distressing for the patient as, in addition to the paraplegia and spasms, there is also pain in the
limbs. In these cases one must use points to move Blood such as BL-17 Geshu and SP-10
Xuehai.

The Extraordinary Vessels are often helpful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The Girdle
Vessel encircles the leg channels and a dysfunction of this vessel may impair the circulation of
Qi and Blood in the leg channels. This vessel is often affected by Dampness, and the patient may
feel as if sitting in water, a feeling which those suffering from multiple sclerosis sometimes
experience. The Girdle Vessel may also be affected by a deficiency of the Stomach channel so
that it cannot bind properly. The "Simple Questions" in chapter 44 says: "When the Bright Yang
channels are deficient, the Girdle Vessel cannot bind and atrophy of the legs may result.1(529)
In these cases one can use the Girdle Vessel, i.e. G.B.-41 on the left for men and right for women
and T.B.-5 on the opposite side, together with ST-36 Zusanli to strengthen the Bright Yang and
BL-23 Shenshu to strengthen the leg channels. It will be remembered that the Kidney divergent
channel intersects the Girdle Vessel at BL-23 Shenshu.

The Governing Vessel is very important in the treatment of multiple sclerosis since it strengthens
the Kidneys and the spine. To open it, one needles S.I.-3 Houxi on the left for men and right for
women and BL-62 Shenmai on the opposite side. When using the Governing Vessel in women, it
is best combined with the Directing Vessel. Thus one would needle S.I.-3 Houxi on the right,
BL-62 Shenmai on the left, LU-7 Lieque on the left and KI-6 Zhaohai on the right in this order.

If the muscles on the lateral side of the legs are stiff and tight one may tonify the Yin Heel
Vessel and reduce the Yang Heel Vessel, i.e. reinforce KI-6 Zhaohai and reduce BL-62 Shenmai
on the same leg. If the muscles of the medial side of the leg are stiff and tight, one may tonify the
Yang Heel Vessel and reduce the Yin Heel Vessel, i.e. reinforce BL-62 Shenmai and reduce
KI-6 Zhaohai on the same leg. The "Pulse Classic" (AD 280) by Wang Shu He says:

When the Yang Qiao is diseased the muscles of the medial side of the leg are

slack and those of the lateral side tight; when the Yin Qiao is diseased the

muscles of the medial side of the leg are tight and those of the lateral side

slack.2(530)

Finally, scalp acupuncture is very useful to treat multiple sclerosis. The motor area should be
used, the upper part for the leg and the lower part for the arm (see Figure 27.4(531) in Chapter
27 on "Wind-stroke"). The technique of needle insertion is the same as that indicated for
Parkinson's disease (Chapter 26) and Wind-stroke (Chapter 27).

Prognosis

Whilst Chinese medicine cannot completely cure this condition, it can offer considerable help in