Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic ailment of the nervous system which can produce a number of debilitating symptoms. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from MS, you will want to explore a range of treatment options with your health provider. These might include acupuncture, an ancient technique for relieving pain and promoting well-being.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis impairs communication between the brain and the body. In a random way, which makes the course of the illness hard to predict, the tissues of the central nervous system experience inflammation. This leads to a loss of myelin, the fatty substance that coats the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, acting both as a protective layer and as a transmitter for electrochemical impulses.
Symptoms
MS sufferers can experience loss of function is a number of ways. Their vision can become blurred. They can become weak, exhausted and uncoordinated, struggling to carry out simple motor tasks. The illness can cause memory loss, lapses of concentration, mood swings, tingling sensations, tremors, dizziness and loss of bladder control.
Acupuncture
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, acupuncture may offer some relief from the symptoms of MS. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture involves inserting needles into key points of the body and gently manipulating them. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that doing so rebalances the body's life force, or “chi.” MayoClinic.com says the stimulated nerves trigger a release of painkilling hormones from the brain. As well as MS, acupuncture can be used for cases of osteoarthritis, stroke rehabilitation, lower back pain, asthma and chronic headaches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre's website.
Other Treatments
Acupuncture should be considered only as one of a range of complementary treatments for MS. Your health provider is likely to prescribe beta interferon, which protects myelin, and anti-inflammatory steroids to lessen the severity of your attacks. Massages may help maintain mobility and subdue tremors, while a healthy diet can play a part in combating fatigue.
