New information resource: Wellness practices and complementary therapies

Wellness practices and complementary therapies to help manage MS 

For people living with MS, treating symptoms is a priority. Many people with MS wish to explore approaches that complement their disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).  

Wellness practices and some complementary therapies may help people feel more in control of their MS, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. However, many complementary therapies have limited evidence to support them, particularly in relation to MS. Whilst some may provide relief for some MS symptoms, others may be ineffective or even harmful. It’s important that people with MS are equipped with the best scientific information to help support their decision-making.  

About the resource 

MSIF is pleased to share our newest guide, Wellness practices and complementary therapies in multiple sclerosis.

Download the resource in English, Spanish or Arabic here.

With numerous approaches claiming to have beneficial effects on MS symptoms, it can be difficult to navigate the available information. This guide aims to provide some clarity by detailing wellness practices that support overall health and examining the potential benefits and risks of commonly considered complementary therapies. 

Information in this resource was adapted from our members in Germany, DMSG. It has been updated and is based on scientific research as of December 2024 and presents the existing evidence — or lack thereof — on a range of wellness practices and complementary therapies.

‘When a person is diagnosed with an incurable disease, it is normal to explore different options to improve their quality of life or even find a cure for this disease. At that time, having reliable information is important in order to not interfere with the treatment, suffer damage to their body, or to incur exorbitant expenses.’ – Sandra Fernández Villota, Esclerosis Múltiple España, Spain

What is in the guide? 

The guide covers a wide range of wellness practices and complementary therapies, however the list is not exhaustive. Read on to find out what you will find in the resource.  

Wellness practices for people with MS  

People with MS may use a variety of wellness practices to help maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. The resource explores practices related to: 

• Exercise, Healthy diet, Relaxation techniques

Therapies that may have some benefit for people with MS  

There are many complementary therapies that that might be used by people with MS alongside their clinical care. Some may provide relief for certain MS symptoms experienced by some people, but others provide no benefit at all. This section of the guide covers:  

• Acupuncture & acupressure, Animal-assisted therapy, Aromatherapy, Ayuveda, Biofeedback, Cannabis therapy, Chiropractic therapy, Cold therapy, Craniosacral therapy, Dietary supplements, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic field therapy or magnetic field resonance therapy, Manual therapy, Massage, Neural therapy, Orthomolecular medicine, Osteopathy, Reflexology, Reiki, Respiratory therapy, Singing bowl therapy, Specific types of diet, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), Ultrasound therapy 

Therapies that should be avoided by people with MS due to concerns about safety or potential harm 

Some therapies pose safety risks or have the potential to cause harm. This section identifies therapies that should be avoided by people with MS, including:  

• Amalgam removal, Bee venom therapy, Anti-candida therapy, Chelation therapy, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Enzyme therapy, Experimental drugs and poisons, Fresh cell therapy, Herbal medicine, Hyperbaric oxygenation, Immune augmentation, Intestinal cleansing. 

Therapies may vary by region and country, so we encourage readers to stay informed by connecting with their local MS organisation. 

Complementary therapies: pause and consider 

There are several important considerations when weighing up your options about complementary therapies. To accompany the guide, we have developed a checklist for people with MS, using content adapted from our members the MS Society UK and MS Canada. The checklist aims to guide people with MS through important questions when it comes to complementary therapies. The questions are organised into three key areas; cost, safety, and efficacy. 

The checklist includes guiding questions and space for written answers and notes.  

Download the complementary therapies checklist here. 

Download, share and translate

Learn more by downloading Wellness Practices and complementary therapies in MS. The guide is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic on the MS Resource Hub here. 

The Complementary therapies checklist is currently available in English and can also be downloaded from the MS Resource Hub here.

If you are interested in translating either of these resources, please contact us at info@msif.org.  

We encourage everyone to use and share this information with anyone who may find it useful. Whether you are a healthcare professional, volunteer or member of an MS organisation, or anyone with an interest in MS.  

If you live in a country without an MS organisation, please share this broadly to help us reduce the global information gap on this important topic.  

Thank you 

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this guide including members of MSIF’s International Medical and Scientific Board, the International Resources Working Group, expert reviewers, people with and affected by MS and staff and volunteers from MS organisations. 

A special thanks to the Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft Bundesverband e.V (German MS Society), who allowed us to adapt sections of their information for the information guide. Additional thanks to the MS Society UK and MS Canada for their permission to adapt their information for the Complementary therapies checklist.