Alternative therapies are practices not considered part of mainstream medicine, and include such services as acupuncture, biofeedback and meditation. Some people refer to them as holistic while others refer to them as alternative or complementary medicine.
Alternative cancer therapies often make claims that they can treat or cure cancer; however, there is no scientific proof for such claims; instead they could be based on studies of cancer cells or the placebo effect.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda translates to “life knowledge.” This ancient Indian system of healing is founded on the belief that life flourishes when energy flows freely and natural defenses remain strong. Ayurvedic practitioners utilize diet, exercise, herbal treatments and dietary changes in order to create balance within body, mind and spirit; imbalanced doshas cause health problems; Ayurveda strives to restore these balances as well as promote prevention by teaching people how to live healthier lives in order to avoid illness altogether.
Ayurvedic doctors evaluate health by asking questions, performing a physical exam and observing tongue, eyes and voice characteristics. Once they identify which dosha dominates, Ayurved practitioners use various methods to ascertain its dominance; then suggest treatments designed to balance out this dosha using massage, healthy diets and sleep schedules as appropriate solutions.
Studies have demonstrated that Ayurved practices may help reduce stress and anxiety, thus leading to reduced blood pressure. They may also aid digestion and weight loss. Unfortunately, however, no solid evidence suggests Ayurvedic practices actually assist with fighting cancer or other serious diseases; hence it should never replace conventional medical care in their use.
Bloodletting or forceful vomiting are among the many Ayurvedic practices that may cause serious harm to patients with cancer or other diseases. Bloodletting can reduce blood cell counts, leading to fatigue (fatigue) and breathlessness; forced vomiting upsets your salt and mineral balance in the body; while some herbs have potentially dangerous interactions when used alongside certain cancer drugs or radiotherapy therapies.
Yoga, relaxation techniques and massage are among the safest ayurvedic treatments; however, some herbal medicines that haven’t been adequately tested might be harmful for people living with cancer or other illnesses. Before using any herbal therapies it’s essential that you consult your therapist about potential risks when using these remedies – specifically regarding any potential interactions between specific herbs and cancer treatment or prevent any side effects occurring due to interactions. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet with no foods known to increase cancer risks (caffeine or red meat), is also recommended –
Reiki
Reiki energy healing technique has quickly gained prominence within the medical community, with one study finding it reduced pain and anxiety among cancer patients. Based on an electromagnetic field called the biofield that surrounds all living things – some researchers claim this radii out 15 feet or further; its creation occurs through cells producing positive and negative electrical charges which produce magnetic fields; it helps regulate heartbeat as well as communicate between organs such as brain.
Reiki practitioners claim that biofield therapies have an influence over the autonomic nervous system, which controls our fight or flight responses and rest and digest functions of the body. Reiki can reportedly assist the body’s return to a parasympathetic-dominant state characterized by relaxation and calmness – making it suitable as part of conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. When searching for qualified Reiki practitioners it’s essential that they are members of an accredited Reiki association; you may even check their website for listings of qualified practitioners near your area.
Reiki may only have limited evidence to back it up, yet studies show it can help alleviate symptoms related to fibromyalgia and anxiety. According to one recent study, Reiki outperformed a placebo when it came to improving sleep quality and mood; another found it reduced symptoms of burnout among healthcare professionals.
An hour-long reiki session typically provides deep relaxation. Your practitioner may dim the lights or play soothing music to help you unwind during this treatment, while their hands resting lightly upon or just above your body and moving over all major body areas – from head to foot. Many patients report feeling completely calm after leaving this treatment session.
Even though there’s no scientific proof that reiki taps into an universal life force, many people believe in its healing properties. Many cite how it relieves chronic pain and anxiety while aiding sleep quality – providing emotional support as well as helping boost their self-esteem. Though not an official cure for herniated disks or autoimmune disease treatments, reiki may serve as an effective addition.
Healing touch
Healing Touch is an energy therapy practice, proven to reduce stress. Additionally, Healing Touch is increasingly being used as part of treatment plans for cancer patients; its side-effect reduction may reduce chemotherapy’s side effects. A Healing Touch session typically lasts 20 minutes with practitioners using rhythmical hand movements over the patient’s body in an attempt to address energetic imbalances they believe exist – the patient may sit or lie down during these sessions.
Healing Touch practitioners believe that all living beings have an energy field surrounding their physical bodies that interacts with the environment in constant exchange, with blockages in this flow leading to illness. Their aim is to reorder this field in order to restore health or redirect extra energy towards areas which require it more.
Healing Touch sessions involve moving their hands over your body in a series of sweeping hand motions or lightly placing their hands on specific parts. Patients usually recline or lie down fully clothed during these sessions; afterwards they often feel relaxed and peaceful. Some individuals even report experiencing sensations like moving energy, feelings of being supported and nurtured or visions of images and colors during or after healing touch sessions.
Some researchers have attempted to measure the efficacy of Healing Touch, but it has proved challenging. Research shows that brain waves change following an Healing Touch session but it remains unclear whether this has any correlation to patient symptoms. A more accurate way of testing its efficacy would be measuring biomagnetic fields using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID).
Healing Touch may not cure diseases directly, but it should be understood as just one part of an holistic healthcare approach. Other therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy and ayurveda all offer relief and can work together to assist the body’s natural healing processes while decreasing discomfort or symptoms.
Plant medicine
Plant Medicine is an alternative therapy which employs plant seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark and flowers to promote good health and treat disease. Plant medicines have been around for millennia and are believed to help the body heal itself naturally. You can find plant medicines at many different places including apothecaries and natural food stores; online retailers also sell herbal remedies as supplements to conventional treatments but these should never replace professional medical advice.
Humans have utilized plant medicine ever since writing was developed. Papyri from ancient China and Egypt show medicinal uses of herbs; while in around AD 60 Greek physician Dioscorides wrote De Materia Medica – five volumes covering plant parts, collection methods, medicinal benefits, etc.
Today, plant medicines are being utilized to combat some of the world’s deadliest illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. Furthermore, they may help alleviate symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Additionally to traditional medicine, plant medicines are being studied clinically as well. This includes hallucinogenic plants like psilocybin mushrooms that have recently been brought back into healing ceremonies by indigenous communities around the world. Researchers are exploring their effects on the brain in hopes that psychedelics might provide treatment options for mental illness.
Herbal remedies have long been part of daily diets in many cultures around the world and continue to gain popularity. Herbs offer vital sources of vitamins and minerals while also offering potential cures or remedies for illness.
However, some herbs haven’t been tested in controlled clinical trials to ascertain their effectiveness. According to the National Institutes of Health, herbal medicines don’t rely on scientific evidence and may not work as effectively as drugs; thus educating patients about them and not dismissing them outright as placebo treatments is crucial.
Even so, more doctors are turning to herbs as part of their treatments due to discontent with pharmaceutical medication costs and patients looking for alternative therapies that address emotional and energetic imbalances.
