Popularly known as alternative treatments, practitioners now refused to be called as such, instead they would rather call their practices as complementary therapies to go with regular, medical-based cancer treatments. Patients who were able to receive both types of treatment swore than they indeed feel better now and are glad they gave it a shot!
Of course, we are not new to the horrors of undergoing cancer treatments. We heard them, even encountered one, at some point of our lives. The first time I personally saw a close friend having a bout, hours after her chemotherapy, I stood frozen—not really knowing what to do. It was such a confusing moment for me as I would like to reach out to her and help her but at the same time, my mind just kept on refusing these things are happening right in front of me. I fear for my friend, I fear for my own life—I fear cancer in general.
This is why I try to keep up with cancer related news, especially its milestones and cure. I hope someday I would be able to write an article announcing its cure or at the very least, an exact, 100%, pinpointed cause of cancer so we can prevent it once and for all, and not just second-guess it.
While the medical community is busy developing the strongest weapon for fighting cancer, complementary treatment practitioners are working hard keeping the person with cancer strong and surviving. Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are known to destroy not only the cancer cells living inside a person’s body but the body in general. That is why it is very important for the person to be able to cope with the onslaught of the treatment, emotionally and physically. Here are some complementary treatments approved and recommended by health care providers for cancer treatment program:
·    Acupuncture. Acupuncture is known to alleviate or relieve side effects of standard cancer treatments making it more bearable for patients. For chemotherapy, acupuncture has proven to be an effective solution to combat nausea and vomiting—some of chemotherapy’s well-known side effects.
·    Meditation. Meditation helps tremendously in calming your mind and body, before during and after standard treatments. It may not directly help you physically but it handles the emotional part of it perfectly.
·    Yoga. Yet another reason why senior should engage in Yoga! While Yoga does not cure your cancer, it improves the patient’s quality of life—something that is really, really important when undergoing treatments.
·    Hypnosis. Hypnosis is actually used for chronic pain sufferers. Hypnotized patients experience reduced degree of pain and discomfort, allowing them to move freely without any additional medication required.
·    Massage. It releases tension, stress and fatigue which the body acquires during treatments plus it promotes relaxation. However, not all massage techniques work for cancer patients so you need to seek one from a professional.