What Holistic Therapies Help for Cancer

Virginia Von Schaefer, M.D.
3 min readJan 30, 2023

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When faced with cancer, many people are looking for ways to help treat it. Numerous holistic therapies can be used to fight the disease. These treatments can include herbal remedies, yoga, tai chi and relaxation techniques. Read on to learn more about some of these healing methods.

Many cancer patients in the United States use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM treatments can include acupuncture, yoga, massage, and herbal supplements. These therapies are not a substitute for standard cancer treatment but may help reduce or minimize side effects. They can also promote well-being and inner strength.

A study published in the JAMA Oncology reports that many patients turn to complementary medicine in their fight against cancer. However, researchers still need to be made aware of whether CAM can offer patients meaningful benefits.

If you’re a cancer patient, nutrition is essential to your treatment. It can help you fight infections and make you feel better and stronger. However, it can also cause side effects.

Cancer treatments can put your body under constant stress. This may lead to nutritional deficiencies, including anorexia and cachexia. These symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible.

Many cancer treatments affect the body’s ability to digest food. Surgery to remove organs or tumours in the stomach, oesophagus, or intestines can alter how your body absorbs and uses food.

One of the emerging modalities of complementary medicine for cancer is Tai chi. It is a martial art that promotes balance, flexibility, and stress relief. The practice of Tai chi is a noncompetitive exercise that anyone can perform.

Clinical trials have tested the effectiveness of tai chi in improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients with various cancers. However, more research is needed to fully evaluate the effects of tai chi training on the outcomes of cancer care. This review evaluates the evidence for several health outcomes, including psychological, physical, and social functioning, cancer-related fatigue, and disease-specific QOL.

Yoga and holistic therapies for cancer patients are often used to boost patients’ quality of life. The benefits include increased strength, flexibility, and balance. It also helps relieve stress.

Yoga is a practice that combines breathing exercises, meditation, and stretching to help connect the mind and body. Often, it is accompanied by the use of props, which prompt the body to relax.

Research on the effects of yoga on cancer patients is still in its early stages. Although some studies show promising results, there is still much more to learn.

The practice of relaxation techniques can help improve your physical and mental health. These techniques can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and even relieve pain.

Some of the most common forms of relaxation include meditation, breathing exercises, and massage. However, it is essential to note that these methods may only work for some. Before trying any new methods, you should consult your doctor.

Meditation and other relaxation techniques can be done on your own or with the help of a health professional. It is also possible to find self-help resources online. You can find videos or even apps that will guide you.

If you have cancer, you may wonder how herbal and vitamin supplements can help. While herbs and vitamins can be helpful to boost energy and reduce side effects, you should know what you are taking and how it interacts with treatments and medications.

Natural supplements are gaining attention for their ability to protect against cancer. Research is ongoing to find out whether this is true. It is best to discuss the use of vitamins and herbs with your oncologist and health care provider.

Some vitamins and herbs are known to enhance or inhibit chemotherapy. This is why your oncologist may warn you about any interactions. Also, many dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That makes it hard to determine the effects of supplements on your body.

Several different types of holistic therapies help cancer patients deal with side effects, including exercise and massage. Massage can promote relaxation and ease tension. It is a safe and healthy activity that can improve a person’s physical and mental health.

Exercise can also reduce depression and fatigue. For instance, yoga has been found to improve stress and balance. Tai chi, a Chinese martial art, combines physical movements with meditation to relieve stress. Yoga can also help improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients.

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Virginia Von Schaefer, M.D.
Virginia Von Schaefer, M.D.

Written by Virginia Von Schaefer, M.D.

Virginia Von Schaefer, M.D. is a medical doctor with over 35 years of clinical experience in general and trauma surgery, oncology and endocrinology.

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