Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects your central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your immune system attacks components of your 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 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.

What are the symptoms of MS?

• Bladder dysfunction
• Bowel dysfunction
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Depression and emotional changes
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in walking
• Numbness and pain
• Vision problems
• Headache
• Hearing loss
• Itching
• Seizures
• Speech and swallowing problems
• Dysphasia
• Tremor

How can acupuncture help MS?

The therapy Dr. Yan applies to treat MS is called: Brain Activating Acupuncture. This unique therapy has been applied in China since the late 1970’s to help the recovery of stroke. After moving to Canada, Dr. Yan has used this therapy to treat MS and has gained significant results.

According to MS, Brain Activating Acupuncture has the following function:

• To promote the blood supply to the brain so as to help the healing of the lesion and bring back the functions of damaged brain tissues.
• To stimulate peripheral nerves and strengthen muscles tones to relieve symptoms like pain, numbness and difficult walking.
• To relax centre nervous system to relieve depression and stress.
• To improve the movement of intestines (peristalsis) so as to relieve bowel difficulty.