Multiple sclerosis: complementary methods of managing the disease

by Dr. Jacki Hart

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a mysterious disease of the nervous system that afflicts 1.1 million people worldwide. It affects different people in different ways, with extreme variation in degree and progression of physical disability. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, loss of balance, muscle spasm, tremors, bladder urgency, incontinence, constipation, visual disturbances, and sexual dysfunction.

The cause of MS is not completely understood, and because there is no clearly identified cause, doctors and researchers are without a definitive treatment for the disease. There are some medications to help stave off the progression of MS, including beta-interferon and copolymer 1.

Given the mysterious nature of MS, alternative or complementary methods of care do not offer any more of a "cure" than do standard Western approaches. But when used in conjunction with standard care, they may help to improve level of function, lessen fatigue and other symptoms of MS, provide better coping mechanisms for the emotional ups and downs associated with MS, and aid in alleviating side effects from medications, such as fatigue, muscle pains, depression and feelings of the flu.