This multiple sclerosis acupuncture case study describes a 45 year old woman who came to our clinic two years ago. She was struggling with frequent MS flares, problems walking, debilitating fatigue and weakness, balance problems, foggy brain and pain all over her body. After just a few treatments she started feeling better and was convinced that acupuncture was making a positive difference in her life.
The Problem
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society explains MS the following way. “Multiple sclerosis is considered to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS). Most MS experts believe it to be an autoimmune disease.”
Other diseases thought to have an autoimmune basis include psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Type 1 diabetes. With MS, the immune system attacks and damages cells in the CNS, including myelin and nerve fibers. Over 1 million Americans have this disease.
Treatment for MS
Neurologists are the specialists who care for MS patients. While MS is not curable, there are medications to slow the progression of the disease, treat relapses, manage symptoms and improve quality of life. In addition, doctors are now acknowledging that acupuncture can play a role in this comprehensive treatment plan. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has stated, “Acupuncture is finding its way into Western medicine, with studies suggesting possible benefits for a wide range of symptoms, such as pain and gait.”
Multiple Sclerosis Acupuncture Case Study
Given acupuncture’s growing acceptance in the medical community, it is no surprise that more patients are seeking acupuncture to help reduce their symptoms. Such was the case with our patient in this multiple sclerosis acupuncture case study. Her doctor suggested she try acupuncture, and she was open to the idea.
Our patient arrived at the clinic in the midst of a severe flare. She walked with an unsteady gait, needing a cane for support. Her hips, legs and back were all in pain. In addition, her speech was slurred and slow, concentration was poor, and she was exhausted and depressed. It was impossible for her to work during these flares, and frustratingly, this was the third flare in as many months.
We asked all about her symptoms, including sleep, bowel function, energy, temperature, digestion, breathing and emotions. Then we looked at her tongue and felt her pulse. Her tongue was red, reflecting internal heat. This was not a surprise, as she was having regular night sweats. Her treatment needed to address this by reducing her internal heat. Her pulse was weak, also not a surprise. A weak pulse reflects weakness and exhaustion. She was not generating enough energy to function properly, and her pulse reflected this situation. Treatment would have to strengthen her energy.
In addition to her internal heat and overall weakness, she had severe gait problems and pain. Her acupuncture treatment had to address root issues (reflected in her tongue and pulse), as well as branch issues (pain and gait, emotions, concentration, etc). Acupuncture is well designed to treat symptoms along with the root cause of the problem simultaneously.
Treatment
Treatment for this multiple sclerosis acupuncture case study started with addressing the underlying autoimmune condition. This was the root treatment. In Chinese medicine terms, we were treating Spleen Qi deficiency and Kidney Yin deficiency as the two major root imbalances. For symptom relief we focused on circulating Qi and Blood in the channels. We treated our patient once a week.
After two treatments our patient started feeling relief. Her pain levels decreased 20%, gait improved by the same amount, energy was up and concentration improved. With each additional treatment, her symptoms continued to improve. It was a slow and steady process. After eight treatments she was 50% improved across the boards. She felt very encouraged.
Acupuncture was helping her body heal. First, the treatment helped resolve the flare by calming her immune system. Acupuncture restores balance. Autoimmune conditions improve with acupuncture because of this response. An overactive immune response (inflammation) will calm with acupuncture. Second, acupuncture strengthened her digestive system, resulting in more energy. Third, the treatments restored temperature balance, reducing night sweats. The body functions better with more energy and less excess heat.
Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis
Our patient in this multiple sclerosis acupuncture case study has continued receiving acupuncture on a monthly basis. This maintenance treatment has helped improve her quality of life and reduce flares. If you have MS, try acupuncture. You may find that it helps you too.
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MS Case Study
This case study was typical for the results we get treating patients with multiple sclerosis. Sometimes patients respond faster, other times a bit slower. But the overall results are positive and long lasting.
What our Clients are Saying
Raleigh Acupuncture has helped me a great deal managing my MS. Since I began treatment my pain has decreased by 80%, my balance has improved and my mental fog lifted. I am so grateful for their expertise in treating this condition. I recommend them to anyone with MS.