Can Integrative Cancer Treatments Help in the Process?

The fatigue, nausea, and generalized discomfort that goes along with cancer treatment can make coping very difficult. That’s why many patients also seek out integrative treatments that can help them ease the side effects so common with chemotherapy and other cancer therapies.

Integrative cancer treatments can make a big difference in the overall treatment process, but they are recommended for use in conjunction with primary treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. While the effectiveness of integrative treatments can vary from person to person, they can make a difference in a number of ways. For some, they ease the stress associated with the diagnosis. Others may find they help ease sleep disorders, vomiting, and nausea.

So, what types of integrative treatments are available to cancer patients as they battle the disease? Here are just a few of the options that can make coping a bit easier:

• Massage therapy – This is a great way to reduce stress and enable relaxation. This type of therapy has been shown to be quite helpful in easing some of the symptoms faced by cancer patients.

• Meditation – Overall, relaxation techniques can be very useful in helping cancer patients relieve stress while relaxing their minds and bodies. Meditation can also help improve sleep while creating a more positive state of mind to face what’s ahead.

• Acupuncture – This treatment can also be a great stress-buster. Some patients also find it very useful in pain relief.

• Exercise – While it can be hard to imagine exercising while undergoing cancer treatments, this form of therapy can make a big difference. Not only does it help reduce stress and improve heart health, it can help combat some of the symptoms while assisting with energy maintenance. Yoga and Tai Chi are often recommended in this regard.

• Aromatherapy – This is also quite good for helping alleviate stress and may even help with nausea reduction in some patients.

While integrative treatments are never meant to replace cancer therapy that’s designed to attack the disease and stop it in its tracks, they can prove quite useful. To find out more, just check with your doctor for ideas that might suit your personal needs.