Herbal medicine may be used to treat MS-the combination of specific herbs varies according to which Patterns of Disharmony the patient manifests.
For Liver and Kidney Deficiency:
Herbs such as Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) and Sang Ji Sheng (Ramus Loranthi) are used to tonify the Liver and Kidneys. If there is Liver Yang Rising, herbs such as Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radixcis) may be added; Liver Wind may be treated by adding herbs such as Tian Ma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae) and Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis).
For Dampness Patterns:
herbs such as Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae) and Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma Jobi) are appropriate to strengthen the Spleen and drain Dampness. If there are prevalent signs of a recent invasion of Exterior Dampness, herbs such as Huo Xiang (Herba Agastachis) and Pei Lan (Herba Eupatorii) may be added as well.
Acupuncture points may be chosen according to the Pattern of Disharmony and the patient's particular symptoms.
Liver and Kidney Deficiency:
This benefits from points such as Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao), Kidney 3 (Tai Xi), and Liver 8 (Qu Quan) to treat the underlying Pattern of Disharmony. If Liver Yang Rising or Liver Wind, points such as Liver 3 (Tai Chong) may be added. Local acupuncture points can be needled to treat symptoms such as tremors and stiff muscles.
Dampness with Spleen Deficiency:
This requires the treatment of acupuncture points such as Stomach 36 (Zu San Li), Spleen 9 (Yin Ling Quan), and Stomach 40 (Feng Long) to resolve the underlying condition. Local points may be added to address specific muscular complaints. For example, Stomach 32 (Fu Tu) may be used for patients complaining of tired and heavy limbs and Ren 12 (Zhong Wan) for those with digestive complaints.