Alternative Treatments in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a cruel, debilitating and chronic disease that causes the victim's immune system to turn on his nervous system. This condition occurs when the myelin, which protects the neurons in the spinal cord and brain, deteriorates. The nerves then can not carry impulses from the brain to the rest of the body.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include, but are not limited to: balance difficulty, blurred vision, problems with speech, muscle weakness, changes in sensation in the face, arms, and legs, muscle spasms, incontinence regarding bowel and/or bladder, fatigue, memory loss and cognitive impairment.

Personality changes are common as well. Many multiple sclerosis patients experience depression, anxiety, frustration, hopelessness and anger. These symptoms are not only due to the natural feelings associated with having a debilitating chronic disease, but are also caused by the damage to the nerves associated with the control of emotions.

For many patients these symptoms come and go at greater and lesser degrees, for others they grow progressively worse over time.

Conventional medicine has no cure for multiple sclerosis, and in fact many medicines used to treat it can carry side effects that bother some patients as much or more than the condition itself.

There is no cure in homeopathic treatments for multiple sclerosis either. However many alternatives available can help ease the symptoms without the disturbing side effects associated with conventional medications. Over fifty homeopathic methods have been documented to assist in easing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis patients. Successfully treated symptoms include cold extremities, fatigue, decreased energy, increased systemic toxins, and depression.

An important aspect to homeopathic treatment of an MS patient lies in detoxifying the patient's system. There are several tablets and drops available which help to flush out poisins and unhealthful debris from the body.

Herbs can assist in natural treatment of MS symptoms. To boost the immune system, the patient can take Echinacea and ginseng. To treat the nervous system, some effective herbs are chamomile, oat seed, wood betony and gotu kola. Muscular symptoms such as spasms, cramps and weakness can be treated with ashwaganda, cramp bark, huo ma ren, and sage. Ginger is very good for circulation, as well as digestion.
Remember never to try to mix herbs without the advice of a qualified medical herbologist.

Antioxidants are thought to be crucial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients. These are nutrients that fight the free radicals which have been shown to damage cell membranes. The most well known antioxidans are Vitamins E, C, and B3 as well as Beta Carotene and Selenium.

An exciting trend is the increasing knowledge about lesser known "Super" antioxidants, or Proanthrocyanidins. They are also sometimes called Flavanoids. These can be 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

Some of the flavanoids include blueberries, French pine bark extract, tea, red wine, and grape seed extract.

Acupuncture and acupressure have also been used with success in treating MS patients. These treatments increase circulation, improve mobility and relieve plasticity, as well as decreasing pain and stress. Acupuncture and acupressure have even been shown to improve bladder urgency and decrease toxicity.

Because neck and/or head injuries have long been suspected as a contributor to multiple sclerosis, chiropractic treatment is sometimes recommended for the MS patient.

Reflexology focuses on stimulation of areas of the hands and feet by a trained practitioner. This treatment has sometimes been effective for bladder and bowel symptoms in MS patients, as well as improving balance, vision problems and motor skills.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils in drops, vaporizers, or massage treatments to treat the overall mental and physical well being of the patient. Although there have been no scientific studies completed proving effectiveness of aromatherapy in MS patients, there is anecdotal evidence it can ease some symptoms. The aroma of green apple can ease headaches, orange and lemongrass may improve sleep, and chamomile, rosemary and juniper are all effective relaxant aromas.

Hypnotherapy has shown some encouraging results in treating multiple sclerosis symptoms. Hypnosis is a relaxation and destressor technique that allows accessing the subconscious to introduce visuals or positive thoughts so that pain and negativity can be better controlled.

Pilates is a gentle exercise program, and since many exercises can be done in a reclining position, it works quite well for multiple sclerosis patients. The non-impact exercises can help improve balance, plasticity, circulation, stamina, muscle tone, posture, breathing and bone density.

One promising treatment that has shown improvement in some multiple sclerosis patients is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This treatment involves placement in a metal chamber under increased air pressure, and breathing pure oxygen through a mask. Multiple sclerosis patients who have received this therapy have reported a relief of symptoms including mobility and speech problems, mobility and balance difficulties, fatigue, vision disturbance, and incontinence. There are more than 400 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy centers throughout the United States, most in hospitals. There have been studies of this treatment conducted in Britain over the course of 30 years, with encouraging results.

In conclusion, although oversight of the multiple sclerosis patient's health should be continued and carefully monitored by a physician, these alternative methods have been shown to help many people. Consider the full range of possibilities in treating your or your loved one's MS symptoms.