Eating disorders can manifest as excessive or insufficient appetite. The most commonly diagnosed eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Increasingly, however, patients are being diagnosed with so-called compulsive eating to keep problems at bay, orthorexia, i.e. excessive calorie counting and fixation on healthy food, and night eating syndrome. Physiotherapy can also help with some eating disorders.
What is anorexia and is it dangerous?
The most serious, because life-threatening, eating disorder is anorexia. Its symptoms include low body weight, avitaminosis muscular atrophy, fear of gaining weight and distorted perception of one's own body. The disease, this can prove fatal, as approx. 4% of people with anorexia die from its complications. It can lead to:
- anaemia,
- myocardial arrhythmias,
- osteoporosis,
- atrophy of muscle mass,
- the disappearance of menstruation,
- low testosterone levels,
- electrolyte disturbances.
According to estimates, 1-2 per cent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 14, and 17 and 25, suffer from anorexia. The mortality rate is approximately 20%. The consequence of this disease is the highest suicide rate compared to other mental disorders. Eating disorders most often affect girls and young women. Recently, various types of eating disorders have been found in an increasing number of boys and men. In recent years, children under 10 years of age have increasingly suffered from eating disorders.
Chinese medicine and eating disorders
According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine The causes of eating disorders can be traced back to disorders in the element Metal. It is responsible for the work of the Large Intestine and the Lungs. According to this view, excess energy in these functions can result in over-control and pedantry, constipation and the desire to get rid of everything 'unnecessary'. Another of the causes - and the consequence of disorders in the Metal sphere will be a weakened Earth element. It is responsible for the Spleen and the Stomach. Patients with anorexia spontaneously develop bruises, confirming deficiencies in this element.
Acupuncture and eating disorders
Very good results supporting the treatment of people suffering from anorexia and other eating disorders have been obtained by using the acupuncture. In a study conducted by Guo Ke Ren, out of 30 cases of anorexia treated with acupuncture for 30 minutes, it was found that as many as 25 cases were cured and five cases showed marked improvement. In contrast, another study, carried out at a private clinic in Sydney, Australia, examined how acupuncture, acupressure and massage could affect patients with mental anorexia nervosa. The main determinant of the effectiveness of the therapy was BMI mass index. Changes in the subjects' attitudes towards eating disorders, anxiety levels and perceived levels of depression were also tested. Results were average, but Participants showed less anxiety about eating. They self-described therapy as positive, calming and relaxing. Moxotherapy treatments also have good results.
Osteopathy and eating disorders
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that pays attention to the important connections between structure and organ function, supporting the body's self-healing processes.
As it turns out, in the case of eating disorders, the osteopath can greatly assist the patient's recovery, because with this type of disorder, both the psyche and the whole body, and above all the digestive system, are affected. Osteopathy can treat the digestive system by improving its mechanical action and also by influencing the nervous system. Since eating disorders are largely linked to the emotional state of the patient, it has quite a good effect.
There are many scientific studies measuring the effect of osteopathic therapy on the activity of the digestive system by examining the composition of the patient's saliva. They show that after the therapy, the concentration of amylase, an enzyme found in saliva, became significantly higher, resulting in the patient's body becoming ready for better and more efficient digestion.
Summary
Physiotherapy can be fundamental in supporting people suffering from anorexia. Through appropriately selected exercises, a physiotherapist can help to rebuild muscle mass, improve the patient's strength and physical endurance. Regular physiotherapy sessions also promote correct posture and can alleviate the muscle and joint pains that often accompany people struggling with anorexia. In addition, physiotherapy can improve mental wellbeing through physical activity, which is crucial in the treatment process for eating disorders. However, it is important that the exercise programme is tailored to the patient's individual needs and abilities and carried out under the close supervision of a specialist to avoid over-exertion and potential injury.
