A Different Approach: ALS Disease From A Chinese Medicine Perspective
With the recent media attention given to the ALS Ice bucket Challenge, I thought it would be beneficial to consider Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis from a Chinese medicine perspective.
Ah…the ALS Ice bucket Challenge: it’s got everyone from Justin Bieber to George W. Bush dumping buckets of ice-water on their heads; it’s got California environmentalists annoyed because people are wasting water in a drought; and it’s got your—or at least my—Facebook friends divided over whether this awareness-raising publicity stunt is “played out,” “narcissistic,” or “really important.” Before I begin my analysis of ALS disease from a Chinese medicine perspective, allow me to state the following:
I am not suggesting that Chinese medicine cures ALS. I am not suggesting that you should ignore your doctor’s advice or stop conventional treatment if you have ALS.
The following is a theoretical discussion based on a synthesis of ancient Chinese medical literature and modern biomedical research. It is not based on clinical experience with ALS.
What is ALS?
According to the ALS Association, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is “a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord” (ALSA.org/about-als). As these nerves die, those who suffer from the disease gradually lose muscle control, until complete paralysis—and ultimately, death—results.
ALS as Atrophy Syndrome
The Chinese character, wěi 萎, meaning “atrophy” or “wilting,” is composed of two parts. The upper part, cǎo 艹, means “grass” or “plant,” while the lower part, wěi 委, means “to fall” or “to hang down” (Scheussler, 512). As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am not a Chinese language specialist, but the concept of a wilting plant seems an accurate and poetic description of the physical atrophy commonly seen in patients with neurodegenerative disorders like ALS.
Atrophy syndrome was first mentioned in chapter 44 of the Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng Sù Wèn, one of the foundational texts of Chinese medicine. What follows is a complex discussion about the various manifestations of atrophy, which requires a rather advanced knowledge of Chinese medical theory to understand. In most cases, atrophy syndrome is primarily related to dysfunctions involving the yáng míng 阳明, the chōng mài 冲脉, the dài mài 带脉, and the dū mài 督脉: several of the channels that traverse the body. Modern research suggests that the channels are closely related to interstitial connective tissue planes and that acupuncture points occur at the junctions thereof (Langevin & Yandow, 2002; Ahn, 2010). According to researchers, this interstitial connective tissue “constitutes a continuous network enveloping all limb muscles, bones, and tendons, extending into connective tissue planes of pelvic and shoulder girdles, abdominal and chest walls, neck, and head” (Langevin & Yandow, 2002). This potential link between acupuncture and the connective tissue makes it an ideal adjunct therapy in cases of ALS disease.
ALS and the Sea of Marrow
“The brain is the sea of marrow…when the Sea of Marrow is insufficient, it results in revolving of the brain, noises in the ear, weakness of the legs, dizziness with spots, and the eyes without vision” –Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng Líng Shū, Chapter 33 (Wu, p. 133).
In Chinese medicine, the Sea of Marrow (suǐ hǎi 髓 海) is a rather curious term. According to Shun-fa Jiao, a modern Chinese practitioner who has extensively studied the relationship between acupuncture and neurology, “Marrow (suǐ 髓) illustrates the changes the channels undergo after they enter the spinal canal” (Jiao, p. 68). Based on this description, and the one given in Chapter 33 of the Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng Líng Shū, a working biomedical definition of the Sea of Marrow would likely encompass the brain, the spinal cord, and the cerebrospinal fluid. From this perspective, it should be obvious that the Sea of Marrow plays a large role in neurodegererative diseases like ALS.
Bridging Two Worlds: Integrating Acupuncture and Biomedical Treatment
As of now, there is no cure for ALS. The only therapy that exists is a pharmaceutical drug called Riluzole. Unfortunately, Riluzole only extends the patient’s lifespan by 2-3 months, and it often causes undesirable side effects like nausea and fatigue (Skidmore, 2007). Without an effective biomedical cure, acupuncture and Chinese medicine must be considered as potential adjunct therapies to manage the symptoms of ALS and to reduce the side effects of Riluzole.
In a recent study, researchers found that integrative therapies, including acupuncture and Chinese medicine, improved subjective symptoms in patients. These patients reported feeling more comfortable, slightly happier, and more energetic; some patients reported more restful sleep and improved appetite as well (Pan, 2013). This study suggests that acupuncture and Chinese medicine have the potential to play a supportive role in conventional ALS treatment, both to improve overall quality of life and to reduce the side effects of Riluzole treatment.
