Lung cancer facts day 7 – TREATMENT OPTIONS: “NON-TRADITIONAL, EASTERN MEDICINE & ADJUNCT THERAPIES” [read more=”Click here to Read More” less=”Read Less”]
To Treat or Not to Treat? There are a host of possible “Western”, “Eastern”, and “Non-Traditional” treatments you might choose, in addition to the option of not ‘treating’ at all, letting life and cancer runs its course. Yesterday, in Topic 6, we discussed treatment options via the ‘Traditional Western Treatment’ model of care. Today, let’s examine age-old and modern ‘Eastern Medicine’ modalities and options which some use in lieu of, and some use concurrently with, a Western approach. Talk to your family & your health care providers.
Traditional “Eastern” and “Non-Traditional” approaches include the following:
Chinese Herbal Medicines and Treatments: The Chinese have been using herbs to treat underlying cancers and the symptoms of cancer for generations. Approximately 133 herbs are believed in the culture to be curative to eliminate certain cancer cells, or palliative in taming of symptoms. Acupuncture originated in China and now also widely practiced in the west, it is used frequently as a complementary treatment. It involves pricking the skin/tissues with needles to treat various emotional, physical and mental conditions as well as to alleviate pain.
Aromatherapy, Ayurveda and Massage: Though not supported with scientific study, it has been suggested that breathing vapors from certain aromatic oils, such as lavender, thyme and peppermint, seem to reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy, namely nausea, vomiting, depression, pain and stress. Developed more than 3000 years ago in India, Ayurvedic therapy is based on the belief that health and wellness in mind, body and spirit go hand in hand. Western medical professionals caution possible toxicity in ingestible metals commonly used with Ayurvedic therapies and, as with all ‘non-traditional’ options, suggest full disclosure with your medical team regarding possible use of therapies concurrent with western treatments. Massage (by an experienced professional with knowledge about your particular type and stage of cancer) might help alleviate painful symptoms in your chest, neck, shoulders and upper back (common areas where people with lung cancer feel pain).
Hypnosis, Meditation, and Physical Exercise; Dietary Supplements, Homeopathic Recipes, and Hydrotherapy; Social, Legal & Spiritual Counseling; Chiropractic Care; Medical Marijuana, Rick Simpson Oil, CBD Oil with and without THC, and other ‘underground’, frequently stigmatized, and also under-studied modalities that might hold hope:Commonly practiced, there are so many more ‘alternative’ treatment options than I can even fit on this one-page document that you and your family, with your health care teams and trusted advisors, might consider. Ask key questions in your evaluations regarding EVERYTHING in pages 6 and herein in 7: Have studies proven that it helps? What are the risks and side effects? Will insurance cover the cost of treatment? Will your healthcare providers and complementary medicine providers work together? Will it interfere with my traditional ‘western medicine’ or holistic traditional ‘eastern’ approach, if choosing such?What do YOU want for YOUR body?
RESOURCES: https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer-alternative-treatments#outlook, https://www.everydayhealth.com/lung-cancer/guide/alternative-complementary-and-palliative-care/, and a myriad tidbits and compilations of years of miscellaneous publications by memory and interpretation….
