 Prepared by Craig M. Cormack, B.A., R.M.T.
Sara, a 41-year-old MS patient, was treated with a
combination of pharmaceuticals, herbs, supplements, Chinese Massotherapy
and Chi Kung over a 20-week period from January to May 2008. Results
included a significant reduction of Sara’s pain and swelling, a dramatic
lessening of RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) and an increase in her leg
stability, overall balance, stamina, energy, and social confidence.
Background
Sara has suffered with MS for over five years. In this time
she has had two major attacks, and was hospitalized for eight days in
May 2004. Sara’s doctors had doubts as to whether or not she would be
able to walk again. She walked with the help of a cane for the first six
months of her recovery.
In August 2004 she was prescribed a drug called Rebiff, which she took
by injection 3 times per week. Debilitating side effects such as heavy
flu-like muscular pain accompanied each injection. Weekly acupuncture
treatments helped mitigate secondary effects of the injections.
October 2004 brought another MS crisis. Her physician prescribed a
series of 10 cortisone injections, but these didn’t offer much relief
either.
In October 2006 her physician took her off Rebiff and started her on
Copaxone. She noticed a great difference with this new medicine, and she
experienced significant relief from symptoms without secondary effects.
In January 2007 Sara came in for her first session of Chinese
Massotherapy. She reported good results, but only returned for more
treatments the following January. In June 2007 she went through another
crisis. She suffered swollen legs, had problems with her balance, and
found it difficult to walk. She went back to see her physician, but he
was unable to do anything for her except encourage her to continue
taking her medication.
In January 2008 Sara started receiving Chinese Massotherapy treatments
every 2 weeks. She also started training in Chi Kung meditation and
breathing with movement and holding postures. This case study will
address the time period from January to May 2008.
Table of Treatments January to
May 2008
|
Treatment |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
|
Chinese Massotherapy |
4 sessions |
2 sessions |
2 sessions |
2 sessions |
5 sessions |
|
Chi Kung meditation and exercise classes |
4 sessions |
2 sessions |
2 sessions |
2 sessions |
5 sessions |
|
Chi Kung self practice am/pm |
18 days,
12 nights |
28 days,
27 nights |
30 days,
26 nights |
25 days,
16 nights |
13 days,
20 nights |
|
Treadmill practice (30 min or more) |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Biking (30 min or more) |
6 |
4 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dancing (30 min or more) |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Myelin MS
Supplement
(Advanced OrthomolecularResearch) |
1 month supply from January to February 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
Vitamin B Complex |
1 tablet each night before bed |
1 tablet each night before bed |
1 tablet each night before bed |
1 tablet each night before bed |
1 tablet each night before bed |
|
Copaxone |
20 mg 1 injection/day |
20 mg 1 injection/day |
20mg 1 Injection/day |
20mg 1 Injection/day |
20mg 1 injection/day |
|
Mirapex |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
|
Rivotril |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
.5-1mg/night |
|
Muscle Relax by Mauve |
|
|
|
|
7.5 ml or 1.5 teaspoon at night. Sara has had excellent results
with a great reduction in RLS at night and she continues to take
this product. |
How Western Medicine Views MS
"Multiple sclerosis is a chronic,
potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous
system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. MS is widely
believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune
system attacks components of the body as if they're foreign.
In multiple sclerosis, the body
mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins in
the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers in your
brain and spinal cord. This results in inflammation and injury to the
sheath and ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds. The result may be
multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis). Eventually, this damage can
slow or block the nerve signals that control muscle coordination,
strength, sensation and vision.
Multiple sclerosis affects an
estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1
million people around the world. It affects twice as many women as men.
Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20 and
40.
Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable
and varies in severity. In some people, multiple sclerosis is a mild
illness. But it can lead to permanent disability in others. Treatments
can modify the course of the disease and relieve symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of multiple
sclerosis vary widely, depending on the location of affected nerve
fibers. Multiple sclerosis symptoms may include:
-
Numbness or weakness in one or
more limbs, which typically occurs on one side of your body at a
time or the bottom half of your body
-
Partial or complete loss of
vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye
movement
-
Double vision or blurring of
vision
-
Tingling or pain in parts of your
body
-
Electric-shock sensations that
occur with certain head movements
-
Tremor, lack of coordination or
unsteady gait
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
In some cases, people with multiple
sclerosis may also develop muscle stiffness or spasticity, slurred
speech, paralysis, or problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function.
Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties with
concentration, also may occur.”1
How Chinese Medicine Views MS
The Chinese believe that MS “most likely originates with a combination
of spiritual and emotional factors, and that the trigger for the disease
may be an experience of a feverish illness, usually an infectious
disease. The weakening of and the loss of control over the musculature
may come about because the critical energizing and regulating functions
of the internal organs have become disturbed due to the loss of
spiritual focus, perhaps because of a frightful experience which has
scattered one’s soul from its resting place. The triggering disease
consumes vital fluid essences that are essential to nourishing the body
and providing a relaxing medium for the spirit. Without spiritual
relaxation, there is ongoing agitation, and destruction of bodily
harmony."2
Therefore a crisis of any kind such as the loss of a loved one can cause
damage to internal organs. Shock can destroy a person psychologically,
emotionally and physically.
