Study Indicates Effectiveness of Acupuncture for MS

My practice treats many neurological and autoimmune issues. One of the most common concerns that we see are patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which generally responds well to treatment. Over the next several months I intend to fill this blog entry with a sampling of the studies which have been done which underscore the utility of this modality in helping people with MS live better, more functional and increasingly comfortable lives.

Research

A 2012 study found that acupuncture significantly increased functioning in people with MS. The study specifically looked at pain, depression, visual problems, sleep, appetite, incontinence, constipation and leg spasms. A synopsis of the study can be read here. The study concluded that, 

acupuncture “significantly improves the quality of life” for multiple sclerosis patients.

Immune Strengthening through Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

As a result of the swine flu concerns in the Chicagoland area, I have been seeing an unusual large number of clients coming in this week for immune tonification. Chinese medicine is quite adept at strengthening the immune system, both in a specific way (a particular region of the body such as the lungs or the skin) or more generally. We typically see a large number of people come in during the Fall and Winter months to build up their resistance to cold and flu pathogens that the person expects to have to confront over the Winter. This works quite well for reducing the number and intensity of upper respiratory ailments that the person is likely to be exposed to. However we generally see far fewer of these clients in the Spring. Until now. Until the Swine Flu entered into the equation.

Over the last week I have seen a surge in the number of clients seeking such immune strengthening. In particular we have been seeing teachers and retail workers - those folks who work with large groups of people and have the greatest concerns for exposure and thus wish to minimize their risk of contracting disease.  However people with other health concerns also seek out prophylactic care from their acupuncturists. In particular, my clients who are going through chemo- or radiation therapy and are more vulnerable to all pathogens, as well  as clients for whom being sick could accelerate the course of preexisting diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis and HIV.