Can you recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?
Can you recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?
Back pain, irregular menstruation, IBS, etc., most of us are familiar with the idea of treating these types of conditions with acupuncture but can acupuncture really help treat a spinal cord injury (SCI)? Despite the numerous videos of success stories I witnessed during Zhu’s scalp acupuncture trainings for neurological conditions, I have to confess I was skeptical of this possibility. This doubt however, quickly turned into certainty and confidence after my very first Complete SCI patient with ASIS Impairment Scale of Grade A. This meant there was no motor or sensory function left below the level of the injury. When I visited this patient at the hospital for the first time, he had been bedridden for nearly 3 months and his doctors told him that he needed to at this point accept his life as a paraplegic. Just after one initial acupuncture treatment, he gained movement in his toes. From this point on, I knew it was just matter of time before he would walk again.
How does TCM help with SCI
At Complete Balance, our treatments for SCI include Zhu’s scalp acupuncutre, body acupuncture, herbal medicine, Daoyin, Physical Therapy, Pilates, Medicated diet and Psychological support.
Acupuncture, specifically Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA), helps to regenerate neurons and establish the neuronal connections that have been lost. ZSA is a unique technique with zonings that can target specific areas of the body with sensorimotor dysfunction by promoting important biological responses that repair the cells responsible for motor function, which in turn stimulate nerve repair.
In TCM, syndrome differentiation is the key. Treatments according to syndrome differentiation help to restore imbalances in the body; thereby allowing the body to maintain homeostasis and repair damages at optimal level. ZSA in combination with body acupuncture, moxibustion, medicated diet and prescription herbs focus on improving blood circulation to strengthen muscle, sinew and bone, regulating body temperature, removing inflammation and swelling to stop pain, reducing stiffness and spasticity, improving muscle tone, and regulating functions of each organ that have been compromised due to the injury.
Combining the ZSA treatments with DaoYin exercises, Physical Therapy, and Pilates exercise specifically formulated for each individual is equally important to the patient’s recovery. Combination of DaoYin and Physical Therapy focus on active movement, passive movement, use of mind and concentration, repetition with patience, subtle changes, and engaging in different muscle involvement. In addition, the guided and tailored movements through Pilates can help to improve posture, strength, stability, flexibility, balance and coordination. The results of this combinational treatments help to reduce spasticity, improve circulation, reverse atrophy of muscle, improve bone and neuronal connection, stimulate neuronal circuits, prevent osteoporosis, connect yin and yang energy by standing, prevent pressure sores, and most of all, positive energy and motivation for the patient to continue their journey to recovery.
Lastly, depression is a common psychological condition in SCI patients that interfere with an individual’s treatment progress and prevent them from reaching their potential goals. The severity of the depression is often complicated by pathophysiological, demographic and social factors but nonetheless, it acts as the largest contributor to reduced quality of life and poor daily functioning in SCI patients. At different stages of their progress, SCI patients will face emotional shock, denial, despair and depression. As the symptoms rise, SCI patients are connected with psychotherapist in order to help process any mental barriers that prevent the individual from actively engaging in their recovery process.
What are the treatment goals?
Five treatment goals are set for SCI patients: Restore function, prevent complications, help patient adapt to changes, regain independence and help promote quality of life. In order to achieve favourable prognosis, SCI patients must receive proper protocol for acupuncture & rehab program, develop strong self-determination, receive financial & emotional support and engage in minimum of 6hrs a day focused on rehabilitation.
