Multiple+Sclerosis

Western Diagnosis: demyelination in brain and spinal cord

Etiology
1. unknown 2. immunologic abN 3. viral 4. genetic predisposition 5. women slightly more than men 6. temperate climates 7. linked to geographic area where 1st 15 yrs spent 8. onset at age 20-40 yrs 9. New research shows possible involvement of a permeability of the BBB allowing fibrinogen to pass through "leaky" blood vessels and cause inflammation and damage to the brain tissue: []

Early sxs and sns
a. paresthesias in extremities, trunk, face b. weakness, clumsiness of hand or leg c. visual disturbances i. optic neuritis ii. partial blindness and pain in one eye d. fleeting ocular palsy e. fatigue of limbs f. gait disturbances g. loss of bladder control h. vertigo i. mood swings j. sx < heat

2. apathy, emotional lability 3. scanning speech 4. fundus, visual field changes 5. inc DTR’s, + Babinski’s 6. tremors, muscular weakness, spasticity 7. paresthesia, numbness 8. urinary urgency or hesitancy, incontinence, impotence, genital anesthesia

Diagnosis
1. clinical - no definitive tests 2. MRI 3. CSF a. inc IgG, lymphs, protein 4. flicker fusion

Prognosis
1. variable, remitting course 2. months, yrs of remittance 3. sx free intervals grow shorter often 4. permanent, disabling changes

Treatment
1. avoid overwork, fatigue, and stress 2. food allergies 3. low fat diet a. <12% total fat b. <4.5% sat fat 4. EFA a. EPA 3gm/d b. flax oil 2 tsp BID c. black currant oil 2 caps BID 5. avoid lipid peroxidation a. anti-oxidants 6. vit. B12 - 1-3 mg/day IM 7. mitochondria diet

Satya: Alpha-lipoic acid: 400mg. TID w/ vitamin B1

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** TCM Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis **
Four Stages of Multiple Sclerosis:

Because MS has many different presentations, it is important to properly diagnose what is causing the MS patient's symptoms. While MS is not curable, it is possible to halt the spread of disease and to minimize the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks. It is important that the patient also takes part in learning how to effectively manage their disease. Nervous system building exercises including but not limited to Qi-Gong and Yoga are extremely useful.

• S/S Visual Disturbances, A period of Muscle Weakness. • Because the early stages of MS can manifest with many different types of minor symptoms, the treatment principle, treatment strategy and treatment plan are geared to treating the localized minor symptoms. This includes treating the minor visual disturbances and or treating the muscle groups that are affected by the early Multiple Sclerosis.
 * Stage I: **

• S/S Systemic muscular weakness more prevalent, Increased sensations of Pain and or Numbness, Urinary Issues, Further Visual Disturbances. • ** Phlegm Damp Obstruction ** • (Heaviness, Weakness, Numbness, Visual Disturbances, Blurry or Double Vision) • Tongue: Greasy, White, Coat • Pulse: Slippery possibly Thin and Empty • Tonify the Spleen and Resolve Damp Phlegm, tonify the Brain and Clear the Head. • SP6, ST36, ST40, CV12, BL20, GV20, ST8
 * Stage II: Channel Obstruction by Dampness and possibly Heat. **

• (Heaviness, Weakness, Numbness, Hot Feeling Limbs, Painful Joints, Frequent urination, Chest Opression) • Tongue: Greasy, Yellow, Coat • Pulse: Slippery and Rapid • Clear Heat, Release Exterior, Tonify St, Sp and Qi, Build Brain • GV14, LI4, LI11, SP3, SP6, SP9, ST36, UB20, GV20
 * • Damp Heat Obstruction **

