multiple sclerosis

Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheaths around nerve fibers. It manifests itself with variable episodes of muscle weakness, fatigue, impaired coordination, and problems with vision and concentration. Conventional medicine offers medications that slow the progression of the disease, but more and more people are looking for alternative health support methods, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which can provide symptom relief and improve the quality of life of patients.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to MS

Traditional Chinese Medicine views MS as the result of an imbalance between energies in the body. Specifically, MS is thought to be related to a weakening of Yin and Qi and an imbalance between Yin and Yang , which can lead to stagnation and deficiency of blood in the body. Treatment therefore focuses on restoring energy, regulating Qi flow , strengthening the blood, and harmonizing organ function. Here are the most common TCM therapies that can support people with MS:

1. Chinese Herbs for Multiple Sclerosis

In herbal medicine, herbal mixtures are used to strengthen the kidneys, liver and spleen, which are intended to improve the flow of Qi and blood and restore the balance of Yin and Yang in the body. A popular formula is:

Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan – This formula is commonly used to strengthen the kidney yin and remove excess heat that can weaken the nervous system. Ingredients include Rehmannia glutinosa root (shu di huang), Phellodendron amurense bark (huang bai), and anemarrhenae root (zhi mu). These herbs have a Yin-strengthening effect that supports the nervous system and helps the body regenerate.

Sample herbal formula for MS:

Ingredients:

Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) - 12g

Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis) - 10g

Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita) - 10g

Ze Xie (Alisma orientalis) - 10g

Fu Ling (Poria cocos) - 10g

Mu Dan Pi (Paeonia suffruticosa) - 10g

Huang Bai (Phellodendron amurense) - 6g

Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) - 6g

Preparation: Boil the herbs in water (approx. 500 ml) for 30-40 minutes, then strain and divide into two portions, which can be drunk in the morning and evening.

2. Acupressure for Multiple Sclerosis

Acupressure, like acupuncture, uses pressure techniques on acupuncture points to improve the flow of Qi and blood, which can relieve MS symptoms like fatigue and muscle stiffness. Here are some points to stimulate:

LI4 Point (He Gu) – Helps reduce pain and relax muscles.

Point SP6 (San Yin Jiao) – Stimulates Qi and blood, has a positive effect on the liver, spleen and kidneys.

Point ST36 (Zu San Li) – Strengthens Qi energy and overall body strength.

Pressure on each point should be performed in circular motions for 1-2 minutes a day, with moderate force, until a slight tingling or warmth is felt.

3. Qi Gong exercises

Qi Gong exercises are designed to improve the flow of Qi in the body, which affects relaxation, strengthening the body and mental balance. People with MS are especially recommended to practice Ba Duan Jin , or "Eight Pieces of Brocade", which is a set of eight exercises that strengthen the body and mind.

Qi Gong Exercise: "Heavenly Dragon Lotus" (Ba Duan Jin Part)

This exercise helps to strengthen the energy in the lower abdominal region and improve stability. Standing up straight, we take slow, deep breaths while simultaneously raising our arms up, stretching, and then lowering our hands as if we were gathering energy from the sky and directing it to the lower abdominal region.

Stand in an upright position .

Take a deep breath , raising your arms slowly above your head.

Imagine that you are capturing the energy and slowly lowering your hands to the level of your lower belly, exhaling.

Repeat the exercise 5-10 times.

4. Additional Herbs to Support MS Treatment

Other herbs that can be included in MS therapy include:

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) – strengthens blood and circulation.

Gou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum) – known as goji berries, supports the kidneys and liver.

Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) – relaxes muscles and supports blood.

Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) – strengthens Qi and gives energy.

Herbal Recipe to Strengthen Qi and Blood:

Ingredients:

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) - 10g

Gou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum) - 8g

Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) - 8g

Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) - 5g

Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) - 10g

Preparation: Boil herbs in 500 ml of water for 30 minutes. Drink the strained decoction 1-2 times a day.

Summary

Traditional Chinese Medicine, through the use of herbs, acupressure and Qi Gong exercises, can be a valuable complement to conventional therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Before starting to use these methods, it is worth consulting a TCM specialist, who will individually select the composition of the herbal mixture and indicate the appropriate acupressure and Qi Gong exercise techniques.

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