Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Treatment Protocols - Alan P. Rivenson, Lic AcAlan P. Rivenson, Lic Ac

Below you will find some of the more common tcm diagnoses and acupuncture treatment protocols for multiple sclerosis (MS) and related issues. There are many ways to treat this condition with Eastern Medicine and our presentation is only one of many possible options.

Acupuncture treatments for multiple sclerosis are performed according to each patients signs and symptoms. Multiple Sclerosis follows a loosely defined progression in most cases with periods of remission which vary greatly in duration. The stages Multiple Sclerosis may follow are as follows:

Stage I: MS symptoms usually begin with visual disturbances a/or a period of muscle weakness, this may clear up on its own or with treatment and the patient may not experience any more symptoms for an indeterminate duration.
Stage II: If MS is to progress to the next step it may cause obstruction in the channels of dampness, possibly with heat. A patient may experience this as stronger symptoms of muscular weakness, pain a/or numbness, urinary issues a/or further developments of visual disturbances.
Stage III: The Qi and Blood of the body begin to be effected at this level leading to more systemic issues such as fatigue, listlessness, poor appetite, muscle cramping a/or spasticity.
Stage IV: At this level the foundation of Yin and Yang in the body is greatly depleted. A patient may experience significant fatigue, more extreme urinary issues such as incontinence a/or increased severity of muscular issues possibly leading to atrophy.
- Etiology & Pathology:
  - Differentiation:
    - Stage I
    - Local treatment depending on area of symptoms.
    - Stage II
    - Phlegm Damp Obstruction
    - Damp Heat Obstruction
    - Stage III
    - SP Qi Deficiency
    - LV Blood Deficiency
    - Stage IV
    - KD Deficiency
  - Phlegm Damp Obstruction – Stage II
    - Signs & Symptoms:
      - Heaviness, weakness a/or numbness of the limbs, visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision.
      - Tongue: Greasy white coat
      - Pulse: Slippery, possibly thin or empty
    - Treatment Points:
      - SP 6 – tonify ST/SP
      - SP 9 – clear damp
      - ST 36 – tonify ST/SP
      - ST 40 – resolve phlegm
      - CV 12 – ST Mu
      - UB 20 – SP Shu
      - GV 20 – benefit the brain
      - ST 8 – clear the head, benefit the eyes
      - Consider local points and the huatuojiaji points which relate to the symptoms a/or effected areas
  - Damp Heat Obstruction – Stage II
    - Signs & Symptoms:
      - Heaviness, weakness a/or numbness of the limbs, limbs a/or feet feel hot, painful joints, prefer cooler weather/environments, frequent and urgent urination, chest oppression.
      - Tongue: Greasy yellow coat
      - Pulse: Slippery, rapid
    - Treatment Points:
      - GV 14 – clear heat
      - LI 4 – release the exterior
      - LI 11 – clear heat
      - SP 3 – tonify ST/SP
      - SP 6 – tonify ST/SP
      - SP 9 – resolve dampness
      - ST 36 – tonify Qi
      - UB 20 – SP Shu
      - GV 20 – benefit the brain
      - Consider local points and the huatuojiaji points which relate to the symptoms a/or effected areas
  - SP Qi Deficiency – Stage III
    - Signs & Symptoms:
      - Fatigue, muscle flaccidity, pale complexion, poor appetite, loose stools.
      - Tongue: Swollen, teethmarks
      - Pulse: Empty, thin, weak
    - Treatment Points:
      - ST 36 – tonify ST/SP
      - CV 12 – ST Mu
      - SP 3 – tonify ST/SP
      - SP 6 – tonify ST/SP
      - SP 9 – clear damp
      - LV 13 – SP Mu
      - UB 20 – SP Shu
      - UB 21 – ST Shu
      - GV 20 – benefit the brain
      - Consider local points and the huatuojiaji points which relate to the symptoms a/or effected areas
  - LV Blood Deficiency – Stage III
    - Signs & Symptoms:
      - Fatigue, muscle stiffness a/or cramping, dull, pale complexion, tremors, visual disturbances.
      - Tongue: Pale, dry
      - Pulse: Thin, choppy
    - Treatment Points:
      - SP 6 – tonify ST/SP
      - ST 36 – tonify ST/SP
      - LV 8 – clear damp-heat from the lower warmer
      - CV 4 – tonify Yin and Blood
      - UB 17 – hui meeting of the Blood
      - UB 18 – LV Shu
      - UB 20 – SP Shu
      - GV 20 – benefit the brain
      - Consider local points and the huatuojiaji points which relate to the symptoms a/or effected areas
  - KD Deficiency – Stage IV
    - Severe weakness, chronic fatigue, pale complexion, muscle stiffness a/or atrophy, tremors, low back pain, urinary disturbances such as urgency, incontinence a/or retention.
    - Tongue: Red w/little coat, pale, wet
    - Pulse: Deep, thin
  - Treatment Points:
    - CV 4 – tonify KD
    - KD 3 – tonify KD
    - KD 6 – tonify Yin (if more Yin def)
    - GV 4 – tonify Yang (if more Yang def)
    - GB 39 – hui meeting of the marrow
    - UB 32 – urinary issues
    - UB 23 – KD Shu

The information on our site is reprinted from YinYangHouse.com

Alan P. Rivenson, Lic Ac

Acupuncture in the Berkshires of Massachusetts

Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Treatment Protocols

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