As mentioned above, this disease is characterized by many different symptoms according to the
location of the lesions in the myelin sheath. These include: blurred vision, weakness and
heaviness of one or both legs, jerking of the legs, double vision, vertigo, vomiting,
incoordination, a feeling in arms and legs like suffering an electric shock, numbness or tingling
of limbs, urgency or hesitancy of urination, impotence. With the progressive degeneration of the
myelin sheath there is an increasing incoordination and weakness of the legs and arms. In the
late stages there is complete paralysis usually of the spastic type together with urinary
incontinence and gross cerebellar disturbance with ataxic gait.

In Chinese medicine, multiple sclerosis is a type of Atrophy Syndrome.

Aetiology and Pathology

Invasion of External Dampness

Invasion of external Dampness is an important cause of disease in the beginning stages. External
Dampness invades the channels of the legs first and creeps upwards. This is contracted by living
in damp places, sitting on damp grass, failing to dry oneself after swimming, being exposed to
damp weather when wearing insufficient clothes, or being exposed to foggy weather. Women are
particularly prone to invasion of Dampness during their menstrual cycle and after childbirth.

Dampness obstructs the channels and causes a feeling of heaviness in the legs, numbness and
tingling.

Diet

Excessive consumption of greasy-fried or cold foods impairs the Spleen and leads to the
formation of Dampness. Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, butter and cream are one of the most
common causes of Dampness in Western countries.

Excessive Sexual Activity

Excessive sexual activity weakens the Kidneys and Liver and is particularly responsible for the
manifestations in the middle to late stages of multiple sclerosis, i.e. dizziness, blurred vision,
urgency or hesitancy of urination and extreme weakness of the legs.

Shock

Shock causes a sudden depletion of Heart- and Spleen-Qi. The Spleen influences the muscles, so
this depletion deprives the muscles of nourishment, and the Heart controls the circulation of