How do I choose an acupuncture clinic?

Please recommend an acupuncture clinic for the treatment of Multiple System Atrophy. Nagano Prefecture, M.Y.

It seems that my younger sister has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. We are exploring various treatments, but if we were to try acupuncture, what type of clinic would you recommend?

M.Y., Nagano Prefecture

Clinics that offer rehabilitation are recommended.

For Multiple System Atrophy, combining acupuncture treatment targeting deep inner muscles with balance rehabilitation within 30 minutes significantly enhances the treatment effect.
Additionally, as this is a difficult disease often accompanied by autonomic nervous system disorders, I recommend looking for clinics equipped with medical thermography to monitor autonomic abnormalities.

While it is said that the progression of symptoms varies among individuals, those with slower progression often pursue treatments beyond medication.

Acupuncturist Kaito Miyahara

What Makes a Good Acupuncture Clinic?

A good acupuncture clinic varies based on individual needs.

If you want to relax, consider an esthetic acupuncture clinic. If you're seeking hope, explore the mysticism of traditional Eastern medicine. For serious treatment, choose a clinic equipped with comprehensive diagnostic tools.

A good acupuncture clinic depends on the issues faced by the patient. Here are some key points I would look for if I were diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy.

Recommended Acupuncture Clinics for Multiple System Atrophy

Equipped with diagnostic tools for detecting movement abnormalities.

Multiple System Atrophy is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Regular diagnostic monitoring alongside acupuncture treatment can enhance its effectiveness. Clinics equipped to assess posture balance, autonomic abnormalities, and cerebral blood flow are highly recommended. Additionally, rehabilitation immediately after acupuncture targeting postural muscles often boosts treatment results. Ensure the clinic actively incorporates rehabilitation.

POINT

Equipped with moiré topography.
Equipped with medical thermography.
Equipped with circulatory ultrasound devices.
Actively engages in rehabilitation.

Equipped with moiré topography.

In neurodegenerative diseases, particularly cerebellar conditions, symptom progression often begins when the center of gravity shifts. Clinics with moiré topography can identify such shifts and directly treat the postural muscles causing the imbalance.

Before Treatment

Pre-treatment examination for olivopontocerebellar atrophy

After Treatment

Post-treatment examination for olivopontocerebellar atrophy

Equipped with thermography.

In Multiple System Atrophy, autonomic nervous system disorders often lead to rapid symptom progression. These abnormalities manifest as irregularities in body surface temperature distribution. Clinics equipped with thermography can more effectively administer acupuncture treatments.

Before Treatment

Pre-treatment examination for Shy-Drager Syndrome

After Treatment

Post-treatment examination for Shy-Drager Syndrome

Equipped with circulatory ultrasound devices.

Due to postural changes in Multiple System Atrophy, arteries leading to the brain may often be compressed at the neck. When cerebral blood flow deteriorates, symptom progression accelerates. Acupuncture treatment combined with regular monitoring of neck artery blood flow can enhance treatment efficacy.

Examination for striatonigral degeneration

A patient-friendly environment.

Many patients rely on wheelchairs or walkers, so an environment that facilitates mobility is crucial. Since space in acupuncture clinics is often limited, check if the parking area and restrooms are spacious. Additionally, clinics with multiple branches often lack specialization, so it’s better to choose a long-established practitioner without multiple locations.

POINT

Barrier-free access with beds reachable without removing footwear.
Spacious parking and restrooms.
Practitioners aged 40 and above with extensive experience.

Author Information

Written by

Morigami Acupuncture and Orthopedic Clinic Acupuncturist Kaito Miyahara

Experienced a medial collateral ligament tear during high school soccer. This sparked an interest in acupuncture treatment. Driven by a deep understanding of the mental struggles caused by physical limitations, he focuses on acupuncture treatment in rehabilitation.