Multiple
Sclerosis Research
Alternative
& Complementary Therapies
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Cannabis
& Multiple Sclerosis
Some studies have indicated that cannabis or marijuana may help in
reducing spasticity, tremor, muscle spasms, pain or fatigue. These studies
were small scale, and do not provide conclusive evidence, so further
research is need-ed. The drug is illegal in the UK and cannot he
prescribed. The Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics is campaigning for
changes in the law. Synthetic extracts (nabilone and dronabinol) exist,
hut neither are licensed for prescription for MS in the UK. (See also ‘Herbalism’
below.)
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Medical
Herbalism
& Multiple
Sclerosis
No studies have vet shown any herb to be effective for treating MS. Some
herbs can produce serious side effects, or react dangerously with
conventional medicines. Chinese herbal remedies sometimes include animal products. Clinical trials have shown that Hypericum
(St John’s Wort) may help some forms of depression, and may have fewer
adverse effects than conventional antidepressants, hut these studies did
not test its use on people with MS.
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Amalgam
fillings & Multiple Sclerosis
Mercury is one of the metals used in amalgam tooth fillings, not a
complementary therapy. We mention it here because there is a theory that
minute quantities of mercury can seep out over time, undermining the
immune system. There is no proof that mercury is a factor in MS, and
having your fillings removed can be very expensive.
Source: The Multiple Sclerosis Society
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Massage
& Multiple Sclerosis
A report of a
small pilot study has indicated that massage therapy offers appreciable
benefits for MS patients. Twelve patients (8 female and 4 male) all with
diagnosed MS participated in the study in which participants were given a
25 minute back and leg oil massage given by qualified massage therapists.
Each treatment began with effleurage (rhythmic stroking) which was
followed by petrissage (kneading) and then ended with light effleurage.
Mood states including tension, depression, anger,
fatigue and vigour were recorded pre- and post treatment using a modified
Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The participants were also
asked to summarise their own subjective perception of the benefits of the
massage treatment in a one-word answer. Immunological effects were
monitored by taking a saliva sample pre- and post treatment which was
immediately frozen to eliminate any reaction of the protein and later
analysed.
The results showed that significant beneficial
changes occurred in the patients mood states after massage therapy, and
more interestingly, patients with negative mood states prior to treatment
showed noticeable improvements in their immune functioning after the
massage treatment.
The researchers noted that their results support
their hypothesis that massage "would produce a more positive mood
state with MS sufferers" and that it "would promote positive
immune modulation in those clients".
Although a very small scale study which had no
control group (indicating that any conclusions should be drawn with great
caution), this piece of research does support earlier research findings
that massage appears to offer psychological benefits by reducing the
negative mood states of tension and fatigue, whilst maintaining a high
level of vigour and a positive mood state. Further research will no doubt
be forthcoming, but in the meantime, massage therapy may be considered a
useful complementary therapy for MS patients.
Graydon J, McKee N. Massage as therapy in
multiple sclerosis. JACM July 1997 27-28.
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Reflexology
& Multiple Sclerosis
Following a number of reports by reflexologists of MS patients benefiting from
reflexology treatment, a small scale study was initiated backed by the
Grampian branch of the Charity Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis (GARMS)
and the Scottish Institute of Reflexology.
GARMS provides regular
hyperbaric oxygen therapy and physiotherapy for people with MS, and volunteers
were asked to participate in reflexology study. Fourteen were assigned to a
treatment group to receive a one hour reflexology treatment every week, and 13
patients were selected to act as a control group (one member dropped out
leaving twelve who completed the study in the control group)
At the commencement of the
study, participants were asked to asses nineteen of the most common symptoms
as either minor, major or not applicable. The assessment was repeated after 6
weeks and 12 weeks when the participants also noted whether their symptoms had
improved, worsened or not changed. The control were assessed using the same
form at the same intervals as the treatment group, and both the treatment and
control groups were asked at the time of the assessment whether on not their
medication or diet had changed to assess possible external factors.
After 6 weeks, a significant
number of people in the treatment group showed an improvement in their
symptoms, and most of these improvements were maintained. During the second 6
week period, however, many of the participants had lost some of the
improvements they had gained in the first 6 weeks; but after 18 weeks, the
results revealed that those patients in the treatment group experienced some
improvements in 45% of the symptoms compared to a much lower rate of 13% in
the control group.
The results indicate that
reflexology does offer some therapeutic benefit to MS patients especially in
the first 6 weeks of treatment, although the treatment sessions need to be
regular, and the benefits seem to diminish after twelve weeks.
Joyce M, Richardson R.
Reflexology helps multiple sclerosis. JACM July 1997 10-12
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