There are limitations with information about CAM therapies, and caution should be used in considering these therapies. At the same time, for some individuals the thoughtful use of CAM therapies, especially in combination with conventional medicine, may allow for an individualised treatment plan and provide hope, control, and a sense of empowerment. The remainder of this chapter will provide MS-relevant information about CAM therapies that have been specifically studied in MS, that are used commonly in the general population or by people with MS, or that raise specific safety concerns (Table 5-1). Some of the unconventional therapies used by people with MS include:


Table 5-1. Unconventional Therapies
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
Bee venom therapy
Cannabis (marijuana)
Chiropractic medicine
Cooling therapy
Dental amalgam removal
Dietary supplements
   antioxidants
   cranberry and other supplements used for urinary tract infections
   echinacea and other "immune-stimulating" supplements
   ginkgo biloba
   kava kava
   Padma 28
   psyllium
   St. John’s wort
   valerian
   vitamin B12
   vitamin D and calcium
   zinc
Diets
   Swank diet
   supplementation with omega-6 fatty acids
   supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids
Feldenkrais
Guided imagery and relaxation
Hyperbaric oxygen
Low dose naltrexone (LDN)
Magnetic field therapy (electromagnetic therapy) Massage
Neural therapy
Reflexology
Tai chi
Yoga