Many people with multiple sclerosis find relief from alternative therapies, but should always consult with a healthcare provider prior to beginning any new treatments or therapies.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) offer hope to those living with Multiple Sclerosis by helping to decrease both frequency and severity of relapses, also known as disease-modifying therapies (DMT).
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves placing needles at specific points on the body connected with nerves and organs, with the aim of alleviating pain, fatigue and mood disorders caused by MS. Ongoing studies to investigate this as a viable MS alternative treatment are ongoing.
Massage is another effective complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for MS. Massage helps relieve stress while increasing muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Furthermore, many find it helps lower their blood pressure and spur weight loss. Anyone living with MS should discuss any massage or exercise program with their healthcare provider first before embarking on it.
Yoga and Tai Chi are forms of mind-body exercises designed to reduce stress, ease tension and enhance energy. Both techniques may also assist with balance and coordination exercises that could potentially relieve MS symptoms. They can be practiced alone or combined with other complementary alternative medicine therapies as part of an overall MS treatment plan.
Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint and frankincense have been shown to assist with managing MS symptoms. These oil extracts may be applied directly onto the skin or diffused into the air for use; however, long-term use should be avoided since long-term usage could result in sleepiness and fatigue as well as possible interactions between them and medications prescribed for MS.
Magnet therapy, which uses static magnets to alleviate pain and promote healing, may be effective for some people with MS. Unfortunately, this therapy is not widely available.
Many natural and alternative therapies can help people living with MS. Such treatments may promote immune health, slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms while at the same time help protect from future attacks. Before adding any CAM treatment options to their existing medical plan, people with MS should speak to their healthcare professional first as any changes could have an immediate impact on their MS symptoms.
Massage
Massage — the gentle manipulation of soft tissues with hands or fingers using oil or lotion — provides relief for muscle tension and stress relief while increasing circulation, which improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells, while decreasing swelling.
Stress relief through relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation may also help ease symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, including fatigue and pain, but there is no concrete evidence that such treatments actually cure MS. Many individuals report relief from their MS symptoms using acupuncture or herbal remedies such as Ginseng.
Other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies — like yoga, relaxation and essential oils — might not make you feel better but may alleviate some symptoms associated with MS. Such techniques have been studied scientifically; others need further evaluation before their success can be established.
One type of massage therapy known as lymphatic drainage may help increase lymph fluid circulation in the body. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid found within your lymph vessels that moves freely throughout your system and collects bacteria, viruses and waste products before being filtered by lymph nodes and removed from the body through lymphatic drainage massage therapy. Massage may increase this flow as well as enhance lymph node functionality – thus decreasing swelling caused by MS disease processes in soft tissues of your body.
These massage therapies, such as Rolfing and Aston variations, Feldenkrais method and Trager method treatments, aim to correct imbalances in body tissue as well as enhance muscle and organ functioning. Such sessions should typically be undertaken under supervision by a licensed massage therapist (RMT).
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of touch therapy in which pressure is applied to specific points on the feet, lower legs and hands to stimulate specific points and areas on them. Reflexologists follow an invisible “micro map of the body” when doing this in order to stimulate specific points or areas; according to belief this corresponds with internal organs or physical structures within our bodies.
Studies on reflexology are limited, but some research indicates it may reduce pain and depression. Other studies have found it can boost energy, improve mood and induce deep relaxation. One small trial demonstrated this with six weeks of foot reflexology helping people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experience less pain; another demonstrated self-foot reflexology significantly decreasing stress levels among premenopausal women.
Prior to undertaking any alternative therapies, it is wise to consult your healthcare provider. In many instances, both conventional and complementary approaches must be used together in order to effectively manage MS symptoms.
Alternative therapies should not serve as a replacement for standard medical care. Discuss CAM therapies with your physician and if adding new therapies to your treatment plan, always inform them immediately, especially if they might interfere with diabetes medications, epilepsy treatments or circulatory issues. Always follow up with your doctor and take all prescribed MS medications as directed, even if using alternative therapies. MS News Today is an unbiased source of information regarding multiple sclerosis and other chronic health conditions; our mission is to assist those managing chronic illnesses or disabilities improve quality of life through innovative products, services and education.
PEMF
PEMF therapy stands apart from most MS treatments in that it directly targets the flow of charged ions through protein channels in cells to promote regeneration, remyelination, and strengthen the body’s natural defenses against disease. Furthermore, it stimulates pineal gland hormone production.
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PEMF treatment on multiple sclerosis symptoms, such as fatigue and quality of life. Results vary based on device used, intensity/frequency/sample size of treatment (larger groups may exhibit subtler results), sample size considerations and other factors.
Kramer et al conducted a study treating 117 people with MS using a portable PEMF device and found that low-intensity PEMF therapy successfully reduced fatigue, improved overall functioning, but did not decrease disability. They speculated that this variation might have been caused by variances between devices tested, treatment duration or each participant’s individual pharmacologic history.
Studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of high-intensity PEMF treatments to alleviate symptoms associated with MS, such as spasticity and pain. Mix employed a similar method as Kramer in treating 10 patients for 20 days each with a low frequency (10Hz) PEMF system, reporting immediate subjective improvement for 30%.
PEMF therapy has also been proven effective at treating depression, chronic back pain and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and stem cell production benefits in cancer patients. However, it’s always wise to inform your healthcare provider when considering alternative or complementary therapies, so they can assess if they might interfere with any existing medications you’re currently taking.
Mind-Body Techniques
Many people with MS use natural or alternative therapies in addition to medication. When exploring these treatments, be sure to discuss any new ones with your healthcare professional as natural therapies may cause side effects that aren’t suitable for everyone; adding alternative therapies into an existing treatment plan can give more control of symptoms and wellbeing and ultimately enhance quality of life.
Mind-body techniques like meditation and mindfulness, yoga, biofeedback, breathing exercises, visual imagery and hypnosis all focus on relaxing both the brain and body. People using them include those suffering from chronic pain conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately their efficacy in treating MS has yet to be extensively researched, however many individuals with MS have reported significant benefit from these approaches.
Tai chi and reflexology are techniques that apply pressure to specific points on the body called pressure points; these connect to specific organs or systems within your body like your bladder or kidneys and have been found to decrease fatigue while improving mood in people living with MS.
Magnet therapy is another natural treatment option to consider, using magnetic fields to stimulate blood circulation and boost energy. Magnet therapy has also been found to decrease inflammation and pain for people living with MS. An increasingly popular version of this therapy, PEMF (pulse electromagnetic fields), sends electrical frequencies through the body stimulating ions and electrolytes as well as improving circulation and increasing energy. Studies suggest it might even slow the progression of MS; more research needs to be conducted.