• S/S More systemic Issues, Greater Fatigue, listlessness, poor appetite, muscle cramping and spasticity. Can be Spleen or Liver related. • (Muscle flaccidity, pale, poor appetite, loose stools) • Tongue: Swollen, with toothmarks. • Pulse: Empty, Thin, Weak • Tonify the Spleen, Clear Damp, Support Brain. • ST36, CV12, SP3, SP6, SP9, LR13, BL20, BL21, GV20 • (Fatigue, Stiff Muscles, Cramps, Dull Pale Complexion, Tremors, Visual Disturbance) • Tongue: Pale, Dry • Pulse: Thin, Choppy • Tonify the Spleen, Build Liver Blood, Support Brain • SP6, ST36, LR8, CV4, BL17, BL18, BL20, GV20
 * Stage III: Qi and Blood Affected **
 * • SP Qi Deficiency **
 * • LR Blood Deficiency **

• S/S Fatigue, Urinary Disorders (incontinence, retention, painful), Atrophy of Tissue. • (Weakness, Chronic Fatigue, Pale Complexion, Muscle Stiffness, Strophy, Tremors, Low Back Pain, Urinary Disturbance.) • Tongue: Red, Little Coat, Pale, Wet • Pulse Deep, Thin • Build Kidneys, Build Marrow, Support Bladder and Kidney, Support Yin or Yang as Needed • CV4, KD3, KD6, KD6, GV4, GB39, BL32, BL23
 * Stage IV: Yin and Yang of Body Depleted **
 * • KD Deficiency **

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Orthomolecular Treatment
-Histidine -Omega-6'

