There are many people in the United States that suffer from cancer or in some way has been affected by cancer. Many of those people are very much so interested in trying anything that may help them, and there is where alternative treatments come into play. Most alternative treatment is unproved and could be harmful. To help you with an easier decision to decide what is good from the bad, here are 10 alternative treatments that have been deemed generally safe, and may provide some type of benefits. Also depending on what type of side effects that you are feeling you are recommended to do the treatment option that best treat your symptoms.
- Acupuncture. It may seem a bit scary but this process is extremely effective when you are experiencing pain, nausea, and vomiting. During this treatment, a practitioner inserts tiny needles into your skin one by one at precise points. Studies have shown that this treatment was effective in relieving nausea, which is associated with chemotherapy. The acupuncture is relatively safe by licensed individuals using the proper sterile needles. You should absolutely not use this method if you are taking blood thinners, so it is very important that you consult your doctor before doing this treatment.
2. Aromatherapy. If you are experiencing pain, stress, nausea, and vomiting this therapy might be very effective for you. Aromatherapy uses fragrant oils to provide a calming sensation for the brain. They several different ways that you can use aromatherapy, you can either have the scented oils applied to you during a message, have some in your bathing water, or have it heated to release those scents into the air. What’s good about this therapy is this is easily something that you could do on your own without a licensed professionals. It is important to know that if you have a estrogen sensitive cancer you should not apply too much.
3. Exercise. Is your cancer causing you to have fatigue and sleeping problems? Then something as simple as getting a little active and exercising may help. This exercise should be gentle as it may help you with symptoms during or after treatment. Many studies now show that an exercise program may help people with cancer live longer and improve their overall quality of life. If you are a beginner as means of exercising you should take it slow and work you way to 30 mins of exercise most days of the week.
4. Hypnosis. Are you experiencing pain, stress, and anxiety? If you answered yes to any of those 3 side effects then hypnosis may be for you. What hypnosis is it is a deep state of concentration. In this hypnosis process the therapist will then help you focus on goals, such as controlling your pain and reducing your stress. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.
5. Massage. I am pretty sure that everyone loves massages, and massages may be very effective in helping cancer patients who suffer from fatigue, pain, and stress. When you are receiving a massage your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that this massage method is effective with relieving anxiety, fatigue and stress. Don’t have a massage if your blood counts are very low.
6. Meditation. Meditation is a state of deep concentration when you focus your mind on one image, sound or idea, such as a positive thought. Meditation is good for cancer patients that deal with anxiety and stress. Meditation is also something that you can do on your own, and is generally very safe.
7. Music Therapy. Music is a very therapeutic thing when you are listening to the right kinds of music. Music therapy is safe and doesn’t require any musical talent to participate. Music therapy helps a lot with relieving pain and controlling nausea and vomiting.
8. Relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques may be helpful in relieving anxiety and fatigue. They may also help people with cancer sleep better. Using these techniques are ways of focusing your attention on calming your mind and relaxing your muscles. These techniques are safe and when learned you can do them all by yourself.
9. Tai chi. Practicing tai chi may help relieve stress. It is form of exercise that incorporates gentle movements and deep breathing. The slow movements of tai chi don’t require great physical strength, and the exercises can be easily adapted to your own abilities. It is very important that you don’t do any tai chi moves that cause pain.
10. Yoga. Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue. Yoga is the combination of stretching exercises along with deep breathing exercises.
You may find some alternative treatments work well together. Some of these exercises may work for you and some may not but it is most definitely worth the try to help with your healing journey.