According to an article written by Dr. Ted Cibik, inflammation is at the
root of multiple sclerosis. Cibik says that inflammation is part of a
“reflexive reaction of protection whereby the communication process
intrinsic to the body/brain becomes systematically caught in an
incessant cycle of aggravation.”3
In the same article, Cibik cites recent findings at the Emory School of
Medicine, which show that mast cells normally found in the respiratory
tract and the skin may be releasing histamine into the central nervous
system, thereby damaging the myelin sheath.
In terms of Chinese medicine, Cibik says that MS is liver yang and
kidney yin deficiency combined with spleen chi deficiency. The
underlying causes of the deficiencies include overwork, worry, stress,
excessive grieving and sadness, and consumption of greasy foods and
alcohol.
Cibik also identifies one of the many possible causes of MS as being
excessive anger and frustration. This raises yang chi toward the brain
and bakes “the sea of marrow” (spinal cord/brain) to produce fissures or
lesions. He advises lowering the yang energy and raising the yin energy.
This is achieved through the practice of Chi Kung.3
Chinese Massotherapy
Sara reported that she suffered with
insomnia, fatigue, lower back pain, leg tremors, and problems with
balance and instability in the left leg due to a problem with the left
knee.
Several studies have shown that MS
patients benefit from weekly or bi-weekly massage therapy. In one study
“twenty-four adults with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to a
standard medical treatment control group or a massage therapy group that
received 45-minute massages twice a week for 5 weeks.
The massage group had lower anxiety and less depressed mood immediately
following the massage sessions and, by the end of the study, they had
improved self-esteem, better body image and image of disease
progression, and enhanced social functional status.”4
In China, research has found that acupuncture combined with massage is
of great benefit to those suffering with insomnia.5 A recent
study of 129 patients suffering with lower back pain published in the
British Medical Journal found that “acupressure conferred an 89%
reduction in significant disability compared with physical therapy.”6
Sara experienced problems with her legs shaking at night. This problem
is known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and it is common in people
suffering with MS. In treating RLS and other conditions, Chinese
Massotherapy incorporates acupressure points which are also used in
acupuncture. Sara received treatments specific to RLS focusing on the
spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, liver and bladder. Research in China shows
that acupuncture used with moxibustion has been successful in treating
RLS. In one study 41 out of 49 patients recovered completely with this
treatment.7
Acupoints Used in Treating
Sara
|
Yin |
Yang |
|
Lu (Lungs) 1, 2 |
LI (Large Intestine) 4, 15 |
|
Sp (Spleen) 6, 3, 10, 11 |
St (Stomach) 36, 41 |
|
Ki (Kidney) 1, 3 |
BL (Bladder) 57, 62, 40, 54 and other bladder shu points |
|
Li (Liver) 3 |
GB (Gallbladder) 30, 31, 34, 41 |
|
Extra Points EX-LE2, EX-LE4, EX-LE5 (eyes of the knees) |
|
Note :
The Spleen/Stomach points are particularly useful in treating MS because
the spleen governs the muscles and flesh which are affected by MS.
Chinese Massotherapy
Results
Sara reported that her back felt better after her massage treatments,
and that she felt more relaxed and more limber. She also reported that
she slept better for a few nights following each massage. Acupoints used
on her knees helped improve her overall stability as well.
Chi Kung
Sara also began training in Chi Kung in January. She was taught
meditation exercises designed to build up, circulate and cultivate chi.
She was taught Chi Kung stances and weight shifting exercises. A pilot
study conducted in Wales found that movement with mindfulness resulted
in improvement for patients with MS over 22 symptoms.8
Sara’s legs became stronger and her confidence grew with the practice of
weight shifting and stance exercises. Her cardio and stamina also
improved. Her experience has been confirmed in research. In a study
testing balance control, flexibility and cardio respiratory fitness
published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, participants who
practiced Chi Kung fared better than their sedentary counterparts.
“Compared with the sedentary group, the TCC group had significantly
better scores in resting heart rate, three minute step test heart rate,
modified sit and reach, total body rotation test on both right and left
side (p<0.01), and both right and left leg standing with eyes closed
(p<0.05). According to the American Fitness Standards, the TCC group
attained the 90th percentile rank for sit and reach and total body
rotation test, right and left.”9
In a 10-year study done in Korea on Chi Kung, the 768 participants
reported improvements in wound healing (84%), inflammation (67%),
physical health (67%), pain reduction (43%), psychological health (40%),
fatigue reduction (22%), and insomnia reduction (9%).10
Chi Kung Results
Sara’s experienced a dramatic lessening of RLS with her morning and
evening Chi Kung practice. When her Chi Kung practice lapsed her RLS
would return.
Vitamin B Complex
Sara has been taking a B complex vitamin every night before bed for a
long time. She has been doing this to raise her energy and folic acid
levels. Small studies have shown the intake of folic acid (vitamin B6)
can help with RLS.
