Alternative Cancer Treatments: 11 Options to Consider

How can alternative medicine help people with cancer?

Alternative medicine is a term that's commonly used to describe methods that aren't usually offered by health care providers. Using this approach along with standard treatments may help relieve many symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment.

Alternative cancer treatments may not play a direct role in curing your cancer, but they may help you cope with signs and symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatments, such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Options

If you are interested in trying cancer treatment alternative methods, here are 11 options that you can consider after consulting your doctor and medical provider:

1. Aromatherapy

This method uses various types of essential oils in order to stimulate a soothing sensation and promote overall health and well-being, and may be helpful in relieving nausea, pain and stress. Aromatherapy can be performed by a practitioner, or you can use aromatherapy on your own.

2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy in which a mental health counselor, such as a psychotherapist or a therapist, works with you to view challenging situations more clearly and respond in a more effective way. For people with cancer, this mode of treatment may help with sleep problems and help develop habits that promote sound sleep.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method where a practitioner inserts tiny needles into your skin at precise points. It is safe if it's performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. According to several studies, acupuncture may be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve certain types of pain in people with cancer.

4. Hypnosis

This may be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain and stress. It may also help prevent anticipatory nausea and vomiting that can occur if chemotherapy has made you sick in the past. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.

5. Exercise

Exercising regularly may help manage signs and symptoms during and after cancer treatment. It may help relieve fatigue and stress and even help you sleep better. Many studies even show that an exercise program may help people with cancer live longer and improve their overall quality of life.

6. Yoga

Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue. Avoid yoga poses that cause pain.

7. Music therapy

This may help relieve pain, control nausea and vomiting, and deal with anxiety and stress. Music therapy is safe and doesn't require any musical talent to participate.

8. Massage

This can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer. It may also help relieve anxiety, fatigue and stress.

9. Meditation

Meditation is generally safe and it may help people with cancer by relieving anxiety and stress and improving mood. When meditating, you might also do deep-breathing or relaxation exercises.

10. Tai chi

Tai chi is a form of exercise that incorporates gentle movements and deep breathing. It is generally safe and practicing tai chi may help relieve stress. While the slow movements of tai chi don't require great physical strength, don't do any tai chi moves that cause pain.

11. Relaxation techniques

These are ways of focusing your attention on calming your mind and relaxing your muscles and they might include activities such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. Relaxation techniques are safe and may be helpful in relieving anxiety and fatigue. They may also help people with cancer sleep better.

Conclusion

Going through cancer and its treatment can be very challenging; however, adopting some of these alternative treatment options can help you cope with the various signs and symptoms.

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Source: Mayoclinic, VeryWellHealth

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on April 11, 2023