Studies have shown that breast cancer patients may receive benefits
from complementary medicine. Relaxing therapies can help calm the mind
and reduce anxiety but there is no conclusive evidence to show that
they can affect the physical progression of the disease.
Therapeutic techniques are not part of conventional medicine but complementary therapies can be either combined with or integrated into a conventional medical treatment. Alternative medicine and complementary medicine are not the same. Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine.
Complementary medicine includes techniques such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, support groups, and yoga. These techniques are often referred to as holistic medicine; and the holistic approach addresses how disease affects the whole person: physically, emotionally, spiritually. Keep in mind that complementary medicine is not a replacement for conventional medicine.
Although it might help you to add yoga, tai chi, or massage therapy to your regular treatment plan, you should never replace any part of your regular treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal treatment with something else. Studies have found that more than 70% of breast cancer survivors have used at least one complementary technique.
Complementary Medicine Treatments:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine methodology originating in ancient China that treats patients by manipulating thin needles that have been inserted into acupuncture points in the skin.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
The inhaled aroma from these oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.
Chriopractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and the body’s function. Doctors of chiropractic mostly use a type of hands-on therapy called manipulation. Chiropractic therapy is used most often to treat musculoskeletal conditions and problems with the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The basic concepts of chiropractic therapy can be described as follows:
The body has a powerful ability to heal itself. The body’s structure (mainly the spine) and its function are closely related, and this relationship affects health.
Chiropractic therapy is given with the goal of normalizing the relationship between structure and function and helping the body as it heals.
Guided Imagery
Guided Imagery advocates maintain that the imagination is a potent healer that has long been overlooked by practitioners of Western medicine. Imagery can relieve pain, speed healing and help the body subdue hundreds of ailments, including depression, impotence, allergies and asthma. We can recall events from our past or childhood; and we do that with images, sounds, smells, taste, etc. Images and other senses communicate from the brain to other organs. Imagery was used in ancient civilizations and has been considered a healing tool in virtually all of the world’s cultures and is an integral part of many religions.
Journaling
Journaling is a term coined for the practice of keeping a diary or journal that explores thoughts and feelings surrounding the events in one’s life. When used as a stress management and self-exploration tool, journaling allows the writer to gain valuable self-knowledge because it allows the clarity of thoughts and feelings. It improves cognitive functioning. It strengthens the immune system, preventing a host of illnesses. It also counteracts many of the negative effects of stress.
Massage
The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being. Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy. Massage improves circulation and posture. It lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, and helps in pain management. Massage also improves flexibility and breathing, relieves tension headaches, strengthens the immune system, and it decreases depression
Meditation
Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life, but today, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction and is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. It produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process results in enhanced physical and emotional well-being, producing a sense of calm and balance that benefits both the emotional well-being and the overall health. A growing body of scientific research supports the health benefits of meditation but some researchers believe it’s not yet possible to draw conclusions about the possible benefits of meditation.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an established health profession. Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. The certified music therapist assesses the strengths and needs of each client and provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a relaxation technique used to release stress. ProgressiveMuscle Relaxation is the tensing and then relaxing each muscle group of the body, one group at a time. It can relax the muscles, lower the blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Progressive muscle relaxation may be done sitting or lying down. This technique is simple but it may take several sessions to master it.
Reiki
Reiki therapy is the process of healing using the power of energy. There are no medicines or tools involved. Reiki therapy works by transferring energy from the practitioner and directing it toward the patient. The energy is summoned through the proper visualization of Reiki symbols and these symbols are simply representations of the energy, not the main source of the healing power itself.
The Power of Prayer
Studies have found that spirituality is very important to the quality of life for persons with cancer. The psychological benefits of prayer may include reduction of stress and anxiety, promotion of a more positive outlook, and the strengthening of the will to live. Faith is also thought to improve coping and provide comfort during illness. It can help find the meaning in life when dealing with cancer even when the disease cannot be cured.
Therapeutic techniques are not part of conventional medicine but complementary therapies can be either combined with or integrated into a conventional medical treatment. Alternative medicine and complementary medicine are not the same. Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine.
Complementary medicine includes techniques such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, support groups, and yoga. These techniques are often referred to as holistic medicine; and the holistic approach addresses how disease affects the whole person: physically, emotionally, spiritually. Keep in mind that complementary medicine is not a replacement for conventional medicine.
Although it might help you to add yoga, tai chi, or massage therapy to your regular treatment plan, you should never replace any part of your regular treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal treatment with something else. Studies have found that more than 70% of breast cancer survivors have used at least one complementary technique.
Complementary Medicine Treatments:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine methodology originating in ancient China that treats patients by manipulating thin needles that have been inserted into acupuncture points in the skin.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
The inhaled aroma from these oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.
Chriopractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and the body’s function. Doctors of chiropractic mostly use a type of hands-on therapy called manipulation. Chiropractic therapy is used most often to treat musculoskeletal conditions and problems with the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The basic concepts of chiropractic therapy can be described as follows:
The body has a powerful ability to heal itself. The body’s structure (mainly the spine) and its function are closely related, and this relationship affects health.
Chiropractic therapy is given with the goal of normalizing the relationship between structure and function and helping the body as it heals.
Guided Imagery
Guided Imagery advocates maintain that the imagination is a potent healer that has long been overlooked by practitioners of Western medicine. Imagery can relieve pain, speed healing and help the body subdue hundreds of ailments, including depression, impotence, allergies and asthma. We can recall events from our past or childhood; and we do that with images, sounds, smells, taste, etc. Images and other senses communicate from the brain to other organs. Imagery was used in ancient civilizations and has been considered a healing tool in virtually all of the world’s cultures and is an integral part of many religions.
Journaling
Journaling is a term coined for the practice of keeping a diary or journal that explores thoughts and feelings surrounding the events in one’s life. When used as a stress management and self-exploration tool, journaling allows the writer to gain valuable self-knowledge because it allows the clarity of thoughts and feelings. It improves cognitive functioning. It strengthens the immune system, preventing a host of illnesses. It also counteracts many of the negative effects of stress.
Massage
The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being. Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy. Massage improves circulation and posture. It lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, and helps in pain management. Massage also improves flexibility and breathing, relieves tension headaches, strengthens the immune system, and it decreases depression
Meditation
Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life, but today, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction and is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. It produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process results in enhanced physical and emotional well-being, producing a sense of calm and balance that benefits both the emotional well-being and the overall health. A growing body of scientific research supports the health benefits of meditation but some researchers believe it’s not yet possible to draw conclusions about the possible benefits of meditation.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an established health profession. Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. The certified music therapist assesses the strengths and needs of each client and provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a relaxation technique used to release stress. ProgressiveMuscle Relaxation is the tensing and then relaxing each muscle group of the body, one group at a time. It can relax the muscles, lower the blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Progressive muscle relaxation may be done sitting or lying down. This technique is simple but it may take several sessions to master it.
Reiki
Reiki therapy is the process of healing using the power of energy. There are no medicines or tools involved. Reiki therapy works by transferring energy from the practitioner and directing it toward the patient. The energy is summoned through the proper visualization of Reiki symbols and these symbols are simply representations of the energy, not the main source of the healing power itself.
The Power of Prayer
Studies have found that spirituality is very important to the quality of life for persons with cancer. The psychological benefits of prayer may include reduction of stress and anxiety, promotion of a more positive outlook, and the strengthening of the will to live. Faith is also thought to improve coping and provide comfort during illness. It can help find the meaning in life when dealing with cancer even when the disease cannot be cured.
No comments:
Post a Comment