Alternative Treatments For
Mesothelioma Cancer – An Overview
When a person is diagnosed with any form of cancer, they are likely to have countless questions and concerns, many related to treatment options. There are essentially three “traditional” treatment methods for cancer: chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, for cancer patients, these are not the only options. Coupling alternative methods of treatment with one or more of the traditional methods is often recommended by doctors, and it is empowering for all cancer patients to know and understand that they do have a choice in their treatment.
There are seven alternative methods that cancer patients often combine with their traditional treatment plan:
Acupuncture: acupuncture involves the strategic placement of tiny needles throughout the body and is an excellent way to manage pain caused by cancer. Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries, and is a well-regarded method of controlling pain, easing anxiety and restoring balance to the body.
Aromatherapy: perhaps a more controversial method of alternative treatment, aromatherapy is often combined with acupuncture, massage, meditation and yoga sessions. Aromatherapy is essentially a way to relax and calm the body and mind, and for patients who are experiencing stress as a result of their cancer treatment, aromatherapy can often provide much-needed relief.
Massage: like acupuncture, massage is an excellent way to manage and control pain and body tension, and massage therapists often target certain points on the body to control specific symptoms associated with cancer. At the very least, massage provides much-needed relaxation and stress relief to patients. In fact, the American Cancer Society hails massage and calls it a “universally beneficial” option for those suffering from cancer.
Meditation: the art of meditation is centered on relaxing the mind and body and restoring a sense of peace, calm, and balance to the soul. For cancer patients, meditation sessions can often provide a brief respite from a stressful life full of difficult decisions. Meditation incorporates breathing exercises and visualization in an effort to fully relax the body.
Supplements: the addition of certain supplements, including vitamins, to a cancer patient’s treatment regimen is often recommended by doctors. Each doctor has a different opinion, but it is agreed upon that supplements (including calcium and Vitamin A) can be an important part of a patient’s treatment plan if they are unable to receive this important nutrients through their food diet.
TENS therapy: TENS therapy involves low-voltage electrical impulses that are focused on specific areas of the body which are in pain. For example, cancer patients with
mesothelioma
may experience extreme pain in their abdomen or lung cavity, and TENS therapy can often be a good way of temporarily easing pain. Simply put, TENS is a sort of “electric massage.”
Yoga: the benefits of yoga, which involves strategic positioning and stretching of the body, are vast, and for cancer patients, it can provide pain relief and relaxation. Because yoga requires intense focus and concentration, it can provide temporary respite from the stress of a cancer patient’s regular day.
It is of important note to speak with a doctor before incorporating any alternative method into a
mesothelioma cancer
treatment plan. For additional information, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center website at
www.maacenter.org.
Alternative Treatments For Mesothelioma Cancer An Overview
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