Homeopathy Blog: Dr. Harshad Raval (M.D.) Homeopathic Source

The term Integrative Medicine refers to combining modern Western edicine with the best of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This allows a patient to draw from a wide range of healing philosophies both old and new. When Integrative Medicine is used with cancer treatment it is often intended to address the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health as well as the biological. Integrative Medicine is growing in popularity among cancer patients, fueling research on alternative treatments and Integrative Medicine. It is important to know the facts about Integrative Medicine therapies for cancer in order to distinguish effective treatment combinations from therapies that can be dangerous or ineffective.
How Can Integrative Medicine Help Cancer Patients?
Although alternative medicine cannot cure cancer, Integrative Medicine can help improve the quality of life for a cancer patient. Its focus is the total well-being of
the patient and is person-centered, rather than disease-centered. These treatments do not aim to replace conventional treatments, but rather are used alongside conventional cancer treatments. Although physicians have been slow to recognize the benefits of Integrative Medicine, there is now more interest in using Integrative Medicine with cancer. Some cancer centers are now supplying information and resources for Integrative Medicine for patient use. These include
MD Anderson Cancer Center Center. Many centers are also carrying out research to determine which alternative treatments are most effective.
Some cancer centers are now hiring a team of alternative practitioners to work with the oncologist to help the patient. Dr. Lucille Marchland is an integrative and palliative medicine physician at the University of Wisconsin who oversees
integrative medicine at the Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive  Cancer Center    She spends time with cancer patients to determine particular needs of each patient and then refers them to various alternative therapies ranging from yoga to acupuncture and meditation practices. Even if the patient is terminal, attention must be paid to body, mind and spirit. Having a physician oversee integrative medicine programs helps the patient to make decisions with greater confidence by interpreting the scientific information and decreasing anxiety.
For the cancer patient, integrative treatments can be aimed at improving overall health, preventing adverse effects between supplements and conventional treatments, decreasing overall side effects of conventional therapy, preparing a patient for surgery, and addressing the challenges of living with cancer.
What Are Some Integrative Treatments for Cancer Patients?
Mind-Body Medicine:
These therapies use the mind to help control and relax the body. Cancer patients often have to deal with a great amount of anxiety surrounding their diagnosis. Many therapies in this category have been found to reduce cancer-related pain and relieve emotional distress, which include:

• Biofeedback : uses a monitoring device so help a person control certain physical parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and muscle tension.
• Relaxation : techniques can help a patient to better cope with side effects of cancer treatments that include nausea and pain.
• Prayer : and spirituality in general can help a patient to be aware of something greater than the individual and can improve quality of life.
• Art therapy: allows a patient to express their emotions that can release fear and anxiety. It can also be used as a distraction from discomfort.
• Hypnosis: can help a patient develop a more positive attitude about treatment and reduce pain.
• Yoga: can improve strength both physically and mentally, and help patients feel at peace.
• Group therapy or talking with others in a similar situation can help with depression, hopelessness, and improving social functioning.
• Physical Manipulation:Therapies that fall into this category involve movement of the body in some way. They include:
• Massage: which may reduce fatigue, anxiety, and nausea related to cancer treatments.
• Physical activity: or exercise, which can help reduce fatigue and depression.
• Energy Therapy: This therapy focuses on energy fields of the body and includes:
• Acupuncture: which may reduce nausea and vomiting as well as alleviate pain.
• Therapeutic : and healing touch, which can decrease anxiety and reduce pain.
• Reiki treatments : which use practitioner’s hands to transmit energy to the recipient, can relieve pain and nausea.
• Magnetic therapy, which uses magnets placed on the body to relive pain.

Tags:   ALTERNATIVE MEDICNE FOR CANCER · Cancer · CANCER HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT · CANCER TREATMENT · INTIGRETIVE TREATMENT CANCERNo Comments