Cancer patients may benefit from exploring complementary and alternative therapies like acupuncture or yoga as complementary methods to manage side effects from cancer treatments, like nausea and fatigue. These practices can help manage discomfort from such treatments by relieving side effects like nausea.
Prior to trying any alternative therapy, it’s essential that you discuss it with your traditional healthcare provider. Learn about their background and training as well as treatment modalities available.
CAM is a term that covers all types of complementary and alternative therapies
CAM refers to a wide variety of healing practices not considered part of conventional Western medicine, often drawing inspiration from ancient traditions or beliefs, with an aim to prevent illness and promote wellbeing. More research studies are now testing CAM methods’ efficacy and safety; according to US National Institutes of Health categorizations of these healing modalities as alternative medical systems, biologically based therapies, manipulative/body based methods energy therapies or mind/body interventions as five broad categories.
Some complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments can be used alongside standard medical care; examples include acupuncture, meditation, yoga, prayer and support groups. Other CAM therapies may act as alternatives – for instance using amygdalin sold under the brand name Laetrile to treat cancer without FDA approval or sufficient scientific proof that it works.
Before undertaking any complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, always consult with a healthcare provider first as these may cause side effects or interfere with any medications you’re already taking. Furthermore, please inform them if you plan to use any CAM therapies during chemotherapy as this could potentially harm the developing embryo or fetus in some instances.
People living with cancer frequently employ complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies as part of their cancer care regime, since these can alleviate pain and side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment, while helping individuals feel more positive about themselves and the process.
An increasing number of people are turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for their healthcare needs, particularly chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, these techniques have also proven useful in relieving stress-related disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.
Some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities have been thoroughly researched, and their benefits are well documented. Unfortunately, most forms of CAM are still not widely accepted by medical professionals; nonetheless, many CAM therapies are slowly being integrated into mainstream medicine through breakthrough research being published in leading medical journals; doctors and nurses alike are beginning to take them more seriously.
People use complementary therapies for a variety of reasons
If you are considering complementary therapies, be sure to speak to your physician first. They can offer guidance and assist in finding an ideal practitioner; additionally, they’ll ensure it does not interfere with any standard cancer treatments you might already be receiving.
Complementary therapies are medications or health practices used in combination with standard treatments for various reasons, often to manage side effects from standard treatment such as pain or nausea. They may also boost immunity or enhance quality of life – most healthcare providers agree that adding complementary therapies alongside standard treatments can benefit patients.
Some types of complementary therapy are more strongly supported by scientific evidence than others. The amount of evidence for any particular therapy depends on its number, type and quality of studies; for instance a well-designed randomized controlled trial has far greater weight than 20 smaller studies.
Many people believe complementary therapies can have profound emotional and spiritual benefits, helping people feel in control of their lives and cope more easily with cancer treatments and related challenges. Furthermore, some may find these forms of alternative medicine cost-effective compared with standard medical services.
Research indicates that complementary therapies may be effective at managing symptoms associated with disease and its treatment, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea or sore mouth following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. More evidence needs to support the efficacy of complementary therapies as cancer treatments.
When selecting a complementary therapy practitioner, be sure that they have been licensed and trained. Also ask if they have experience treating people living with cancer. Furthermore, inform your complementary therapists of all traditional medicines you are currently taking so they can provide optimal care.
Remind yourself that no complementary therapy can treat, prevent, or cure cancer – any such claims must be treated as dubious and should probably be avoided. Furthermore, it’s wise to steer clear of dietary supplements which haven’t been tested thoroughly for safety by an agency such as FDA – in such an instance they could withdraw it from sale altogether or issue warnings accordingly.
There is some research into how well complementary therapies work
Complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, herbal medicines and other products known as complementary therapies have become big business, becoming popular with people diagnosed with cancer as well as their loved ones. Unfortunately, little is known about how well they work or any potential side effects they might cause; some studies are currently investigating if certain complementary therapies help alleviate some of the symptoms related to breast cancer treatment such as fatigue, nausea, pain or depression.
How strong the research evidence on a therapy depends on both its type and quality, such as randomized controlled trials. One large trial can provide more convincing results than 20 smaller ones with similar findings; similarly, type and size of population studied also make a difference – more research conducted on one therapy increases its viability as safe and effective option.
Some complementary therapies may interact with conventional treatments, so it’s wise to consult your traditional healthcare provider prior to trying any complementary therapies. They can provide insight into their safety and effectiveness as well as recommend scientific journals or books with more information. It is advisable to try one new complementary therapy at a time – that way if it does not relieve symptoms quickly enough you can quickly identify why.
Researchers are investigating whether certain complementary therapies can boost immune systems and help fight cancer, as well as how these techniques may impact mental state and wellbeing. Evidence suggests that feeling good and decreasing stress might improve a person’s immunity function; clinical trials are being performed to test this theory.
Complementary therapies may not be widely available in the US, but there are still ways to access information on them. A great resource is the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s site which offers factsheets, consensus reports and databases as well as links to useful websites for both practitioners and patients alike.
Health professionals are supportive of people using complementary therapies
People living with cancer who are being treated may find complementary therapies beneficial in managing side effects of treatment, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs. Acupuncture may also ease sore mouth symptoms after surgery to remove lymph nodes from the neck. Health care professionals generally support complementary therapies and encourage their use; although some may hesitate to recommend them due to them not having been rigorously tested like conventional medical treatments have.
Before trying complementary therapies, it is wise to consult your health care provider. Doing this will enable you to understand what benefits they might bring and whether or not they pose any danger for you personally. Furthermore, make sure your complementary therapist knows which conventional cancer treatments you are currently receiving as this will ensure their therapy doesn’t conflict with them or interfere in any way with them.
If you are considering trying complementary therapy, it is a good idea to keep a diary detailing any symptoms you experience and how the treatments help manage them. Furthermore, keep a record of any supplements taken as well as exact dosage information. Bring this record with you when visiting your physician so they can ensure the right dose. Additionally, start slowly; this way if one approach doesn’t work out for you can easily switch to something else.
Consider finding a practitioner licensed in complementary therapy. While licensing doesn’t guarantee safe or high-quality care, it demonstrates they have met certain training and certification standards. You could ask your physician or nurse for recommendations, or contact the wellness center of a hospital nearby for more information about practitioners nearby.
