There is a variety of complementary and alternative therapies, some having been studied thoroughly while others less so. Before engaging in any therapy yourself, please speak to a traditional healthcare provider first.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses medical and health care systems, practices and products not commonly taught or utilized as standard treatments in medical schools or used as standard therapies – for instance acupuncture, herbal medicines, relaxation techniques etc.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points on the body in order to stimulate its neural network, stimulating endorphin production which acts as natural painkillers as well as improving mood and emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture can be used for treating various conditions including migraine headaches, back pain reduction, reduced blood pressure and chemotherapy-induced nausea or surgery-related vomiting; menstrual cramps; rheumatoid arthritis as well as urinary tract issues including incontinence are just a few conditions treated using this technique.
Studies conducted in 2021 demonstrated that women undergoing breast cancer treatment who also underwent acupuncture reported improved quality of life and a more positive attitude toward their disease. Additionally, it proved both relaxing and useful to receive this form of therapy in an inclusive setting with compassionate practitioners.
Though acupuncture is considered an alternative therapy, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) advises talking with your healthcare provider before considering it as they may be able to assist you in finding an acupuncturist who is licensed in your region.
Acupuncture is generally safe for most people. However, certain patients should avoid it for various reasons. According to the NCCIH’s recommendation, patients who use artificial pacemakers or take warfarin or other anticoagulants such as Plavix should avoid it as well as those suffering uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding disorders or are pregnant should also not receive the procedure. Furthermore, epileptic patients or those suffering with neurological conditions such as epilepsy should avoid acupuncture since seizures or other complications could arise; additionally acupuncturists should avoid placing needles near patients suffering traumatic injuries to their heads either.
Massage
Massage therapy isn’t just for pampering; it has many proven health benefits for individuals of all ages and conditions, including neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, jaw pain, edema, constipation and anxiety. Although massage may appear to only have an impactful impact on muscles and joints, in reality massage has a profound effect on bone, heart, skin, blood, nervous system, digestive, respiratory systems and even brain health – this is because massage stimulates parasympathetic nervous system which slows your heart rate while lowers blood pressure while mobilizing glucose into circulation – stimulating parasympathetic nervous system which slows your heart rate by slowing your heart rate while simultaneously mobilizing glucose into cells throughout your entire body – as it stimulates parasympathetic nervous system which regulates your heart rate whilst stimulating parasympathetic nervous system which slows your heart rate while simultaneously lowers blood pressure while mobilising glucose from tissues throughout your entire body including brain!
Massage also supports the lymphatic system, which relies on muscle movement to move lymph fluid around your body and bring oxygen and nutrients into tissues while flushing away waste products, carbon dioxide, and toxins from them. Massage helps strengthen immunity to infections as well as decrease inflammation caused by exercise or physical injury or illness.
People being treated for cancer often seek complementary therapies as part of their care plan, as these can provide valuable emotional and psychological relief while mitigating adverse side effects of treatments like chemotherapy on the body.
Be mindful that complementary and alternative therapies carry risks – some lack scientific proof of effectiveness while others can cause severe side effects. Therefore, before undertaking any such therapy approaches it’s advisable to consult your GP first. However, some have been proven effective at helping cancer patients, so it may be worth testing out certain approaches if they fit well with your lifestyle.
Healing touch
Healing touch therapy, like many forms of touch therapies, is founded on the idea that individuals are naturally healthy; illness occurs when this energy flow becomes disrupted. Trained practitioners believe they can use their hands to alter this field and restore health, not only promoting wellness but also decreasing pain, increasing sleep quality and overall functioning improvement. Healing touch can complement existing medical techniques in hospitals, clinics or home care services.
At the outset of each healing touch session, the practitioner takes time to become relaxed and focused through a process called centering. Next, they scan their client’s energy field using hand motions before lightly placing their hands over or near their body. While some experience nothing, others experience sensations or images, relaxation or an overwhelming sense of being nurtured.
At a healing touch session, practitioners focus on areas of the body where discomfort or stress exist, then move their hands several inches above it using sweeping hand motions. Sometimes practitioners also move their hands in circular patterns over certain parts of the body.
Nursing has long used touch to establish caring relationships and promote relaxation among its patients. Today’s nurses are trained in several touch therapy techniques – healing touch among them – which may aid a patient by restoring harmony and balance to his/her energy field and supporting individual’s natural ability to heal themselves.
Healing Touch can be found throughout the United States and internationally in hospital wards, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities and long-term care facilities. Studies have demonstrated its benefits in terms of pain reduction, nausea relief and anxiety alleviation, strengthening immunity systems and cancer care support, recovery from surgery speed up time as well as deepening spiritual connection and building resiliency in health care providers.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is a form of complementary and alternative therapy that uses herbs as healing remedies. Herbalism has long been part of many traditional practices and cultures worldwide.
Herbs can have powerful healing properties and are increasingly being used for various health conditions. Herbal remedies may interact with medications and cause dangerous side effects; before beginning any herbal treatment plan it is advisable to discuss it with their healthcare provider first.
Finding an experienced practitioner is of utmost importance, so do your research on them prior to choosing one. Asking about their background and training as well as any certifications they hold can provide important clues as to if the practitioner has worked with other patients with your condition and vice versa is also key. Be sure to inform both traditional healthcare providers and complementary practitioners of any medications, treatments or supplements you are currently taking (such as herbs or dietary supplements) which could interfere with care delivery and so ensure there are no unnecessary gaps or setbacks.
Research has demonstrated that complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage and yoga may provide considerable relief from pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and heart rate in those living with cancer. Furthermore, such treatments may even help alleviate nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments.
Medical doctors tend to view complementary and alternative medicine as safe when used alongside standard cancer treatments; however, they caution that certain therapies could interfere with how you respond to conventional cancer therapies or even make you sicker than before. It’s always best to consult your physician first when considering any complementary or alternative therapies – even if you think one might help.
Yoga
Yoga is a holistic physical and mental health practice incorporating breathing exercises, stretching poses, relaxation techniques and breathing meditations to promote general wellbeing and stress relief. Yoga may also assist with back pain management, anxiety/depression disorders, balance issues or cancer treatments – as well as improving quality of life for people living with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Research has revealed that complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage therapy may provide some people relief from pain. It is important to remember, however, that such practices should not replace mainstream medical treatments; rather they work best when done in tandem with them and should always be carried out under supervision from a certified practitioner.
Yoga blends ancient spiritual traditions with modern scientific inquiry. Today it has gained credibility within the medical community and major organizations like the U.S. military and National Institutes of Health have accepted it. Not to be mistaken as religious, Yoga can be practiced by all faiths as well as those who consider themselves atheist or agnostic; its presence first appeared here during late 19th/early 20th century when writings by Swami Vivekananda were translated into English and published.
There are various styles of yoga, each one with its own distinctive qualities. Hatha, Bikram, Iyengar and Yin yoga are among the more commonly practiced varieties; each practice begins slowly before building into full sessions of postures, breathing practices and meditation.
