Many people seek complementary and alternative approaches to sexual abuse. Understanding the evidence base helps make informed choices.
Complementary Approaches with Evidence for Sexual Abuse
Acupuncture: Several studies show modest effects on sexual abuse symptoms, particularly for anxiety and pain-related presentations.
Yoga: One of the best-evidenced complementary approaches — multiple mechanisms relevant to sexual abuse.
Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol and increases serotonin — documented effects on sexual abuse symptom severity.
Supplements: Omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D have meaningful evidence for some sexual abuse presentations.
Complementary Approaches with Limited Evidence for Sexual Abuse
Crystal healing, homeopathy, and many energy medicine approaches lack scientific evidence for sexual abuse. Risk of harm is low, but opportunity cost of forgoing evidence-based treatment is real.
Using Complementary Approaches Safely for Sexual Abuse
Complementary approaches work best as additions to, not replacements for, evidence-based sexual abuse treatment. Always inform your healthcare providers of everything you're using.