Traditional Chinese Medicine & MS
Management of Multiple Sclerosis Using Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture
Multiple sclerosis is a complex disorder with highly variable symptoms and limited effective treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides another view on the problem and offers an holistic treatment option which is compatible with western medical care.
An overview of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder wherein the body mounts an inflammatory response resulting in the destruction of the myelin sheath, the protective coating around nerves. Muscular weakness and numbness, as well as vision problems and fatigue are common symptoms of MS.
How Chinese Medicine Views MS
Chinese Medicine views multiple sclerosis symptoms as a Flaccidity Syndrome which can involve several different patterns. The most common are Spleen Deficiency with Damp or Phlegm and Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency. In some cases there may be Blood Stagnation or Liver Yang Rising. Depression in MS sufferers, which may be explained in western terms by the possibility of demyelization in the brain itself, is considered Shen disturbance.
Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Traditional Chinese Medicine
The holistic treatment approach of TCM is ideal for a complex disorder like MS. Acupuncture can be used symptomatically for pain and fatigue, as well as to help resolve the underlying problem. Medical Qi Gong both aids in maintaining physical strength and flexibility and helps maintain a positive mental state.
Dietary changes are also a part of this therapy. For example, black pepper should be avoided, as it is believed to contribute to muscle weakness. This is borne out by recent medical research indicating that it may inhibit muscle contractions and that cinnamon may interfere with nerve transmission.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recommendations include eating astringent fruits, duck, clams, beans and seeds. Gelatin, which to western thinking has anti-spasmodic properties, is considered a Blood and Yin tonic in Chinese Herbal Medicine and thus is included in herbal formulas for Flaccidity Syndromes. Green leafy vegetables are Liver Yin tonics.
A visit to a Traditional Chinese Herbal Practitioner for a formula developed to address the individual’s specific multiple sclerosis symptoms rounds out the TCM treatment program. The formula may include rose hips, litchi fruit, or licorice root, depending on the symptoms of the particular client. The formula is often altered when the MS is in remission to address the changing status of the client. Tui Na massage may be utilized as well, especially when symptom flare-ups occur.
The TCM practitioner and medical doctor should be kept informed of any changes in regime to ensure that there are no herb-drug interactions and to better ensure that each aspect of care is helping the patient.
