6 Alternative Treatment Options For Narcolepsy

Most of you must have heard about the conventional treatment for narcolepsy, the drugs that are used and other lifestyle changes. Likewise, there are some alternative treatment methods such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage and aromatherapy, meditation, and prayer sessions. All of these alternative treatment modalities can have positive effects, reduce your symptoms and even control the condition up to some extent. Don’t forget just because these are natural treatment it does not mean that these will not give any side effects or adverse outcomes. You should consult an expert for alternative treatment methods in order to do those properly. It’s always best that you inform physician, psychologist, and pharmacologist about your alternative treatment plans and get their advice. ⁽¹⁾

• Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo has two effects on the nervous system it protects the brain cells from antioxidants and improves brain circulation. These effects can improve the symptoms of narcolepsy. Do not use ginkgo if you have bleeding disorders or you have scheduled surgery in a few weeks.
• St. John’s Wort. St. John’s wort can improve the quality of sleep and relaxes the nerve cells. This herbal remedy can really help narcolepsy. Have it as an herbal tea by boiling the dried herb with water. Have it about two times a day.
• Gotukola. Gotu kola is quite commonly consumed in South East Asia. It increases the blood circulation by strengthening the connective tissues of the veins. When the brain blood circulation is increased the brain receives more nutrients and oxygen, and the waste is removed. Gotukola has antioxidant properties as well. So, these effects can promote sleep and improve narcolepsy.
• Country Mallow. Country mallow has properties that will stimulate your body, have it as a herbal tea. It can increase blood pressure so be cautious if you have cardiovascular problems. ⁽²⁾

Acupuncture is basically identifying the imbalances in the body and treating them. Stress can play a major role in narcolepsy, other than that poor nutrition, lack of exercise can block the meridians in the body and this can give rise to narcolepsy or worsen narcolepsy. Acupuncture focuses on those imbalances in the body and treats those.

There are patients who have actually benefit from acupuncture therefore, you also can try it but make sure you go to a person who actually does it properly. ⁽³⁾

Massage therapy as an alternative treatment is beneficial in many conditions. Massage therapy relaxes your body and mind, improve sleep, reduce stress, and improve your blood circulation. The effects are more when essential oils are used for massaging. Most people find this beneficial as their symptoms have improved significantly.

Some people find it beneficial and it helps to improve the condition. You should go to a recognized and qualified hypnotherapist to get treatment.

Meditation and engaging in prayer sessions relax your mind and body, reduce stress and soothes your body. It helps with the narcolepsy symptoms and many patients find this alternative treatment useful.

Although this is not actually an alternative treatment, sleep environment plays an important role in you falling asleep quickly and in maintaining that sleep. So, it is important your sleep in a comfortable bed in a dark, quiet and cool environment at night.

There are so many alternative treatment options for narcolepsy such as herbal remedies like ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, gotukola, and country mallow; acupuncture, massage and aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, meditation and prayer sessions, and good sleep environment. Each individual is different so, we cannot tell exactly which alternative treatment option will work for you; however, many patients have found that most of the above-mentioned treatment methods beneficial and it had improved their narcolepsy symptoms to some extent. You can also try these out and find if it is beneficial for you. Before starting alternative treatments inform your physician, psychologist, and pharmacologist about your decision and get their advice.

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Also Read:

• Impact of Narcolepsy On The School Life of Children
• Can You Legally Drive If You Have Narcolepsy?
• What Happens To A Person With Narcolepsy?
• Are There Different Levels Of Narcolepsy?
• Is There A Surgery For Narcolepsy?
• Can A Home Sleep Study Diagnose Narcolepsy?
• Why Is Narcolepsy Difficult To Cure?