by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

Integrative Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis: TCM Herbs and Acupuncture for Symptom Relief

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and cognitive changes.

As a progressive and often unpredictable disease, MS can significantly impact quality of life and daily functioning. While there is no cure, conventional medical treatments aim to slow disease progression, manage relapses, and alleviate symptoms.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in complementary and integrative medicine to support standard MS therapies. Many patients are seeking holistic approaches that address not only physical symptoms but also emotional and energetic balance.

This blog explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly the use of acupuncture and herbal remedies, may provide meaningful symptom relief for individuals living with MS. By integrating these time-honored practices alongside conventional care, patients may find additional tools to help manage their condition more effectively.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune and demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord.

The Progression of Multiple Sclerosis: the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, leading to communication breakdowns between the brain and body.

Over time, this can cause lasting damage to nerves and a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms.

Common Symptoms of MS:

People with MS may experience symptoms that fluctuate or progressively worsen.

These often include:

Fatigue – one of the most common and debilitating symptoms
Muscle weakness and spasticity – stiffness, involuntary muscle spasms, and reduced mobility
Numbness or tingling – often in the arms, legs, or face
Pain – including nerve pain, muscle aches, or a sensation of tightness known as the “MS hug”
Mood changes and cognitive fog – such as depression, anxiety, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating

Limitations of Conventional Treatment:

While modern medicine offers several therapies aimed at modifying disease progression and managing symptoms, conventional treatments can have limitations:

Side Effects – medications like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may cause sleep problems, weight gain, mood swings, or increased infection risk
Incomplete Symptom Relief – even with treatment, many patients still struggle with fatigue, pain, or cognitive issues
Lack of a Holistic Approach – conventional care often focuses on physical symptoms, overlooking emotional and energetic aspects of health

Traditional Chinese Medicine View on MS:

TCM approaches MS from a holistic perspective, viewing the condition as a disruption of Qi (vital energy) and imbalances within organ systems—especially the liver, kidney, and spleen.

According to TCM:

MS symptoms may stem from internal “wind,” “phlegm,” or “dampness” obstructing the flow of energy
Treatment focuses on restoring balance and harmony in the body through individualized herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, dietary changes, and lifestyle practices
TCM doesn’t replace conventional treatments but offers a complementary path to managing symptoms and enhancing overall well-being

This integrative view encourages a more comprehensive approach to care, empowering individuals with MS to explore both medical and holistic strategies for managing their condition.

TCM Herbs for MS Symptom Relief

In TCM, herbal prescriptions are not one-size-fits-all—they are carefully chosen based on each individual’s unique pattern of imbalance. Practitioners use detailed diagnostic methods, including pulse and tongue analysis, to determine the underlying root of symptoms.

In the case of MS, some of the most common TCM patterns include:

Liver and Kidney Deficiency – often associated with weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and cognitive issues
Dampness Accumulation – linked to heaviness in the limbs, numbness, and sluggish energy
Wind Invasion – related to tremors, spasms, and sudden changes in symptoms

Once a diagnosis is made, herbs are selected to target these imbalances, support the body’s natural healing processes, and ease specific symptoms.

Commonly Used Herbs for MS Symptom Support:

Here are several herbs frequently used in TCM to support individuals with MS:

1. Astragalus (Huang Qi)

TCM Function: Tonifies Qi, strengthens the Spleen and Lung, supports Wei Qi (defensive energy)
Role in MS: Astragalus is often used to combat fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of MS. It helps boost energy levels by supporting the body’s immune and metabolic functions. In TCM, fatigue is frequently linked to Qi deficiency, particularly of the Spleen and Lungs, which Astragalus helps to strengthen.
Additional Benefits: May enhance resilience against infections and inflammation, making it a supportive herb for managing immune dysregulation.

Research shows APS helps treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis by modulating key pathways. In MS specifically, astragalus reduces inflammation, suppresses T cell activity, promotes myelin repair, and supports neural stem cell differentiation, positioning them as a promising integrative therapy for neurodegeneration.

