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Since complementary and alternative medicine have not been thoroughly scientifically evaluated, you should always notify your traditional healthcare provider if you decide to experiment with any complementary remedies.
Misuse can cause severe harm, and interfere with conventional therapies.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine in which needles are placed into specific points on the body – including ears (auricular acupuncture). Dating back to 100 B.C, its practice has been used either alongside traditional treatments such as physical therapy and medication or as an alternative solution for conditions like migraines, depression anxiety and infertility (including migraine headaches and anxiety) among other ailments; recent studies also indicate it could even help manage side effects associated with cancer treatment.
Contrary to conventional therapies, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices have not been subjected to extensive scientific scrutiny; consequently not all forms are safe or effective. Yet a growing body of evidence shows some complementary treatments such as acupuncture and mindfulness may be beneficial in helping individuals manage pain, stress and other symptoms effectively.
Informing traditional health care providers of any complementary therapies you are exploring is crucial, as they can assist in providing resources and information about safety and effectiveness of such methods.
Selecting a licensed acupuncturist is also crucial, as these practitioners must undergo an intensive education program and exam before receiving their license, in addition to regularly updating their knowledge base. Be certain your chosen acupuncturist understands any health conditions you have and how they could impact treatment. Some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments such as hypnosis and meditation have been demonstrated to produce nonspecific effects that could benefit health, such as reduced blood pressure or greater relaxation. These benefits may stem from the placebo effect, in which an individual believes a treatment is working and thus feels better as a result. Other CAM treatments have demonstrated real biological effects like decreasing inflammation or improving mood.
Massage
Massage therapy is an alternative and complementary therapy that can improve overall body functioning by relieving pain, detoxifying the system, restoring flexibility and breaking down scar tissue. Furthermore, therapeutic massage can boost immunity as well as ease anxiety and stress relief – particularly helpful for people living with chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments or palliative care services.
Researchers have discovered that massage helps lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, providing relief from symptoms of many health conditions, including heart disease, constipation, asthma, high blood pressure and migraines. Massage can also provide great muscle tension relief; helping those experiencing chronic back pain as well as those suffering from diabetes, arthritis and depression.
As well as its use with other therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, Acupuncture has also become increasingly prevalent within conventional healthcare settings – often hospices and units for people with learning disabilities or mental health conditions.
There are different forms of massage available, including effleurage, petrissage and kneading. Cupping massage involves placing heated cups over your body to increase blood flow which in turn decreases inflammation and pain levels. Meditation is another popular alternative and complementary therapy, and can be done both alone or with others to relax the mind and increase mindfulness. Meditation may also help with anxiety reduction and insomnia prevention as well as increase medication effectiveness. NCCIH defines whole systems complementary and alternative medicine (WSCAM) as “complete systems of theory and practice that have developed independently or alongside allopathic (conventional) medicines,” including TCM (including acupuncture, tui na, qi gong and Chinese herbs), Ayurved medicine, classical homeopathy and indigenous healing systems.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves inhaling or applying essential oils extracted from flowers and other plants–known as aromatherapy essential oils–through your nose or skin, inhaling or applying their scent through skin contact to relax, stimulate or calm you. They may even help alleviate symptoms like stress and insomnia; studies show lavender’s scent in particular reduces activation of your “fight-or-flight” response and its physical symptoms such as sweaty palms or racing heart rates.
Complementary therapies are used in addition to standard cancer treatments to help improve your wellbeing and manage its side effects, including massage therapy, meditation, biofeedback, yoga, tai chi, reiki and music therapy. You might also try acupuncture, herbal medicines and dietary supplements.
Some complementary therapies have been researched scientifically; others have not. Therefore, it’s advisable to discuss any new complementary therapies with a healthcare provider as they can provide reliable sources of information regarding safety and effectiveness of complementary approaches.
Some complementary therapies encourage individuals to assume greater responsibility for their own health, which may be beneficial if it means following advice and taking measures to remain healthy. But this approach can also overlook environmental, social, and cultural influences that impact wellbeing; furthermore some alternative and complementary therapies may interfere with or worsen certain medical conditions or offer false hope of cures.
Meditation
Though a person may appear to be doing nothing more than breathing deeply and repeating words or sounds, their brain is actually working hard. Multiple research studies have demonstrated that those who meditate regularly experience changes to both brain structure and function, including denser grey matter, increased focus and concentration abilities, reduced depression risk factors (PTSD), reduced symptoms of anxiety as well as lower blood pressure/heart rate as well as less buildup in their arteries.
Meditation has its origins in ancient philosophies and world religions, yet anyone can practice it. Meditation’s aim is to promote an inner state of calmness, balance and peace – qualities which can reduce stress while improving emotional health and mental wellbeing. Furthermore, practicing it can equip you with skills for managing it when stressful events arise in daily life.
Complementary therapies tend to take a holistic approach, in that they view your body as one system, where everything you do, such as eating or experiencing stress, impacts its overall health and wellness. They promote feelings of well-being, pleasure and positivity – examples include traditional Chinese medicine (which encompasses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicines and Tui na massage), Ayurveda Medicine, classical homeopathy or Indigenous Healing systems.
Whenever considering complementary therapies, always discuss them with your healthcare provider first. They can give insight into its safety and efficacy as well as whether or not it would suit you best. Also be sure to inform them of any complementary practices you are currently engaging in so they have a full picture of your health status.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is an alternative therapy that uses mental and emotional techniques to help treat medical conditions, such as cancer. While hypnotherapy won’t cure your cancer, it may reduce symptoms or side effects from treatment and provide some relief.
People use hypnosis for many different purposes, including stress and pain relief, weight loss and to overcome phobias and addictions. Furthermore, it has even been used as part of cancer treatments to address depression and anxiety symptoms.
Different approaches to hypnotherapy involve individuals settling down comfortably and relaxing their body from its feet up in order to induce a deep state of relaxation, often called “trance.” While in this state they might focus on breathing in and out or focus on something that makes them feel safe or contented; their mind might even wander off somewhere it feels safe or happy. Once in this trance state the individual may focus on breathing in and out or focus on their mind wandering to safe or happy places while the therapist provides suggestions designed to assist with their condition – relaxing during treatments or visualising how treatment will impact upon their bodies or simply counting from 1-5 when desired to break out of this state of trance when needed or instructed them on when to come out of this state by counting from 1-5 or counting 1-5 when wanted out!
Many may view hypnosis as something unwitting or unwanted, yet it is important to remember that you can never be coerced into saying anything that violates your moral code or ethical code. You have every right to refuse therapist suggestions and snap out of a trance at any time if necessary; any attempt by another to coerce you into participating would constitute a breach of ethics and they could face legal ramifications. It is best to consult your traditional healthcare provider prior to engaging any complementary therapies and ensure there is reliable scientific data regarding them before engaging any complementary therapies yourself.
