How Acupuncture Can Help Brain Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. Communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted. Its symptoms and signs of MS vary widely depending on the location of the affected myelin sheaths. Common symptoms may include numbness, tingling or weakness in one or more limbs, partial or complete loss of vision, double or blurring of vision, tremor, loss of balance and mobility, unsteady gait, fatigue and dizziness. Some patients may also develop muscle stiffness or spastically, paralysis, slurred speech, dysfunction of urine or bowel, depression and cognitive impairment. In some patients it is a mild illness, but it can lead to permanent disability in others. Patients with MS may be unable to write, speak or walk. 

Acupuncture, particularly Scalp acupuncture, for MS has had much success in reducing numbness and pain, decreasing spasms, improving weakness and paralysis of limbs and improving balance. Many patients also have reported that their bladder and bowel control, fatigue and overall sense of wellbeing significantly improved after treatment. Recent studies have shown that scalp acupuncture could be a very effective modality in controlling MS. Scalp acupuncture areas may be chosen according to the patient's particular symptoms. Clinic experiences have shown very quick positive response in controlling urine and bowel functions when stimulating the foot-motor and sensory areas.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of intellectual decline and dementia in the elderly, affecting approximately one out of 10 people over the age 65 and nearly half over age 85, women more frequently than men. It is characterised by shrinkage of the frontal or temporal lobes and nerve cell death in several areas of the brain which can lead to loss of key mental functions such as memory, learning and concentration. About 80% of people with dementia will have behavioral changes or psychological symptoms at some time. It can reduce quality of life for both patients and carers, and often result in transfer to residential care and higher costs. The symptoms can include anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms, and behavioral symptoms such as aggression, agitation, wandering, sexual disinhibition, and screaming and swearing. Psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations occur in 30–50% of all patients with dementia. 

Research has shown that acupuncture treatment may specifically help in dementia by regulating neuropeptide substances (somatostatin and arginine vasopressin) relevant to learning and memory; reducing the levels of 8-OHdG and decreasing lipid peroxidation in the brain, suggesting that acupuncture helps to prevent oxidative damage; activating certain cognitive-related regions in the brain; decreasing the overproduction of nitric oxide and strengthening the ability to eliminate free radicals; decreasing cholinergic neuron damage and reducing the abnormal activation and hyperplasia of astrocytes. 

The causes or risk factors include age and family history.

Signs & symptoms: Forgetfulness, difficulty remembering recent events, activities, or names of familiar people or things, simple maths becomes hard to solve. Speaking, understanding, reading or writing problems. Anxiety or aggression, wandering away from home, etc. 

Acupuncture can reduce the progress of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life. 

Ataxia is a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. There are many different types of ataxia. Ataxia usually results from damage to a part of the brain called the cerebellum, but it can also  be caused by damage to other parts of the nervous system. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ataxia/) 

Acupuncture, particularly scalp acupuncture and Du mai Dao-qi technique, can help different types of Ataxia which has been proven by lots of studies. The Balance Area of scalp acupuncture is located exactly above the cerebellum and it may directly impact its function to treat ataxia. 

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is considered the most frequent and important neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. Approximately one-third of stroke survivors experience major depression. Moreover, this condition can have an adverse effect on cognitive function, functional recovery and survival. It contributes to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including increased disability, morbidity, and mortality. (Med Arh. 2014 Feb; 68(1): 47-50) 

Acupuncture, including scalp acupuncture, is very beneficial for PSD. It can release the symptoms, stimulate and regulate the brain serotonin level etc. 

Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners. (NHS)

• Approximately 33% of mothers who experienced depression symptoms during pregnancy went on to have PND.
• Approximately 25% of mothers still suffered from PND up to a year after their child was born.
• Approximately 58% of new mothers with PND did not seek medical help. This was often due to them not understanding the condition or fearing the consequences of reporting the problem.

The main symptoms of Postnatal depression include (NHS):

• a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
• loss of interest in the world around you and no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure
• lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
• trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
• feeling that you're unable to look after your baby
• problems concentrating and making decisions
• loss of appetite or an increased appetite (comfort eating)
• feeling agitated, irritable or very apathetic (you "can't be bothered")
• feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame
• difficulty bonding with your baby with a feeling of indifference and no sense of enjoyment in their company
• frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby; these can be scary, but they're very rarely acted upon
• thinking about suicide and self-harm.

Acupuncture, particularly scalp acupuncture, is very beneficial for Postnatal Depression. It can release the symptoms, regulate the hormone balance and stimulate and regulate the brain serotonin level without medication which can be restricted by breast feeding. Acupuncture is a natural and effective therapy for postnatal depression, without any harm to the mum and the baby.