Hearing the diagnosis of cancer is likely one of the most difficult experiences some individuals will go through in their lives. The whirlwind of tests, understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan and adapting to the schedule and side effects for ones oncology care is no doubt overwhelming and at minimum momentarily life changing. As comprehension of this new world unfolds, additional support is available for treatment options.
Alternative or adjunctive health care, in addition to standard cancer care, may not only provide support while going through oncology treatments but may provide added benefit in the fight against cancer. Naturopathic and Chinese medicine are two forms of natural or alternative care to consider.
Naturopathic medicine focuses on identifying the cause of disease or suboptimal functioning in the body and supporting it by removing obstacles that are hindering the body’s innate healing process. The body is given the opportunity to return to balance through supportive measures. Therapeutics include: lifestyle modification such as exercise, stress management and sleep promotion, nutrition through dietary counseling, homeopathy, nutritional and herbal supplementation as well as water therapies known as hydrotherapy.
Chinese medicine
has a similar philosophy but addresses the body through the meridians or
channels in the body. A vital energy known as qi, flows through these meridians
and participates in the homeostatic regulation of various organs and bodily
functions. Symptoms occur in the body
when these meridians become obstructed of normal qi flow.
Naturopathic medicine and especially acupuncture are very
helpful as adjunctive care for treatment in cancer. Many of the side effects from cancer
therapies can be minimized if not avoided by utilizing alternative measures to
support the body during the entire continuum of an individual going through
cancer treatments. Starting at the time of diagnosis, during cancer therapies and
as survivors, people living with cancer can achieve improved wellness, moderate
side effects and have an overall higher quality of life. As a cancer survivor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that promotes wellness and inhibits an environment for cancer growth is an additional benefit of utilizing natural health care.
Conditions treated in oncology care:
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting (especially chemotherapy induced)
Loss of appetite/weight loss
Dry mouth (often from radiation)
Diarrhea & constipation
Anxiety & depression
Insomnia
Hot flashes
Radiation burns
Surgical scars
Peripheral neuropathy
Pain
Low blood counts
Consider talking with your oncologist about utilizing naturopathic and Chinese medicine while going through cancer treatments. Supportive care, especially with the use of acupuncture can help alleviate difficult to control side effects of treatment that can hinder adequate dosing, scheduling and maintenance of chemotherapy, radiation and other supportive cancer medications. The goal in your oncology treatment plan is to offer you the most appropriate medication/treatment and dose that will have the best chance to prevent cancer growth and rid of tumor burden. Alleviating hard to manage side effects will allow you the best opportunity for tolerating your treatments.
Timing of acupuncture treatments and naturopathy
Optimal timing is to start acupuncture
treatments before the onset of symptoms. If nausea and vomiting or neuropathy etc. are
anticipated from the treatment regimen, it is ideal to initiate acupuncture as the therapy is beginning. General recommendation is to receive acupuncture 1-2x
per week while receiving cancer therapies. Benefits can also be gained after cancer
therapy has been competed.
Naturopathic medicine is also best initiated before onset of symptoms. It is always easier to manage side effects of cancer therapy before they occur or become more intense. Ask your oncologist what to expect from your treatments and what side effects may occur. Discuss this with your naturopath who can develop an individualized treatment plan to support you as you proceed through your oncology care.
Additional resources and information:
The Value of Acupuncture in Cancer Care
Oncology Association for Naturopathic Physicians
Sources: www.cancer.gov
