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Anorexia and Alternative Medicine, Part II

© Mark Stuart Ellison

This article describes some alternative therapies for anorexia nervosa. It is not a recommendation of any particular modality. There is overwhelming evidence that effective treatment of anorexia must be specifically tailored to the patient and employ a variety of techniques. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from this disorder, seek advice from a physician or other qualified health care practitioner. Do not ingest any of the substances mentioned here without consulting a doctor.

There is some evidence that the experimental drug Naltrexone may help anorexics. A July 17, 1996 Detroit News article reports that Dr. Mary Ann Marrazzi, a pharmacology professor at Wayne State University, is researching the relationship between Naltrexone and appetite loss. She theorizes that anorexics are addicted to dieting in the same way that alcoholics are addicted to liquor. Marrazzi believes that Naltrexone, which was designed to treat alcoholics, may help anorexics by interfering with their desire to starve themselves.

The Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders has more information on the properties of Naltrexone. It cautions that the drug is not FDA-approved and research results are still pending. In addition, it notes that naltrexone is not recommended for people with active hepatitis, acute liver or kidney disease, pregnant or nursing mothers, or people under 18. According to Something Fishy, a common side effect of Naltrexone is loss of appetite, which suggests that dosage, especially in anorexics, should be carefully monitored by a physician.

Dr. Andrew Weil has reported that some anorexics have shown improvement with St. John's Wort, a popular over-the-counter herb used as an anti-depressant. St. John's Wort grows in Britain, Continental Europe, and Asia. According to Botanical.com , its pharmacological name, hypericum, is derived from a Greek term meaning "over an apparition." People used that term because they believed evil spirits would fly away after inhaling the substance.

American WholeHealth reports evidence suggesting that the Feldenkrais Method "Awareness Through Movement" helps anorexics. This technique involves a teacher leading students through a series of exercises while they are sitting or lying on the floor, or sitting or standing on a chair. They are designed to explore joint, muscle and postural relationships to increase bodily awareness and develop alternative movement patterns. Another goal is increased flexibility and coordination. The technique also employs sensory perception and imagery.

According to the report, 15 eating disordered patients took a nine-hour course in the Feldenkrais Method. A control group of equal size did not take the course. Feldenkrais participants felt more comfortable and familiar with their bodies than members of the control group. The Feldenkrais students also reported more self-confidence and a stronger identity.