Acupuncture originates from China and has been practiced for thousands of years. Many studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses. They can occur locally, close to the site of application or at a distance. These responses are mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. Alterations in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, as well as changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence that there are alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can be improved by acupuncture treatment in the acute stage and post recovery-stage.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a serious health problem that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system. This leads to peripheral nerve inflammation which causes muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face. It can affect all ages, however people older than 50 years have the greatest risk for developing GBS. GBS is also known as Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating, Polyradiculoneuropathy, Ascending Paralysis and Infectious Polyneuritis. At this time, the exact cause of GBS is unknown however; two-thirds of patients have recently suffered from a respiratory illness or flu.
Symptoms of GBS can get worse quickly. It may take only a few hours for the most severe symptoms to appear and usually last for a few weeks.
The first symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome include:
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of acupuncture during Guillain-Barré Syndrome rehabilitation. These studies show that acupuncture reduces hospital stays and improves recovery speed. In addition to a primary needling treatment on the liver meridian and the supporting kidney meridians, treatment may also include performing acupuncture on affected libs.
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems, some of which include: