Alternative therapies to cure bulimia

In today’s world of perfect bodies and gorgeous looks, people often go beyond the limits of what’s normal and healthy, to keep the extra kilos at bay. Bulimia indicates towards a similar tendency. This is a physical as well as psychological eating disorder, where the patient has an uncontrollable urge to binge and purge alternatively; often involving drastic actions. There are several alternative therapies which help cure a bulimia patient with time and patience.

 

 

People suffering from bulimia often tend to over eat either in one go or for days together and then are suddenly hit with the guilt pangs. This results in self destructive ways of getting rid of the extra calories, following extreme steps like forceful vomiting, over exercising, fasting and even taking laxatives.

 

Practitioners believe that bulimia may have several causative elements. It could be a hereditary symptom or could have various environmental or psychological factors to blame. Often people with bulimia have a history of substance abuse, self harm, obsessive behaviour or depression. Peer pressure or cultural factors may also force a person to become compulsively careful of one’s weight and looks. A constant low esteem is the one major factor behind bulimia.

 

A bulimic shows several symptoms of the disorder. Some of these are – 
 

• A malnutritioned look.

• Dehydrated skin

• Scars on knuckles due to forceful self induced vomiting

• Swollen legs and feet

• Tooth cavities and loss of enamel

• Enlarged salivary glands

• Often severe cases of bulimia lead to loss of sensation in hands and feet

 

The treatment for bulimia patients is given on two fronts – psychological treatment and physiological treatment. The psychological treatment aims at improving the person’s self esteem and confidence, instilling a feeling of being wanted and a sense of belonging. The physiological treatment aims at healing the effects of bulimia suffered by the body.

 

 

• At home care – The person is suggested not be left alone at home. Someone should constantly monitor the patient and see his eating patterns. Discourage irresponsible eating urges and ensure the person stays on the treatment. Encouragement and support are the key words.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – This therapy helps the patient with tips to deal with stressful situations and the way to avoid bingeing when depressed or tensed. Bulimia patients often head for food as a means to distract themselves from disturbing aspects of life. The CBT helps patients to have faith in themselves and be comfortable with what they are. It also trains you to recogonise body signals and respond to them accordingly.

 

Physiological treatments
 

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies provide an excellent cure for bulimic people. They provide a multi-directional approach to the problem and together help cure the patient.
 

• Herbal Therapy – many herbs help cure bulimia. Some of them are Chinese herbs others are of Indian origin, very much a part of Ayurveda. Some of these are - Angelica Archangelica, Cnicus Benedictus, Taraxacum Officinale, Fenugreek Seed, Cinnamon, Skull Cap, Roman Chamomile etc.

• Massage Therapy - Massage often helps to relax the nerves and release stress. It also releases endorphins which effect appetite as well as relieve pain. It therefore helps a lot in bulimia. However, it can not be effective exclusively and should therefore be used in combination with other CAM therapies.

• Homeopathy – it builds the body’s metabolism and provides constitutional medicines which help to de-stress the body. However, its dosage can not be high and it takes long to be effective.

• Nutritional Therapy – this therapy teaches patients how to deal with food. It also teaches them the way to balance intakes and keep a track of what they are eating. Balancing portions and eating at intervals keeps patients from binging. This therapy also balances the blood sugar levels and restores the gastrointestinal health of the patient.
 

Relapse is a major threat in bulimia patients as in the case of other compulsive disorders. Therefore constant care and support help to deal with the problem in a much better manner.