Alternative Crohn’s Disease Therapies

Traditional drugs and treatment for people with Crohn’s disease usually include drug therapy and surgery. However, these kinds of treatments can sometimes cause unwanted side effects. Alternative medicine, also called holistic medicine, is an approach to healing which looks at the body as a whole. Some alternative therapies that have been used to complement conventional treatment include relaxation training, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, and homeopathy. You should discuss any alternative treatment with your gastroenterologist before you begin.

Relaxation training
You may have already discovered that stress can exacerbate Crohn’s symptoms. Relaxation training includes techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga, and can be used to reduce stress and to manage chronic pain.

Vitamin therapy

Research is currently underway looking for a link between vitamin therapy and Crohn’s disease. Specifically, researchers are trying to find out if certain nutrients that produce antioxidant enzymes can help neutralize excessive free-radical production, which can be found in people who have Crohn’s disease.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbs, vitamins, or alternative medications.