CAM Therapies For Eating Disorder

There are many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for eating disorder treatment. They include herbal therapy, massage therapy, homeopathy, psychotherapy and nutrition therapy. Each CAM therapy approaches eating disorders from a different angle. Therefore, they can form part of a multi-pronged approach for eating disorder treatment. Here is a look at each of the CAM therapy in turn:

• Herbal Therapy. There are thousands of herbs that act as stimulants in eating disorder treatment. They may be Indian Ayurvedic herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine or western herbs. However, before consuming these herbs, you should let your doctor know about your intentions. Herbs can be very powerful and you should not mix your medications with herbs without consulting your doctor. Herbs that may be helpful for eating disorder treatment include Angelica Archangelica, Taraxacum Officinale, Cnicus Benedictus, Fenugreek Seed, Skull Cap, Cinnamon, Roman Chamomile and Gentiana Lutea.

• Massage Therapy. Massage therapy helps to relieve your anxiety levels. Massage stimulates the endorphin levels in your brain. Apparently, endorphins play an active role in appetite control and have pain relieving properties. They are usually released when the body is under extreme stress. Massage causes endorphins to be released during your therapy sessions, thus providing you with much relaxation.

• Homeopathy. Homeopathy is introducing minute doses of a drug that in large doses would cause the disease itself. It aims to stimulate the body in building up natural defences against invaders. Homeopathy can also help to stimulate the brain to relax and de-stress and be used to affect moods. Natural health experts claim that this method is effective. However, this method usually takes a long time.

• Pyschotherapy. As eating disorders are psychological disorders, going for pyschotherapy sessions will help you with coping with your emotional stress and help you address the root of your illness. Your therapist may also recommend behavior therapy, which will then teach you new signals to deal with this emotional stress. You are taught easy relaxation ways for your body and mind.

The more support that you get the higher the chances of recovery there will be for you. Hence family support is greatly beneficial. Group therapy is also helpful so that you have a group of friends that you can relate to. This is vital as you do not feel isolated, especially not during this period of your life.

Next, cognitive therapy and nutritional therapy, can also help in eating disorder treatment. Therapists educate you on the right way to view food and how to eat. To keep track, you will need to maintain a 24-hour diary of what you consume.

• Research studies show that if you suffer from an anorexia eating disorder, then you may have inadequate nutritional reserves. You should consume more vitamins and supplements especially vitamin B complex, including vitamins B2 (riboflavin), niacin and B6 (pyridoxine).

Also, consume antioxidants to help reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants include Vitamins A, C, and E. They lower the deterioration that your body experiences because of free oxygen radicals. Zinc is great for stimulating appetite, smell and cognitive function and reduces depression.

You will need polyunsaturated fatty acids for the normal development of your body. They include omega-6 fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid. Hence, you should consume foods such as fish that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. You should also try to eat balanced meals, so that your overall health can improve.