Moxibustion improved bladder function in multiple system atrophy

Moxibustion performed at specific acupoints significantly decreased nocturnal urine output of a patient with multiple system atrophy (MSA). A case report was published in the journal of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Ryuji Sakakibara and colleagues in the Chiba University of Japan reported a case study of therapeutic effect of moxibustion on autonomic symptoms of MSA. A 65-year-old man diagnosed as MSA-parkinsonian form. He had urinary urgency but failed to evacuate his bladder properly. Although his daytime urine output was 300ml, his nighttime urine output was 2000ml. Biochemical test found that plasma levels of circadian arginine vasopressin rhythm (C-AVP-R) was significantly decreased in nighttime. Moxibustion was performed at specific acupoints such as Ren3, ST30, SP6 and KI5 once a day, 3 times a week for 6 months. Two months following moxibustion, nighttime urine output ratio gradually decreased to 87%, and it reached 75% by the end of 6-month treatment. Nighttime plasma levels of C-AVP-R were normalized by the end of treatment.

This case report suggests that moxibustion is able to improve bladder function by normalizing disturbed C-AVP-R levels in patient with MSA.

Reference:

Sakakibara R et al., Moxibustion, an alternative therapy, ameliorated disturbed circadian rhythm of plasma arginine vasopressin and urine output in multiple system atrophy. Intern Med. 2007;46(13):1015-8.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17603243

Acupuncture helps reverse symptoms of multiple system atrophy

Although there is no cure for multiple system atrophy (MSA) also called shy dragger syndrome, alternative medicine such as acupuncture is very effective in relieving many symptoms or even reverse them.

Dr. Colet Lahoz in the United State has had success in treating patients with MSA using acupuncture treatment, plus herbal medicine and dietary supplements. She found that patients responded well to aggressive acupuncture therapy, incorporating with electrical stimulation.

Within 32 MSA patients treated, 30 patients experienced improvement in their symptoms. Patients showed varying degrees of improvement, some as early as 2 weeks after starting treatments and continued to gain improvement as long as they stayed with the program. This is an important since MSA is characterized by rapid deterioration, resulting in death usually within 7-10 years following diagnosis.

It was noted that patients who were not taking prescription medications responded faster than those who were taking drugs. For example, the patients who were not taking blood pressure medication experienced better results from the acupuncture than those who were taking drugs for orthostatic hypotension.

Although the cause of MSA is unclear, inflammation, dysfunction in immune system and autonomic system are all believed to be involved in the development of MSA. Acupuncture as many preclinical and clinical studies reported that it reduces inflammation, modulates immune system and autonomic system, leading to normalizing haemostasis and improve many conditions.

Reference:

Lahoz SC, Shy dargger syndrome demonstrate syndrome reversal using acupuncture, herbal medicine and hypnotherapy.  http://eastwest-mn.home.comcast.net/~eastwest-mn/Shy_Drager_Syndrome.htm

Can acupuncture help patients with multiple system atrophy?

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of nerve cells in the specific brain areas. The neuronal degeneration impairs body’s movement, balance and autonomic functions including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder control and digestion. There are three types of MSA. Parkinsonian type includes slow movement, mild tremor and stiff muscles similar to those of Parkinson’s. Cerebellar type is characterized by the loss of balance and tendency to fall, slurred-speech and visual disturbance. The third is the combination type which may include symptoms of both types. MSA occurs in people at their 50s or 60s and affects more men than women. The cause of MSA is unclear. There is currently no cure for it. The standard medication is for symptom relief only.

One of unique approaches of acupuncture therapy is to treat multiple symptoms simultaneously. Acupuncture helps improve bowel and bladder function, blood pressure, double vision, impairment of speech and motor functions. In combination with herbal medicine and life style changes, acupuncture significantly enhances the quality of life of many patients with MSA.