Homeopathy
**Alumina** For hasty, hurried people who get depressed and fear they will lose their reason and become insane. They get better as the day advances. They can feel confused even to the point of not being sure who they are speaking to and may feel suicidal at the sight of a knife. They become apprehensive and think that something bad will happen. They have great difficulty discussing what is wrong with them in the sense that they just cannot find the words to say what they mean and so appear to be vague. The Alumina person will constantly go to the doctor and eventually feel that no one can help and despairs of ever getting better. Time seems to drag yet paradoxically they feel they need to hurry to get things done. They experience pain in the whole arm as if a hot instrument had penetrated it. Legs go to sleep especially if sitting with them crossed. They stagger on walking and their heels feel numb, soles tender. There is an inability to walk except when eyes are open or in daytime. Degeneration of the spine and paralysis of legs. Those who suit the Alumina profile usually have a preponderance of paralysis in the lower half of the body. The skin is often very dry and itchy and there is a lot of discharge like catarrh or vaginal discharge. Worse, in the afternoon and from potatoes. Better open air, cold washing, alternate days and damp weather. **Arg.nit** For hurried anxious people who cannot cope with deadlines and suffer from the ‘what if’ syndrome. They tend to act first and think later, are gullible and have strong feelings about being isolated or abandoned. They are superstitious and claustrophobic and sometimes feel they are being pursued and have other irrational thoughts. They have digestive troubles in the form of wind and diarrhoea and may suffer from IBS. Cannot walk with eyes closed otherwise falls over. Trembling and general debility. Calves rigid. Walks and stands unsteadily especially when no one is watching. Numbness of arms. Worse for warmth in any form or at night. From cold food, sweets, after eating and from emotional feelings. Better fresh air. **Arsenicum** There is always something about the person or their home that is neat and tidy like their clothes hanging in the wardrobe with the same or co-ordinating colours together. They are possessive of things and controlling of people. When they hear of something bad happening to someone else they do not think of the other person’s suffering but instead think of how it will affect them. If their cleaner has an accident all they can think of is, who is going to clean the house?’ They also panic and start to think that the accident could happen to them. Sad, restless, irritable, anxious and anguished, they fear to be alone, want company and worry excessively about their health. They therefore go to the doctor frequently, often exaggerating their symptoms in a bid to get attention, and, as a consequence, take too many anti-biotics, which can result in asthma. They will say that they can see or smell something that no one else can and fear to be alone. Fear of death is very prominent. They can have dry itchy skin. There is paralysis of lower limbs with atrophy, cramps in calves and swelling of feet, sciatica and burning pains. They are worse for wet weather, from cold, cold drinks or food, by the sea and after midnight. They are better for heat and warm drinks. **Causticum** This remedy is for people who have compassion and support the underdog against authority which they will not tolerate in any form. They are sensitive and impressionable to all outside influences, easily excitable with quick reactions. This is mainly a remedy for severe rheumatism, arthritis and paralysis where the joints are deformed with progressive loss of muscular strength. There are tearing pains in joints and bones at night with restlessness. There is numbness and loss of sensation in the hands, weak ankles and they cannot walk without being in pain. Pains like electric shocks. Falls over easily. All symptoms take a long time to manifest. There are many fears and forebodings which develop slowly, which manifest as the physical and nervous system starts to decline. Worse dry cold weather, desire for salt, cold meat which also makes matters worse and an aversion to sweets. **Conium** This remedy is for people who have lost interest in anything, are depressed, timid, do not want to mix yet are afraid to be alone. There is difficult gait, trembling, sudden loss of strength while walking and painful stiffness in legs. Fingers and toes numb. Muscular weakness of lower extremities. Vertigo when lying down. Putting feet up brings relief. **Gels.** This remedy is for loss of muscular co-ordination, motor paralysis and dizziness/vertigo. There is excessive trembling and weakness of all limbs as well as fatigue after the slightest exercise. It tends to suit quiet people who desire to be left alone and where any emotional excitement, good or bad, leads to physical ailments. They are worse for damp weather and before thunderstorms, tobacco, thinking about their illnesses and at 10 a.m. They are better for bending forward, continued motion and in the open air. **Phos.** These are usually tall, slim, warm, friendly, lively, outgoing, creative, artistic, happy people who love life. They are sensitive to light, sound, smells, touch, electrical discharges and thunderstorms. With thunderstorms they do not anticipate the next clap and so start at each noise. They can burn the candle at both ends and suffer from burn out. Their symptoms appear suddenly and they can have sudden fainting fits, sweats, shooting pains or feel depressed and fearful, restless and fidgety. They expect to see things creeping out of corners. They can suffer from loss of memory and dread death when alone. They can become prematurely grey with loss of hair. They have fears that something may happen and become apprehensive because of it. They become thirsty and like cold drinks, ice cream, chocolate and salty things. There is weakness and trembling on exertion, stitches in elbow and shoulder joints, paralysis in fingers and toes. Arms and hands become numb and they can hardly hold anything. Joints suddenly give way and they can only sleep on their right side. They are worse for being touched, from warm food and drink, change of weather, in the evening, during thunderstorms, going up stairs, as well as from lying on the left or painful side. They are better for cold food, cold open air, cold food, washing in cold water and sleep. (Warning -this remedy should not be used is you have had tuberculosis or if it has been in the family). **Plum.met** People needing this remedy can be selfish, possessive and inflexible, (not to be confused with Arsenicum who are the same but are fastidious and tidy but also controlling, but there the resemblance ends). They have no vitality and can be apathetic. They are also slow to answer questions and tend to frown in concentration, trying to express themselves. They can have a sensation of pulling or tearing pains often around the navel with colic but the sensation can be anywhere and there is a tendency to arterio-sclerosis. This remedy is also used for Parkinson’s. Muscular atrophy and posterior spinal sclerosis are progressive. Hands cannot be raised nor anything lifted with them. Extending arms is difficult and there is no reflex in the knee cap. There is a stinging and tearing pain in the limbs as well as twitching, tingling and numbness. Pain in atrophied limbs; hands and feet cold, as well as swollen feet. There may be pain in the big toe of the right foot which only hurts at night but is always sensitive to touch. Symptoms are worse at night or for motion and better for rubbing, hard pressure and movement. source: []

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 * IBIS:**

Definition:
A slowly progressive demyelinating disease of the brain and spinal cord, recognized by exacerbations and remissions of neurologic symptoms.

