Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease primarily characterized by impaired transmission at the neuromuscular junction. Its main features include rapid fatigue of the affected skeletal muscles (such as the muscles of the eyes, jaw, intercostal muscles, limbs, etc.) after activity, leading to symptoms such as ptosis, dysphagia, and difficulty breathing. The condition is characterized by being mild in the morning and worsening in the evening, with some degree of recovery after treatment with anticholinesterase drugs or rest. The disease can occur in individuals from newborns to the elderly, but it is most common between the ages of 20 and 40. Before the age of 40, there are more female patients, while after middle age, there are more male patients. Myasthenia gravis falls within the category of "atrophy syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine believes that although the disease is located in the muscles and tendons, it is related to the five viscera, especially the liver, kidneys, lungs, and stomach. The disease is caused by internal injuries to the five viscera, damage to essence and blood, and the loss of nourishment to the muscles and tendons, resulting in flaccidity and weakness of the limbs, and even muscle atrophy or paralysis due to long-term disuse.
Lung Heat and Fluid Injury Type: The illness begins with fever, or after the fever subsides, the limbs suddenly become weak and powerless, the skin becomes dry, there is restlessness, thirst, dry throat, coughing, little phlegm, scanty urination, and constipation; the tongue is red, the coating is yellow, and the pulse is thin and rapid.
Damp-Heat Invasion Type: The limbs are flaccid and heavy, with slight swelling and numbness, especially in the lower limbs, or with a sensation of heat in the shins, or fever, chest and epigastric fullness, and red and turbid urination; the tongue is red, the coating is yellow and greasy, and the pulse is thin, rapid, and moist.
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Type: The limbs become increasingly weak and powerless, with reduced appetite and poor digestion, abdominal bloating and loose stools, a swollen and dull complexion, and a general feeling of fatigue and lack of energy; the tongue is pale and swollen, the coating is thin and white, and the pulse is deep, thin, or weak.
Liver and Kidney Deficiency Type: The onset is slow, with weakness and flaccidity in the limbs, soreness and softness in the waist and spine, inability to stand for long periods, possibly accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, premature ejaculation, or irregular menstruation, and even complete loss of walking ability with gradual atrophy of the large muscles of the legs; the tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is deep, thin, and rapid.
Ptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Patients with myasthenia gravis often experience exacerbation of their condition during periods of poor mood and the cold seasons of winter and spring. It is important to keep warm and protect against the cold during these seasons. 2. Engage in moderate exercise to strengthen the body and enhance physical fitness, but avoid overexertion. Choose activities that are conducive to regaining health according to one's own condition.