 |
[2008 updates are highlighted in red]
| Description: |
Acupuncture is one component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Other components include traditional Chinese herbs, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and massage. TCM is based on a theory of body function that is very different from that of Western medicine. Specifically, it is believed that energy, or qi, flows through 14 major pathways, or meridians, on the body. There is also a balance of opposites, which are known as yin and yang. According to TCM, disease occurs when there is disturbance or disharmony of energy. With acupuncture, thin, metallic needles are inserted in specific points on the meridians. |
| Rationale: |
From the perspective of TCM, it is believed that the insertion of acupuncture needles alters the flow of energy in such a way that it produces therapeutic effects. From a Western scientific perspective, the mechanism by which acupuncture might produce its effects is not clear. Acupuncture may alter activity in specific brain regions or lead to the release of specific chemicals, such as serotonin or pain-relieving opioids. |
| Evaluation: |
Acupuncture is usually well tolerated, especially when it is done by a well-trained acupuncturist. Sterile needles should be used to avoid infections, including hepatitis and AIDS. Acupuncture is moderately expensive. The safety of Chinese herbal medicine has not been well characterised, especially in people with MS. There is a theoretical risk of worsening MS with immune-stimulating herbs, which include Asian ginseng, astragalus, and maitake and reishi mushrooms. In addition, one herb that mildly suppresses the immune system, Thunder God Vine, or Tripterygium wilfordii, may produce serious side-effects, including death. Chinese herbal medicine is a low-cost therapy. |
| Risks: |
Acupuncture is usually well tolerated, especially when it is done by a well-trained acupuncturist. Sterile needles should be used to avoid infections, including hepatitis and AIDS. The safety of Chinese herbal medicine has not been well characterized, especially in people with MS. There is a theoretical risk of worsening MS with immune-stimulating herbs, which include Asian ginseng, astragalus, and maitake and reishi mushrooms. In addition, one herb that mildly suppresses the immune system, Thunder God Vine, or Tripterygium wilfordii, may produce serious side effects, including death. |
| Costs: |
Acupuncture is moderately expensive. |
| Committee opinion: |
In the opinion of the Committee, there is no definitive evidence to support the use of acupuncture in MS. There are studies suggesting that it may be alleviate some
MS-related symptoms, especially pain. Further study is needed to determine if acupuncture has any definitive therapeutic effects in MS. Acupuncture is a low risk, moderately expensive therapy. Chinese herbal medicine is a low-cost therapy that is of unknown effectiveness in MS. There are risks associated with the use of some Chinese herbal therapies.
|
|
