Chinese Medicine & Multiple Sclerosis
Using Chinese Medicine to reduce phlegm - the pathogen that disrupts patients with multiple sclerosis.
Chinese medicine (CM) supports patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using acupuncture treatments, herbal formulas, cupping, heat therapy, and tui na (acupressure/massage). From a CM standpoint, MS is seen largely as in issue of phlegm. Phlegm, as a pathogen, is heavy and cloying in nature and clogs the meridians. It disrupts and inhibits movement of qi, blood and body fluids thereby causing the symptoms of fatigue, poor balance, bowel and bladder issues, depression/mental stress, muscles spasticity, numbness, and aches. Excessive phlegm build up weakens the muscles causing debility and heaviness.
Chinese herbal formulas are used to fortify the body’s ability to remove the phlegm and ensure proper fluid circulation and metabolism. Acupuncture works in the same regard, supporting digestion to promote fluid metabolism and the delivery of nutrients to the cells.
A clinical study through Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon involving 42 MS patients who were enrolled in a treatment program whereby they received acupuncture for 3-12 months demonstrated the effects of Chinese Medicine on this population. The results were extremely positive in that most participants had marked improvement in their symptoms which included increased energy, decrease in use of antidepressants and pain relievers, improved bladder and bowel function, improved ambulation, decreased tingling and numbness, improved mood and sharper cognition.
Reference:
Darmananda, Subhuti. MODERN CHINESE MEDICAL METHODS FOR MS:
Clinical Setting and Patient Reports. Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland,OR
Retrieved from: http://www.itmonline.org/arts/msmodmed.htm