Copaxone
Copaxone is a prescription medicine commonly used in MS treatment. In
clinical studies, people who took the medication experienced fewer MS
relapses and had fewer lesions after two years. The injections are given
subcutaneously (just under the skin) once a day. Potential side effects
of Copaxone include weakness, joint pain, and reaction at the injection
site.11
Mirapex
Mirapex has some of the
same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in
the body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with
Parkinson's disease. Mirapex is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's
disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle
control. Mirapex is also used to treat RLS.12
Rivotril
Rivotril is also known as
Clonazepam. This medication belongs to the class of medications called
benzodiazepines. In general, benzodiazepines are used as a sedative or
to decrease seizures or anxiety. Rivotril is used to treat seizure
disorders. It helps by slowing the activity of the nerves in the brain
and central nervous system.13
Muscle Relax by Mauve
Sara began taking Muscle
Relax by Mauve at the end of May 2008 and reported excellent results.
This product is a liquid formula made of herbs which are anti-spasmodics,
muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories. Mauve is a Montreal based
company which makes a variety of health products based on herbal recipes.14
|
Plant / Ingredient |
Standardization |
Dry plant qty per 7.5 ml |
|
Boswellia |
Boswellic Acid 5% |
500 mg (gum) |
|
Yuzu |
Limonoids 0.2% |
500 mg (seeds) |
|
Malic acid |
N/A |
300 mg |
|
Kudzu |
Isoflavones 8% |
300 mg (roots) |
|
Hop |
Flavonoids 1% |
200 mg (cones) |
|
Officinal Peony |
Paeoniflorin 4% |
200 mg (roots) |
|
Magnesium |
Chelated with amino acids |
75 mg |
|
Coleus |
Forskolin 0.3% |
50 mg (roots) |
Results
Sara has reported that
Chinese Massotherapy has helped her to relax, de-stress and increase her
well-being through releasing trapped energy and improving blood
circulation. Chi Kung training has helped her to strengthen her legs,
reduce her pain and swelling and improve her overall balance, energy and
stamina. The Chi Kung she practices has also helped to strengthen her
kidney energy (chi) which is vital to warding off illness.
The yuan or ancestral chi
gets depleted with MS and this is replenished through Chi Kung practice.
Through balancing the kidney chi and through doing the breathing
exercises the lungs and large intestine are reinforced and digestion improves.
Chinese medical research indicates that a spleen deficiency is part of
the problem of MS. Through balancing the digestive process the stomach/spleen
and liver/gallbladder become rebalanced. With the liver balanced the
yang energy descends instead of ascending. As Dr. Cibik indicates the
yang energy needs to come down and the yin energy needs to rise. Chi
Kung and Chinese Massotherapy together help accomplish this correction
of energy balance.
Sara’s health and social
confidence improvements have been rapid. We are encouraged by her
progress and we will continue to work closely with her.
References
1.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/DS00188
2. Vickers E, Dharmananda S, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Multiple
Sclerosis: A Patient Guide.
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/ms&tcm.htm
3. Cibik T, Multiple Sclerosis and Medical Chi Kung,
http://www.chinesehealthpractitioner.com/article3.htm
4. Reif M, Field T, Field T, Theakston H, Multiple sclerosis patients
benefit from massage therapy. Touch Research Institute, University of
Miami School of Medicine.
5. Lu M, Liu X, Insomnia due to deficiency of both the heart and spleen
treated by acupuncture-moxibustion and Chinese tuina. J Tradit Chin Med.
2008 Mar; 28(1):10-2.
6. Acupressure Relieves Lower Back Pain. BMJ-British Medical Journal,
2006 February (17).
7. Liu gui-lin, Treatment of 49 Cases of Restless Leg Syndrome by
Acupuncture plus Acupoint Injection. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina
Science, Volume 4, Number 2, April 2006.
8. Mills N, Allen J, Mindfulness of movement as a coping strategy in
multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. General Hospital Psychiatry 2000,
vol. 22, no6, pp. 425-431 (25 ref.)
9. Hong Y, Li JX, Robinson P, Balance control, flexibility, and cardio
respiratory fitness among older Tai Chi practitioners. Br J Sports Med
2000; 34:29-34.
10. Myeong SL, Sung-Soo H, Hyun-Ja L, Hye-Jung K, Won-Hon W, Sun-Rock M,
2003 Survey on Therapeutic Efficacy of Chi Kung in Korea. The American
Journal of Chinese Medicine, Vol. 31, (5), 809-815.
11.
http://multiple-sclerosis.emedtv.com/copaxone/copaxon.html
12.
http://www.drugs.com/mirapex.html
13.
http://www.medbroadcast.com/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=350
14.
http://www.mauves.com/sgc/lang/en/pid/13
Craig M. Cormack, B.A., R.M.T.
Principal, Rising Tao Integrative Health
Consultant, McGill University Sports Medicine Clinic
President, l'Association de massage chinois
Tuina du Québec
Member, National Association of Naturopaths
Registered Massage Therapist
Senior Instructor, Tai Chi
Master, Reiki and Chi Kung
www.risingtao.ca |
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