Complementary Treatments For Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can be very serious. If it is caught early, it is very treatable — but it is incredibly important that you adhere to the treatment protocol recommended by your physicians. In most cases, this protocol will call for surgery, chemotherapy, and perhaps some radiation or hormone therapy. Alternative medical techniques, like herbal supplements, are no substitute for these evidence-based treatments. However, they can be helpful when used in addition to the evidence-based treatments your doctors administer. Here are three such complementary, alternative treatments to consider implementing into your treatment routine.
Ginseng Supplements
Ginseng is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is thought to have positive effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It is also thought to help increase antioxidant activities. These benefits make ginseng a popular choice for complementary breast cancer treatment. The antioxidant-enhancing properties can help your body fight off the cancer cells. The positive circulation benefits can bring more blood flow to your breast tissues, helping them to heal after surgery or radiation.
You can find ginseng capsules at most health food stores. The bottle will typically tell you to take one capsule twice a day. Do check with your doctor before you begin using ginseng just to ensure it won't interfere with your other treatments and medications.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another eastern medical practice that can be helpful for breast cancer patients. The treatment involves having very tiny needles inserted into your skin at very specific points along the body. Chinese tradition claims that this alters the qi, or flow of energy through the body. Modern medicine understands that acupuncture likely works by changing the activity of nerves. It can help alleviate the nausea and pain you experience as a result of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment. Acupuncture is very safe as long as you work with a licensed practitioner.
Hypnosis
The idea of being hypnotized as a breast cancer treatment may sound really strange at first. But consider this: being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer is stressful. Stress has a huge impact on the body and can slow down healing. Hypnosis can help reduce stress, and that will help improve your healing. A hypnotist will put you into a really relaxed state in which you are very prone to suggestion. They'll make suggestions that help you feel less stressed and ultimately help you fight more strongly against breast cancer.
Remember: the treatments on this list are not substitutes for the treatments your doctor recommends for your breast cancer. They are, however, good things to incorporate into your routine alongside the more evidence-based treatments.
For more information, contact a breast cancer treatment service.