There are many resources available to patients interested in seeking alternative treatments for mesothelioma. Although alternative treatments have yielded little supporting evidence of effectiveness in most cases, many people are recruiting these therapies in fighting illness.
An alternative treatment is a form of treatment outside of the proven and accepted conventional therapies most frequently offered in the medical professions. They are either untested scientifically, or have not yielded conclusive or effective results after testing. These treatments are used in place of conventional treatments, rather than in conjunction with them, and run the risk of actually causing damaging results for the patient.
Alternative medicine places a global emphasis on the importance of dietary intake. This means that nutrition is central to the mechanism of alternative therapies and organic or natural foods may be encouraged. Sleep, hygiene, exercise, and mental health are also prioritized by alternative medicine practitioners. Additionally, the philosophy behind alternative medicine is that the whole person, rather than their specific symptoms, is treated. The quality of a person’s life is at the core of alternative medicine’s aims.
The appeal of alternative therapies in the treatment of cancer might be due to the inability of conventional medicine to cure the disease. Since standard medical therapies and innovations have added to increased longevity, the incurable diseases that one is increasingly prone to developing as age advances are those that seem most given to alternative treatments.
Dietary supplements.
One very common alternative treatment involves the use of dietary supplements, or vitamins. These are easily available and relatively affordable. While they can be very helpful in supplementing nutrition, it is recommended that the patient first consult with their physician to determine the safety of taking a supplement. While these supplements are available for purchase over the counter, they can still carry potentially dangerous side effects.
Herbs.
Herbs, sometimes referred to as “botanicals,” are commonly employed in alternative medicine therapies for cancer. Proponents of alternative medicine believe that herbs have the power to stimulate the body’s DNA repairing abilities and produce antioxidant effects. Additionally, they cite herbs’ ability to inhibit cancer activating agents. Some herbs that may be recommended by alternative medicine practitioners for cancer patients include:
- Grape seed extract. The bioflavonoids in grape seed extract help to diminish the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, grape seed extract is said to improve circulation and protect tissues of the central nervous system.
- Kava kava. Kava kava is frequently recommended for the alleviation of anxiety that may result from dealing with cancer.
- Garlic. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that garlic is a potent anti-cancer agent that inhibits the growth of malignant cells.
Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine employs a very holistic approach toward cancer treatment, which includes massage, acupuncture, exercise, nutrition, and herbs. This form of alternative therapy focuses on the energies active in the body and aims to reinstate a balance of these energies. The idea is that cancer and other illnesses are created by an imbalance in these energies, which are sometimes referred to as “chi” or “qi.” Some popular traditional Chinese medicines include:
- Gingko biloba. Gingko is said to assist the body in interfering with a potentially tumor-promoting agent known as PAF, or platelet-activating factor, making it a popular anti-cancer alternative therapy.
- Ginseng. Ginseng is lauded for its therapeutic benefits including immune system enhancement and potentially tumor fighting effects.
- Green tea. Green tea is considered a powerful defense against free radicals.
Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient practice which originated in India thousands of years ago. This alternative treatment combines various therapies in a highly personalized approach. Personalization is achieved through ayurveda’s analysis of the patient’s metabolic type, or “dosha,” of which three are identified: vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurvedic therapies use herbs and diet to treat patients with cancer.
