Acupuncture for Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder, often inherited, which starts in childhood. People that have Tourette syndrome have tics (movements or sounds that the person cannot easily control). Though not impacting on life expectancy and intelligence, Tourette syndrome manifests itself as being a hindrance on everyday quality of life.

There is currently no cure for Tourette syndrome. There are drugs that can help people manage tics. However, such drugs impose significant and adverse side effects. There are also therapies that can help people live easier with Tourette syndrome

Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly sought-after means of helping those who suffer from Tourette syndrome. An effective means of treatment, acupuncture is a part of a broader system of health care, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has a history of over 5000 years and uses all-natural, drug and side effect free means to treat conditions.

In TCM theory, Tourette syndrome can be understood as Yang excess due to deficient Yin leading to wind. These show a deficiency in Liver yin or Kidney yin, leading to Liver yang rising. Acupuncture has a long and successful history in the treatment of the tics, uncontrolled movements, and vocal disturbances of Tourette syndrome.

The efficacy of acupuncture in treating Tourette syndrome is exemplified in a study published on 16^th September 1996 in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China. This study, undertaken by Wu L, Li H, Kang L. of the First Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, involved the treatment of 156 patients diagnosed with Tourette syndrome using acupuncture. The total effective rate was 92.3%.

Acupuncture is an excellent means of treating Tourette syndrome. A highly effective treatment that comes without the side effects of drugs, it is no wonder that it is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for Tourette syndrome.