Alternative Therapies for Eating Disorders

By: Beth Morrisey MLIS - Updated: 9 Oct 2015 | *Discuss

 

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Eating disorders such as anorexia bulimia and binge eating disorder are usually treated by both medical and mental health professionals. While alternative therapies should not replace these traditional treatments, they can be used to complement treatment and offer individuals further support and means of healing.

Anyone considering engaging in alternative therapies for eating disorders should check with all of their doctors and therapists before agreeing to a course of treatment, and discuss their disorder with their alternative therapist. If alternative therapies do not bring relief or healing an individual should not feel pressured into continuing them and instead should return to activities and treatments which they find comfortable and beneficial.

Traditional Treatments for Eating Disorders

Some individuals with eating disorders may be treated in a residential hospital or clinic to regain their strength, though almost any treatment plan for an eating disorder will include at least one of the following: counselling or talk therapy, family counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy (to change food, eating and/or exercise behaviours), support groups or group therapy, and nutritional counselling and planning.

Medication is not often prescribed to treat an eating disorder unless appetite suppressants are prescribed under a doctor’s supervision (such as for binge eating disorder) or medication is used to treat an associated condition such as with anti-depressants (for depression).

Alternative Therapies for Eating Disorders

Common alternative therapies that are undertaken by individuals with eating disorders include:

• Acupuncture – a traditional Chinese therapy in which small needles are inserted into the skin at specific points to relieve pain and promote healing. All acupuncture practitioners should be registered with a governing body such as the Acupuncture Society.
• Aromatherapy – the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants, flowers and trees to achieve health and vitality. Often aromatherapy is incorporated into massages, facials and baths.
• Homeopathy – the therapeutic use of small doses of medicines to stimulate the body’s natural defence systems in order to re-balance the body. Qualified homeopaths should be registered with the Society of Homeopaths.
• Naturopathy – the therapeutic use of natural healing techniques and prescriptions of plant and flower extracts. Naturopaths should be registered with the General Council and Register of Naturopaths.
• Massage Therapy – body massage, or the rhythmic, therapeutic stroking and kneading of the muscles, relaxes and soothes the body and calms and refreshes the mind.
• Meditation – a method of suspending thought and directing attention in a calm and focused manner. Classes as well as individual lessons are usually available.

Further Information

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Creating Healthy Attitudes Towards Food

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders and Interpersonal Therapy

Family Therapy and Eating Disorders

Group Therapy for Eating Disorders

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