Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are standard forms of treatment for colon cancer; these therapies may cause side effects; to manage them effectively many people turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Before initiating any complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) regimens, it is wise to speak with your healthcare provider. Some CAM techniques could conflict with traditional treatments or potentially even be harmful.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy practice involving placing needles at specific points on the body. According to ancient Chinese tradition, this ancient Chinese practice activates natural healing processes within our bodies to promote overall wellness. Acupuncture has proven successful at treating numerous conditions ranging from colon cancer and pain management, nausea and fatigue management; some patients even incorporate regular acupuncture treatments into their cancer care plans.
A recent small study with 47 people conducted by acupuncture practitioners concluded that this form of alternative medicine could ease chemotherapy-induced nausea by decreasing levels of an aldehyde chemical found in your blood that causes this discomfort. Acupuncture can also improve side effects like peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness) as well as hot flushes.
However, it is vital that you find an experienced acupuncturist when treating cancer patients. You should also select someone familiar with using herbs with acupuncture since certain chemotherapy agents may interfere with this technique and prevent its full effectiveness.
Researchers are studying how acupuncture works. One theory suggests that inserting needles at specific points on the skin could activate natural healing mechanisms within your brain and also influence circulation of blood within the body; improving circulation could reduce tumor growth while increasing overall survival rates.
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to decrease postoperative ileus after colon cancer surgery. A 2023 randomized trial comparing electroacupuncture and sham acupuncture revealed that acupuncture significantly shortened time to recovery of bowel function; however, results focused on short-term outcomes without investigating its long-term effects on PONV and GI function.
Acupuncture can be an effective and safe treatment option for colon cancer patients, so physicians should incorporate it as part of palliative care if standard therapies do not work as intended. However, doctors must remember that it should never replace conventional medical interventions as there may be risks involved with using alternative approaches like acupuncture as cancer cure.
Yoga
Yoga is an exercise to help reduce cancer symptoms or side effects. This holistic practice includes stretching, breathing exercises and meditation – typically practiced by groups in classes led by an instructor – which may help patients relax during cancer treatments while staying calmer throughout. Studies indicate yoga’s safety when practiced under supervision by qualified instructors.
Some cancer centers and hospitals provide yoga classes at no or low cost for people living with cancer. If you would like to try yoga, first consult your physician on whether it would be suitable. Next, find a teacher trained specifically in cancer.
“Yoga” comes from two Sanskrit words yuj and yogi, meaning to unite or join together, which were originally developed about 5,000 years ago in India as spiritual practices but later transformed into physical postures (asanas) and breath work (pranayama).
Studies of yoga have demonstrated its ability to help improve quality of life for those living with cancer. Yoga has been found to reduce anxiety, depression and fatigue while simultaneously increasing spirituality and sense of well being. Furthermore, yoga may ease side effects associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapies by relieving stress, fatigue and other aspects.
One of the more frequent side effects of colon cancer treatments is constipation. Yoga can help address this by encouraging peristalsis and improving digestion; additionally, yoga may assist with detoxing your body of any harmful toxins.
Child’s Pose can help relieve constipation by massaging the abdomen and stretching the colon in specific ways, while Camel Pose may encourage movement within the colon while opening up chest, neck, hips, shoulders and reducing stress.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of yoga as an aid against insomnia, an often-common side effect of cancer treatments. The Cochrane Database of System Reviews examined 24 trials on its effects – results were mixed due to small participant numbers and different study characteristics across trials.
Tai Chi
Tai chi or Taijiquan (Tai Ji Quan) has often been described as “meditation in motion” or an “internal martial art.” It involves gentle, flowing movements characterized by slow, circular and graceful sequences designed to build inner life energy (qi).
There are various styles of Tai chi, but all share common elements. Tai chi emphasizes balance, flexibility and strength development through gentle movements that utilize natural breathing patterns and gentle movements accompanied by breathing techniques to release tension in the body and promote mindfulness by helping people notice bodily sensations. Tai chi can easily be learned and can accommodate anyone from those physically fit to wheelchair users – easily adapting for them all through gentle movements with natural breathing which release stress while teaching biofeedback to notice bodily sensations.
Studies have demonstrated that Tai chi can significantly enhance quality of life, balance, agility and reduce fatigue and depression among cancer survivors.
One study concluded that Tai chi improved back pain for people living with osteoarthritis. Another found it helped decrease fatigue among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments; yet some research has yet to show its benefit.
Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of Tai Chi to increase muscle strength while improving cardiovascular endurance and balance, potentially helping older adults prevent falls as well as treat depression and anxiety.
Tai chi originated in China as a form of self-defense but later integrated the philosophy and movements associated with Taoism and Confucianism. Some movements may resemble those used in acupuncture. Tai chi has come to be known as an internal martial art as its combination of fighting techniques with healing meditation techniques and postures gives an overall holistic benefit.
Qigong and tai chi are considered complementary therapies, meaning you use them alongside traditional treatment approaches for colon cancer. To ensure optimal results from any new approach to care, consult with your health care provider prior to pursuing it; they can explain its effects on your plan as well as help locate qualified instructors – licensed or not – through various organizations that offer training or certification programs for instructors.
Meditation
Meditation is a mind-body technique used to reduce stress and promote relaxation, with various advantages such as lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels; reduced anxiety levels; improved mental clarity and even cancer-related fatigue relief; it may even boost immune function and postpone chronic pain episodes according to research studies.
Before undertaking any alternative therapy, it’s wise to consult your healthcare team. Your physician can recommend qualified instructors and help select a practice tailored specifically for you. In addition, be aware of any potential risks such as certain alternative treatments interfering with cancer medications you are currently taking or causing reactions during cancer treatments.
Meditation works best when tailored specifically to you and your preferences, including sitting or walking meditation, deep breathing techniques, visualizing images or repeating a word or phrase. Resources can be found both online (Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials page) and through traditional channels such as books or doctors for assistance – as well as asking a mental health provider or primary care provider.
Sit cross-legged on either the floor or chair with eyes closed and focus on your breath, feeling its rise and fall as air moves in and out. When your thoughts wander off track, simply notice them and return your attention back to breathing sensations.
Regular meditation has been demonstrated to alter brain structure, leading to greater thickness in the prefrontal cortex – essential for emotional regulation and clear thinking – and reduce cortisol levels, which tend to rise during times of stress or depression.
Meditation has its roots in ancient philosophies and world religions, yet anyone can practice it – no matter their faith background. Meditation can be done alone or with others in group settings such as therapy sessions. There are various meditation techniques available online or through apps available from community groups that you can access easily.
