The Holistic Approach to Multiple Sclerosis (Part One)

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a degenerative and chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. When it comes to this disease there is a “gradual destruction of myelin that occurs in patches throughout the brain or spinal cord (or both) and interferes with the nerve pathways and causes muscular weakness, loss of coordination, speech and visual disturbances.” Multiple sclerosis most commonly afflicts people in their fifties or sixties but has been known to affect younger individuals.

Fort those who suffer from MS it is important to exercise on a regular basis and to choose exercises that help to relax the body and mind, as well as increase balance, energy and flexibility. Two exercise programs that are excellent for patients include yoga and tai chi. Diet plays an integral role when it comes to any disease so for MS sufferers it is important to follow a healthy and well balanced diet all of the time. Having a positive attitude is a method of helping to reduce anxiety and stress related to the disease.

While there is no known cure for MS there are some holistic approaches to reducing the pain and suffering of this disease, which can commonly lead to depression because of its debilitating effects on the nervous system. Massage therapy is a holistic practice that many people with MS choose to engage in on a regular basis because it provides a way for the body to relax and unwind and it is excellent as a stress buster.

Many MS patients find that regular massage treatments help to keep depression at bay. It is important to note however that having massage treatments will in no way slow the progression of the disease. Massage therapy is safe for most MS sufferers except for those who also suffer from “bone-thinning osteoporosis.” This can sometimes result from too many massage treatments for MS patients. In this case then massage could be potentially dangerous so always speak with your physician before you start having massage therapy.

Acupuncture has been used with a certain modicum of success for patients of MS. Acupuncture helps to target the symptoms of the disease such as bladder control issues, muscle spasms and pain. Be aware however that there have been no research studies that prove conclusively that acupuncture is safe for MS sufferers. When it comes to needles and making small puncture marks in the skin there are always risks involved, the greatest of which is the worry that an infection will take place. If you do decide to seek out the services of an acupuncturist find one that is experienced and comes well qualified and make sure that he uses sterile needles otherwise acupuncture is a method by which hepatitis HIV could be transmitted from person to person.

While it is very controversial, some MS sufferers believe that smoking marijuana helps to effectively relieve the spasticity related to the disease as well as other symptoms connected with MS. Research into this is ongoing and most healthcare practitioners will not prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes at this time. As well doctors do not recommended marijuana to their patients because of its many negative long-term side effects such as the risk of heart attack as well as the loss of memory.