Alternative and complementary therapies (CAM) refers to treatments that fall outside the realm of conventional medicine; some of them may prove useful for some individuals; however, none offer lasting solutions for serious illnesses.
Before beginning therapy, it’s essential to gain an understanding of what it involves as well as its regulatory structures.
Complementary therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatment
Many cancer patients turn to complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation and art therapy in order to manage their symptoms and manage stress, improve mood and ease pain. Although these approaches may help, they should always be discussed with your physician first as some can interfere with traditional cancer medication regimens and interfere with treatments such as chemotherapy.
Conventional medicine is the mainstay of medical treatments like cancer. It relies on scientific evidence and has undergone an intensive testing process. Common conventional treatments include medication, surgery and diet or exercise adjustments. There are alternative medicines based on science that have not undergone as much extensive testing – these types of remedies are known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs).
CAM therapies are generally administered by licensed health professionals; however, their training may not compare to that of traditional doctors. Therefore, it’s essential that any therapist you visit be registered with a professional association or regulated body which maintains codes of practice as well as public registers of practitioners; should you become dissatisfied with any service received from one therapist you can file a formal complaint to this body.
Complementary therapies refers to therapies used in addition to standard medical treatments; unlike alternative medicine which usually replaces them. An oncologist might advise using complementary therapies like acupuncture and gentle yoga in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapies in order to alleviate pain and fatigue caused by these treatments.
Though complementary therapies don’t have scientific evidence of effectiveness, some do offer benefits for cancer patients. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to relieve back pain and headaches while helping with side effects from some cancer drugs like nausea and vomiting.
Although many cancer patients believe complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) can help them feel better, it’s important to remember that not all CAMs are suitable for everyone and some can even be harmful or even toxic if combined with certain conventional medicines.
They may help you to feel better
Complementary therapies may help people feel better during and after cancer treatment. Common examples include yoga, tai chi, meditation and acupuncture – these techniques may also be effective ways to manage pain relief, alleviate side effects and decrease stress levels. It is important to find an experienced therapist in this area; one who understands how these therapies interact with conventional treatments such as medicine and chemotherapy treatments.
Traditionalally, alternative medicine refers to practices not taught or recognized as part of mainstream medicine. But alternative treatments have become more accepted within healthcare communities in recent years; many traditional doctors now provide acupuncture and complementary therapies, and more and more insurance plans cover these services.
Natural remedies, mind-body practices and bodywork fall under three main categories of complementary therapies: natural remedies, mind-body practices and bodywork. Examples of natural therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine and massage as natural therapies; for instance acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points on the body in order to balance energy – this practice has been scientifically demonstrated as being highly effective by many studies. Many traditional practitioners believe illness stems from imbalances within our bodies which ultimately result in sickness. They encourage their patients to pursue holistic approaches towards healthcare for optimal health benefits.
If you are considering complementary therapies, ask your physician for their recommendation of practitioners. He or she may know someone with experience treating cancer patients and, when meeting with one, make sure to tell him or her all of the relevant details regarding your current cancer treatments plan and any health concerns you are currently dealing with; this information can help tailor a tailored therapy program just for you.
There are no clear-cut guidelines regarding which complementary therapies cancer patients should utilize, as some could interfere with cancer treatments or cause side effects that are serious enough to interfere. Before beginning any therapy, always consult with your physician first and if approved then proceed with it. It is also essential that you find a therapist you trust who will listen and understand your needs as they provide valuable support through your cancer journey.
They may interact with conventional cancer treatments
While complementary therapies have been proven to enhance quality of life for many individuals, some can interfere with cancer treatments or cause harm. This is particularly true for dietary supplements like vitamins, herbs and herbal remedies which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may not meet safety or purity standards; additionally they could interact with certain prescription medications; it’s always wise to consult your doctor prior to undertaking complementary therapies.
Complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, yoga and meditation may be used alongside conventional medical care to help relax patients, relieve stress and alleviate discomfort. They are frequently available at hospitals, cancer support centers, hospices and charities – some may even be free; the amount charged depends on your budget.
Traditional Western medicines and surgical treatments have been rigorously examined for effectiveness, while there has been less research conducted on complementary therapies. Of those that show promise, those that show promise have been found to reduce pain, nausea and fatigue associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments as well as help patients become more positive about their disease and increase well-being.
Alternative therapies should not be seen as cures for cancer, but can be helpful in controlling side effects like pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, some practices have yet to be scientifically tested and may pose health risks; in some cases even linked with fatalities from cancer patients or hinder successful treatments; it is therefore vitally important that any complementary therapy be discussed with a cancer doctor first before considering using any complementary therapy practices.
“Complementary therapies” refers to therapies used in addition to standard medical care, such as using acupuncture to ease chemotherapy side effects. Conversely, “alternative” therapies refers to therapies not typically included within standard treatments like special diets or apricot kernels.
Integrative medicine refers to an approach that includes both complementary and alternative therapies in its holistic approach to health care, and places emphasis on lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress reduction and social connection in order to promote good health and reduce chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
They are not always safe
Complementary therapy and alternative therapy are often confused for one another and used interchangeably, sometimes being combined into one phrase such as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). But there is a distinct distinction between them; complementary therapies may be used alongside conventional medical care while alternative medicine typically replaces it.
Meditation, hypnosis and yoga are among the most frequently practiced complementary therapies, with studies showing they can reduce stress and improve sleep while potentially mitigating side effects of conventional cancer therapies. While not suitable for everyone, it’s wise to speak to your physician prior to undertaking any new complementary therapy practices.
Other complementary therapies may not be as well understood and have yet to be established as safe or effective, such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements and mind-body practices. Though many of these practices are natural they may still cause side effects or interact with certain prescription drugs – the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements so quality and purity levels of these products may vary significantly.
Many cancer patients rely on complementary therapies to manage symptoms and side effects associated with cancer treatments. Others utilize them simply to feel better or cope with stress. While some health professionals may endorse such practices, others may hesitate to recommend them due to scientific testing limitations which might interfere with cancer treatments.
Alternative therapies are founded on the idea that illness occurs when our bodies become out of balance, and that they believe our bodies can heal themselves given adequate support – such as healthy diet, adequate sleep and emotional care. Some alternative therapies like homeopathy claim to treat specific diseases by correcting their root imbalance.
Alternative therapies that have not been scientifically evaluated may be harmful or ineffective; for instance, acupuncture may cause allergic reactions in some individuals and alter blood pressure; the FDA warns against its use by people who suffer from clotting disorders.
