Homeopathic, naturopathic and alternative types of cancer treatments are sometimes referred to as unconventional treatments, especially by medical professions that use conventional treatment protocols. There are a growing number of individuals that are trained and recognized as homeopathic or naturopathic practitioners that provide alternative options for consideration for cancer treatments. This is true in most countries including the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Australian and the Pacific Rim countries.
In some countries, particularly in the East, homeopathic or naturopathic treatment is actually more common than traditional medical options. While most medical treatments are designed specifically at treating the skin cancer, the homeopathic options are more directed at the whole body system. Eastern naturopathic practices work on bringing the body back into balance to allow the natural immune system to become more effective in fighting off cancerous cells. In this way this unconventional or alternative treatments may be used in conjunction with conventional treatments or they may also be used as stand alone treatments after medical intervention.1
It is important to keep in mind that just because a treatment is considered to be naturopathic or homeopathic does not mean there is no risk of possible side effects. In addition these treatments may not be effective in treating existing cancers, but may be very effective in providing the body with the components and building blocks needed to fight off future skin cancers. It is essential to work with medical professionals to develop the most comprehensive treatment methods that may have elements of both traditional and unconventional options.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used for a variety of different unconventional treatments for patients with skin cancer. It can be used to help stimulate healing around surgical scars as well as to assist with blood flow to areas that may have been impacted by deeper carcinomas. Acupuncture can also be very helpful in minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation in different individuals. It is often helpful in reducing or eliminating feelings of nausea and fatigue that are very prominent with these types of traditional cancer treatments.
Other benefits of acupuncture include boosting of the immune system, increasing circulation and blood flow through the body and the increase in endorphins in the blood. Endorphins act as natural pain killers, which in turn help the patient in comfort and relief even with the more painful procedures.2
Acupuncture for skin cancer patients may include both the traditional use of needles and the use of acupressure, which is more of a very localized massage technique. Patients can use acupressure themselves to help with anxiety, breathing, nausea and fatigue on the day of chemotherapy treatments or between acupuncture treatments.3
Diet and Nutrition
Traditional medicine and nonconventional medicine practitioners both agree that nutrition and diet can play and important part in recovery and boosting the immune system to help reduce the chance of future skin cancer reoccurrence. Generally the ingredients in the diet and nutrition component of prevention and recovery are developed based on the individual’s overall body health and balance. Holistic practitioners evaluate different attributes of health, not just the development of skin cancer, in their dietary and nutritional program.
These diets usually include:
- A high level of whole organically grown grains
- Fresh, organically produced fruits and vegetables
- Foods rich in antioxidants
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Beta carotene found in yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables
- Fish and seafood
Red meats, foods that are high in fats, red meats, dairy products and stimulants such as caffeine are usually removed from the diet or consumed in very limited amounts.4
Botanical Medicines
The use of botanicals, natural plant based treatments, is common in most forms of naturopathic, holistic, homeopathic and alternative types of skin cancer treatments. The botanicals may be in the form of essential oils that are applied topically to the skin or taken internally or they may also include decoctions, a brewed liquid consumed as a tea, or herbal combinations that are used in cooking and food preparation.
Since botanicals are natural they are often less problematic for patients to take, which can be very important if nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are symptoms that the patient is struggling to cope with. However, as with any compound, there can be potential side effects or contraindications for use. Consulting with your primary care physician and reporting the use of any botanical medications or herbal supplements is important to avoid any possible complications in using different types of medicines.5
Combinations of Treatments
There is an increasing awareness and acceptance of traditional medical doctors in working with homeopaths, naturopaths and Oriental medicine practitioners as part of a patient’s treatment team. Having a coordinated and managed approach to treatment is always the most effective.
Naturopathic and homeopathic treatments are often not backed by conventional types of research, so care must be taken to find a professional that is licensed and up to date on research and currently trends in treating and preventing skin cancers. In most cases a homeopath, naturopath or alternative medical professional will support the use of traditional medicines and cancer removal procedures and will then provide ongoing support to help the body recover and fight off the risk of developing cancer in the future. As with any medical professional, getting a second opinion and completing independent research is essential in getting an accurate diagnosis for recovery and future good health.
References
1 Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of Maryland Medical Center: www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/skin-cancer-000029.htm
2 Acupuncture. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture/patient/page2
3 Roscoe, J. A. (2003). The Efficacy of Acupressure and Acustimulation Wrist Bands for the Relief of Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management , 731-742.
4 Black, Homer S. et al. (1995). Evidence That A Low-Fat Diet Reduces The Occurrence of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. International Journal of Cancer , 165-169.
5 Skin Cancer Treatments – Naturopathic Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from Cancer Treatment Centers of America: www.cancercenter.com/skin-cancer/naturopathic-medicine.cfm
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