We as medical professionals can—and should—be doing more for patients undergoing treatment for cancer and experiencing pain as a result. A full third of cancer patients experience pain related to their condition, whether from the cancer itself or from treatment, and that proportion leaps to two-thirds when the individuals are terminally ill. It’s time we take more seriously the need to alleviate this pain, and intrinsic to that is taking seriously an integrative approach to medical care, and the availability of complementary and alternative therapies with a proven capacity to provide relief.
Many cancer patients use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and some evidence suggests it may relieve fatigue.
A definition that I believe simply and accurately describes integrative medicine comes from Karen Washburn, director of QLife/Palliative Care at Lee Memorial Health System: integrative medicine is “medical care that combines the very best scientific medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies.” In other words, an integrative approach to medicine is an effort to treat the whole person.
An array of complementary treatments are available that can, in their various combinations, address cancer pain in an integrative way. They include guided imagery, support groups, acupuncture, massage and other forms of touch therapy. In contrast to their broad, unfair association with the world of dream catchers and pseudo-science, all of these therapies are evidence-backed (1), and the body of research that supports their use is only continuing to grow.
One of the truly unfortunate byproducts of the limited research on these topics is that myths have persisted that can scare away patients, and even some in the medical community – like the one that massage and other forms of touch therapy spread cancer (to be clear, they don’t!).
The reality is that many complementary treatments for cancer pain deserve more primetime attention. They include:
Massage therapy and acupuncture:
These forms of touch therapy can help cancer patients achieve a longer range of survivability, find greater comfort as they go through the treatment process, and experience fewer extreme side effects than those who don’t have access to such therapies. (Again, these findings are supported by research.) They should be made available to patients in hospice, as well as those who have been diagnosed – all of them stand to benefit. Massages might be administered as patients are getting chemotherapy infused into their bodies or even afterwards. The initial contact with the side effects of chemotherapy can be overwhelming and painful, and patients occasionally elect to stop their cancer treatment as a result. Massage can help a person tolerate the impact of those side effects. Acupuncture, too, has demonstrated health benefits in patients dealing with cancer.
Exercise:
Though it is hardly controversial to note that regular exercise helps reduce pain and promote healthfulness, exercise is still too infrequently recommended by doctors as part of a treatment plan for pain reduction in cancer patients. But the fact is that exercise’s ability to increase blood circulation, keep bones and muscles strong, decrease fatigue, and alleviate anxiety and depression ought to make it near-indispensible for cancer patients. Indeed, the American Cancer Society promotes the benefits of exercise for those battling cancer. Good exercise practices for cancer patients to start with are qi gong, yoga and tai chi, which are low-impact activities that help support the immune system and restore balance.
Mindfulness and meditation:
These practices are psychological support tools that help people in stressful situations, such as undergoing cancer treatment, deal with the various challenges that they are going through. When people become rigidly obsessed with death, or what they or their loved ones are going to do faced with difficult scenarios, they become worn-down psychologically and depleted of the energy and resilience necessary to face the next treatment. A mindfulness or meditation practice can help cancer patients stay focused on the moment, in the moment they can actually control.
Other complementary and alternative treatments for cancer patients include chiropractic treatment, biofeedback, aromatherapy, guided relaxation, herbal remedies, and much more. The variety is vast enough to allow cancer patients and their healthcare providers to select the complement of holistic, integrated treatments that work best for a particular individual.
What is common to these different methods is the fact that they exist to help support the part of an individual that’s healthy. While Western medicine plays a critical role in fighting cancer, the side effects of these treatments on their own can often require rest and recovery, and we need to do more to ensure that patients are benefiting from other types of treatments so that together, we can help patients achieve a balanced recovery.
(1) Efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine therapies in relieving cancer pain: a systematic review
The post The Complementary and Alternative Cancer-Related Therapies That Belong in the Mainstream appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and other medicine?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn't considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. Some examples include homeopathy and aromatherapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurveda (TCM), traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.
Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.
There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.
Many CAM techniques are based in theories that have been around since thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Another study suggests that acupuncture can improve symptoms such as irritable intestinal syndrome, fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They may have tried standard treatments but found them ineffective. They may also want to try alternative therapies as they believe they offer better results than conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. If you aren't sure if a particular treatment is safe or effective, consult your doctor. It can save you both time and money.
What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?
There are five alternatives to traditional medicine: Ayurveda and Ayurveda; homeopathy; energy healing; aromatherapy; and Ayurveda.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that all diseases have natural causes but not always symptoms. Homeopaths prescribe tiny amounts of substances to cause symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients when they are ill.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary or Integrative Health Approaches – NCCIH
- What's in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatment, but they don't prescribe them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
- Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatment is not for hippies only.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated with holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It covers all aspects of the body, including emotional, mental and spiritual as well as occupational, environmental, cultural and lifestyle influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil's book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Take, for example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These feelings create stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is founded on science. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: The Complementary and Alternative Cancer-Related Therapies That Belong in the Mainstream
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/cancer/the-complementary-and-alternative-cancer-related-therapies-that-belong-in-the-mainstream/
Published Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:29:40 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and other medicine?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn't considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. Some examples include homeopathy and aromatherapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurveda (TCM), traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.
Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.
There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.
Many CAM techniques are based in theories that have been around since thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Another study suggests that acupuncture can improve symptoms such as irritable intestinal syndrome, fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They may have tried standard treatments but found them ineffective. They may also want to try alternative therapies as they believe they offer better results than conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. If you aren't sure if a particular treatment is safe or effective, consult your doctor. It can save you both time and money.
What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?
There are five alternatives to traditional medicine: Ayurveda and Ayurveda; homeopathy; energy healing; aromatherapy; and Ayurveda.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that all diseases have natural causes but not always symptoms. Homeopaths prescribe tiny amounts of substances to cause symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients when they are ill.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary or Integrative Health Approaches – NCCIH
- What's in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatment, but they don't prescribe them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
- Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatment is not for hippies only.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated with holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It covers all aspects of the body, including emotional, mental and spiritual as well as occupational, environmental, cultural and lifestyle influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil's book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Take, for example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These feelings create stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is founded on science. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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