**Etiology:** The cause is idiopathic; though there are theories about autoimmunity, slow viruses, and myelinic enzymes, etc., no specific mechanism has been proven. Most cases begin between 20 and 40 years old, and rarely after 50. Females are affected slightly more than males. MS seems to be a disease of temperate latitudes, in either the Northern or Southern hemispheres, and is rarely seen in equatorial regions. The characteristic lesion in MS is one of patchy demyelinization of the myelin sheaths in the CNS, particularly in the white matter.

Somatic therapies:
• aerobic exercise: mild, best done in open air in cool of morning or evening • Frenkel exercises: for ataxia

Nutrition:
therapeutic considerations: • Diets high in gluten and milk have much higher prevalence of MS • Diets high in animal and dairy products have a much higher incidence of MS. (Swank, Lerstad, Strom. NEJM 246:7212-8,1952) • Deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Bernsohn & Stephanides. Nature 10:523-30,1963; Mertin & Meade. Brit. Med. Bull 33:67-71,1977) • Mercury toxicity (Craelius. J. Epidemiol. Comm. Health 32:155-65,1972; Ingalls. Am. J Forensic Med. & Path. 4:55-61,1983; Ingalls. Lancet 2:160,1986)

eating principles: • Very Low fat diet: 10 g per day saturated fats (If 2000 calories then not more than 24 g fat). • Total fat percentage in the diet should be less than 12% (if 2,000 cal then 4.5%). • Treat food allergies: In a study most severe patients had food sensitivities. • Prevent lipid peroxidation • Very low saturated fats • Decrease gluten and milk products • Elimination/rotation diet, rotation diet, rotation diet expanded

therapeutic foods: • Increase foods rich in Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Sulfur, Iodine, tryptophan (Jensen, p. 63) • Increase omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: vegetable, nut, seed oils, salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, black currant oil • Egg yolk, kale, celery, fish, raw goat's milk, veal joint broth, cod roe, rice polishings, brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast (Jensen, p. 63)

fresh juices: • Celery, carrot, prune (Jensen, p. 63) • Prune and rice polishings (Jensen, p. 63) • Raw goat's milk and 1 tsp. sesame, sunflower or almond butter, 1 tsp. honey and sliver of avocado (Jensen, p. 63) • Black cherry and egg yolk (Jensen, p. 63) • Carrot, celery, spinach, and parsley (Walker, p. 153) • Carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 153) • Carrot (Walker, p. 153) • Carrot and parsley (Walker, p. 153) • Carrot, celery, and parsley (Walker, p. 153) • Carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, p. 153) • Carrot, beet, lettuce, and turnip (Walker, p. 153)

specific remedies: • Weakness in legs: 5 oz. minced beef, 2 slices fresh ginger. Boil for 10 minutes in 3/4 pt. water. Eat and drink while hot at night (Butt and Bloomfield, p. 146)

avoid: • Food intolerances • Trans-fatty acids, hydrogenated oils (margarine, vegetable shortenings, imitation butter spreads, most commercial peanut butters), oxidized fats (deep fried foods, fast food, ghee, barbequed meats)

Botanicals
• Arnica montana (toxic): as bath (Husemann, p. 440)

Chinese Formulae
• Eucommia and Achyranthes F.; Jian Bu Hu Qian Wan (Chen Pu Hu Chien Wen) (patent): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing: muscle atrophy, limbs without strength. (Eucommia and Achyranthes F.: Hsu, 1980, p. 274; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 266; Jian Bu: Naeser, p. 289) • Lithospermum 15 (patent) plus Gecko A (patent): Kidney Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Yu (Blood Stasis): autoimmune disorders (Dharmananda, 1990; Lithospermum, p. 85: Gecko-A, p. 17)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Damp-Heat with Xue (Blood) and Qi Xu (Deficiency); Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency); Lung Xu (Deficiency); Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency); Qi Stagnation; Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Spleen Xu with Damp causing Liver Wind

» therapeutic notes: • acupuncture can be very effective if treated early, within the first 3 years (Ambrose) • supplemental tips: no Phlegm-producing foods; gentle exercise; qigong; work with emotional rigidity (Ambrose)

