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PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS from Viartis 1st April 2009 - History PARKINSON'S DISEASE IN MEDIEVAL CHINA In medieval China, during the Jin Dynasty, Zhang Zihe (AD 1151-1231), who was one of four Jin Dynasty medical experts reported a case of well progressed Parkinson's Disease in "Ru Men Shi Qin". He called it "wind shaking due to fright". Zhang Zihe described a 59 year old man called Ma, who was from the Xin stockade village. Zhang's observation accurately described Ma's tremor in the jaw, hands and feet. He wrote of his stiffness, and inability to perform common motor activities, and the loss of dexterity of finger movements. He described Ma as being open mouthed and having inexpressive facial features. He also noted mood changes with depression that resulted in a suicide attempt. Due to tremulous hands Ma's attempt at hanging himself failed. Ma's family left him and went out looking for medication because the disease was still progressing. His son inquired of Zhang about medication for his father. Zhang advocated diaphoresis (sweating) using Fangfeng Tongsheng San, then inducing vomiting, expelling wind, and promoting circulation of qi through herbs, and nourishing by food. After treatment for several months, Ma's condition improved. His feet were not as heavy as before. The tremor was less and he was able to walk and to hold a comb, towel, spoon and chopsticks. This case was recorded over 600 years earlier than those reported by James Parkinson, after whom Parkinson's Disease was eventually named. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn