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Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment Options
There are many options for treatment upon receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, may be the very first options that a physician will recommend. These, however, are not the only options, and many individuals suffering from mesothelioma choose to couple the traditional forms of treatment with alternative options.
Alternative treatments that may benefit individuals who suffer from various forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is often used as a palliative therapy, involving the insertion of very narrow needles into the skin at specific pressure points. This has been proven to relieve pain in many individuals suffering from a wide variety of ailments, including mesothelioma.
Reflexology
Foot reflexology is an alternative treatment therapy designed to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain.
Meditation
Meditation is the process of moving into deep relaxation. It is therapeutic in the sense that it can help patients develop a calm mind to make sound decisions and be at peace with health conditions they may have, including cancer like mesothelioma.
Massage
Massage therapy is the practice of hands-on physical manipulation of the body's soft tissue. Massage can be both relaxing and pain-relieving. Massage methods include Acupressure, Anma, and Balinese, all of which have differing effects on the body. Massage is often used during treatments for certain health conditions, like cancer, to ease muscle tension and induce relaxation.
Herbal & Nutritional Supplements
Many natural herbs have natural medicinal aspects which have been used to treat seemingly incurable ailments. Nutritional Supplements many times work in conjunction with herbal remedies to provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to fight off infection and other illness.
Yoga
Yoga is a combination of meditation and movement. Yoga is of Hindu origin and is designed to promote a heightened sense of oneness between body and mind, inducing relaxation and contentment.
TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation is used as a palliative care option. An electrical stimulation is directed through different areas of the body resulting in pain relief which can increase the level of endorphins. TENS Therapy is typically administered by a physical therapist, but can also be done at home if a patient has the necessary documentation for TENS equipment.
Aromatherapy
This method of therapy involves the use of aromatic oils, plants, and other substances to be used in conjunction with massage and or baths. These fragrances can result in a heightened mood, which can promote good health and pain relief.
Hypnotherapy
Guided hypnosis sessions can have substantial positive effect on a patient undergoing treatment for cancer, including mesothelioma. For this reason, hypnosis is now being increasingly integrated into alternative cancer treatment regimens.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is an alternative paradigm of medicine that focuses on nature's remedy and the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself. Naturopathy favors a holistic approach to treating illnesses like mesothelioma through the use of mineral, diet, and lifestyle-based remedies.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is an alternative therapy used to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain while going through conventional treatments like chemotherapy.
Why should I consider alternative treatment?
When paired with traditional treatment methods, alternative options can be an important component of a treatment plan. These alternative methods are most helpful in regards to controlling pain and maintaining balance and peace within an individuals mind and body. Many patients find these treatments, such as massage or meditation, to be a welcome distraction from the ongoing cycle of hospital visits, medication, and general stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.
It is very important to consult with your physician before pursuing any new form of treatment. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not a patient is healthy enough to incorporate alternative treatment practices into their already-established treatment plan.