» illustrative combinations: • Group 1: GV-11, GV-9, hua tuo jia ji of T5 to T8, UB-23, UB-25, GB-30, UB-54/40 and UB-57; Group 2: CV-12, St-21, St-25, CV-6, CV-3, St-36, Sp-9, Sp-6 and ba feng; daily rotate group 1 and 2 for multiple sclerosis due to Damp-Heat with Xue (Blood) and Qi Xu (Deficiency) (Jirui and Wang, p. 108) • Sp-6, Sp-9 and St-36: build the Spleen and resolve Damp (Eisen) • GB-37 and UB-1: if UB-1 alone is not effective in treating the eyes (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 322) • LI-4, GB-20 and UB-12: open and brighten the eye, benefit the vision, and clear Wind from the eyes; prevent blindness (Eisen) • Kd-4 and Ht-5 for lazy speech and prostrate exhaustion (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 168) • Kd-3, Sp-6, LI-4, GB-20 and Lv-2: reinforce Kidney and nourishes Yin (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3 and UB-23: nourish Kidney Yin and facilitate Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and UB-15: adjust disharmony of Heart and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and GV-4: invigorate Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 53 ) • Kd-3, UB-23, GV-4 and CV-4 (all: D): support Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and CV-4 (all: +:) strengthen Kidney Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-47/52 and GV-4: strengthen Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Sp-3, UB-20, Lv-13 and CV-12 (+ and D): invigorate Yang of Spleen (Finkelstein, p. 26) • St-36 and CV-4: tonify Spleen and Kidney to strengthen vitality (Finkelstein, p. 20) • UB-38/43, CV-4 and St-36 (D) for general weakness caused by prolonged illness (Shanghai, p. 201) • GV-16 and GV-20: treat brain disorders (Finkelstein, p. 81)

Homeopathy
"Syphilitic miasm is quite often at the root of all the complaints."

• Arsenicum album: burning pain in the lower limbs > warmth; cramps in calf muscles; general symptoms like restlessness, prostration and unquenchable thirst are important; < after midnight, cold, right side; > warmth • Aurum muriaticum: arteriosclerosis and vascular degeneration may be present; melancholy; feeling of self-condemnation; disgust of life; talks of committing suicide but fears death; oversensitiveness to noise; extreme photophobia, diplopia, upper half of object invisible, stitching pain in eyes; weakness and dropsical condition of limbs; worse in cold weather, winter, sunset to sunrise; possible hypertension • Baryta muriaticum: arteriosclerosis with cerebral and spinal affections; stiffness of joints; every form of mania when sexual desire is increased; icy coldness of body with paralysis; sensory functions intact but voluntary muscular power gone; deafness; stupid, idiotic, mental dementia; high systolic and low diastolic blood pressure • Causticum: tends to be very right sided; paralysis is gradual and affects specific parts of the body; face can be affected; legs can be restless at night, quite thirsty; fear of twilight, death, dark; spaciness • Conium maculatum: ascending paralysis, incoordination in legs (bounce off the wall); easy exhaustion; paralysis painless, vertigo even lying in bed; unstable when up; fear of falling; sexual grief, lack of desire • Kali phosphoricum: paralytic weakness of extremities < exertion; pain with fatigue and complete exhaustion; ptosis of eyes • Lathyrus sativus: no pain; reflexes increased; spastic paralysis; sleepy, constant yawning; excessive rigidity of legs • Magnesia phosphorica: twitching and jerking, painful spasms > warmth, pressure, bending double; eyes hot, aching, tired, vision blurred with colored objects before eyes • Nux vomica: more left sided; usually lower limbs; twitching and jerking in the limbs; often affects bladder and anus: ineffectual urge; numbness of the affected side (face common), drunkard picture; difficult swallowing; anger and irritability • Phosphorus: ascending paralysis, left-sided affection; weakness felt in knee joints; knee gives way; burning along the spine with formication; nervousness, bleeding tendency, fear of dark and thunderstorm; < twilight, thunderstorm, lying on left or painful side; > by cold, sleep and lying on right, or unaffected side; knee jerk absent; tiredness, spaciness; hypoglycemia; upper limbs usually first, but can also go the other way; trembling; drops things; sudden joint weakness; spots and sparkles in front of the eyes; optic nerves start to go; urinary incontinence; involuntary stool; weak anus, feels open after stool. • Physostigma: staggering gait as if drunk; rigidity of muscles; sudden jerking of limbs on going to sleep • Plumbum iodatum: arteriosclerosis; enlarged glands; paralysis; pellagra • Plumbum metallicum: pain in paralyzed parts; paralysis of extensor group of muscles causing foot-drop (possible wrist drop); emaciation of affected parts; pain in right big toe at night; if abdominal colic and absolute constipation or sheep-dung like stools are there, then it should be prescribed; < night, motion; > rubbing, > hard pressure • Strychninum phosphoricum: twitching, stiffness, weakness, loss of power; burning, aching, weakness of spine