Learn More: Astragalus for Kidneys | 10 Incredible Uses of Astragalus

Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)

TCM Function: Nourishes Blood and Yin, supports the Liver and Kidney systems
Role in MS: Rehmannia is commonly used in formulas for individuals with symptoms like dizziness, numbness, cognitive fog, and weakness—signs often linked to Liver and Kidney deficiency in TCM. These organ systems are considered vital for neurological health and vitality.
Additional Benefits: Its blood-nourishing properties may help improve circulation and support nervous system function, providing potential relief from neurological symptoms.

Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)

TCM Function: Tonifies the Kidney and Lung, supports Jing (essence), boosts endurance
Role in MS: Cordyceps is particularly valued for increasing stamina and reducing fatigue. It’s often used in cases of Kidney deficiency, a common root issue in chronic illness from a TCM perspective.
Additional Benefits: Known for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, Cordyceps may also support respiratory health and recovery from exhaustion, which is helpful in MS-related fatigue.

A 2022 report shows Cordycepin’s promise in treating MS. In lab and animal studies, cordycepin reduced the activation and migration of dendritic cells by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways (AKT, ERK, NFκB, ROS). In an MS mouse model (EAE), it lowered inflammatory cytokine levels, reduced immune cell infiltration in the CNS, and improved disease symptoms at both early and late stages. These results suggest cordycepin may help prevent MS onset and slow its progression by targeting neuroinflammation.

Turmeric (Jiang Huang)

TCM Function: Invigorates Blood, unblocks channels, resolves stasis, and reduces inflammation
Role in MS: Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties in both TCM and modern medicine. In TCM, it is used to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain, which can be especially helpful in MS cases with stiffness, spasticity, or pain related to inflammation and stagnation.
Additional Benefits: Its active component, curcumin, has been studied for neuroprotective properties, making it an ideal adjunct in managing MS symptoms.

According to a 2019 scientific review, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has shown potential in MS treatment due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties—particularly its ability to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines.

Gastrodia (Tian Ma)

TCM Function: Extinguishes internal Wind, calms the Liver, and alleviates spasms and dizziness
Role in MS: Gastrodia is one of the go-to herbs for calming internal Wind, which is often the TCM explanation for tremors, muscle spasms, and balance issues—common symptoms in MS. It also supports mental clarity and eases dizziness.
Additional Benefits: It has mild sedative effects and is thought to improve nerve function, making it helpful for managing MS-related neurological disturbances.

Considerations and Safety:

While TCM herbs can be powerful allies in managing MS symptoms, it’s essential to approach herbal therapy with care.

Always consult a qualified herbalist or licensed TCM practitioner to ensure the correct diagnosis and formulation
Herbal combinations must be tailored to your body type, constitution, and any medications you’re taking to avoid interactions
Self-prescribing or relying on over-the-counter products without professional guidance can be ineffective or even harmful

When used properly, herbal medicine can be a safe and effective complement to conventional MS treatments.

Acupuncture and Multiple Sclerosis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (vital energy) flowing through pathways called meridians. When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to pain, dysfunction, and illness.

Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted at specific points along these meridians to:

Restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood
Balance Yin and Yang
Dispel pathogenic factors such as Wind, Dampness, and Cold
Support the body’s natural healing mechanisms

For Multiple Sclerosis: acupuncture points are selected to address underlying imbalances like Liver Wind (tremors and spasticity), Kidney Deficiency (fatigue and weakness), and Spleen Qi Deficiency (low energy and brain fog).

From a Biomedical Perspective:

Modern research has identified several physiological effects of acupuncture, including:

Nervous System Modulation: Acupuncture stimulates the peripheral and central nervous systems, influencing pain perception and motor control
Improved Circulation: Needle insertion increases local blood flow and oxygen delivery, which can support tissue healing
Endorphin Release: Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, helping to reduce pain, improve mood, and induce relaxation

Benefits of Acupuncture for MS Symptoms

Pain Relief
Acupuncture helps reduce chronic nerve pain and musculoskeletal discomfort by modulating pain signals and reducing inflammation.
Spasticity Reduction
It can help relax muscle stiffness and reduce involuntary spasms by calming the nervous system and smoothing the flow of Qi.
Improved Energy and Sleep
By tonifying deficient systems and regulating stress responses, acupuncture may boost overall energy levels and promote restful sleep.
Mood Support
Acupuncture can help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, providing natural relief from anxiety, depression, and emotional ups and downs often experienced by people with MS.

