Is there a road to recovery from Parkinson's Disease? Robert Rodgers, Ph.D, believes there is and in his recent book Road To Recovery From Parkinsons Disease he sets out to show sufferers the path.

In his introduction, Rodgers makes it very clear that he is not a medical doctor, but rather a researcher, and thus he does not have the qualifications to offer advice or treatment concerning Parkinson's disease.

One word of caution, before deciding to apply anyone of the therapies, treatments, supplements or approaches mentioned in his book, that you consult with your doctor or other health care provider. It is a dangerous misunderstanding to believe that because complimentary therapies are natural, they are thus risk free.

In recent years there has been substantial research into complementary or alternative medicine and today we are beginning to know more about its benefits. With this in mind, Rodgers provides the reader with a wealth of information concerning the treatment of PD applying natural methods that Rodgers has garnered from people he has interviewed over the years. The complete interviews can be heard on his Internet radio program, and throughout the book, whenever he quotes one of these interviewees, he provides a link to the location of the interview.

Rodgers informs us that although recovery may not be possible in all instances, at least, according to his research, there may be symptomatic improvements. The question is which complimentary therapy should be followed? Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation concerning complimentary or alternative medicine, and it is imperative to seek out reliable information.

Medical treatments are improving all the time, however, at the moment there is no cure for PD. And you may also hear that complimentary therapies do not offer a cure, either. However, as we read Road To Recovery From Parkinsons Disease, we do learn about people with PD who have found complementary therapy to be a very positive experience. Among the variety of approaches explored in the book are:

• Aromatherapy or the use of oils made from plants and flowers

• Ayurveda, which is a system of traditional Indian medicine

• The Bowen technique that aims to restore balance through gentle manipulation of the soft tissues

• Certain foods, vitamins and minerals

• Laughter yoga

• Meditation

• Music

• Herbal medicine, where a herbalist builds up a complete picture of your health, lifestyle and treatments

• Homeopathy

• Massage therapies

• Reflexology

• Yoga,

• Tai Chi,

• Physical therapy

  In addition, a host of others are also explored where these complementary approaches are likely to be most beneficial in the treatment of the whole body, including non motor symptoms, rather than the motor or movement problems alone.

Although Rodgers has done a great deal of research, it should be pointed out that many of these therapies have not undergone rigorous testing in the same way as medicines. Moreover, it is sometimes difficult to find out whether your therapist, who claims to be qualified concerning a certain approach, does in fact have the necessary credentials. Road To Recovery From Parkinsons Disease is an excellent starting point in providing you with information that will help you make these best decisions.

My one complaint about this book is in its presentation. I would have liked to have seen a clearer separation of the chapters and each sub-heading of a topic emphasized in bold letters. I would also liked to have seen the benefits and drawbacks of each therapy, its safety and where can I learn more.

Norm welcomes any recommendations you may have concerning books on Parkinson's Disease or your experiences with complimentary approaches to Parkinson's Disease. You can contact Norm at: bookpleasures@gmail.com