Multiple Sclerosis and Acupuncture

Are you aware that acupuncture is a great resource for patients who suffer from the Western diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Research has shown that Chinese medicine can keep MS patients in remission longer and slow this condition’s progress.[1]

While Chinese medicine cannot cure MS completely, you can feel confident in knowing that it CAN offer considerable help to alleviate symptoms and slow down its progress.

For example, acupuncture can significantly eliminate the feeling of heaviness and tingling in the limbs. And the earlier the treatment is started, the better the results. If treatment is started at the very early stages, the symptoms can be eliminated completely and the progression of the disease halted indefinitely.[2]

The patient should plan on receiving treatment 2-3 times per week for several weeks, and then once a week for a time. Once the patient is stabilized, they should be seen once a month thereafter to keep the disease from progressing.

Let’s consider differences between Western and TCM analysis of MS:

Western Analysis of MS

• An autoimmune disorder characterized by patches of demyelination (damage to the protective covering of the neurons) in the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. This causes an interruption of signals between the brain and the body.
• Symptoms may include any of the following: numbness of the extremities, trunk or side of the face; weakness of the arms or legs; visual disturbances; problems with bladder control; emotional disturbances; paralysis.
• Shows up without warning, and presents as alternating periods of remission and exacerbation.
• There is no specific treatment.
• As the disease progresses, periods of remission grow shorter and eventually progressive and/or permanent disability occurs.
• Those with MS typically have nutritional deficiencies.
• Intolerances to certain foods are also common.

TCM Analysis of MS

The most common patterns seen for MS patients are Spleen Qi Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency. These patterns are often complicated by a number of other patterns such as: Damp Heat, Blood Stagnation, Internal Wind (spasms), Kidney Qi Deficiency, and Kidney Yang Deficiency.

Here is a basic explanation and point suggestions for each of the above-mentioned patterns:

• The first thing to realize is that you ALWAYS have to strengthen the spleen, move liver qi, and tonify liver and kidney yin because this is the base pattern. Do this with every treatment. Then pick out which patterns are showing up for your patient according to their symptoms, and add some of those points to your protocol.
• It is important to teach your patient about a spleen-happy diet, which includes avoidance of foods that are uncooked and adding in foods that help to strengthen the function of the spleen, such as warm root vegetables and soups. A poor diet makes MS symptoms worse.
• Liver qi stagnation exacerbates symptoms! Get your patient on a regular treatment protocol and teach them how important it is to avoid “unnecessary” stress. Help them find ways to move liver qi between treatments. Some suggestions for home treatment remedies include foot rubs with emphasis at Liver 3, going for a walk, or an herbal formula that keeps liver qi moving.
• Help your patients to realize that when they are overtired, their symptoms become worse. MS patients have to learn when to say no to excessive activities. They may also need to be on a formula to supplement their qi.
• Women may experience an exacerbation of their symptoms related to the spleen, liver and wind (bloating, loose stools, irritability, more severe tremors) in association with their menstrual cycle. My female patients who come in once a month for acupuncture do not experience increased premenstrual symptoms.

I’d like to share with you 2 patient examples:

Patient #1: This patient sees me for acupuncture every two weeks to keep her MS in remission. Her TCM pattern diagnosis is:  LR/KI Yin Deficiency, SP Qi Deficiency and LR Qi stagnation. She was diagnosed with MS more than 20 years ago.

Patient #2: The next patient was newly diagnosed with MS last year. She does not get acupuncture on a regular basis. Her TCM diagnosis is: LR/Ki Yin Deficiency, SP Qi Deficiency with Damp-Heat in the Middle Jiao, and Blood Stagnation.

The contrast between the two patients is amazing.

I believe that because patient #1 gets acupuncture on a regular basis, she has been able to keep her MS in remission. She understands the value of continued acupuncture care and comes in for realignment whenever she is feeling stressed–but she does not have particular MS symptoms which she complains about.

Patient #2, on the other hand, only comes in about once a month. She presents with a lot of numbness and tingling down her limbs, a foggy feeling in the brain, stress, depression, and digestive disturbances. She does claim to get relief for some time after each treatment, but I don’t have the opportunity to treat her as often so that she can see continued results.

Education about how Multiple Sclerosis can be treated with Chinese Medicine is a key factor in combating this disease.

Giving the patient scientific evidence of how their condition is improving is VERY beneficial.  I have found that they share their graph results with a minimum of 3 family members and friends.
Providing this simple education tool has resulted in more referrals for my practice and better adherence to my treatment recommendations.

If you’re not using the AcuGraph in your practice you are missing ALL of these benefits.

Maybe you have questions and you need answers? I know I did! Click here to view a short video and be sure to catch our next Webinar.

Until then, spread the word that getting treatment early and regularly can keep MS from progressing!

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.

Acupuncture Research Analyst

Miridia Technology Inc.

[1] Lu Xi et al., “A Study of the Chinese Medicine Prevention of Relapse of Multiple Sclerosis,” Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Chinese Medicine), #7, 1995, p. 417-418

[2] Maciocia, “The Practice of Chinese Medicine—The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs,” Churchill Livingstone, 1994, p. 706-707