Date of Defense
12-5-2025
Date of Graduation
12-2025
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Amy Geib
Second Advisor
Sally Vliem
Abstract
Lyme disease is a multisystem tick-borne infection that can lead to long-lasting symptoms even after standard antibiotic therapy, with Lyme arthritis being one of the most common and persistent complications. Due to limited research on this issue, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will be discussed as a reference for understanding treatment options because it is a similar condition. Since many people continue to experience debilitating pain and reduced quality of life after treatment for Lyme disease, holistic approaches have become increasingly popular for symptom management. This literature review examines three holistic modalities-yoga, acupuncture, and diet modifications- and their effectiveness in alleviating arthritic symptoms in individuals with RA and post-treatment Lyme arthritis. Findings suggest that yoga may reduce pain, stiffness, and disability while improving physical and psychological wellness. Acupuncture reveals a reduction in tender and swollen joints, though results remain inconsistent. Diet modifications show that anti-inflammatory diets, specifically the Mediterranean diet, may lower pain and improve function. Despite these encouraging outcomes, research is limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent protocols, and lack of Lyme-specific studies. Further investigation is essential to determine whether these holistic therapies can benefit people with Lyme arthritis and to establish standardized, evidence-based guidelines for symptom management.
Recommended Citation
Van Antwerp, Leah, "Holistic Approaches to Lyme Disease Symptom Management" (2025). Honors Theses. 4002.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4002
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation