Updated June 09, 2015.

Treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus vary by patient and by healthcare practitioner. That is to say, individuals will react differently to treatment plans, and where a method works for one person, it may not work at all for another. And there is little doubt that throughout the a lupus patient’s life, she might explore different ways to treat the symptoms of her disease.

Some of the methods might stray just off the path of conventional medicine, and into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), defined as a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.

These approaches are novel to some, completely familiar to others. And the methods themselves have been in use by various cultures for thousands of years.

It is important to note at the outset that the Lupus Foundation of America will not recommend medications, products or methods not approved by the FDA or the American College of Rheumatology, further stating “remedies that have not undergone the scrutiny of scientific investigation, lack the crucial information and data necessary to enable physicians to make sound recommendations regarding substances.”

That said, this article will act as an introduction to four CAM methods that are used primarily for pain management, linking to more in depth articles for those who are interested in more information.

Meditation

Meditation is a conscious mental process using certain techniques, such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture, to relax the body and mind by suspending stream of consciousness. For health purposes, it is often used by a patient to increase physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance; to cope with one or more diseases and conditions; and for overall wellness.

It is not known how meditation affects the body specifically or what specific influence it has on overall health.
Specific health problems that might be eased by meditation and are specific to lupus sufferers include pain, depression, and stress. It's biggest benefit may come by overall wellness. It is a generally safe technique, though some studies have suggested that intensive meditation may actually worsen symptoms.

As always, it is best to consult your healthcare provider before starting any health treatment plan.

Medical Acupuncture

Among the oldest healing practices in the world, acupuncture is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of “qi,” a life energy, and imbalance in the forces of “yin and yang.” Specifically, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles though the skin.
The technique has been around for thousands of years, and scientists today are studying the efficacy of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions. There are minimal reports of complications, and most that are reported center around poorly sterilized needles.

If you decide to explore acupuncture -- and after speaking with your healthcare provider -- make sure to visit a licensed practitioner. There you’ll find acupuncture needles regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requiring them to be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. Note, too, that many doctors are certified to perform acupuncture, complementary to their standard medical treatment.

Massage Therapy

Another method of complementary medicine that many people with chronic pain issues explore is massage therapy. Massage therapy, as a practice, dates back thousands of years. There are many types of massage, including pressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers.
The goal of massage therapy is to increase blood flow and oxygen to the area being massaged, which, in turn, can help provide a reduction in swelling, alleviate pain, promote relaxation, and reduce stress.

The treatment often last for 30 minutes to an hour, and can be performed in an office or home setting. Again, if you’re considering massage therapy, speak first with your healthcare provider and then, if you proceed, find a licensed massage therapist.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, provides another way to manage pain. Anecdotally, hypnosis, a trance-like state of mind in which your attention is more focused, you’re more relaxed and calm, and often more open to suggestion, appears to help with a variety of health conditions. These include pain management to easing the symptoms of illnesses like asthma to kicking bad habits.
Patients who undergo this type of therapy are brought under hypnosis by licensed, trained hypnotherapists. The ultimate goal of patient and therapist is to provide a way for the patient to gain more control over physical well-being. There are a variety of techniques, and the one that makes the patient the most comfortable is almost always the best fit and most successful.

It's unclear how hypnosis works, and it is always best to consult your healthcare provider before undergoing hypnotherapy to make sure it complements your standard medical treatment.

Again, none of these therapies should replace your regular medical care or to delay seeing a doctor about a medical problem. These therapies may give relief to symptoms, but they will not affect survival rates or remissions. But since patients have reported success with these therapies -- primarily with regard to pain relief -- so they may be worth discussing with your doctor.

<sub>Sources:

Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Lupus Foundation of America. March 2008.

Meditation for Health Purposes National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Institutes of Health. June 2007.

An Introduction to Acupuncture National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Institutes of Health. December 2007.</sub>
Massage Therapy as CAM. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Institutes of Health. September 2006.