Journal of Rehabilitation Research Current Updates
Advancing Culturally-Informed Mindfulness for Parkinsonâs and Equity Reflections - A Conceptual and Reflective Commentary
Abstract
Lourdu Mary, Prabha Adhikari, Udayakumara, A.P. Manimegalai and Akuma Ifeanyichuk-wu
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 (Culturally- Informed 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.