Scalp acupuncture is very effective in relieving symptoms
of multiple sclerosis and halting its progression. A case study is reported in
journal Global Advances in Health and Medicine.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease
affecting nerve fibres in the brain and spine cord. In normal condition, nerve
fibres are wrapped with a sheet called myelin which insulates the fibres from
disruption and ensures the signal transduction. When something goes wrong with
body’s immune system it attacks the healthy tissue, in this case, the myelin being
worn down or destroyed. As a result, the exposed nerve fibres are less able to
transmit signals between different parts of brain and spine cord. Subsequently
symptoms occur in any part of the body, including blurring of vision,
difficulty with mobility and balance, fatigue, muscle weakness and tightness,
trouble with controlling urine and problems of cognitive and mood. Although the
exact cause of MS is unclear many factors are believed to be involved in the development
of MS, such as genetic factor, environmental effect, vitamin D deficit, viral
infection. MS has basically two forms: relapsing form (occurring in isolated
attacks) and progressive forms (building up over time). During course of
disease, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological conditions
often occur, especially as the disease progresses. There is currently no cure
for MS. The medications are effective in either alleviating certain symptoms or
slow the progression of the disease. Approximately 50% of patients with MS use
alternative medicines such as acupuncture to alleviate their conditions.
Dr. Jason Jishun Hao in the United States and colleagues
reported a case study showing the beneficial effects of scalp acupuncture on a
MS patient who had had MS for 20 years. The report said “The patient received
scalp acupuncture once a week for 10 weeks, then once a month for six sessions.
After the 16 treatments, the patient showed remarkable improvements. He was
able to stand and walk without any problems. The numbness and tingling in his
limbs did not bother him anymore. He had more energy and had not experienced incontinence
of urine or dizziness after the first treatment. He was able to return to work
full time. At this writing, the patient has been in remission for 26 months”.
This case study showed that scalp acupuncture is very
effective in alleviating MS symptoms, halting the disease progression. This
should encourage more studies with large sample size to explore full beneficial
effects on patients with MS.
Reference:
Hao JJ et al., Glob Adv Health Med. 2013, 2(1):8-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24278838
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