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The use of alternative therapies has become increasingly popular, particularly amongst people suffering with eczema who have not been cured by standard treatments. Studies looking at why more and more people are turning to alternative therapies have found that the main reasons given are:
- Lack of effectiveness of conventional treatment
- Negative side effects from conventional treatment
- Poor communication and relationship between themselves and their doctor.
Many so called alternative therapies make claims that they can “cure” eczema, even though they are not always backed up by any scientific evidence. However, there are many, many reports of various alternative treatments being successful with eczema. Let’s take a look at some of these alternative treatments.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs have long been used in the treatment of chronic skin diseases. The use of Chinese herbs is a part of an age old system which sees disease as an imbalance and disharmony in the body’s energy system. The aim of Chinese herbs is to address the underlying disharmony by the use of a mixture of herbs which can be given in tea, tablet or cream form.
Much research has been undertaken looking at whether the use of Chinese herbs can help in the treatment of eczema. The general opinion is that Chinese herbs can reduce symptoms such as redness, inflammation of the skin, and itchiness as well as improving quality of sleep. In fact, Dr David Atherton, a dermatologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the United Kingdom, was amazed when some of his eczema patients, who hadn’t responded to conventional treatment, improved dramatically after receiving Chinese herbs.
Usually a practitioner will tailor the herbal prescription to the individual and no two patients are treated in exactly the same way. This is why it is important to seek the help of a qualified practitioner. Chinese herbs are easy and safe to take. However, it is important to note that there have been a few reports of people having a bad reaction to the herbs which is why you should always stop taking them if you start feeling unwell in any way.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances that trigger the body’s natural system of healing. The substances come from plants, minerals and animal sources and are prescribed in tablet, pill, granule or powder form.
Homeopathy seems to be a very effective way to treat allergies and skin complaints. Recent research has shown that homeopathic treatment can help reduce the symptoms of eczema as well as help the person on a psychological level. In fact, one particular study found that patients who had homeopathic treatment were likely to improve considerably with the effects lasting for as long as eight years.
As homeopathic medicines are given in such a diluted form, they are completely safe with no side effects. They are perfectly safe to give to babies and children. The art in homeopathic treatment is identifying the precise remedy suitable for any particular individual. For this reason, it’s important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner.
Hypnotherapy
The aim of hypnotherapy is to induce a state of complete calm and relaxation in order to facilitate changes to behavior, emotions and habits. This type of treatment can be extremely useful in the treatment of eczema by reducing stress and breaking the habits that make eczema worse such as scratching. We know that stress can aggravate the symptoms of eczema making your more stressed – a vicious cycle! Research has shown that hypnotherapy can help control the pain and discomfort, as well as improve the quality of sleep and reduce emotions such as anxiety, fear, low self-confidence and self-esteem.
So, to answer the question, “are alternative therapies an alternative,” the answer would be that research has shown that using Chinese herbs, homeopathic remedies and hypnotherapy can indeed be beneficial. Apart from reducing symptoms, alternative therapies can help you feel less stressed, more positive and in control of your life.
