsons and is in a unique position to offer suggestions for persons searching for ways to find relief from their symptoms. As you will learn from listening to this clip from my interview with him, Steve Fowkes says that approximately 40% of the individuals who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons have a NADH deficiency.
He recommends that anyone currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s consider taking NADH and see if they observe a difference in symptoms. Talk with your doctor about pursuing this option. According to him, it can’t do any harm and may well provide relief from symptoms. Fowkes says that you can obtain NADH from a health food store.
Now listen to Compounding Pharmacist Randy Mentzer discuss NADH in response to a question submitted to Parkinsons Recovery.
When I first dedicated my research program to identifying the causes of Parkinson’s symptoms and the therapies that successfully address these causes, I sponsored a research study in Portland, Oregon with several colleagues. The purpose was to investigate whether craniosacral therapy offers Parkinson’s symptom relief.
Findings of the study are reported in my blog post below. I discovered over the course of our six month study that stress and trauma play a central role in sustaining and worsening symptoms.
If you are currently not getting regular craniosacral treatments, please review our study findings summarized and highlighted in the Parkinsons blog post below.
