Alternative Therapies
I am in no way endorsing any of the therapies, treatments or remedies that may be mentioned in this article. The information contained therein is strictly for educational purposes and neither the author, Suite101, nor i5ive Communications takes any responsibility for the efficacy, effectiveness or use of these therapies. Always check with your doctors before adding any new therapies, supplements or exercises to your healthcare regimen--especially if you have a preexisting condition or disease.
Today's treatments for lupus are very effective. People with lupus are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. The use of medications like corticosteroids, anti-malarials and cytotoxic drugs are effective in suppressing the immune system and reducing the damage done by lupus to the body's cells.
However, there are frequently unwanted side effects to these medications. These side effects can be exacerbated or made worse when several different medications are taken together, as is often the case for lupies. For example, if a person is taking one medication that makes him nauseated, and then has to start taking another drug that irritates his stomach lining, it could lead to nutritional difficulties.
So what is the answer? We can't stop taking the medications that are making us healthier, but how can we avoid having to take higher dosages, multiple medications or excessive side effects of these therapies?
Some people (not just lupies) are turning toward alternative and complementary therapies. These are not meant to take the place of more traditional medications and treatments, but rather to enhance them and make them work more effectively, thereby reducing or even eliminating the need for excessive medications. This strategy can help some patients reduce unwanted side effects without ignoring the need for treatment.
One of the therapies that is growing rapidly in popularity is Reiki. In this type of treatment, a reiki practitioner uses the life force that is already present, and directs its flow from the hands of the practitioner into the body of the patient. The energy is said to go to where it is needed most on all levels-- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This is a very popular form of healing because of its "whole person" healing (not just the physical body) and because of the complete lack of side effects. There is an equal exchange of energy between the practitioner and patient, so this type of balanced healing appeals to all religions and belief systems. (Reiki is non-denominational and non-religious.)
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