Acupuncture & MS
Acupuncture is one of the certain types of traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on the boy performance theory (including energy flow known as qi through 14 paths known as energy channels). Considering the Chinese medicine theory, disease is the result of an imbalance or disorder in the energy flow or lack of desirable balance between yin and yang opposing forces.
Sensitive Body Locations in Acupuncture
Usually, in acupuncture thin metal disposable needles are placed on certain position on the skin (along the energy channels) and stimulate such positions, and in fact change the energy flow. The other methods of stimulation include finger pressing (which is also known as pressuring-medicine or shiatsu in Japan), cupping using a small heated cup, electro acupuncture using electric needle and moxibustion through burning herbal threads known as a Asian mugwort. From amongst roughly 400 acupuncture positions on the body merely around 4 to 12 positions are stimulated within a therapy session. Therefore, usually 6-10 sessions are required in order to determine whether the treatment is useful or not.
Studies made on Various Diseases
In 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH) formed a 12-member committee to examine the several studies on the effect of acupuncture on a variety of diseases. The committee concluded that acupuncture is a reasonable treatment option after cerebral apoplexy and to alleviate headache, backache and neck pain.
Risks and Side Effects
From examining the studies the NIH committee concluded that acupuncture is a risk-free treatment and may well be performed for most of the people (especially is performed by a well-trained acupuncture practitioner). Using disposable and sterilized needles to prevent the risk of hepatitis and AIDS is mandatory.
Potential Effects on the Body Immunity System
The potential effect of acupuncture on the body immunity system is unknown. It may be concluded from the several studies made on the patients suffering from cancer, Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and AIDS that in some people the body immunity system is affected while is has no effect in some other.
Using Acupuncture by MS Patients
Considering two recent surveys performed in USA and Canada, roughly 20-25% of responders suffering from MS have used acupuncture to alleviate pain, spasm, anesthetized and irritation, fatigue, depression, ad anxiety and intestine and urinary bladder. From these people, 10-15% has tended to continue acupuncture. The effect of acupuncture is more obvious on the recurrent-healing type. Acupuncture causes the patient to exit the recurrence state. This is effective as the longer the disease effects remain in the body, the harder solving the same will be. Acupuncture also provides the possibility of improving the patients living quality. (e.g. through reducing the urination frequency)
Recommendations for MS Patients
Acupuncture is considered as a complementary way and not as an alternative for standard medical treatments. A variety of factors such as senses, nutrition, climatic conditions, drugs, sports and inherited factors affect the effectiveness of this type of medicine. Being aware of these conditions, acupuncture practitioner will be able to help you more and more effectively.
The effects usually well responded to acupuncture include the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Spasm
- Pain
- Vision problems
- Tremor
- Lack of balance
- Vertigo
- Urinary bladder infection
- Mental problems
Effects seen in some patients:
- Urinary bladder problems
- Intestine problems
- Senselessness/ irritation
- Memory and lack of focus
MS Secondary Effects which are often solved through Acupuncture:
- Anorexia and excessive appetite
- Disappointment, anger
- Side effects of regular medicinal treatment
It is recommended to council your physician prior to performing any acupuncture.
References:
www.mstrust.org.uk
www.nationalmssociety.org