Research: Massage and CAM benefit
eating-disordered patients

New research shows that a complementary approach that includes massage therapy benefits eating-disordered patients' insomnia and constipation.

Patients at Sierra Tucson, an inpatient behavioral disorder and addiction treatment center in Tucson, Arizona, were divided into two groups: A standard eating-disorders program group, and a group that also received massage, acupuncture and dietary supplements.

The researchers,. Carolyn Ross, M.D., M.P.H., of Sierra Tucson, and Patricia Herman, N.D., of the University of Arizona, Tucson, reviewed charts to see if an integrated approach had any effect on patient’s reported symptoms and use of conventional medications.

Sleep quality remained consistently high on the new program and the requests for prescription sleep medications dropped from 55 percent to 11 percent, according to a press release from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. In addition, reports of constipation and the use of conventional constipation medication both dropped significantly.

"We are excited by these results, but even more by the benefits to our patients in terms of reduced barriers to re-feeding and increased energy and attention on the work needed for recovery," Ross noted.