Name: Roland Tan #Parkinsons
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about 10 years ago and have been on medication to relieve my stiff muscles. Not wanting to be too reliant on medication, I had attempted to stretch the duration between intakes from 4 to 6 hours. However I was not successful as the medication usually wears off after 4 hours and my leg muscles will start to stiffen resulting in unstable and smaller footsteps. Often, I will “freeze” and stop abruptly in my steps for fear of falling down.
I attended the 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat with my wife in December 2018 upon a friend’s introduction. Apart from the core methodology – “The Meditation of Greater Illumination”, we also learnt “Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Golden Words”. I was inspired by these affirmative words especially the following, “I am most confident, I am most courageous”. Hence during one of the days at the retreat, I extended my medication intake time for another hour beyond the usual 4 hours. I was able to stand up during the meditation practice without fear of falling down. With renewed confidence, I regularly practise “The Meditation of Greater Illumination” for about 2 hours daily.
When I went for my quarterly physiotherapy review in mid-January 2019, the physiotherapist praised me for my improved mobility and walking speed! Now, I can take the medication every 6 hours instead of 4 hours on most days. My leg muscles feel more relaxed, my steps are bigger and steadier and I have less “freezing” too. Besides this, I only wake up once in the night to go to the toilet compared to an average of 3 times. I am much more positive in managing my condition and will continue with my meditation practice diligently!
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary. Bodhi Meditation does not advocate reduction or discontinuation of medication without seeking a doctor’s advice.