Introduction
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, the first thing that comes to his mind is where to start the treatment? What are the treatment options available ? Which is the best treatment to go for? and so on. Millions of individuals around the world are affected by this terrible disease of cancer.
Traditional method and Alternative Method:
Some of the traditional approaches to control this disease are by means of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery which can be used to cure the disease. But these treatments come along with a set of serious side effects and sometimes might not be appropriate for everyone. While people hesitate to use the conventional methods of curing, they look for Complementary and Alternative Methods which may not directly help in curing the disease but helps in coping up with the symptoms which includes , stress, exhaustion, vomiting and nausea, pain , anxiety and sleeping difficulties.
The alternative practices can be made use of in an integrative approach by availing traditional treatment alongside. The complementary and alternative practices combined with the traditional practice helps address patient’s psychological, physical, and spiritual requirements. It helps empower people to prevent cancer and take an active role before, during, and after the treatment. It seeks to improve the health and well-being of the individual, and improves quality of life across the spectrum of cancer care.
Alternative Cancer Treatments practices:
Some of the common practices under Alternative Treatments which have helped in reducing the side-effects , symptoms of cancer, improving the mental well-being of individuals are listed below;
- Mind-Body Approach :
The mind-body approach is a supplementary and alternative method that places an emphasis on how both the mind and the body are interconnected and how they might cooperate to support treatment and overall well-being. This method acknowledges how the mind and body are intertwined and how ideas, emotions, and behaviors can have an impact on one’s physical well-being.
It is possible to increase relaxation, lower stress levels, and enhance overall health by using mind-body practices. Mind-body exercises include visualization, yoga, tai chi, and meditation. These methods can help people feel less stressed, sleep better, have lower blood pressure, and experience less anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Nutritional and Dietary changes:
Nutritional and dietary changes are used to preserve health and treat a variety of medical issues in an individual. By this method of CAM, we encourage optimal healthy lifestyle and address the specific health concerns faced. Techniques like Naturopathy, detoxification, ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, macrobiotic diets, etc help people move towards an effective nutritional path and improves diet.
Some common foods and nutrients include, flaxseeds,tomatoes,soy, garlic, green tea, grapes, cruciferous vegetables, etc. Nutritional and dietary changes help in proper digestion, nutritional requirements of the body to improve metabolism.
- Herbal and Plant based remedies :
Herbs and plant based remedies have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and have the potential to treat cancer. These remedies can be used in conjunction with the conventional treatment method to improve the effects and to overcome the side effects of the conventional method. These herbal and plant based remedies include Ayurveda which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce the side effects of the conventional practices. Herbal and plant based remedies include medical cannabis too which help patients get relief from nausea, vomiting, sleep issues, anxiety,etc.
Some medicinal benefits can be extracted from Curcumin, which helps in slowing down the growth of the cancer cells and preventing its spread. Ginger helps in cancer related symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Reishi mushrooms and Milk Thistle show anti cancer properties with its compound beta-glucans and silymarin respectively. Green tea extract and grape extract helps to prevent the growth of cancer cells. These herbal and plant based remedies have shown their effectiveness which helps cure and prevent cancer.
- Energy Therapies :
Energy therapy is an alternative method for cancer treatment which focuses on the body’s energy thereby promoting self healing and improving overall well-being. Energy therapy includes acupuncture, which reduces nausea and vomiting, reduces pain and improves sleep. Reiki helps in reducing anxiety and helps in general health conditions of the individual. And therapeutic touch promotes healing, reduces pain and anxiety of the cancer patients.
Energy therapy helps to restore the balance of the cancer patients and promotes healing by improving the energy flow throughout the body.
- Manipulative and body based methods:
This involves physical manipulation of the body to promote self healing and improve health. Therapies promote relaxation, reduce stress and help relieve pain. Chiropractic therapy improves the mobility of the patients and helps the spine strength. Osteopathy therapy improves the musculoskeletal system to promote healing.
These manipulative body based therapies improves the functioning of the body and helps reduce pain,promotes relaxation, etc.
Potential Benefits and risks of the Alternative Cancer Treatment:
The alternative cancer treatment methods like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have loads of benefits to offer to the cancer patients but it is crucial to consider the risks involved too.
Potential benefits:
- Alternative cancer treatment offers a holistic approach focusing on overall health and wellness instead of focusing just on surpassing the growth of cells
- The alternative treatment offers relief from symptoms and reduces the side effects of the conventional method.
- Helps in controlling stress and anxiety arising due to the cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- The Alternative practices offer anti cancer quality which inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Potential risks:
- Alternative cancer treatments have very little research on the safety and efficacy and may not be supported by clinical or scientific evidence.
- Under some circumstances, the alternative techniques interact with the conventional method which could adverse the effect and reduce the effectiveness.
- Alternative methods may be expensive and uninsured
- Alternative methods are not always administered by qualified practitioners.
