While speaking about Multiple sclerosis (MS), physical symptoms—fatigue, muscle weakness, or trouble with coordination are often the point of focus.

But what many don’t realize is how much mental and emotional health impacts the condition. Research shows that over 70% of MS relapses happen after emotional stress.  

A study published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal found that MS patients experiencing high-stress levels were twice as likely to have a relapse within a year. Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that nearly 50% of people with MS struggle with depression—far more than the general population.

The Thalamus: Your Brain’s Emotional Control Center

The thalamus, which regulates emotions, is key to this process. As the limbic system’s centre, it influences mood and neurological function.

When MS interferes with the nerve pathways, it can affect the thalamus’s ability to manage emotions, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. This, in turn, can contribute to relapses, creating a vicious cycle.

A 2018 study in Frontiers in Neurology found that MS patients with damage to the thalamus were more likely to experience emotional instability and cognitive difficulties, further proving its crucial role in neurological health.

The Science Behind the Mind-Body Link

Scientists Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff suggest that the myelin sheath (which protects nerve fibres) and microtubules (tiny structures within cells) work together to create quantum coherence. Their theory, called Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR), proposes that this process might be the foundation of human consciousness.

Why Managing Stress and Emotions Matters for MS

Since stress and emotional struggles can trigger relapses, managing your mental health is an essential part of living well with MS.

MS Patients can

• Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:  A 2020 study in Neurology and Therapy found that mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly improved the quality of life in MS patients.
• Stay Active: A report from the American Academy of Neurology states that MS-related fatigue can be reduced by up to 40% with regular physical activity.
• Prioritize Sleep:  Research from the Sleep Foundation suggests that over 60% of MS patients experience sleep disturbances and worsening symptoms.
• Eat Well: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can support brain and nerve health.

Taking Charge of Your MS Journey

MS is an amalgamation of both physical and mental symptoms. It takes a toll on an individual and their family’s emotional health. Understanding how stress, emotions, and brain function interact gives you more control over your condition.

Holistic MS Healing With Ayush Prana

Ayush Prana is the world’s only Ayurvedic MS Speciality Hospital. Since 2001, we have been working towards enriching the healing process of MS patients physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Ayush Prana – This is Where MS Heals

The treatment at Ayush Prana combines highly concentrated herbal medicines, a sattvic diet, and a yoga regime customized according to the patient’s symptoms, the acuteness of the disease, its progression, and mental state. It does not focus only on the physical aspect but also on the overall well-being of an individual. 

For more information about MS treatment at Ayush Prana, contact us on

+91 96450 55222 or WhatsApp on +91 96450 55444.