46 msfocusmagazine.org Life with MS Have you ever debated trying a Comple- mentary and Alternative Medicine treatment, but then thought to yourself, “I have no idea where to begin or what to expect?” While some people feel exhilarated when starting something brand new, others can feel intim- idated and rarely try anything outside of their comfort zone. If you’ve never practiced yoga, tried therapeutic horseback riding, or had acupuncture done, those all can seem quite foreign to you. In hopes of breaking down those barriers, I asked practitioners in the healing community what people should know before starting a CAM therapy. Acupuncture “Acupuncture works to adjust the body’s energetic balance. It can help reduce body tensions and calm the nervous system.” “To prepare for acupuncture, one should be open-minded and optimistic. The effects of treatmentmaybesubtleforsomeandprofound for others. Repeated treatments will help and can produce lasting results.” Ben A. Miller, AP Master of Classical Five Element Acupuncture Adaptive Yoga “Yoga can bring more energy, flexibility, strength, mobility, and ease to the body and mind.Modifyposessothattheyarecomfortable based on your own needs and abilities. Even a few minutes a day helps. Start where you are and try some chair yoga or yoga poses for the body, or breathing exercises to calm the mind. Yoga is for everyone!” Stacie Dooreck, authorof “SunLight ChairYoga; Yoga for Everyone!” www.sunlightyoga.com CBD/Cannabis “Knowledge has the power to heal. The four most important things to know before beginning cannabidiols (CBD): 1. CBD products are not created equal; know your source 2. CBD without THC may not be enough 3. Potency (strength), ratios (CBD:THC), and dosing (evidence-based) matter 4. Engage an expert” Aryn Sieber, founderand CEO of CannaCauses Foundation, www.CannaCauses.org. What to Consider Before You Begin What to Consider Before You Begin CAM Treatment CAM Treatment Practitioners offer insights into their fields By Chris Hudspeth