Alternative cancer treatments could potentially be beneficial, but they could also be dangerous. Before choosing any alternative cancer treatments, it’s crucial to speak with a trained healthcare practitioner, or your medical supervisor and thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages. It’s also crucial to let your medical team know about any alternative therapies you’re using or thinking about, so they can make sure that the treatment is secure and won’t conflict with standard cancer treatments.
Regulations and Standardization :
Unlike the conventional cancer treatment, the alternative treatment has lack of regulations and standardization like quality issues, safety concerns and misinformation which can interfere with the current conventional practice and might lead to side effects. Patients considering alternative cancer treatment should consult with a medical practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment.The complementary and Alternative treatment practices when made use of under clinical guidance helps fight cancer cells and prevent it from growing in future. Concerns regarding quality, safety and misinformation should also be addressed by policy makers and regulatory agencies to strengthen the system and treat patients effectively.
Common misconceptions and myths surrounding alternative cancer treatments :
During the process of cancer treatment it is crucial to understand the facts before choosing a course of action since there are many misconceptions and myths related to alternative cancer treatment and the conventional cancer treatment method.
- Alternative cancer treatments are considered to be always safe and effective whereas the conventional is considered to be harmful with numerous side-effects. The alternative treatment methods might be harmful at times and can intervene with the current conventional treatment practices leading to adverse situations. The conventional methods have been proven effective to treat the disease which makes it important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative cancer treatment.
- Alternative treatments are natural and are harmless: Not all natural substances are safe for human use, these natural chemicals might be poisonous and may have negative effects on the body. It is therefore important to research about the substances involved and consult a medical practitioner before making use of any alternative treatment.
- Alternative Cancer Treatment can help cure cancer : There exists no proven alternative practices which can cure the disease. These alternative methods help in managing the symptoms, reducing side effects and improves the quality of life of the patient. Alternative cancer treatment along with the conventional practices can help cure the disease and improve the quality of life of the patient.
- Doctors do not recommend alternative cancer treatment: Many medical professionals are open to an individual following alternative cancer treatment methods as a complementary therapy to the conventional method. They recommend patients to follow alternative practices which are scientifically proven to be effective in recovery.
Importance of Holistic Approach to fight Cancer :
A holistic approach to fight cancer is increasingly recognized as it combines conventional methods of treatment along with complementary methods which improves patient well being and lifestyle.
- It helps to address the individual’s needs in an emotional, physical and cognitive way.
- Improves treatment outcome by reducing side effects and overcoming pain, stress and anxiety.
- Improves quality of life as it focuses on emotional well being too by means of therapy, meditation, yoga etc.
- It helps in empowering patients and encourages speedy recovery and treatment.
- It helps in the overall nurturing of the patients by all means, physical and emotional.
- A holistic approach towards fighting Cancer reduces the chances of recurrence of the disease. The Complementary and Alternative treatment method helps reduce the chances of development of cancer cells which prevents it from recurring.
Support and Resources from our end :
The cancer journey itself is long and complicated – we aspire to be a constant companion throughout this journey for any need and requirement to extend life and improve quality of life. ZenOnco.io brings a beacon of hope for cancer patients in India. We provide comprehensive and scientifically supported cancer care services to the cancer patients as India’s first integrated oncology center. We aim to provide personalized medical assistance to address the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. We believe that the disease might shake us but won’t let it break us with our constant passion and determination.
ZenOnco aspires to inspire millions of people and offer a holistic approach of healing which can improve the well being of people by eradicating the stigma associated with cancer.
We help with :
- Medical Treatment :
Identifying which oncologist to meet, validating treatment opinions, getting high-quality affordable diagnostic tests, searching for best available hospitals (from least-cost to best-facility to most-optimal), helping patients take the treatment, post-treatment rehabilitation
- Anti- Cancer Diet :
We provide an anti-cancer diet to our patients since a balanced diet is crucial to an integrative treatment. Our Onco-Nutritionists help customize an anti cancer diet that fits with the likes and preferences of the patients and ensures they get all the nutritions requirements for their health and well-being.
- Anti-Cancer Supplements
Based on the medical conditions, medical history and type of the cancer , our experts craft the supplement which suits the needs of the patients and can give them the best dietary requirements of Vitamins, Minerals and other natural substances. - Ayurveda Medicine :
We connect patients to our Ayurveda doctors who recommend ayurvedic treatment and even help assist the patients. Regular checkup and follow ups are ensured which can enhance the well being of the people. - Medical Cannabis:
Medical Cannabis is effective against cancer growth and spread which can improve the efficiency of the treatment. It provides patients with the side effects of the conventional treatment like nausea, vomiting, pain, anxiety and sleep issues. - Cancer Wellness Program:
To strengthen the body, mind and spirit of individuals we follow an integrative approach which will enhance the outcomes of the conventional treatment along with improving the mental well-being. The program focuses on treatments of mental healing through yoga , meditation, mind-body approach,etc. - Community Support:
Through our ZenOnco.io Healing Circle Talks, we provide our patients, survivors and caregivers a platform to share their experiences and help each other grow and heal through their journey. This community provides them with peer support with comfort , hope and inspiration to heal. These Healing Circle Talks are conducted weekly where all are welcomed.
