Alternative Medicine Enhances Cancer Patients Lives

SolarisCare Foundation today reveals new findings that alternative therapies such as massage, heightens life's overall quality and decreases stress in cancer patients.

The studies new findings will be presented at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne. The study has shown a 14% reduction in symptoms distress and patients who noted improvements in pain, fatigue, nausea, appetite, sleep and breathing.

Researchers measured the quality of life and symptoms distress of 1244 cancer patients obtaining alternative therapies in addition to conventional cancer treatments.

Some of the therapies included aromatherapy, reiki, meditation and chi breathing.

Dr. David Joske, head researcher and Head of Hematology at Charles Gairdner Hospital stated that the research has shown beneficial effects that alternative therapies can have on cancer patients. However, it is too soon to know if these therapies have an essential effect or just give a placebo effect.

Nevertheless, there is no question that there is an improved result in cancer patients. Dr. Joske remarks that he has witnessed in his own patients alterations in their mental state to feel encouraged by their cancer management. This research brings about a influential case for alternative medicine.

The also noticed a change in demeanor towards going to their treatments which is most probably due to the alternative treatments they are receiving in addition to the less pleasing conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. This most likely improves agreement to conventional treatments.

Professor Bruce Mann, COSA President, stated that the conclusions found was interesting. The suggestion that alternative therapies may add to patients having a more positive approach to conventional treatments is welcome and deserves further examination.

Many persons in the United States use alternative treatments during and after their conventional cancer treatments. These are to be used in conjunction with conventional treatments like chemotherapy. Even though there are persons who use alternative treatments alone for their cancer treatments it is not recommended to stop using conventional treatments. Alternative and conventional treatments can be used together. Alternative treatments can improve emotional well being, quality of life and relieve symptoms of conventional treatments such as nausea, fatigue and pain. Here are a few of the treatments used.

Acupuncture

Clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture treatments can aide in relief of symptoms such as nausea, pain, strengthen body and other numerous side effects from conventional treatments.

Many cancer centers offer acupuncture such as Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Chinese medicine is one of the oldest types of medicines in the world.

Even with the leading anti-nausea medications available, nausea and vomiting still effects 60% of cancer patients. Studies have substantiated that acupuncture can relieve these effects. Cancer associated pain such as muscle and bladder spasms have been noted to be relieved with acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture also aides in heightening the immune system and increase recovery time along with energy levels.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic therapies are also offered in numerous cancer centers including Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Patients with cancer who undergo procedures or treatments to fight the disease have an immense amount of stress placed on their musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.

Aches and pain in neck and back, sciatica, headaches and problems moving or walking are all symptoms of cancer treatments.

Chiropractors can aide patients with the incapacitating pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care can decrease stress increase mobility, flexibility, strength, function, improve quality of life and overall well being.

Chiropractic care is one of the most widely accepted and used treatments today. Chiropractors are health care practitioners associated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal health problems such as back and neck pain. Chiropractors treat and ease bone, muscle and joint pain without the use of medications.

Chiropractic care in cancer patients can provide relief for pain and stiffness in joints muscles which is caused by intense surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It can also provide alleviation in many other symptoms including pain or numbness in hands and feet.

Chiropractic adjustments among other therapies which include TENS units, heat, ice, non-force techniques, exercise and more.

Tai Chi

Is another known alternative therapy that is used in cancer clinics. Tai Chi in cancer patients can strengthen the immune system, balance the body and aide in proper breathing when practice on a regular basis. Among its numerous mental and physical benefits it provides improved focus, less stress, better balance and flexibility.

Training of this kind strengthens the weakness in a person, provides better sleep quality, improves digestion and heightens immune system responses.

There are many versions of the original style of Tai Chi due to limitations on a persons body today. It is imperative to find a good teacher. Word of mouth is usually the best choice. If after two weeks of session you notice a warm connection and good reaction then you have found the right master for yourself.

Chinese Herbs

The use of Chinese herbs either by themselves or with chemotherapy may aide a patients bone marrow and immune system.

Chinese herbs, which include combinations of herbal compounds or extracts as prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner can counteract the effects of chemotherapy treatments. There are many different herbs that relate to different types of cancers and effects from treatments. It is best to seek advice from a Chines medicine practitioner.

Some of the herbs used include:

Shi Shang Bai as used in cases of smaller body type cancers like nose, throat, lungs and liver. It has been noted that when this formula is used with chemotherapy or radiation therapy it can speed up remission.

Red Clover in laboratory studies have shown that this herb may aide in prevention and combat malignant tumors especially in cases of breast and prostate cancers.

Some alternative practitioners in or around Detroit area:

Detroit Community Acupuncture

4100 Woodward Avenue

Detroit

313-831-3222

Community Health Acupuncture

801 Livernois Street

Ferndale

248-246-7289

Acupuncture & Herbs Miracle

23700 Orchard Lake Road Suite K

Farmington Hills