A diagnosis of cerebral palsy is one of the last things anyone wants to hear, but even if you or someone you love has heard those words, there is something you can do about it. While there is no actual cure for cerebral palsy, early diagnosis and progressive treatment can drastically improve the quality of life for everyone. Some of the best natural treatment options, also known as complementary and alternative medicine, include Echinacea, fish oil, acupuncture, and a number of other forms of therapy.
The commonly held definition for cerebral palsy is that it is a condition or disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture. The condition is caused by an issue that interrupts typical develop within the forming brain. Most cases develop prior to birth; however, signs and symptoms typically occur during infancy or the preschool years.
Common indicators of cerebral palsy are directly linked to developmental progress as well as motor movement. The condition causes generally impaired movement that is linked with exaggerated reflexes, cycling floppiness and rigidity of the limbs and trunk, involuntary movement, unusual posture, and unsteadiness when walking. Some individuals even experience difficulty with sucking, swallowing, or eating, and may have speech impediments or language issues.
The condition is caused by an abnormality or disruption in brain development. Common factors that contribute to unusual brain development include random mutations in genes, maternal infections, fetal stroke, lack of oxygen, infant infections, and traumatic head injury.
While there are no actual cures for cerebral palsy, natural remedies can help support brain and muscle function. Likewise, a number of therapies use holistic approaches to treat CP. Some of the best treatments for cerebral palsy include Echinacea, fish oil, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
MyChild Cerebral Palsy Foundation emphasizes the importance of complementary and alternative medicine for treating cerebral palsy. Supplements are one branch of this form of treatment, and Echinacea is one of the most effective. This herbal remedy helps promote effective blood circulation throughout the body as well as initiates better neural communication. Echinacea also helps soothe spastic muscles to reduce pain and encourage muscle movement. To begin treatment, try 20-40mg of Echinacea by mouth daily.
Fish oil is an important source of omega-3 fats. These fats line the neural passageways and initiate more effective nerve communication and responses. Omega-3s also encourage the development of healthy brain tissue. You can take a fish oil supplement by mouth every day.
Research has also identified the importance of different forms of therapy for treating CP. Acupuncture is an ancient form of therapy and is considered an effective complementary medicine for cerebral palsy. Depending on its use, acupuncture offers pain relief as well as the reduction of inflammation throughout your body. The practice can also help restructure different parts of the brain and improve muscle use and development.
WebMD also notes that physical therapy is an important treatment for CP. Physical therapy centers on strengthening the muscles throughout your body so you are more able to control them. A treatment called constraint-induced movement therapy is also often used to encourage patients to develop the less-functioning muscles.
Another treatment option backed by research is the use of ginger. Ginger is considered a circulatory herb that helps improve blood flow or circulation. By improving blood flow throughout the body, ginger also boosts the oxygen levels in the brain and increases available nutrients to cells. Look for ginger in a capsule form or simply use the herb in tea or as a cooking spice.
Keep reading below to discover more complementary and alternative treatments for supporting cerebral palsy care.
References:
Cerebral Palsy: Treatment Overview - http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/cerebral-palsy-treatment-overview
Complementary and Alternative Medicine - http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/treatment/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/
Diseases and Conditions: Cerebral Palsy - http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/basics/definition/con-20030502
Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/therapies/
