Alternative therapies for pain

We look at some holistic therapies which can help with symptoms of pain.

Getting into nature

Way back in 1984, an early pioneer of using nature as therapy, Dr Roger Ulrich, director of Texas A&M University’s Centre for Health Systems and Design, studied the records of people recovering from gallbladder surgery. He discovered those who were in rooms that looked out onto trees recovered quicker, had fewer complications and needed less pain relief than those in rooms with views of brick walls.

This idea is well established in Japan, where people practise shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. Some hospitals in the country have built rooftop forests for patients to relax in. One study found that just five minutes in these forests helped patients feel calmer and more motivated to work on recovery. Another Japanese study found just the presence of bonsai trees in hospital wards can lower patients’ needs for painkillers.

Try to get as much greenery in your life as you can. Where possible, walk in the woods, spend time with plants and immerse yourself in nature as much as possible. Even if you don’t get out much, just bringing plants into the home can have a soothing effect.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat different conditions and help relieve pain. It involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin at very specific points of the body. It’s thought this helps the body produce endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, and boost serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemical. Some studies have found that for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), there are possible benefits for fatigue, pain and mood.

It is used in many NHS GP practices, as well as in pain clinics and hospices in the UK. You can’t get it on the NHS for MS as NICE currently only recommends considering it as a treatment for chronic tension-type headaches and migraines, but there are hundreds of private practitioners throughout the UK. It’s best to use one registered with a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council. Visit www.acupuncture.org.uk.

Meditation

Once regarded as somewhat new-age and out-there, meditation has gained respect and scientific backing for its ability to help with a whole host of problems, including pain. One study, published in the journal, found that mindfulness meditation can relieve chronic pain even more effectively than some standard treatments.

There are many ways to access meditation. Look online for a local class, find a book to learn from, or download one of the many apps available online.

Yoga

Yoga is a safe and gentle way to exercise when you have MS. There are some studies which have found benefits for people with MS including reduced fatigue and improved mood, improved spasticity, and thinking and walking ability. It also contributes to increased strength, flexibility, balance, better digestion and improves relaxation.

Enquire at your local MS Therapy Centre if they have any suitable classes. To find a therapy centre, visit www.neurotherapynetwork.org.uk