A 2022 review examined the effectiveness of acupuncture as an integrative therapy for multiple sclerosis. Out of 75 articles reviewed, 31 met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that acupuncture, including traditional Chinese and scalp acupuncture, may help regulate the neuro-immune system, improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, alleviate limb pain and spasms, improve bladder function, and potentially slow disease progression and reduce relapses. Overall, acupuncture shows promise as a supportive treatment for managing MS symptoms.

Likewise, a 2022 review evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture as an integrative therapy for multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest that traditional Chinese and scalp acupuncture may help regulate the neuro-immune system, reduce fatigue, pain, spasms, and bladder issues, improve quality of life and mobility, delay disease progression, and lower relapse rates. Overall, acupuncture appears to be a beneficial complementary treatment for managing MS symptoms.

Read More: Top 10 Benefits of Acupuncture

What to Expect in a Session

Initial Consultation: Your acupuncturist will ask about your medical history, MS symptoms, digestion, sleep, emotional state, and other lifestyle factors. They may also check your pulse and tongue for diagnostic insight.
Treatment: Very fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points on the body. The sensation is typically minimal—some people feel a tingling, warmth, or mild heaviness.
Duration: A session usually lasts 45–60 minutes, with needles retained for about 20–30 minutes.
Aftercare: Most people feel relaxed or slightly sleepy post-treatment. A series of sessions is often recommended for cumulative benefits.

Final Note: Acupuncture is not a cure for MS, but it offers a holistic, low-risk method for relieving symptoms, supporting overall health, and enhancing quality of life. Always consult with a licensed practitioner experienced in neurological conditions for the best results.

How TCM Fits Into a Larger Integrative Care Plan

Traditional Chinese Medicine is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of integrative care for MS—offering symptom management and whole-person support alongside conventional medical treatments.

Rather than replacing Western medicine, TCM complements it by addressing areas that may not be fully managed by pharmaceuticals, such as fatigue, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

Key roles TCM plays in an integrative plan include:

Supporting overall vitality through Qi and Blood tonification
Alleviating side effects of medications (e.g., digestive discomfort, sleep issues)
Enhancing stress resilience and emotional balance through acupuncture and herbal therapy
Improving patient empowerment by offering lifestyle, nutrition, and self-care guidance rooted in holistic principles

Coordination with Neurologists and Healthcare Providers

An integrative approach to MS works best when practitioners communicate and collaborate. TCM providers should work in partnership with neurologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists to ensure coordinated, safe, and comprehensive care.

Coordinated planning should consider:

Herbal Safety Checks: Herbal formulas should be reviewed for interactions with disease-modifying therapies or immunosuppressive drugs
Symptom Monitoring: TCM practitioners can help track and manage symptoms that may be under-addressed in clinical settings
Patient-Centered Goals: Collaborative care helps ensure that treatments from both systems are aligned with the patient’s goals and values

Realistic Expectations: Complementary, Not Curative

It’s important to approach TCM with realistic expectations. MS is a complex, chronic, and often progressive condition.

While TCM does not offer a cure, it can be a valuable tool for:

Reducing symptom burden
Improving energy, mood, and sleep
Enhancing overall well-being and resilience
Promoting a sense of control and self-care in the healing journey

When integrated thoughtfully and professionally, TCM can significantly improve quality of life for people living with MS—working in harmony with conventional care, not as a replacement for it.

Bringing It All Together: Holistic Support for MS

While Multiple Sclerosis presents ongoing challenges, integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into your care plan can offer meaningful support. Therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine help address fatigue, pain, spasticity, mood changes, and more—working alongside your conventional treatments rather than replacing them. TCM emphasizes balance, personalization, and treating the root of symptoms, making it a powerful complement to neurologic care.

If you’re considering TCM, work with a licensed practitioner and always coordinate with your healthcare team to ensure safety—especially when herbs are involved. Most importantly, remember: you have more control than you think. Embracing a holistic approach allows you to support your body, mind, and spirit—empowering you to manage MS with resilience, intention, and hope.