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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Paul Rhyu, DC, OMD, PhD
How Can Alternative Medicine Help People With Cancer
Natura Pain Clinic
. http://www.naturapainclinic.com

How Can Alternative Medicine Help People With Cancer

Alternative cancer treatments won’t play any role in curing your cancer, but they may help you cope with signs and symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatments. Common signs and symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress may be lessened by alternative treatments.

You can use alternative cancer treatments as a supplement to treatments you receive from your doctor, not as a substitute for medical care. While alternative cancer treatments, such as acupuncture, may reduce nausea or pain, they generally aren’t powerful enough to replace medications from your doctor. Work closely with your doctor to determine the right balance between traditional medicines and alternative cancer treatments.

During acupuncture treatment, a practitioner inserts tiny needles into your skin at precise points. Studies show acupuncture may be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve pain.

Acupuncture is safe if it’s performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Acupuncture may not be safe if you’re taking blood thinners or if you have low blood counts, so check with your doctor first.

Tai chi is a form of exercise that incorporates gentle movements and deep-breathing. Tai chi can be led by an instructor, or you can learn on your own following books or videos. Practicing tai chi may help relieve stress. It may also be helpful if you’re having difficulty sleeping at night.

Tai chi is generally safe. The slow movements don’t require great physical strength, and the exercises can be easily adapted to your own abilities. Still, talk to your doctor before beginning. Don’t do any tai chi moves that cause pain.

During a massage, your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Several massage methods exist.

Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure. Studies have found massage can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer. It may also help relieve anxiety, fatigue and stress.

Massage can be safe if you work with an understanding massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your doctor can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.

Don’t have a massage if your blood counts are low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure, rather than deep massage.

You may find some alternative treatments work well together. For instance, deep breathing during a massage may provide further stress relief.

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