People with cancer try different procedures and treatments to combat the disease, deal with symptoms and cope with the after effects. Throughout the course of cancer treatment, people may have to make several choices. Many of them are turning towards alternative cancer treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, herbal medication etc., which could help them lead better lives.
If the cancer is making you feel that you have only a minimum control over your health, these alternative cancer treatments can help you regain some feeling of control. While standard treatments are based on proven scientific claims, there is not much evidence to support how well CAM treatments work or how safe they are. It is important that people with cancer inform their health care providers before considering any CAM treatment or procedure.
What is Complementary and Alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative medicine is a diverse group of practices, products, health care and medical systems that are not considered a part of the standard conventional treatment. Complimentary medicine refers to treatments that are used along with other standard treatments. Alternative medicine refers to treatments that are used in lieu of standard treatments.
Though alternative cancer treatments do not cure cancer, they do provide a considerable level of relief and help you cope with the signs and symptoms caused by cancer and its treatments. Alternative treatments are not proven solutions; hence it is important to discuss with your doctor before using any CAM therapy.
Reasons people choose alternative cancer treatments
People with cancer may choose alternative treatments for one or more of the following reasons:
Some of the alternative cancer treatments that have been proven to provide some benefit include:
1) Complete medical systems: Homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy and acupuncture are some traditional approaches, beliefs and healing systems that are used to treat cancer and its symptoms.
2) Mind-body techniques: Yoga, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis, creative outlets such as music, dance and art, and imagery techniques are healing methods based on the belief that human minds can control or affect the body’s response to cancer. Mind body techniques may help lessen side effects and also improve emotional and physical well-being.
3) Energy medicine: Energy medicines are based on the belief that the body has energy fields that can be controlled to heal abnormalities. In these techniques, the therapists apply pressure or physical movements by placing their hands through or in the energy fields. Reiki, tai chi and therapeutic touch are some examples.
4) Body-based and manipulative practices: These practices are based on working with one or more body parts. Massage, chiropractic care and reflexology are a few examples.
5) Biologic, pharmacologic and nutritional practices: Biologically based alternative cancer treatments uses natural herbal products and dietary supplements such as vitamins, foods, special diets and herbs. Vaccines, botanicals and hormones are also used in the treatment of cancer. Nutritional practices include special supplements or diets such as antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 etc., which may benefit cancer patients.
Not all CAM treatments work for everyone. To determine the right balance between alternative medicines and traditional treatments, it is important that you work closely with your doctor.
Alternative medicines and procedures are generally known to lessen common signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, anxiety, pain, difficulty in sleeping, stress and fatigue.
If the cancer is making you feel that you have only a minimum control over your health, these alternative cancer treatments can help you regain some feeling of control. While standard treatments are based on proven scientific claims, there is not much evidence to support how well CAM treatments work or how safe they are. It is important that people with cancer inform their health care providers before considering any CAM treatment or procedure.
What is Complementary and Alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative medicine is a diverse group of practices, products, health care and medical systems that are not considered a part of the standard conventional treatment. Complimentary medicine refers to treatments that are used along with other standard treatments. Alternative medicine refers to treatments that are used in lieu of standard treatments.
Though alternative cancer treatments do not cure cancer, they do provide a considerable level of relief and help you cope with the signs and symptoms caused by cancer and its treatments. Alternative treatments are not proven solutions; hence it is important to discuss with your doctor before using any CAM therapy.
Reasons people choose alternative cancer treatments
People with cancer may choose alternative treatments for one or more of the following reasons:
- Attempt to cure or treat their cancer
- Help themselves cope better with the side effects such as pain, fatigue and nausea, caused by cancer treatments.
- Comfort themselves and ease worries caused by cancer, treatments and associated stress
Some of the alternative cancer treatments that have been proven to provide some benefit include:
1) Complete medical systems: Homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy and acupuncture are some traditional approaches, beliefs and healing systems that are used to treat cancer and its symptoms.
2) Mind-body techniques: Yoga, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis, creative outlets such as music, dance and art, and imagery techniques are healing methods based on the belief that human minds can control or affect the body’s response to cancer. Mind body techniques may help lessen side effects and also improve emotional and physical well-being.
3) Energy medicine: Energy medicines are based on the belief that the body has energy fields that can be controlled to heal abnormalities. In these techniques, the therapists apply pressure or physical movements by placing their hands through or in the energy fields. Reiki, tai chi and therapeutic touch are some examples.
4) Body-based and manipulative practices: These practices are based on working with one or more body parts. Massage, chiropractic care and reflexology are a few examples.
5) Biologic, pharmacologic and nutritional practices: Biologically based alternative cancer treatments uses natural herbal products and dietary supplements such as vitamins, foods, special diets and herbs. Vaccines, botanicals and hormones are also used in the treatment of cancer. Nutritional practices include special supplements or diets such as antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 etc., which may benefit cancer patients.
Not all CAM treatments work for everyone. To determine the right balance between alternative medicines and traditional treatments, it is important that you work closely with your doctor.
Alternative medicines and procedures are generally known to lessen common signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, anxiety, pain, difficulty in sleeping, stress and fatigue.
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