Mind/Body
• Mental hardness, hard-heartedness, iron will, inflexibility, fear. (Hay, 1984, p. 175) • CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) of 245 neurological and 194 psychiatric patients were tested for viral antibodies and interferon. In multiple sclerosis, CSF antibodies were detected to measles virus (44%), herpes HSV1 (41%), and tick-borne orbivirus lipovik (53%). CSF interferon was found in psychiatric patients with an equal or even higher incidence (34-52%) than in the neurological patients (30-39%), in multiple sclerosis only 17%. The evaluation of the ratio of serum and CSF titers of viral antibodies and interferon showed local synthesis of both in the CNS. In neurological patients, CSF antibodies to 2 or 3 viruses simultaneously were observed in 16-41%, whereas only 0-5% in psychiatric patients. (Locke, 1983, p. 172)

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; produces the Marrow which generates the spinal cord, "fills up" the brain, and possibly manifests through the immune system; nourishes the brain to sustain concentration, clear thinking, and memory; carries the constitutional endowment from the parents; and displays the effects of overwork, chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance. » Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch. As always, chronic Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Empty Heat and/or acute inflammation. » Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency). » Mental signs of Kidney channel disorders include anxiety, fear in the pit of the stomach; sadness; mental and physical fatigue; antisocial tendencies; and laziness. (Seem, p. 28)
 * Chinese psychophysiology:**

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); expresses itself in the nervous system; opens into the eyes; and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry eyes, skin, and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down. Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) predisposes to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). » Liver Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted. Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing. (Maciocia, p. 216) Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) often begins with Qi Stagnation. » Liver Wind derives from Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) and/or Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) and their subsequent inability to embrace the Yang, and can manifest as joint stiffness, dizziness, tremor, paralysis, convulsions, rashes, itching, and neurological problems.

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood) and holds it in the vessels; resolves Dampness and Phlegm; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel centered and balanced. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. Unresolved Spleen Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Spleen Shi (Excess), particularly accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm, as the Spleen's functioning declines. » Spleen Shi (Excess) signs include heaviness (excess "form"); large abdomen; great sighing; sadness; obsessions and nightmares (Seem, p. 28); abdominal pain; irregular appetite; stickiness in the mouth and on lips; red lips; chest congestion; fatigue; and constipation. Dampness and Phlegm Shi (Excess) usually derive from Spleen Yang and/or Qi Xu (Deficiency) and can contribute to Liver Wind. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen. This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.

