Many women considering ovarian cancer treatment are curious to explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture, mindfulness and herbal remedies as possible adjunct therapies. But how can you know which options are safe? This episode investigates this subject matter.
Researchers are creating a vaccine designed to prevent recurrence of LGSOC for those who have already undergone surgery and chemotherapy treatments, using white blood cells as immune boosters in a preventative vaccine.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine practice based on the concept that small doses of substances can treat illness. Homeopathy has become an increasingly popular complementary cancer therapy method. A qualified homeopath will listen carefully to your symptoms before prescribing an individual remedy – unlike conventional medicines used in homeopathy however, homeopathic remedies tend to be much weaker, often having no physical impact at all – or possibly interfering with other medications you are currently taking.
Research into the effects of homeopathy treatment for cancer patients is limited and has yielded mixed results. Some studies suggest that homeopathic medicines could alleviate chemotherapy or radiation-related side effects; however, more investigation needs to take place to verify this claim.
Research remains limited, yet many people report that homeopathic treatment can help alleviate fatigue and enhance quality of life. But this should not be taken as proof of cure; improvements could occur gradually over time with assistance from both homeopathy as well as its practitioner reassurance.
Note: It is recommended that if you are taking homeopathic treatments alongside standard medical treatment, that they should be brought along on each visit with your physician in order to ensure they don’t interfere with your plan and health risks are minimized. Some homeopathic treatments are unregulated and could put your health at risk; Ovarian Cancer Action suggests seeking professional advice prior to starting any complementary cancer therapies advertised as replacements; such treatments have not yet been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy.
Meditation
Meditation is an effective form of relaxation which reduces stress and anxiety while simultaneously encouraging physical and emotional healing. Meditation has been proven effective at helping cancer patients cope with treatment as part of an integrative healthcare approach; additionally it may assist them with dealing with emotional challenges related to living with chronic illnesses such as cancer.
To practice meditation, simply sit comfortably on either a chair or the floor and focus on your breathing – slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth – feeling its sensations as it goes in and out, noting which thoughts or emotions arise in your mind without judgment; then when your mind wanders back toward deep breathing bring it back with deep breathing exercises.
Meditation can increase brain size and grey matter, enhance memory and creativity, as well as enhance immunity. Furthermore, regular practice of meditation has been found to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels and plaque accumulation in arteries; improving sleep and mood while simultaneously strengthening your autonomic nervous system.
Mindfulness groups at many ovarian cancer treatment centers can be invaluable resources for both patients and their loved ones. Led by trained practitioners, mindfulness groups offer invaluable support. Plus, connecting with others experiencing similar situations helps create a sense of community and understanding amongst peers.
Repurposing drugs can be used to target the molecular mechanisms driving ovarian cancer progression, providing an efficient approach that shortens development time and costs significantly. This approach may even shorten development timelines significantly!
Yoga
Yoga involves positioning the body in various poses, stretching exercises and breathing techniques as part of meditation practice. Yoga may also be combined with other treatments to relieve stress and improve sleep while strengthening immune functions. When beginning any new practice of Yoga it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider first and select an instructor familiar with medical issues like cancer prevention as this could hinder practice and cause unnecessary pain. Any pose which causes discomfort should be avoided as yoga should never cause it!
Yoga has been practiced since ancient times, and there are various types of it. From chanting or singing mantras to reading sacred texts or physical challenges like deep breathing exercises – each yoga type offers something different. One such example is Ashtanga which involves six rounds of poses taught sequentially with increasing difficulty; and Kundalini which seeks to awaken your energy with movements to stimulate chi.
Yoga classes can be found at many gyms, community centers and studios, where instructors have been specially trained to work with people living with health conditions such as ovarian cancer. Yoga not only reduces stress and relaxes your body safely; it can also improve your ability to control emotions more efficiently while increasing physical activity levels in your life.
Studies suggest that yoga may lower cardiovascular disease risks, including high blood pressure and cholesterol. Unfortunately, however, most of these studies are small with limited control groups; thus more research needs to be conducted in order to verify these results.
Reiki
Reiki is an energy healing technique favored by practitioners who believe it can promote both physical and mental wellness. Reiki works by unblocking blocked energy flows throughout the body to ease pain relief and decrease stress levels. While reiki may complement other treatments – chemotherapy, surgery – it has no scientific evidence supporting its use for treating cancer or any other condition; in fact it could even be harmful if used exclusively as your sole method of therapy; its practitioners claim reiki will cure herniated disks, dislocated shoulders or anxiety disorders without medical interventions taking place; using it instead could have grave repercussions for their health if used alone as opposed to medical interventions could potentially have negative consequences for their wellbeing.
Choose an experienced practitioner when selecting your Reiki provider. There are three levels of training for Reiki practitioners; it is essential that the person providing you with treatment has completed at least level 2. Also check that they are registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), or check to see if local cancer centers or hospices offer discounted reiki treatments.
A 2021 research study demonstrated how Reiki therapy could help lower stress levels for those caring for someone living with cancer. Researchers provided weekly reiki treatments to 42 caregivers over six weeks and saw significant decreases in stress levels from this form of relaxation therapy. Further investigation is necessary; additional research may prove more fruitful.
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers. While advances in targeted therapies and clinical research have improved survival rates, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, which makes treatment challenging. Furthermore, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, making its symptoms hard to distinguish from those associated with other conditions.
Massage
Massage may not receive as much consideration in medical studies, but several small studies suggest it could provide benefit to cancer patients by relieving pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Massage also has been found to ease nausea associated with chemotherapy: one such study published by Applied Nursing Research revealed how massage reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) intensity among children receiving chemotherapy treatment.
Cancer patients frequently experience increased pain, anxiety, and stress as a result of the disease and its treatments. Many who receive massage find relief in its therapeutic benefits; whether that’s across their entire body or just locally like in their head and neck area. The effects can even be felt remotely!
Cancer patients and others facing health challenges often seek oncology massage therapy services tailored specifically to their goals, providing relief from pain and discomfort while aiding treatment sessions. This may even make treatment sessions easier to bear.
Manual lymphatic drainage, or manual lymph drainage, is a technique employed by massage therapists to increase circulation of lymph fluids. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid found in lymph vessels that travels through lymph vessels collecting bacteria, viruses and waste to the lymph nodes where they’re filtered out. Some doctors and specialist nurses believe lymphatic drainage therapy may help improve cancer patients’ symptoms by clearing away lymph nodes that trap fluid buildups that lead to lymphoedema (a buildup of fluid accumulation in arms or legs). However those wanting to explore this alternative therapy should consult with their physician first – in addition to avoid massaging areas that contain broken skin or bruised areas where skin damage exists before massaging them!
