From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: acupuncture
Date: 12 Aug 92 21:39:05 GMT
Reply-To: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference

Index Number: 23940

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

The following article appeared in the NEW MOBILITY magazine.  I
would like to have your opinion on the use of acupuncture and its
success in treating the conditions mentioned here.  I'm sending
this to you and Paul Li in netmail also.  Netmail does not seem to
work between here and H.K. very well.

=========

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Acupuncture:
Permanent Paralysis

Preventing

     Recent research indicates that a "vibrational" or
"energy" medicine approach to spinal cord injury shows the
most promise of promoting the regeneration of damaged spinal
nerve fibers. The most ancient and still one of the most
effective of these energy medicine therapies is acupuncture.
Considered in Western terms, acupuncture works by generating
a tiny electromagnetic current when the metal needles touch
living tissues.

      Stimulation of the correct acupuncture points sends
this micro-current to the tissues we wish to treat. Asian
medicine long ago worked out which points treat which
tissues. Selection of the correct points is done in a
thorough interview and examination at each appointment.
Acupuncturists diagnose and treat on a case by-case basis
with a custom designed program of acupuncture points, herbs
and schedules of treatment.

      As it happens, acupuncture has a specific affinity for
the nervous system and is therefore the therapy of choice
for paralysis. Asian medicine offers a protocol for
paralysis which is fully holistic, including diet, herbs,
physical therapies, cupping, massage and local applications
as well as extensive and frequent acupuncture.

      Given the lack of curative therapies for spinal cord
injury in the West, I propose that the Asian system be given
a fair chance in the SCI community. Happily for us, Dr. Ron
(Doc) Rosen, of Denver, Colo., is an acupuncturist with a
well-developed method for treating SCI cases at any stage
after injury.

      Many acupuncturists now believe that it is quite
possible to prevent permanent paralysis by using acupuncture
immediately after injury. Doc Rosen says that short-
termparalysis actually serves a protective purpose. The
problem is that, given Western treatment, this normal short-
term paralysis doesn't pass off when it should and long-term
paralysis sets in. Why is this? And what can we do to
prevent it?

     You'll remember that Auntie Jane told you in the Fall
1990 issue about Dr. William 0. Becker's proposal in his
book, THE BODY ELECTRIC, that it is an abnormal
electromagnetic condition of the traumatized spinal area
known as "spinal shock" which prevents the rapid and natural
re-growth of severed spinal nerve fibers. Electromagnetic
manipulation, he said, is the key to reversing spinal shock.

      Therefore, to begin the natural regeneration of spinal
nerves we must stimulate the area immediately and
continually with electromagnetic currents. There are now
several practical ways of producing these currents,including
acupuncture.

     Doc Rosen recommends that paramedics insert the first
acupuncture needles at the scene of the trauma. Then an
acupuncturist can make more sophisticated insertions twice a
day for two or three months. This schedule of treatment, he
feels, will prevent permanent paralysis.

     A recent example of the use of immediate and continued
acupuncture in acute SCI comes to us from China. Dr. Miriam
Lee, an acupuncturist from Palo Alto, Calif, recently saw
acute SCI cases after an earthquake in China. The only
available therapy was acupuncture, which was given twice a
day for two months.

     Dr. Lee was pleased to note that the majority of acute
SCI cases had achieved a good degree of recovery while she
was there. This included sitting up, working from a sitting
position, and bowel and bladder control. Some people were
beginning to walk with braces before she left. Think of the
wonderful results we could achieve by combining acupuncture
with our excellent Western support services.

     But what about long-term SCI? Recent research reveals
that acupuncture can usefully treat SCI symptoms at any
stage. All four acupuncturists I interviewed insist they can
successfully treat pain, spasms, incontinence and tissue
breakdown. This alone is enough to recommend acupuncture to
most spinal cord injured people.

     Furthermore, the electromagnetic currents of
acupuncture can actually stimulate the regeneration of
spinal nerve fibers and lead to the resumption of normal
sensory and motor innervation.

     I propose the following for long term SCI: Use
acupuncture to break down the resistant scar tissues which
may have formed at the severed ends of spinal nerve fibers;
then further acupuncture will stimulate the spinal nerve
cells to grow new fibers and re-start the overall
electromagnetic current of the spinal nervous system and
lead to the resumption of normal function.

      No one knows how long this will take, but Doc Rosen
recommends one acupuncture treatment for every two weeks
since injury. You or your acupuncturist may learn of Doc
Rosen's system for treating paralysis by contacting him at
1510 York St., Denver, Co., 80206, 303-333-9977. Be patient,
he's busy.

     Doc Rosen also claims success in treating the paralysis
and weakness of people with multiple sclerosis with Asian
methods. He recommends two acupuncture treatments per week
for several weeks until a substantial amount of improvement
is seen, then several treatments per year to maintain the
improvement. As with other disorders, each MS case is
treated on a case-by-case basis. Doc Rosen also treats with
Chinese herbs for continuing support to the nervous system.

      As I see it, the biggest problems in using Asian
medicine for SCI paralysis and MS weakness are getting to
the frequent appointments and paying for them. Some
acupuncturists will make house calls. Do ask. As for
payment, many insurance companies will now reimburse for
acupuncture if a physician writes a prescription for it.
Tell your doctor you read that acupuncture is good for pain,
incontinence, spasms, and tissue break down. Best not to
mention recovery just yet. It's really worth a good faith
try. Well, that's all for now. Drop a note about your
acupuncture experiences. 'Til next time, Love from Auntie
Jane . . .

NewMobility/Summer l992

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