Integrative Therapies
People who have multiple sclerosis most commonly notice symptoms appearing from age 20 to 40. These include weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, and lack of coordination as well as blurry vision or loss of vision, and loss of bladder control. The disease occurs most commonly in indust-rial countries where the diet is high in animal products, fats, and sweets.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND CAN BE TAKEN ON A LONG-TERM BASIS: 1. Cod Liver Oil – 2 to 4 capsules a day 2. Vitamin E – 600 Units a day 3. Flaxseed Oil – 1 tablespoon a day 4. Vitamin B Complex – 50 milligrams a day 5. Multivitamin and mineral tablet – taken according to the manufacturer's instructions. Select a brand that contains no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

DIET IS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN THE WHOLISTIC APPROACH TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Recent research conducted by Dr. Swank, of the Oregon Health Science University, showed that certain changes in the diet slow the disease progression and reduce the number of attacks. 1. Eliminate all saturated fats from the diet. This means an almost vegetarian diet without meats, dairy products, eggs, or poultry, but one that does include fish at least 3 times per week. The best fish are cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. 2. Cold-pressed vegetable oils are needed in the diet. Two tablespoons of vegetable oil, like sunflower, sunflower, and soy oil, are taken per day. These can also be used as homemade salad dressings. 3. Eliminate fried foods from the diet. 4. In addition, keep refined carbohydrates to a minimum. This means avoiding sugarcontaining foods and white flour products and replacing them with whole grains such as brown rice and millet. A wholesome daily diet also includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, and soy products. 5. Eliminate tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine consumption while addressing multiple sclerosis.

HOMEOPATHY: • Plumbum metallicum 12C: For the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue once a day.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with MS. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.

AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES: Daily moderate exercise is encouraged. If you are out of shape, start gradually and consult a physician. Exercise is physically and psychologically helpful, but avoid overwork and fatigue.

Stress reduction is also an important consideration. Relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation can be used for this purpose. If you need more information, refer to the article on stress reduction.

See also: []

Kiiko Matsumoto's Protocols:
Because Multiple Sclerosis has a few different organic causes leading to symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The most common cause being a deficient Spleen causing Spleen and Liver dysfunction. Allowed to progress it eventually depletes the Kidneys.

When Using KM style to treat MS it is important to treat the patient constitutionally making sure that reflexes are cleared before working on symptomatic treatment. In the constitutional treatment for a patient with MS, it would be useful to look at specific reflexes related to the disease. Being thorough on palpation of the Spleen and Liver reflexes. While palpating for reflexes focus on and clear the following: • ** Oketsu ** Palpate: PP at R Kd15 to R Kd27 Treatment: L Lr 4, L Lu5 • ** Immune ** Palpate: PP at R St26 to R St27, "Evil Wind Point," TW16, Treatment: Bilateral Immune Points LI10 to LI 11 Area. • ** Liver ** Palpate: "Oketsu," L Subcostal Region, LR 2 (Fire Point) Treatment: "Clear Oketsu" Treat LR4, LR8 • ** Spleen ** Palpate: PP centered over Umbilicus, Inside of Kidney Reference Area, Spleen Fire Point Treatment: SP5, SP9 Palpate: PP around bottom half of ring around umbilicus. CV3 to CV 6 Treatment: KD6, LU5, KD27 then KD 16. Palpate: PP in middle of SCM muscle pressed against the Thyroid Gland Treatment: KD9, LI15 (with moxa on both points) Treatment: Gelosis on ST Qi line, lateral to Tibia pressed against the bone, from ST 36 level to ST 39 Level.
 * • Kidney and Adrenals **
 * • Detoxification Points **
 * • ST Qi points **

In addition to systemic treatments to build up the MS patients organs and energy. It can also be helpful to perform structural treatments to relieve internal pressure causing excessive muscular and surface pain. These treatments include treatment of Pelvic Imbalances, Sterno-Costal imbalances, as well as Head and Neck imbalances.

It is also important for the patient to make lifestyle changes in order to help the Stomach and Spleen. This includes avoiding Sugar and Dairy in the diet to prevent the build up of phlegm and dampness in the body. This also includes performing Nasal Rinses to keep the mucus coming out of the body.

(Kiiko Matsumoto's Clinical Strategies Vol. 1, K. Matsumoto, D. Euler) (Kiiko Matsumoto's Clinical Strategies Vol. 2, K. Matsumoto, D. Euler)
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