Alternative Therapies and Cancer
At least half of those affected by cancer will suffer symptoms of pain, nausea and emotional distress just from the knowledge of having a cancer diagnosis. Well known, of course, are also the side effects of traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Nausea and vomiting are typical reactions to these interventions and while there are drugs on the market for these side effects, many times they cannot totally take care of nausea and vomiting without leaving side effects of their own. Studies conducted in England, however, have shown that complementary therapies such as aromatherapy may enrich the lives of cancer patients by bringing comfort and a greater sense of relaxation during this stressful time and help relieve the vomiting and nausea associated with chemo and radiation.
Peppermint, ginger, patchouli and spearmint are all essential oils proven to lessen nausea either before, during or after treatments. At the same time, lavender has long been known for its relaxing properties and for help in controlling pain. These oils, used singularly or in combinations with one another, are often used in an eye pillow made with flax seed. The pillow can be warmed for a few seconds in the microwave or put in a freezer for one half hour and then placed over the eyes for acupressure and comfort of symptoms. They can also be used in a massage oil and rubbed on the wrists, forehead, and in the case of nausea behind the ears and on the bottoms of a patients feet.
Aromatherapy can also be used to treat several side effects that occur during treatment of the cancer. Those common side effects in addition to nausea, also include postradiation burns, hair loss, and lymphedema which occurs typically with mastectomy, lumpectomy, or any removal of lymph glands.
When a lymph has been removed either by surgery or damage the lymph fluid accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue therefore causing the affected limb to become swollen and tender.
Aromatherapy is often used to enhance the quality of life of cancer patients. Studies have been conducted in different parts of the country in regards to massage & the effectiveness of relieving stress & anxiety. The group that received the massage with aromatherapy was found to have statistically significant improved quality of life and reduced anxiety. Some skin friendly essential oils that have antibacterial or antifungal actions include lavender, franchincense, & sweet marjoram, and as always all essential oils should be mixed in a carrier oil before application or massage.
In conclusion, aromatherapy is a way to enrich interventions that may be prescribed by your physician, and to bring comfort and better health to patients with cancer, therefore providing better quality of life.
Acupuncture For Cancer
First, nobody (reputable) claims that acupuncture will "cure" cancer - and it won't. Acupuncture is an ancient method of treatment that dates back to the Stone Age in China. Just because acupuncture cannot cure cancer does not mean that acupuncture does not have a place in cancer treatment. As a matter of fact, many oncologists recommend acupuncture for their patients both before and after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Oncologists recommended acupuncture treatments for the purpose of reducing or eliminating pain as well as for reducing or eliminating the nausea that is often caused by treatments.
Cancer is a general term that covers more than 300 different diseases and can affect every part of the human body. The first line of defense against cancer is a healthy lifestyle and good health choices, but even the healthiest lifestyle is no guarantee that some form of cancer cannot strike.
The second line of defense is early cancer diagnosis. The earlier that cancer is found, the greater the chances that it can be cured. Treatments for cancer can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Combination of two or all three of these options is very common - and this is where acupuncture comes in. This is where acupuncture can help a cancer patient.
Acupuncture can help reduce pain after surgery. There really isn't much debate about this, even in the established medical community. Acupuncture can reduce the pain and the need for pain medication in cancer surgery patients. Acupuncture has been used as a replacement for anesthesia.
Acupuncture is also regularly used to relieve nausea that is often caused by chemotherapy. Nausea is one of the most frequent side effects of all chemotherapy treatments, and it is also the one that is most dreaded by cancer patients that are undergoing chemotherapy. Acupuncture is used regularly and very effectively to relieve or even eliminate the nausea associated with chemotherapy treatment.
Cancer Diagnosis
We all know at least one person who has suffered from cancer; and before all is said and done, at some point in our lives, we too may find that we will be diagnosed with cancer. In terms of what causes cancer, that is anyone's guess. However, there is no doubt that how you take care of your health plays a major role in keeping the diagnosis of cancer within check.
There are many people who spend a lot of time in the sun. For example, my old track and cross country coach used to spend hours in the sun without putting adequate sun block on. In fact, most times, he wouldn't put sunblock on at all; or if he did remember to put sunscreen on, he wasn't diligent about making sure to re-apply it after a few hours. The result? He was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to go in for repeat treatments in which the doctors would graft skin from another part of his body in order to replace the cancerous skin on his face. Now, while this may not seem like such a huge deal, the truth is that any cancer diagnosis should be taken seriously.
If you are out in the sun, make sure that you have sun block on. More importantly, make sure that you apply an even amount of sun block on the parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun's UV rays; and do this at least thirty minutes prior to going outside. You need this time frame so that your body can adequately absorb the sun block into the skin. Do the right thing and make sure that you protect your skin before going out into the sun.