How to treat MS with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide relief for some Multiple Sclerosis (MS-related symptoms, including pain, spasticity, numbness and tingling, bladder problems, and depression. It can also help to manage the physical and emotional symptoms and side effects related to the disease. 

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system in which communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted. Normally, delicate nerves are protected with a covering called myelin. However, with multiple sclerosis (MS), the myelin becomes inflamed and eventually dissolves. Over time, scar tissue (sclerosis) forms where the myelin used to be. In severe cases, MS causes disability and it is a chronic illness for which there is no known cure. 

What causes Multiple Sclerosis?

Some theories in conventional medicine point the cause of MS to a virus or other infectious agent and/or an autoimmune problem.

TCM theorises that the origin of MS is an invasion of External Pathogenic Factors such as Dampness (which affects the Spleen and muscles), or a deficiency in the Liver and Kidney Zang (which affects the tendons and bones and are thought to play a role in the function of the nervous system.

Hence, the aetiology of MS may be varied and include factors such as early exposure to damp environments, improper diet, excessive sexual activity, shock, and a predisposition toward Liver and Kidney Zang deficiency.

In terms of TCM, Multiple Sclerosis is categorised on the basis of the predominance of signs and symptoms:

1) Spleen Deficiency with Dampness:

Symptoms: paresthesia, numbness, the sensation of heaviness in the limbs, poor appetite, abdominal distention after meals, loose stools, fatigue, dizziness, and weakness in the muscles. The tongue is usually swollen, with teeth marks and a greasy coating and the pulse is slippery.

2) Liver and Kidney Deficiency:

Symptoms: numbness and weakness, dizziness, and soreness in the lower back and knees. If Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency are present, there also may be insomnia and dry mouth, with a scantily coated red tongue and a thin rapid pulse. If the Liver Yang is rising, there may be stiffness and dizziness, with a coated red tongue and a wiry pulse. If there is Liver Wind, there may be spasms or paralysis and the pulse is wiry.

How acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help treat MS

Acupuncture: Acupuncture works on the premise that there’s a stagnant flow of energy throughout the body. This stagnant flow of energy contributes to the symptoms experienced by Multiple Sclerosis patients and to the formation of plaques found in the myelin sheath of the nerves.

Acupuncture is also a vitalistic therapy in that it stimulates the body’s own healing power. For MS patients, acupuncture can also decrease anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue and sleep interference and therefore improve quality of life.

Chinese herbs: In treating Multiple Sclerosis, the combining of specific herbs varies according to which Patterns of Disharmony the patient manifests.

• For Dampness Patterns, herbs such as Cang Zhu and Yi Yi Ren are appropriate to strengthen the Spleen and drain Dampness.
• For Liver and Kidney Deficiency, herbs such as Shu Di Huang and Sang Ji Sheng may be used to tonify the Liver and Kidneys.
• If there is Liver Yang Rising, herbs such as Mu Dan Pi may be added; Liver Wind may be treated by adding herbs such as Tian Ma and Gou Teng.

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