Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease which affects the brain and spinal column by damaging the myelin sheath, the protective coating which surrounds your nerve cells. One of the more difficult and frustrating aspects of living with MS is the unpredictability of the disease, as it affects each individual in different ways in terms of the speed of progression, severity of symptoms, and body systems affected.

While there is currently no cure for MS, acupuncture is an excellent option for treating and mitigating the symptoms of MS and helping improving quality of life for those who suffer from this disease. Acupuncture is particularly well-suited to treating long-term, functional health problems such as MS because each patient is approached as an individual and each treatment is customized based on your specific needs. Our goal is to promote self-healing, postpone further development of the disease, and prevent recurrence of MS symptoms.

Acupuncture is particularly effective in treating:

1. Pain – Acupuncture has been proven highly effective in reducing pain of all types, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, and general joint pain.
2. Fatigue – Acupuncture is a natural energy booster. Many people find they have more energy immediately after a session and even for days afterwards. Acupuncture also helps you sleep better, so you can awake feeling rested and refreshed.
3. Depression – Chinese medicine believes there is no separation between the body, mind, and spirit.  Each treatment is designed to promote both physical and emotional healing, and it is believed that acupuncture aids in the release of endorphins, your body’s natural “feel good” neurotransmitters.
4. Numbness & Tingling – Acupuncture helps to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi (your body’s natural energy source) throughout your body, which in turn can help to reduce feelings of numbness, buzzing, and tingling.
5. Muscle Spasms & Spasticity – The mind and the body are calmed by acupuncture, aiding in the relaxation of spastic muscles.
6. Brain Fog – In Chinese Medicine, an inability to concentrate and “fuzzy thinking” is often related to an interruption of the flow of Qi to your brain. Acupuncture works to improve the flow of nourishing energy to your brain and strengthens your Qi, thereby helping you to think more clearly.
7. Bladder Control – Preliminary studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of incontinence and bladder urgency associated with MS.
8. Balance – Acupuncture can aid in the recovery of balance, as well as help to resolve dizziness and vertigo.
9. Stress – Acupuncture helps to regulate your body’s stress response, and a study published in the July 11, 2012 issue of Neurology found that reducing stress may prevent or slow down the formation of new brain lesions.

Selby Acupuncture will be an exhibitor at the MS Annual Conference in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 26th and we’re happy to answer any question you may have about how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help Multiple Sclerosis.

For more information on the conference, please visit the National MN Society website.