Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, even when you are not experiencing a relapse. Symptoms such as pain, muscle stiffness, tingling, and fatigue may affect daily life. Many people with MS explore complementary therapies to find additional ways to manage these symptoms.
One option people ask about is acupuncture.
Acupuncture may help some people manage certain symptoms, but the evidence for multiple sclerosis is limited. Researchers are still studying its benefits, and it has not been shown to prevent MS relapses or slow the disease.
In this guide, we explain what research says about acupuncture for multiple sclerosis, which symptoms have been studied, and what people should know about safety. If you are exploring acupuncture in Maryland, understanding these facts can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare team.
Can Acupuncture Help With Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms?
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been studied for several types of pain and other health concerns.
Some people with MS consider acupuncture to help manage symptoms between relapses. However, research specifically involving people with MS remains limited, and the results are not strong enough to confirm that acupuncture reliably improves MS symptoms.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that studies have examined acupuncture for MS, but some have important research limitations.
It is helpful to separate three different goals:
- Managing symptoms: Exploring ways to reduce discomfort or improve daily function.
- Preventing relapses: Reducing the risk of new episodes of neurological symptoms.
- Slowing disease progression: Reducing the long-term development of disability.
Acupuncture has not been established as a treatment that prevents relapses or slows MS progression. Anyone considering it should continue working with their neurologist and follow their recommended treatment plan.
What Does Research Say About Acupuncture for MS?
Research into acupuncture for multiple sclerosis is ongoing. Some studies report possible improvements in selected symptoms, but the evidence is limited.
A 2025 systematic review examined 11 randomized controlled trials involving 574 participants. The findings suggested possible benefits from acupuncture used alongside medication. However, differences between studies and limitations in evidence quality make it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
This means acupuncture may be worth discussing as a complementary option for some people, but it should not be presented as a proven treatment for MS.
For a broader overview, visit the NCCIH guide to multiple sclerosis and complementary health approaches.
Why Is More Research Needed?
MS affects people differently. One person may experience fatigue, while another may have muscle stiffness, pain, balance problems, or changes in sensation.
Research studies may also differ in:
- The acupuncture methods used.
- The number and frequency of sessions.
- The symptoms being measured.
- Whether acupuncture is used alone or with standard treatment.
- The length of follow-up.
These differences make it difficult to know which people might benefit, which symptoms may respond, and how long any improvement might last.
More high-quality research is needed before we can draw firm conclusions.
Which MS Symptoms Have Been Studied With Acupuncture?
People may explore acupuncture for different symptoms associated with MS. However, evidence for one symptom should not automatically be applied to another.
1. Pain and Discomfort
Some people with MS experience pain related to nerve changes, muscle tension, or changes in movement. Pain can affect sleep, concentration, work, and daily activities.
Acupuncture has been studied for several types of pain, but evidence from other pain conditions does not prove that it will help MS-related pain.
If you have ongoing discomfort, discuss its possible cause with your healthcare professional. This is especially important if the pain is new, severe, or different from what you usually experience.
2. Muscle Stiffness and Spasms
Muscle stiffness and spasms can occur in people with MS. These symptoms may make walking, stretching, or completing everyday tasks more difficult.
Some people investigate complementary therapies as part of their symptom-management plan. However, there is not enough strong evidence to say that acupuncture reliably treats MS-related muscle spasms or stiffness.
A healthcare professional can help assess these symptoms and discuss appropriate options, including medication, physical therapy, stretching, or other individualized care.
3. Fatigue
MS-related fatigue can affect physical energy, concentration, and the ability to complete daily activities. It may persist even after rest.
Acupuncture is sometimes explored as a complementary approach to fatigue, but evidence specifically supporting its effectiveness for MS-related fatigue is limited.
Fatigue can also stem from other causes, including sleep difficulties, infection, medication side effects, or other medical conditions. Discuss persistent or worsening fatigue with your healthcare team rather than assuming it is caused by MS alone.
4. Tingling and Other Changes in Sensation
MS can affect the nerves that carry signals between the brain and the body. This may cause tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or other changes in feeling.
Acupuncture has not been proven to repair the nerve damage associated with MS. If you experience new or worsening sensory changes, contact your MS healthcare team to discuss what may be causing them.
Can Acupuncture Prevent Multiple Sclerosis Relapses?
There is currently no reliable evidence that acupuncture prevents MS relapses.
A relapse generally involves new or worsening neurological symptoms that last at least 24 hours and are not better explained by another cause, such as an infection or fever. Your MS healthcare team can help determine whether symptoms represent a relapse.
