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Acupuncture and MS: practical applications

Jill Brookes, acupuncturist, Tyne & Wear

Way Ahead 2000;4(3):10-11

Jill Brookes, BA (Hons), MA, Dip Ac, MBAcC, is a practising acupuncturist from Tyne and Wear. This is the second of two articles introducing acupuncture and discussing its potential for treating MS. The first article, in Way Ahead 4(2), described the development of acupuncture, introduced some of the commonly used terms and took a brief look at the process of disease diagnosis. This article discusses the practical application of acupuncture, its relevance to the treatment of MS and its potential for symptomatic treatment.

Acupuncture is playing an increasing role in the treatment of many diseases and MS is no exception. Not only can it often improve the symptoms that the person with MS might experience but also improve general health and thereby pre-empt a relapse or temporary exacerbation. By teaching acupressure massage techniques to people with MS and their families the treatment can also be supplemented at home, thus allowing people to feel they have more control over what is happening to them.

MS is truly an individual disease with no two people having exactly the same constellation of symptoms. The philosophy underpinning acupuncture fully embraces this and therefore no two acupoint prescriptions are the same. This individualised treatment can also help to mitigate the side effects of some drugs prescribed for symptom management in MS, thus complementing the orthodox approach. Acupuncture should not be seen as an alternative to orthodox medicine however, especially in the treatment of a disease as complex as MS. Its strength lies in its ability, when used appropriately, to complement orthodox supervision and treatment.

As we have seen, many things can disturb the smooth flow of Qi. They include emotional states, diet, trauma, weather conditions, drugs, exercise and rest and hereditary factors. By taking these factors into account the acupuncturist can then advise on the most appropriate changes and how they can affect the overall health of the person with MS.

The most impressive results in the treatment of MS using acupuncture appear to be with the relapsing remitting type. Experience suggests that acupuncture can pull a patient out of a relapse regardless of the presenting symptoms. However, as a general rule, the longer the symptoms have been present the more difficult they may be to resolve.

Symptoms that GENERALLY respond well to acupuncture include:

  • Muscular weakness
  • Spasticity
  • Pain
  • Vision problems
  • Tremor
  • Balance/co-ordination
  • Dizziness
  • Bladder infections
  • Fatigue
  • Mental/emotional problems

Symptoms that have a mixed outcome include:

  • Bladder problems
  • Bowel problems
  • Numbness/tingling
  • Tinnitus
  • Memory/concentration problems

Symptoms that are secondary to MS can often be resolved. For example:

  • Poor/excess appetite
  • Lowered immunity
  • Frustration/anger/resentment
  • Side effects from medication

Acupuncture can therefore have an impact on the quality of life of a person with MS, although not always in the way they expect. For example, Mrs F came for treatment as she frequently needed to get up in the night to visit the toilet. After a course of 10 treatments she was still having to get up 2-3 times a night (from 5-6 times), but she reported having much more energy and feeling much better both in herself and about herself.

Also, anecdotal evidence suggests that regular acupuncture treatment seems to have an effect on the time between relapses. Relapses become less frequent and they are easier to get over. Some underlying deterioration may still occur however, which suggests that this may be explained by a shift from relapsing remitting disease to secondary progressive disease.

Another issue to consider is that people with MS are not exempt from developing other physical problems. They probably have at least the same risk factors as the rest of the population, and, for some things such as bladder infections, are often more at risk. Because of posture there may be a greater risk from back and neck problems; poor co-ordination or balance can result in sprains and strains. Coughs and colds, asthma or hayfever, heart disease or high blood pressure can all be present, and acupuncture has a role in treating all of these conditions.

Finally, many of the medications that people with MS are offered to 'help' with symptoms cause side effects, for example, dry mouth, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, feeling 'wiped out', nausea, constipation, diarrhoea - the list is endless. I don't suggest such medication should be avoided as it is so helpful for many people, simply that it is used carefully. And if people with MS do choose to use drugs, then acupuncture may help with the side effects

Acupuncture cannot cure MS therefore, but it can improve quality of life and this is an important aspect of treatment. Personally, if my quality of life is enhanced then I care less about what I can't do and enjoy what I can.

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