The fatigue, nausea, and
generalized discomfort that go along with cancer treatment can make coping very
difficult. That’s why many patients also seek out alternative treatments that
can help them ease the side effects so common with chemotherapy and other
cancer therapies.
Alternative treatments can
make a big difference in the overall treatment process, but they are
recommended for use in conjunction with primary treatments such as chemotherapy
and radiation. While the effectiveness of alternative treatments can vary from
person to person, they can make a difference in a number of ways. For some,
they ease the stress associated with the diagnosis. Others may find they help
ease sleep disorders, vomiting, and nausea.
So, what types of
alternative treatments are available to cancer patients as they battle the disease?
Here are just a few of the options that can make coping a bit easier:
• Massage therapy –
This is a great way to reduce stress and enable relaxation. This type of
therapy has been shown to be quite helpful in easing some of the symptoms faced
by cancer patients.
• Meditation –
Overall, relaxation techniques can be very useful in helping cancer patients
relieve stress while relaxing their minds and bodies. Meditation can also help
improve sleep while creating a more positive state of mind to face what’s
ahead.
• Acupuncture – This
treatment can also be a great stress-buster. Some patients also find it very
useful in pain relief.
• Exercise – While
it can be hard to imagine exercising while undergoing cancer treatments, this
form of therapy can make a big difference. Not only does it help reduce stress
and improve heart health, it can help combat some of the symptoms while
assisting with energy maintenance. Yoga and Tai Chi are often recommended in
this regard.
• Aromatherapy –
This is also quite good for helping alleviate stress and may even help with
nausea reduction in some patients.
While alternative
treatments are never meant to replace cancer therapy that’s designed to attack
the disease and stop it in its tracks, they can prove quite useful. To find out
more, just check with your doctor for ideas that might suit your personal
needs.
Visit
here if you want to know more about various
cancer treatments.