Do not use acupuncture instead of disease-modifying therapies or other treatments prescribed for MS. These medical treatments serve a different purpose than complementary approaches that may help manage symptoms.
If you notice new or worsening neurological symptoms, contact your MS healthcare team promptly for advice. Do not wait for an acupuncture appointment to see whether the symptoms improve.
Seek emergency care for sudden severe neurological symptoms, such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or sudden vision loss, because these can indicate a medical emergency.
Is Acupuncture Safe for People With MS?
Acupuncture is generally low risk when a properly trained practitioner uses sterile, single-use needles. However, it is not risk-free, and individual health factors matter.
Possible side effects include:
- Temporary soreness.
- Minor bleeding or bruising.
- Lightheadedness or fainting.
- Discomfort at needle sites.
Rare but serious complications can occur, particularly when acupuncture is performed improperly or non-sterile needles are used.
Before starting treatment, discuss acupuncture with your neurologist or another qualified healthcare professional. Tell the practitioner about your MS diagnosis, symptoms, medications, and any other relevant health conditions.
Additional care may be needed if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, or have a weakened immune system. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without medical guidance.
What Should You Consider Before Trying Acupuncture?
If you are considering acupuncture as a complementary option, take time to understand the proposed treatment and its limitations.
Here are some useful steps:
- Speak with your neurologist. Ask whether acupuncture is appropriate for your symptoms and overall health.
- Choose a qualified practitioner. Check training, licensing requirements, hygiene practices, and experience.
- Explain your symptoms and medications. This helps the practitioner consider possible safety concerns.
- Set realistic expectations. Ask what the treatment aims to address and how progress will be reviewed.
- Continue your standard MS care. Do not replace prescribed treatment with acupuncture.
- Review your progress. If symptoms worsen or you don’t see meaningful benefit, discuss next steps with your healthcare team.
A complementary therapy should fit into an informed care plan. It should not create pressure to stop medical treatment or promise results that research has not established.
Exploring Acupuncture in Maryland
If you live in Ellicott City, Howard County, or another nearby Maryland community, you may be researching complementary therapies to discuss with your healthcare team.
CALM Healing, the Center for Acupuncture, Laser, and Magnetic Healing, is located in West Friendship, Maryland. The practice offers acupuncture and other services, and Riz Lakhani, L. Ac., has more than 10 years of experience.
If you are considering acupuncture while living with MS, contact the clinic to ask about its services and discuss whether an appointment may be appropriate for your needs. Because MS requires specialized medical care, continue to rely on your neurologist for decisions about disease management and relapse prevention.
Contact CALM Healing
- Address: 13534 Julia Manor Way, West Friendship, MD 21794
- Phone: 410-489-9175
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Website: calmhealing.net
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help MS symptoms between relapses?
Researchers are studying acupuncture as a complementary approach for certain symptoms, but evidence is limited. It has not been established as a reliable treatment for MS symptoms, and individual results may vary.
Can acupuncture reduce the risk of an MS relapse?
No. Acupuncture has not been shown to prevent MS relapses. Continue following your neurologist’s recommendations for disease management and prescribed treatment.
Can acupuncture repair nerve damage caused by MS?
There is no reliable evidence that acupuncture repairs the nerve damage associated with MS. It should not be presented as a way to reverse the disease.
Should I tell my neurologist before trying acupuncture?
Yes. Discuss your plans with your neurologist or healthcare professional, especially if you have new symptoms, take medication that affects bleeding, or have other health conditions.
Is acupuncture a replacement for MS medication?
No. Acupuncture should not replace disease-modifying therapies or other prescribed MS treatment. If you have concerns about your medication, speak with your neurologist before making changes.
Where can I ask about acupuncture near Ellicott City, MD?
CALM Healing is located at 13534 Julia Manor Way in West Friendship, Maryland. Call 410-489-9175 to ask about acupuncture services and appointment availability.
Final Thoughts
Living with multiple sclerosis can involve ongoing symptoms, even between relapses. It is understandable to explore additional ways to support comfort and daily function.
Acupuncture may be an option to discuss with your healthcare team, but current research does not establish it as a reliable treatment for MS symptoms, a way to prevent relapses, or a method of slowing disease progression.
If you are considering acupuncture in Maryland, focus on informed decision-making, qualified care, realistic expectations, and continued communication with your neurologist.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare team about MS symptoms and treatment decisions.