In another study, patients were treated with the following acupuncture points: Spleen-3, Lung-9, Heart-8, and Lung-10 (Lee & Kim, 2013). The researchers found that this point protocol had a significant influence on SpO2 (oxygen saturation levels) leading them to conclude that acupuncture treatment could positively influence inspiration (Lee & Kim, 2013). Inspiration (a.k.a. inhalation), is an active process facilitated by muscular contraction, primarily of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (Tamarkin, 2011). This finding is particularly noteworthy, since the progressive neuromuscular degeneration of ALS ultimately leads to the failure of the respiratory system.
Other studies suggest that electrical stimulation performed on the acupuncture point, Stomach-36, elicits anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of ALS (Yang, 2010; Jiang, 2011). Inflammation commonly accompanies the neuronal death that occurs in ALS patients, and many researchers are currently seeking ways to reduce the inflammation that is associated with the disease (ALSA.org/research). If acupuncture can potentially reduce inflammation in ALS patients, why not incorporate this safe and effective therapy into an integrative treatment strategy?
Herbal Approaches
While much of this article has focused on acupuncture and the treatment of ALS, I’d like to take a brief moment to mention some potential Chinese herbal therapies. Of course, before undertaking any course of herbs, consult your doctor or primary healthcare professional.
Based on the symptoms of muscular atrophy, fatigue, and respiratory failure, a comprehensive Chinese medicine approach to ALS treatment would likely involve herbs that boost the qì of the Lung and Spleen. According to Chinese medical theory, the Spleen rules the muscles (Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng Sù Wèn Chapter 5). Note: the term Spleen (脾 pí) refers to a holographic representation of biological and physiological processes, not only to the organ itself. The respiratory issues that occur as the result of ALS suggest that Lung qì deficiency also plays a role in the etiology of the disease. In Chinese medicine, the pattern known as Lung qì deficiency includes two of the common symptoms of ALS: shortness of breath and fatigue (Maciocia, 2005). Chinese herbal medicine works best when the formula is tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient, but here are a few potential starting points:
– Four Gentlemen Decoction: the most basic formula to fortify the Spleen qì.
– Li Zhong Wan: slightly warmer than Four Gentlemen; also used to fortify the Spleen qì.
– Shi Chuan Da Bu Wan: fortifies both the qì and blood; includes Huang Qi (Astragalus root) to support the Lung and Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) to support the Kidney.
– Cordyceps: fortifies the Lung and Kidney; helps maintain respiratory health.
– Fresh Ginger root, Perilla Leaf, Chinese Date, and Licorice Root: a simple formula to ease the nausea that may accompany Riluzole treatment.
Closing Thoughts
Obviously, acupuncture and Chinese medicine have the potential to play an important role as an adjunct therapy to biomedical treatment for patients suffering from ALS. The conventional biomedical treatment for this disease extends life by up to three months, but may produce undesirable side effects like nausea and fatigue. Why not pursue an integrative approach, so that the patient can be as comfortable as possible throughout the duration of the disease?
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References:
ALSA.org/about-als/what-is-als.html
ALSA.org/research/about-als-research/inflammation.html
Ahn, et. al., (2010), Electric Impedence of Acupuncture Meridians. PLoS One. 2010; 5(7).
Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng 黄帝内经
Jiang, et. al., (2011), Anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture in the respiratory system of a symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal model. Neurodegenerative Diseases. 2011;8(6):504-14.
Sun-fa Jiao, (2012) Nine Needles and Twelve Yuan-Source Points
Langevin & Yandow, (2002). Relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes. Anatomical Record. 2002 Dec 15;269(6):257-65.
Lee & Kim, (2013). The effects of sa-am acupuncture treatment on respiratory physiology parameters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a pilot study. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:506317.
Giovanni Maciocia, (2005) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine
Pan, et. al. (2013). The use of integrative therapies in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Shanghai, China. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:613596.
Axel Schuessler, ABC Etymological Dictionary of Old Chinese
Linda Skidmore, (2007) Mosby’s Drug Guide for Nurses, 7th edition
Dawn Tamarkin, (2011). “Inspiriation and Expiration.” Available Online.
Paul Unschuld, (1986). Nan-Ching: The Classic of Difficult Issues
Jing-nuan Wu (1993). Ling Shu: Or the Spiritual Pivot
Yang, et. al. (2010). Electroacupuncture reduces neuroinflammatory responses in symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model. Journal of Neuroimmunology. 2010 Jun;223(1-2):84-91
