Alternative Cancer and Stroke Treatments

By Y.C. Chan, OMD, Dipl Ac

Alternative health practitioners advocate a complete lifestyle overhaul to deal with the symptoms and pain of cancer, as well as to rehabilitate after devastating strokes.
Alternative methods are often accepted by patients as a last resort, when traditional treatments have become too painful or have been ineffective. Exercise, all-natural diets and lifestyles are an essential part of this type of treatment. Combined with acupuncture, acupressure, wugong, vitamins, meditation, calligraphy, qigong, and art therapy may battle the symptoms and pain of various forms of cancer and rehabilitate after a stroke.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women, and strikes fear in the heart of most people. Almost all cancer patients experience severe mental stress as a result of various traditional treatments, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The pain and discomfort caused by these treatments are often as taxing as the fear of death from the cancer itself. Stroke victims experience a wide range of physical effects, including general and localized paralysis, diminished speech abilities and loss of control over bodily functions. Years of physical occupational and speech therapy are required to improve the patients physical condition.
Currently, people look to their doctors and to medication rather than turning to themselves and their families, first. Alternative health practitioners often advocate alternative health forms combined into a natural treatment plan of self healing.
Based on the potential dangerous long-term effects of many common drugs, some physicians are recommending alternative treatments that do not introduce chemicals into the body. Acupuncture, all-natural diets, meditation and other practices carry none of the risks of surgery and cause no toxic reactions. Despite common claims that treatments such as acupuncture bring about instant “miracle cures,” often a qualified practitioner will advise patients that many treatments may be required in order to notice significant improvement.
In general, health professionals who advocate these alternative health practices and various forms of self-healing must complete an extensive formal training program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and may serve a lengthy, state-approved apprenticeship. As with other health professionals, official certification from a state or national board are required for practice. The qualified and experienced practitioner must have a strong feeling of responsibility toward his or her patients, and a profound sensitivity to their reactions.