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The term alternative therapy, in general, is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition.

Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that range from diet and exercise to mental conditioning to lifestyle changes. Examples include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies and massage.

Why is alternative therapy so popular?
Many people, especially those with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis, are looking for answers to their disease management questions. Sometimes traditional medicine cannot provide those answers, and in turn cannot provide a cure or relief of symptoms. Alternative therapies often offer people those answers (whether valid or not).

In addition, people are becoming more proactive in their healthcare decisions. With the emergence of the Internet, there is more information available and accessible to consumers. People are taking this information and deciding (with or without their healthcare providers) what course of action best meets their needs.

Many times, alternative therapies seem easier or may appear as a quick fix. However, this is not always the case. This article will provide you with the basic information needed to make quality decisions about your treatment.

What alternative therapies work for MS?
The best advice is "buyer beware." Keep your mind open to new ideas but remain skeptical, and always consult your physician. Here are three things you can always count on:
The power of being positive. Having a positive outlook cannot cure your MS, but it can lower your stress and help you feel better.
Exercise (tai chi, yoga, etc.). These exercises can lower your stress, help you to be more relaxed, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any program, check with your doctor, but in general these are safe, effective, and easy ways to improve your well-being.
Diet. By following your daily dietary guidelines, you can look and feel better. But remember, no fad diets!
How to evaluate alternative therapies

Alternative therapy can be helpful in many cases, but some treatments can be ineffective, costly, and even dangerous. The best way to evaluate your options is to become educated. Ask yourself the following questions:
What is the treatment?
What does it involve?
How does it work?
Why does it work?
Are there any risks?
What are the side effects?
Is it effective? (Ask for evidence or proof.)
How much does it cost?
Once you answer these questions, weigh your options and decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

How do I protect myself?
If you do decide to try an unconventional treatment, make sure your health and pocketbook are protected. Here are some tips.
Do not take the claim at face value. Contact reliable organizations and discuss the therapy. Talk to others in a support group, your family, and friends. Although they may not always be supportive, they can help you make an educated, objective decision.
Discuss the therapy with your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows what therapy you are considering so he or she can discuss possible interactions or side effects with your current treatment. Your doctor can also provide you with information on other patients who may have tried the same therapy.
Talk to others who have used the therapy. Ask them what their experiences have been. Do not go solely on testimonials from the care provider or product manufacturer. Track down your own references and get their opinions.
Contact the Better Business Bureau and thoroughly research the background of the therapy provider. Determine how long they have been providing this therapy, what credentials they have and what their philosophy of treatment is.
Avoid providers who refuse or are reluctant to work with your doctor. Be sure that the provider is willing to refer patients to a conventional doctor when necessary.
Make sure you know the total cost of the treatment up front, because most of these therapies are not covered by your insurance.
What red flags should I watch out for?

Promotion: Be cautious if products or providers are promoted through telemarketers, direct mailings, infomercials, ads disguised as valid news articles, or ads in the back of magazines.

Big claims: If a provider or product claims to be a " cure" for MS or makes other outrageous claims, be cautious.

Source: Be wary if the product is only being offered through one manufacturer.

Ingredients: Make sure all of the active ingredients are listed. Do not trust " secret formulas."

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