Cancer is considered to be one of the most dreadful diseases. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment to eradicate it from its roots. Various researchers associated with cancer research are still trying to find a definite cure for this shape shifting disease. Although, conventional treatments are available for cancer, but patients in the initial stages of the diseases are advised to follow some alternative therapies which have proved promising in treating cancer and dealing with some of its effects on the body. Below we discuss some of these treatments.
1. Acupuncture
This is one of the most popular alternative treatments for cancer. In this therapy, small pins or sterile needles are inserted in some definite points into the skin. It is a very relaxing technique, helps in removing nausea that resulted after chemotherapy treatment, and at the same time is helpful in releasing cancer-related pains. Cancer patients should not undergo this treatment if their blood count is not at optimum levels or if they are on any blood thinning medications currently. Consult your doctor before embarking upon this alternative therapy. While choosing the above, make sure that you put your body in the hands of a licensed and experienced acupuncture therapist.
2. Aromatherapy
Oil mixed with fragrances, such as lavender, rose, etc., can be extremely successful in promoting a calm and relaxed feeling in cancer patients. In this therapy, scented oils are either heated to release the fragrance in the atmosphere or mixed with the bath water. The perfect choice is always to have a massage with scented oil. Aromatherapy helps in releasing pain, stress, and nausea sensations. However, at times these oils may cause a skin allergy in some patients. Hence, keep this in your mind before going committing to this treatment. Make sure that you put your body under the ministrations of an experienced aromatherapy massage practitioner and consult him on the best therapy for your particular symptoms and condition.
3. Biofeedback
This treatment involves training your mind to monitor various functions of the body, such as heart rate, blood flow rate, muscle relaxation process, etc which normally take place involuntarily. In this process, a biofeedback therapist connects the electronic device to your body at certain specific points to monitor specific body functions. The device produces a beeping sound or has a light indicator to signal any extraordinary physiological activity. Once you have identified the problem area, for example high blood pressure or extreme sensation of pain, the therapist works with the patient to control this response. With the help of meditation and other mental exercise, the patient would be able to control body processes which are usually involuntary. The biofeedback monitor helps chart the progress of the patient and these tangible readings act as a motivating factor in continuing with the therapy. Biofeedback is especially helpful in controlling pain responses, blood pressure problems and incontinence in a cancer patient.
4. Exercise
Exercise has always been fruitful for the whole body and helps in dealing with symptoms and pain during and after cancer treatment. If regular exercise has not been a part of your routine, then start with low intensity ones such as swimming or walking and gradually increase the difficulty level. Before starting any new exercise regimen, consult your doctor to know what kind of exercises will be most beneficial to you in your current state of health. Try and make a 30 minutes exercise regimen a part of your daily schedule for every day of the week.
5. Hypnosis
Hypnosis involves deep concentration of your mind. A certified therapist is needed for its execution. They try to hypnotize the patient first and slowly direct them to focus their attention on goals such as reducing stress and control over pain. Hypnosis ultimately results into relief from pain, stress, and helps the patient gain control over anxiety. It also helps in protecting the cancer patient from expected nausea or vomiting sensation after chemotherapy treatment. However, patient with prior mental illnesses are cautioned against undergoing this particular process.
6. Massage therapy
It is one of the best therapies to make your body relax completely. It not only relieves your muscles, but also relaxes skin, bones, bone joints called tendons, and releases anxiety, stress and fatigue slowly out of your body and mind. Many cancer centers provide the course of massage therapy especially for cancer patients as referred to by the doctor on regular basis. Light and gentle kind of massage is recommended for those patients who have bone cancer. Body parts consisting of surgical scars or specific tumors containing portion should not be massaged. Patients having low blood count should prevent themselves from this therapy.
7. Meditation
This particular therapy can be easily practiced by cancer patients themselves. Meditation is considered to be one of the most natural and safest way of concentrating the mind. Meditation includes deep breathing and various relaxation exercises. Consult an experienced mediation therapist for techniques which will help you in your present stage of treatment. Meditation helps cancer patients in releasing their stress, pain, and apprehension.
8. Music therapy
This is again one of the safest, easiest and, of course, enjoyable therapies. This therapy includes listening to music, singing songs, composing new songs, learning a new instrument. Nowadays, many medical centers recommend music therapy as a treatment for cancer. In case of cancer patients, it helps in relieving pain and to get rid of nausea.
9. Relaxation techniques
It is one of the safest therapies and cancer patients have really benefitted from this therapy in releasing their anxiety and receiving sound sleep at night. This particular technique includes calming the patient’s mind, relaxing muscles, and ultimately increasing focus ability.
10. Tai chi
This concept originated from China. This martial art form includes deep breathing and gentle movements of the body. It results into various health benefits and helps in releasing stress. It an lead to a sound sleep for cancer patients. It is best to consult a tai chi expert for instruction and the best poses to relieve your present condition. Strong physical strength is not a necessity for this therapy. However, you should consult your doctor first before trying this therapy.
11. Yoga
Specifically for a cancer patient, yoga helps in releasing stress and is helpful in improving sleeping patterns. However, before starting with an intensive yoga class, cancer patients should consult their doctors so that painful poses can be avoided and the results are positive.
