A recent study found that acupuncture might help improve brain functions like memory, attention, and processing speed for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Though small in scale, the research builds on past studies that suggest this complementary treatment may help some MS-related symptoms.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed to help balance the body's energy, known as “qi” (pronounced “chee”), and promote natural healing.

In this small study, 62 people with RRMS were split into two groups: one received real acupuncture, and the other received a version designed to have no effect. Over 12 weeks, those who had real acupuncture showed noticeable improvements in memory and learning tests. They also reported feeling less tired, sleeping better, and experiencing improvements in mood.

A Low-Risk Complementary Treatment

This study adds to the growing evidence that acupuncture could be a useful addition to treatments for MS symptoms. Acupuncture is usually painless and has few risks when done by a trained professional in a sanitary setting.

While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Larger-scale studies using a standard way of doing acupuncture are necessary to better understand how it fits into MS treatment plans.

If you have MS and are thinking about trying acupuncture, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.

Learn more about acupuncture for multiple sclerosis.

Find Your Team

On MyMSTeam, the social network for people living with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Have you tried acupuncture or other complementary therapies? What was your experience, and do you have any tips for others considering it? Share your thoughts in a comment below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.