Kit Li
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, movement and co-ordination. Approximately 3,500 patients who affected with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) (1) in the UK.
MSA has two main clinical types, classified by which movement symptoms are most prominent. They are forms of the same condition, and their symptoms can overlap:
1) MSA-P, or the Parkinsonian type（帕金森型) , mainly causes Parkinson-like movement difficulties, including slow movement, muscle stiffness and sometimes tremor.
2) MSA-C, or the cerebellar type（小脑型), mainly affects balance and coordination. Common symptoms include unsteady walking, poorly coordinated arm and leg movements, slurred speech and difficulty controlling eye movements.
There are specialist NHS services and a national MSA charity that can help with symptom management and practical support. Sheffield Ataxia Centre at Royal Hallamshire Hospital is one of the centre provides specialist assessment, symptom management, nurse support and links to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. A GP or neurologist referral is required.
A 58 y/o male patient was diagnosed with MSA, cerebellar type (MSA-C) in 2024. He also experienced a stroke in January 2026.
At his initial consultation in mid-August 2026, he presented with slurred speech, impaired mobility, fluctuating blood pressure and difficulties with emotional regulation.
He also reported severe back pain extending to the sacral region, with a history of an accident and subsequent lower-back surgery several years earlier. His restricted mobility and flexibility made it difficult for him to lie down comfortably, and he described progressively worsening tightness in his back.
Primary concerns: Slurred speech, emotional distress and impaired mobility.
Pulse: Generally deep, with a slightly rapid pulse at the left-sided positions, particularly in Guan position.
Tongue: Dry, with central cracks and teethmarks along the edges, purple discolouration towards the front.
TCM diagnosis: Liver-qi stagnation, Spleen-qi deficiency, and Kidney-yin and Essence-deficiency.
Treatment Principles:
- Soothe the Liver and regulate qi to promote its smooth flow.
- Strengthen Spleen-qi to support muscle function.
- Nourish Kidney-yin and replenish Kidney-essence.
The treatment aims described below are based on TCM principles and the scalp acupuncture system used. They explain why these points and areas were selected for this patient.
2. Apply scalp acupuncture with electrical stimulation to selected areas for 30 minutes, with the following treatment aims:
- Head Area and Manic Area: To address symptoms associated with fluctuating blood pressure.
- Central Area and Foot Motor-Sensory Area: To address night sweats.
- Speech Area I: To help improve speech clarity.
- RN-12, RN-6 and RN-4: To support emotional wellbeing and help relieve the marked tension in his upper body.
- ST-25 and ST-36: To support digestive function, with the aim of relieving constipation and improving appetite.
- SP-6 and SP-8: To promote the circulation of Blood and nourish Blood.
- KI-3: To nourish Kidney Yin.
- LV-3: To regulate Liver Qi.
The patient received five sessions over two months. The treatment approach was adapted at each session according to his symptoms and presentation. On two occasions, I also used some key points on his upper back and lower back, incorporating Dao-qi techniques with the aim of supporting his vitality and relieving tension in his upper and lower back. At subsequent appointments, he regularly reported positive changes.
I was pleased to hear about his progress. Over the course of treatment, he reported improvements in several symptoms, particularly his emotional regulation and mobility. I also observed improvements in his speech and ability to express himself. During his final session, he was able to describe how he was feeling more clearly. He told me that the most remarkable improvement for him was that the eczema on his upper back had completely cleared, something he had never expected.
The patient reported that body acupuncture and Scalp Acupuncture had helped him considerably over five sessions, and my clinical observations also suggested improvements. For me, clinical observations are important, but the patient’s own experience and voice are equally valuable in understanding and documenting his response to treatment.
Although there is currently no cure for MSA, medicines and rehabilitation can help manage its symptoms. Encouraged by this patient’s reported benefits and the improvements I observed, I hope that continued acupuncture, alongside his medical care and rehabilitation, may provide further support for his wellbeing, mobility and communication. Longer-term follow-up is needed to assess whether these improvements are sustained.
Reference:
© 2026 Kit Li. All rights reserved. Please obtain permission before reproducing this article. Referenced materials remain the property of their respective rights holders.
