According to a survey by Oregon Health & Science University, people living with MS often turn to complementary and integrative therapies as alternatives. These forms of treatment are known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Before taking any supplements or treatments, consult with a healthcare provider first. Some supplements can have serious adverse side effects and some, like evening primrose oil (linoleic acid) and marijuana, may increase your risk of a severe brain infection.
Massage
Massage therapy is a widely utilized form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Not only is it relaxing, but massage can also be effective at relieving neck or back pain, stress-related disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), headaches and other conditions.
Relaxation massage is the most commonly practiced form, followed by deep tissue and sports massage. Craniosacral massage (also known as biodynamic massage) utilizes light touch movements with subtle pressure points to free any restrictions within your craniosacral system–the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect both brain and spinal cord.
Be wary of therapies claiming to cure multiple sclerosis or offering large financial rewards; these may not be safe or effective and may actually make your symptoms worse.
Acupuncture
At its core, acupuncture involves inserting small needles at specific points on the body. According to ancient Chinese medicine, invisible energy rivers flow throughout your body and surface layers and, when these channels become blocked due to illness or physical incapacitation, healing may result. Once needles are inserted, your body sends signals unblocking those rivers and promote healing – relieving pain, spasticity and depression symptoms along with increasing physical therapy benefits such as massage. Furthermore, insurance often covers this type of therapy; check with both your therapist and insurer about coverage – however you may require a referral from doctor in order to receive treatments.
Acupuncture is part of an umbrella term known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Most people living with MS use some CAM therapies – for instance herbal supplements, diet changes, yoga, meditation and tai chi; visits to homeopaths, naturopaths or chiropractors as well as visits to homeopaths/naturopaths/chiropractics may all fall under this category – although most don’t have scientific proof they work. Many find them helpful.
Complementary therapies may offer relief when managing MS can become overwhelming, yet there are countless therapies out there which claim they will cure it. Before making a financial commitment, decide how long is reasonable before testing out any therapy and be willing to stop if it doesn’t work for you; additionally check if the practitioner is insured and regulated – some CAM therapies have professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Osteopathy or National Register of Naturopaths and Homeopaths, while your GP or MS nurse might recommend specific practitioners they recommend.
Mind-body techniques
Mind-body techniques like meditation, yoga, and tai chi have long been used as ways of providing physical and emotional relief from chronic pain for those living with the condition. Furthermore, these practices help increase resilience to stress while possibly decreasing inflammation associated with chronic health conditions; yet resistance remains high due to limited clinical data or reimbursement issues; healthcare practitioners can overcome skepticism towards these practices by adopting an empathic approach and providing patient education opportunities about the benefits.
Holistic care helps patients take charge of their health, which is especially essential when facing incurable diseases. Holistic therapies often derive from ancient traditions and work well alongside conventional treatments like disease-modifying drugs and physiotherapy to enhance quality of life by relaxing muscles, decreasing stress levels and improving sleep patterns.
Studies have revealed that these techniques can assist in relieving pain and fatigue by encouraging relaxation, increasing energy, improving sleep, lowering depression and anxiety levels and being done anywhere at anytime (a plus for active Service Members on-the-go!), taking only minutes or so per session and even being used without the assistance of a practitioner.
Mind-body practices for pain management remain controversial; however, evidence suggests they work by altering the autonomic nervous system and decreasing cortisol levels, as well as providing balance and relieving stress – factors linked to improved physical health outcomes.
If someone decides to seek alternative therapies, it is important to verify their practitioner is qualified. Therapists generally belong to professional bodies that offer credentials. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to inform the therapist of multiple sclerosis as well as any medical conditions or medications they take as soon as they make contact with one. They should discuss frequency and cost before beginning treatments to ensure a safe and beneficial therapy session for them.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a noninvasive therapy in which trained reflexologists apply pressure to various points on your feet, hands and ears that correspond with various systems in your body. Reflexology seeks to bring about homeostasis – or equilibrium and health within the body – which may help reduce stress, improve circulation and relieve pain as well as boost your mood and energy levels. Reflexology never conflicts with conventional medical treatment plans; rather it serves as an adjunctive therapy alongside complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM therapies).
Reflexology works on the principle that your nervous system and energy pathways are intertwined, sending signals directly to your central nervous system and relaxing breathing, blood flow and immune responses. Reflexology may even alter how your brain registers pain sensations by decreasing intensity levels.
Many people living with multiple sclerosis find comfort in complementary therapies (CAM). CAM can offer a sense of control, relief from daily routines and provide confidence to try new things while exploring options for managing your condition. But be wary: not all CAM treatments are safe nor claim they cure anything; some can be expensive without scientific backing while some are inappropriate for certain conditions such as MS.
If you want to try reflexology, look for a therapist registered with either a professional association or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. Your therapist should ask about your medical history as well as current symptoms before beginning the treatment. During sessions you remain fully clothed although you might need to pull up your pants so the therapist can reach ankles and lower legs more easily; depending on the type of reflexology session chosen you might also need to remove shoes and socks before using a foot chart to guide their movements and indicate which areas need attention.
