Multiple Sclerosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Recently, I have had the honor and privilege of being asked to sit on the Science Board of the Hubbard Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to researching the causes of, and treatments for, Multiple Sclerosis.

With that in mind, I present to you the 1^st in a 3 part series on the Traditional Chinese Medical view of MS, CCSVI (Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency), and their treatments. Part 1 will cover MS, part 2 will cover CCSVI, and part 3 will cover the use of the Chinese herb Dong Chong Xia Cao(Cordyceps) as the basis for a new Oral MS treatment.

Part 1:

First and foremost I should say that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), MS does not exist. A little explanation of that statement is surely warranted. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, unlike in traditional allopathic medicine, we do not treat diseases, but rather categories of disease and patterns of disharmony. Knowing this, MS can be placed into the category of disease known as Wei Zheng, or “wilting condition,” based on the effects it has on the body. Furthermore, many of the symptoms of MS can be further divided into their own disease categories including Ma Mu(numbness and tingling), Xuan Yun(dizziness), and Ban Shen Bu Sui(hemiplegia), just to name a few.

These various disease categories are caused by different patterns of disharmony in the body, and the very same symptoms can be caused by very different patterns. What this means is that no two patients are exactly alike in terms of what is causing their imbalances, and how they should be treated. This is an area where TCM and Western medicine differ greatly. Although each patient is unique, there are 6 main patterns that are most often the underlying cause of imbalance in MS patients.

These patterns are as follows: Internal Phlegm Heat, Damp Heat Damaging the Sinews, Blood Deficiency causing Internal Wind, Liver Blood and Kidney Yin Deficiency, Qi and Yin Deficiency, and Kidney Yang Deficiency.

While it is beyond the scope of this blog to go into detail about the specific signs and symptoms of each of these patterns, the main point to take away is that each person with MS presents with a unique combination of these disharmonies at work. Because of this, there is no “one size fits all” treatment strategy from a TCM perspective. However, a variety of herbal formulas as well as dietary and lifestyle changes, along with consistent acupuncture sessions can be extremely effective in addressing these imbalances and restoring harmony to the system.

For more details about each of these patterns and their associated signs and symptoms, the following book can be consulted: The Treatment of Modern Western Medical Diseases with Chinese Medicine by Bob Flaws and Philippe Sionneau, and published by Blue Poppy Press.

To schedule an appointment at Ancient Ways Healing and discover what imbalances may be at work within your system, and how to correct them, call (858) 255-1836.

Please note: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. TCM services should only be provided by licensed practitioners and should never be attempted without the proper training and certification.

Beating Cold and Flu Season, the Ancient Way

As the warmth and sunshine of the Summer slowly fade into the background, Winter, and along with it, cold and flu season rapidly approaches. One of the most obvious signs of this change, besides the weather, are the commercials and advertisements for Flu Shots. The question becomes, “Do I need one?” From a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective, the answer is no, and here’s why:

   Chinese medicine believes that a person catches a cold or flu when their defensive energy, or Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”), is weak. This weakness allows the pathogens of a cold or flu to enter into the body and create the unpleasant symptoms we are all familiar with. On the other hand, if a person’s Wei Qi is strong, then no matter how hard the cold and flu tries, it will not be able to enter into the body and cause dis-ease.

   If you think about it, you probably know someone who seems to catch colds all the time, and also someone who never gets them. Both of these people are exposed to the same conditions, the same pathogens, yet one gets sick and the other doesn’t. The reason is Wei Qi. The person who gets sick all the time most likely has very weak Wei Qi, while the one who never gets sick has very strong Wei Qi.

   So, how does one maintain strong Wei Qi in order to beat cold and flu season? With Ancient Ways of course! At Ancient Ways Healing, we have a variety of services with which to help you build your Wei Qi, and fend of any incoming colds or flus.

   Herbal Medicine: At Ancient Ways healing we have both single herbs, as well as herbal formulas designed to strengthen the Wei Qi and keep colds and flus away.

   Qi Gong: Certain breathing techniques and exercises are designed specifically to strengthen the Wei Qi and keep the body strong.

   Cupping: Cupping is another great way to strengthen the Wei Qi. It is also particularly useful in the beginning stages of a cold or flu as the process of cupping actually draws the pathogens out of the body, thus preventing the cold or flu from going deeper and getting worse.

   Acupuncture and Moxa: Both Acupuncture and Moxa are great ways in which to strengthen the Wei Qi and fend off any incoming colds or flus. When used in combination, they are even more powerful.

   These are just some of the many modalities available to you at Ancient Ways Healing to help you stay strong and beat cold and flu season, so call today, and get your Wei Qi working for you!