Alternative Medicine and Multiple Sclerosis
by Allen C. Bowling, M.D., Ph.D.

Bowling is Associate Medical Director at The Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center in Englewood, Colorado and Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver.



234 pages; 2001, Demos Medical Publishing

$16.97 on Amazon.com (See link below) 


Reviewed by LizOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer



Dr. Bowling's conclusion is called "A Wellness Approach," which is close to MSWorld's theme of Wellness is a State of Mind™. After reading his book, I believe you will agree this book is about wellness.

Many of us with MS, wonder if there is life beyond conventional medications developed for MS. We hear of many alternative solutions to "cure" MS or magically ease MS symptoms. Although MSWorld does not advocate any experimental, alternative treatments for MS, this book gives an objective summary of both sides of the story on specific Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM.)

Early in his book he writes: "It is sometimes erroneously believed that there are only two preference groups for medical therapy; one group that uses only conventional therapy and another group that uses only CAM therapy.

In fact, there is a third "mixed" group that combines conventional medicine and CAM. Importantly, the studies of CAM use in people with MS demonstrate not only that this "mixed" group exists but also that it actually appears to represent the majority."

When reading Dr. Bowling's book, I found it valuable to read the first 23 pages before proceeding to the types of therapy. I recommend taking the time to read these pages which give information about how studies are performed and, especially, the precautions about complementary and alternative medicine and MS.

As people with MS, our bodies have unique differences as our immune system works overtime to attack our bodies. On page 9 Bowling writes: (Here he references 50 CAM books written for a lay audience. 2/3 of these had sections on MS...) "In some books, MS was incorrectly defined as a form of muscular dystrophy. Other books made the erroneous -- and potentially dangerous -- statement that, because MS is an immune disorder, it is important to take supplements that stimulate the immune system. In fact, MS is an immune disorder (emphasis mine), but it is characterized by an excessively active immune system; thus, immune-stimulating supplements may actually be harmful..."


I was pleasantly surprised to see a wide range of CAMs reviewed and summarized which included,

•  Biologically-Based therapies such as herbal medicine,
•  Pharmacological, Biological, and Instrumental Interventions including bee venom, cooling, procarin, chelation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy,
•  Alternative Medical Systems including acupuncture, Tai Chi, and homeopathy,
•  Lifestyle and Disease Prevention regarding exercise,
•  Mid-Body Medicine including biofeedback, music therapy, pets, and prayer and spirituality,
•  Manipulative and Body-Based Systems including chiropractic, massage, and reflexology,
•  Biofield Medicine - Therapeutic touch,
• Bioelectromagnetics - which is magnets and electromagnetic therapy. 
  
  

Nothing seemed to be missing and I learned about therapies which were foreign to me.

In Dr. Bowling's conclusion he warns to not rely too heavily on CAM therapy for MS. He suggests a wellness approach.

"Health is one of these components . . .others include physical fitness, psychological well-being, social "connectedness," nutrition, sexuality, spirituality, and bowel and bladder function. These components are interwoven, and in a state of wellness there is a sense of wholeness and balance between them. . . MS may disrupt this wholeness and balance. . ."

This book is a great resource for MS patients, physicians, nurses, and family members interested in being treated or treating the whole person.

Good reading!




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