Natural Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa

Natural treatments are increasingly being used alongside conventional medical approaches. This is significant advancement for complementary medicine because it indicates that there is a growing acceptance of its methods by the established medical profession.

The use of natural remedies has been on the rise in recent years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, many people have already started using them to treat various health conditions. It’s not surprising then that more and more people are turning to complementary medicine as they seek out solutions to problems affecting their mental, emotional and physical health.

There are several reasons why so many people are now opting for natural treatment options. The first reason is that the use of natural treatments has been around for a long time, and it has proven to be effective in treating various health conditions.

The second reason is that there are more and more studies being conducted on natural remedies, which means that we have a better understanding of how they work. This also makes us realise that these natural remedies can actually help treat some serious physical and mental health disorders such as anorexia nervosa.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a disordered eating pattern marked by a distorted body image and an obsessive desire to be thin. People with anorexia nervosa subject themselves to excessive weight loss by avoiding food and obsessively dieting and exercising in the hopes of improving their body image. It is a serious psychological condition that can be fatal in some cases, and has serious consequences for the physical and mental health of an individual.

Most cases are confined to adolescent females, though there are also males and adults with anorexia nervosa. Triggers are variable, with social pressure and family issues thought to be primary factors, as well as hereditary issues. Common treatments for anorexia nervosa typically involve psychotherapy and nutritional advice, with severe cases requiring hospitalisation.

Anorexia nervosa has been associated with high rates of mortality, morbidity and suicide. Although there are no known cures for this eating disorder, some treatments may be helpful in treating the underlying cause of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and allowing those affected to develop normal eating habits.

Natural Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa

Normally, patients with anorexia nervosa receive psychological therapy, pharmacological treatments and nutritional support. However, there is no consensus on which approach should be used in each case.

Following an eating disorder examination, regardless of treatment approach, the primary goal of a healthcare provider is to return the patient to a healthy weight by providing proper nutrition. This requires collaboration among various people in the patient's life, including their dietitian, mental health professional, primary physician, and, of course, their family.

Once the patient's normal weight has been restored, various treatment plans can be developed and implemented in a systematic manner.

The following are some of the most commonly used natural therapies in the treatment of anorexia nervosa:

• Acupuncture for anorexia nervosa: This energy-based modality can help people with anorexia nervosa relieve depression and anxiety, as these mental disorders often accompany their condition, as well as restore the function of any affected organs.
• Art Therapy for anorexia nervosa: Art therapy can help expedite the treatment of patients enduring anorexia nervosa, enabling them to express their body dissatisfaction without discussing it directly with a mental health professional. What's more, being in a group setting allows them to socialise with others, which is beneficial in that it alleviates their social withdrawal, which is one of the main challenges of the condition.
• Counselling for anorexia nervosa: Counselling can help alter a variety of eating disorders, identify the triggers that led to their body dissatisfaction, and improve self-confidence. It can be used in outpatient treatment as well as for people who have severe anorexia nervosa and need to be hospitalised.
• Energy Healing for anorexia nervosa: This healing approach can give anorexia sufferers more confidence by increasing their knowledge and connection with their bodies, which is where the majority of the condition's problems stem from.
• Homeopathy for anorexia nervosa: Homeopathy uses gradually diluted remedies that are administered to patients in order to elicit a healing response from the body. These remedies are specific to the condition and will help patients with anorexia nervosa address issues such as bloating, depression and nausea, among others.
• Psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa: Psychotherapy is a catch-all term for a variety of treatment modalities for mental health conditions, including family-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and individual therapy. These evidence-based treatments have been shown to be effective, particularly for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Source: information for practice

• Hypnotherapy for anorexia nervosa: Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis – the state of enhanced relaxation – to conduct behavioural therapy with a client. It is an effective treatment for anorexia sufferers, as it works on altering destructive patterns of behaviour by improving one's relationship with food and encouraging positive thoughts about eating and food.
• Life Coaching for anorexia nervosa: Life coaching is extremely beneficial in the treatment of anorexia nervosa because it empowers individuals and allows them to make positive changes in their lives. It is not psychotherapy, and life coaches do not delve into your past. Rather, they contribute to the provision of tools for effecting change in excessive dietary restraint.
• Nutrition for anorexia nervosa: Receiving nutritional counselling from a qualified nutritionist will ensure that your body gets the appropriate types and amounts of food for optimum nutritional rehabilitation. A nutritionist would typically advise patients with anorexia nervosa on meal planning and general dietary recommendations to help them recover. Nutritional management may entail eating certain foods as well as taking a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Reiki for anorexia nervosa: Reiki is a hands-on or remote energy healing technique that can be used on inpatients or outpatients with anorexia nervosa to channel positive energy to their bodies and support their self-healing mechanism. Reiki is based on removing impediments or blockages from a patient's system that are at the root of disease. Reiki can help anorexic patients feel more relaxed and in touch with their bodies.

The treatment or management of anorexia nervosa isn't something that can be done alone. The condition requires the support and expertise of various health care providers. So, if you are experiencing symptoms of anorexia nervosa or know someone who is, know that openness is the first step towards successful eating disorder treatment and achieving your ideal body weight.