Because Healing MS isn't not just reducing inflammation...

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex and challenging disease to manage. With so many treatment and lifestyle options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to choose. In this post, we will break down a strategy for healing MS that addresses the three key areas of focus for your journey to healing MS: inflammation, allostatic load, and restoring function.

The 3 Keys to Healing MS

Eliminate Active Inflammation

Inflammation is a major factor in MS. One of the principal markers of MS is myelin scarring. The immune system is thought to break through the blood-brain barrier and attack the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. The more inflammation, the more possibility of damage.

To reduce inflammation, various disease-modifying treatments (DMT) are available. Some focus on preventing T cells from attacking myelin. Others focus on B cells. While some newer DMTs make it harder for the immune system to break through the blood-brain barrier.

Another option used by many proactive people with MS is anti-inflammatory diets. These can also be effective in reducing inflammation. Interestingly, antihistamines have begun to be considered as an option.

Inflammation can also be reduced using psychological treatments. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has specific techniques to eliminate allergies (of the immune system to the myelin and to heat) and build stronger personal boundaries.

Reduce allostatic (stress) Load

Reducing allostatic load is another critical area to focus on for healing MS. Allostatic load refers to the physical and mental stressors that affect every system and body organ involved in MS. This chronic elevated stress load affects not only the myelin but all the other body parts contributing to MS: the deterioration of axons and white matter in the brain, hormonal imbalance, left/right hemisphere connection, and the autonomic nervous system (controls bladder, gut, and walking) to name a few. 

People with MS have high chronic allostatic load. To reduce the load, people can: 

• detoxing their bodies by cleaning up their food, cleaning products, and eliminate their mercury fillings to eliminate toxins
• improving sleep
• reducing anxiety and worries by changing the limiting beliefs and behaviors that sustain them
• eliminating the need to constantly prove you are enough and worthy.

Hypnotherapy and NLP are most efficient therapies to address the psychological stress load in the body.

Restore function and create new neuropathways

Restoring function and creating new neural pathways is the third area of focus for healing MS. Slow, repetitive movements like Tai Chi, yoga, Rosen methods, and physical therapy can stimulate new neural pathways. Computer games and equipment that stimulate the end nerves, such as the mollii suit, can also help neuroplasticity. Hobbies like music, ceramics, and knitting can also help to connect the two hemispheres of the brain.

A less known option is using guided imagery, and hypnosis. These are powerful tools for creating new neural pathways, building muscle, restoring balance, and regaining function.