Acupuncture

This explanation is from The Rocky Mountain MS Center.

Acupuncture is an ancient Asian practice intended to promote healing or improve function by stimulating particular points on the skin. Stimulation usually involves the insertion of thin, solid metal needles into the skin.

The theory that supports the use of acupuncture relates to flow patterns of energy, or “qi.” Qi flows through the body in channels called “meridians.” According to this view, disease is thought of as a disruption of optimal channels of energy flow. Acupuncturists insert needles into the body to remove obstructions at particular points along the meridians, thereby returning the body’s energy flow to a more healthy condition.

Although the general theory of acupuncture is radically different from Western medical theory, many people in the United States use acupuncture. Accordingly, the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine and the NIH Office of Medical Applications of Research organized a conference to evaluate the scientific and medical data on the uses, risks, and benefits of acupuncture.

The 12-member expert panel chosen by the NIH reviewed the scientific literature relating to acupuncture and concluded that acupuncture is effective for “postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and [for] postoperative dental pain.”

The panel also concluded, “There are other situations, such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful.”

Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in MS. One study of 28 people found “satisfactory” results with acupuncture, but it was performed without a comparison group. The authors noted that insertion of the acupuncture needles into MS subjects provoked “contractions of the muscles of the extremities” and suggested that this unusual symptom might be an early marker for MS. A Canadian survey found that most people who use acupuncture find the therapy to be beneficial.

Perhaps acupuncture may play a role in symptom management in MS, particularly to control MS related pain. However, despite a relatively large number of studies addressing pain control generally, research has disclosed no studies of pain control among people with MS. A few studies (mostly reported in languages other than English) suggest that acupuncture may also play a role in controlling urinary difficulties. Again, none of these studies involved people with MS.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can affect the immune system, including T cell function. The significance of this interaction awaits clarification.

Acupuncture is usually well tolerated by most people in the general population and research has disclosed no reports of increased risks for people with MS. Those interested in acupuncture should choose an acupuncturist who is well-trained and (depending on state law) properly licensed.

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