Conventional therapies focus on treating the underlying causes of symptoms associated with disease. By contrast, complementary therapies aim to manage symptoms, ease pain, reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Complementary therapies include physical, occupational, and speech therapies. In addition to these conventional complementary therapies, more unconventional complementary therapies useful to those with Parkinson's disease (PD) include mind and body practices (yoga, meditation, stress management), manipulative therapies (massage, chiropractic, acupuncture), alternative medical systems (cannabis, homeopathy, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine), and energy therapies (Reiki, Qi Gong).
Here are some resources to help understand which complementary therapies may be beneficial for those with PD and those that are not.
Overviews
Complementary Therapies and Alternative Practices for Parkinson's Disease
By Davis Phinney Foundation
In this eight-minute video Dr. Benzi Kluger takes an evidence-based approach to discuss the risks and potential benefits of a wide range of non-medication, complementary therapies, from yoga, tai chi and dance to nutritional supplements, cannibidoil and medical marijuana.
There is also a Complimentary Therapies for Parkinson's webpage.
Complementary Therapies and Multiple System Atrophy
Published by MSA Trust, March 2016
This six-page fact sheet teaches the difference between complementary and alternative therapies and how to evaluate whether they are safe and effective for the expense, as most are not covered by medical insurance. It explains 15 complementary therapies and their possible benefit.
Complementary Therapies and Parkinson’s
Published by Parkinson’s UK, March 2015
This 76-page booklet is for people interested in using complementary therapies alongside their Parkinson’s treatment, to help them manage their Parkinson’s symptoms. It explains and evaluates 24 complementary therapies for the type of assistance that may be gained and associated risks for each.
Complementary Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
By American Parkinson Disease Association, August 4, 2021 and January 24, 2024
Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, focused two episodes of her popular webinar series Dr. Gilbert Hosts on complementary therapies. The first episode from 2021 is a great overview of a wide assortment of therapy options and the second one from 2024 focuses more on medicinal plants and supplements for PD.
Conversations about Complementary Therapies and Parkinson's Disease
By Parkinson's Foundation, March 4, 2022
In this 75-minute webinar, movement disorders specialist Natalia Diaz, MD, talks about how complementary therapies manage symptoms, ease pain, reduce stress and improve quality of life. Nearly half of all people with PD utilize some form of complementary therapy. These therapies are often identified on the internet and frequently not reported to physicians. Treating physicians are sometimes unaware of such treatments, including their rationale, mechanisms, potential efficacy, and possible adverse effects. Dr. Diaz explores in detail the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of complementary therapies and how to talk with your doctor about integrating them into your treatment plan.
Holistic and Supportive Care for Living Well With Parkinson's
By Davis Phinney Foundation, November 11, 2020
In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Christopher Tarolli speaks about how those with Parkinson's disease (PD) are often not well supported in their symptom management. There is a better model of care for those with PD but it is not widely available. Dr. Tarolli gives tips for finding the best experts in your area to be on your care team so you can live your best life with PD.
A Resource Guide of 19 Complementary Therapies For People With Parkinson's
Published by Davis Phinney Foundation, August 7, 2018
The options to help people with Parkinson's live well are not limited to conventional medicine and DBS. This list of 19 complementary therapies people associated with the Davis Phinney Foundation Blog experimented with, under the care of their medical team, in an attempt to reduce symptoms even more.
Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, and CBD
Consensus Statement on the Use of Medical Cannabis for Parkinson’s Disease
Published by Parkinson's Foundation, May 2020
This 15-page booklet is designed to help guide the PD community in making informed decisions about using cannabis for Parkinson’s. The statement is based on the input from 46 experts who attended the Foundation’s first-ever medical marijuana working group.
Marijuana: What Wo We Really Know?
By Parkinson’s Foundation, April 17, 2018
In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Benzi M. Kluger reviews what cannabis is, how it works in the brain and why there is so much excitement about its potential in PD, before reviewing animal and basic science studies suggesting some promise in treating motor symptoms and slowing PD progression. Finally Dr. Kluger reviews evidence to date in human studies, suggestions for future research and practical advice for persons interested in trying cannabis-based products.
Medical Marijuana and Other Alternative Therapies
By The Michael J. Fox Foundation, October 17, 2019
In this one-hour webinar, panelists discuss what research is finding about marijuana use for Parkinson’s disease and the role of other therapies such as acupuncture and meditation. Questions from listeners are answered.
Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease
By Rachel Dolhun, MD. Published by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, March 4, 2022
As an increasing number of states authorize medical or recreational marijuana, a significant number of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) report using these products. Some describe benefit on sleep, mood or other symptoms. Others report side effects. And many say they are unsure how to discuss this therapy with their physician. This nine-page booklet offers general information about medical marijuana and Parkinson’s, tips for talking with your doctor, and more.
Use of Cannabidiol (CBD) for PD symptoms
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, February 9, 2024
An in-depth look at cannabidiol, or CBD, to help you better understand what it is and its possible use for symptoms of PD.
Mucuna Pruriens
Everything you always wanted to know about Mucuna
By No Silver Bullet 4 PD, February 11, 2025
In 2025 neurologist Rafael Maldonado, MD, PhD, wrote a book on the use of mucuna to treat Parkinson's Disease (PD) with the same title as this webinar. In this first half of his 96-minute presentation he presents several educational videos on the benefits and side effects of using mucuna to treat the early stages of PD. Also included are tips for using mucuna correctly to get the most benefit and avoid medication interaction, overdose, and other risks. In the second half of the webinar Dr. Maldonado answers listener questions.
Mucuna Pruriens - A Natural Remedy for Parkinson's Disease?
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association
This extensive web page explains what mucuna pruriens is, why it is thought to be a treatment for Parkinson's symptoms, the history of its testing as a Parkinson's treatment, and the pros and cons of trying it yourself.
Last updated September 2025 by Stanford Parkinsons Community Outreach.