Appropriate complementary therapies improve quality of life and may relieve physical and emotional stress. The act of seeking complementary therapy is beneficial in its own right as it gives patients a sense of control over their illness and the opportunity to play a role in their own care. Before trying any complementary cancer therapy, investigate it thoroughly to make sure it is potentially beneficial and absolutely safe. Then check with your doctor to be sure it will not compromise standard treatment. In recent years, it has become evident that cancer patients are more likely to try alternative medicine like acupuncture and naturopathy, in addition to getting conventional treatments.

 

Nutrition and Diet

Scientific evidence suggests that nutrition may play a role in cancer prevention. But no diet has been shown to slow or reverse cancer and no diet cures cancer. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients may inhibit the development of cancer by neutralizing carcinogens, ensuring proper immune function, or preventing tissue and cell damage. Researchers are particularly interested in antioxidants i.e. vitamins A (particularly beta carotene), C, E, and selenium, but are also studying folic acid, vitamin B-6, magnesium, zinc, coenzyme Q10, and phytonutrients (substances in food that seem to prevent cancer), among others.

As a rule, patients should avoid any diet that claims to cure cancer, advocates abandoning standard treatment, causes severe weight loss or weakness, requires severe food restriction, or costs a lot of money.

 

Acupuncture or Acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure are perfect examples of "complementary" medicine for cancer. While neither claims to cure the disease, evidence shows that they help reduce symptoms of the illness and side effects of the treatment. Acupuncture has also been known to be an effective remedy for the vomiting and nausea often experienced after chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Acupressure can also work to alleviate nausea, and may be helpful in controlling pain. Electro-acupuncture, in which electric current is applied to the acupuncture point, can be effective for cancer-related pain as well.

 

Herbal Remedies and Homeopathy

Numerous herbal remedies profess to fight cancer and its related symptoms. A few herbs may help with specific complaints like Ginger tea and peppermint tea or lozenges may ameliorate nausea, valerian can help with anxiety and stress, capsaicum cream might relieve muscle aches, and St. John's wort may help combat depression. Consult with your doctor before using any herbal remedies.

Homeopathic preparations may ease the nausea, fatigue, and anxiety associated with cancer and its treatment. While some believe that homeopathic medicines only act as "placebos," evidence exists that using homeopathy increases people's sense of self-control and lessens the severity of their symptoms. Safe and free of side effects, homeopathy only presents a danger if its use delays conventional treatment.