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Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder, characterized by the formation of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptors (Ach-R) situated in the neuromuscular junction. The anti-AchR antibodies block the signals from the nerves to the muscles which are manifested by muscle weakness that worsens at the end of the day.

With roughly 3,000 cases in the Ontario, Myasthenia Gravis is known to have a long-term impact on those affected. Although rare, this autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder can have a profound impact on quality of life.

It ends up making the skeletal muscles weak and affects the voluntary muscles of the body. Like those in control of the limbs, throat, and mouth. Recently, more and more people have turned their attention to holistic treatment.

In an effort to ditch the chemicals and side effects from conventional medication, ancient Chinese medicine has become the go-to choice. Especially acupuncture. But, will it work for Myasthenia Gravis? We decided to dig a little deeper and see what research has to say. Including whether traditional Chinese medicine can beat medications. So, let’s jump right in!

How Does Myasthenia Gravis Impact the Body?

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic, neuromuscular and autoimmune disease. The condition causes serious muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles responsible for moving and breathing. There isn’t a cure for the disease. But currently available treatments like medications and surgery can help manage it.

The allopathic treatment uses Cholinesterase inhibitors, like pyridostigmine, to boost nerve and muscle communication. They are meant to amplify muscle strength and muscle contraction to alleviate some of the discomforts. Depending on the disease, doctors can also suggest corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

Its symptoms include:

  • ocular myasthenia (eye muscle weakness)
  • ptosis (drooping of the eyelid/s)
  • shortness of breath
  • diplopia (double or blurry vision)
  • changed facial expressions
  • dysarthria (impaired speech)
  • weakness in the neck, legs, fingers, hands, and arms

Most MG cases are not serious. People just need adequate medication to keep the symptoms in check. But, when the disease is causing regular fluctuating motor weakness, diplopia, ptosis, and fatigue, that’s when it can really impact the quality of life.

Ptosis, which is visible, makes people feel self-conscious about their appearance. So, they tend to withdraw from social surroundings. Diplopia causes people to see double, meaning that they are a constant threat to themselves and those around them if they want to drive.  

Fatigue is equally draining. Those affected have trouble doing basic daily tasks. Some can’t take care of their personal hygiene. That’s why when a chronic illness, like Myasthenia Gravis, affects the system, people tend to feel depressed, stressed, or anxious.

Potential Uses of Acupuncture for Myasthenia Gravis

Acupuncture is a key part of traditional Chinese medicine. This complementary and alternative medicine provides long-term efficacy and fewer side effects. For patients who want to improve their quality of life, acupuncture can really come in handy.

Since it has been around for thousands of years, it is easy to see why it remains popular. Research shows, acupuncture can help alleviate the symptoms of MG such as fatigue and eye weakness.

Based on reports, this holistic therapy deals with the overall well-being of the patient and the main symptoms all at once. Many people who’ve tried acupuncture say they feel “euphoric” after treatment, and for a good reason.

When the fine needles are inserted, they release endorphins, which are the natural “good” chemicals in the human body. It’s a good way to relax and let off some steam.

Another key benefit of acupuncture for quality of life is its ability to boost the immune system. Myasthenia gravis affects your immunity. Due to the condition, the immune system creates antibodies. All in an effort to destroy or block the countless muscles receptor sites from acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter).

Because of the fewer receptor sites available, the muscles obtain fewer nerve signals, making them prone to weakness. Acupuncture, on the other hand, may increase the acetylcholine receptors in the neuromuscular junction, along with the reduction of the antibodies against them. Other research shows that acupuncture could suppresses the abnormal immune response seen in Myasthenia gravis.

Acupuncture VS Medications

Pharmacological methods for MG can cause adverse effects and surgery is not suitable for everyone. Despite access to treatment, roughly 10% to 20% of MG patients don’t experience a proper response. This creates a number of challenges.

Unlike prescription medicine that can decrease your productivity and effectiveness, acupuncture doesn’t cause such adverse effects. It is a natural approach. Most people use acupuncture to boost their quality of life, ease pain, and sleep better. In theory, acupuncture alters the cells in connective tissue by working around the pressure points. This gives it a unique standpoint when stimulating the nerves and flow of Qi.

According to experts, acupuncture is seen as a safe and beneficial approach, especially if used as an adjuvant treatment. The currently available evidence shows that acupuncture combined with medications was more effective than just taking medications alone. Beside reducing patient’s symptoms, such a combination had a better effect on the quality of life. The treatment that lasted more than 12 weeks had better outcomes than the treatment that lasted less than 8 weeks. Although the research has certain limitations and more rigorous studies are required, it shows that acupuncture may enhance the effect of medications

Chinese Herbs for MG

Carefully selected herbs are also used to curb MG. Options like milkvetch root, Chinese angelica, Radix Bupleuri, ginseng, among many others, are very popular. A study that included 1039 patients, indicates that Chinese herbal medicine combined with medication could significantly reduce symptoms and improve the clinical effective rate. Patients taking Chinese herbs appears to be more stable and have a lower rate of relapse. They also reported fewer side effect to compare with the control group.

How do Chinese herbs work? According to the research it seems like Chinese herbs may have the ability to regulate the immune system and reduce the body’s autoimmune reaction. For example, Ginseng and Astragalus membranous can influence T regulatory cells and suppress the immune response. Polysaccharides, delivered from Radix Bupleuri decreases autoantibodies and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Flavonoid derivatives from Buzhongyiqi Decoction suppresses acetylcholinesterase (or cholinesterase)- the enzyme that is responsible for breakdown of acetylcholine in the body.

Traditional Chinese medicine could be a good choice as a safe and effective add on to the regular therapy for Myasthenia Gravis. Acupuncture along with the application of different Chinese medicine herb mixtures could alleviate the symptoms, improve quality of life and prevent relapses. One of their greatest advantages is that there are minimal side effects associated with this combination of modern and ancient medicine.

 

Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic in Westboro, Ottawa. We provide care for Myasthenia Gravis . If you would like to receive more information about this treatment, you can call us at: 613-853-9099

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