Advancing Culturally-Informed Mindfulness for Parkinson’s and Equity Reflections - A Conceptual and Reflective Commentary
Lourdu Mary, Prabha Adhikari, Udayakumara ., A. P. Manimegalai, Akuma Ifeanyichukwu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research Current Updates April 10, 2026 DOI: 10.66311/3068-9333.02.02.02 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychosocial Qualitative research Spirituality Conceptual framework Equity law Psychotherapist Rehabilitation Psychological intervention |
| Key points | Argues that culturally-informed mindfulness approaches, drawing on Indian clinical experience, can extend the framework proposed by Kwok et al. for Parkinson's disease rehabilitation, emphasizing psychosocial and spiritual benefits beyond symptom relief. |
Abstract
A written communication in response to Kwok et al., (2025) recent article ‘Enhancing Whole‑Person Care Through Mindfulness: Qualitative Insights from Patients with Parkinson’s Disease’ published in Mindfulness, and commend their qualitative insights on mindfulness-based rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) [1]. The study’s three emergent themes “reshaping illness experience through embodiment,” “cultivating a sense of community through mindful engagement,” and “fostering lasting mindfulness impact” highlight how group-based, mind-body practices yielded psychosocial and even spiritual benefits for Chinese PD patients beyond mere symptom relief. Notably, participants described mindfulness as “transformative, offering psychosocial and spiritual benefits beyond physical relief”. Kwok et al. conclude that “integrating mindfulness into gerontological care is crucial to optimise holistic wellness, particularly for people with Parkinson’s disease,” and they call for “personalising disease-specific mindfulness techniques” and expanding mind-body experiences beyond goal-driven practice. In line with this whole-person approach (CulturallyInformed Mindfulness), this commentary builds upon Kwok et al.’s paper to explore culturally-informed approaches by drawing on our clinical experience in India to extend and conceptualise their framework.