Holistic Approaches to Treating Radiation-Related Cancers

As humans, it is our second nature to believe that everything natural is good. However, that same line can be contradicting because cancer, a deadly disease, is all-natural, too.

Although some are often caused by radiation exposure or smoking, most are sporadic. This means lifestyle factors or food don’t cause them.

Making a decision regarding treating your radiation-related cancer shouldn’t be based on an unnatural vs. natural argument. Instead, we need to concentrate on evidence-based and realistic choices to have a better chance of treating the disease. According to experts at UEW Healthcare, one concept that is gaining popularity is a holistic approach to treating these forms of cancer.

Understanding Holistic Approaches

The role of a holistic approach is to treat the spirit, body, and mind. This means combining traditional medicines and what our doctors recommend. For example, one holistic approach to treating cancers may include acupuncture and chemotherapy.

Medical treatments, such as radiation and chemo, are proven methods to fight this deadly disease, but the side effects they come with are difficult to live with. In this case, holistic approaches help to ease such issues and improve our well-being.

Like other treatment methods, holistic approaches have their limits. They may harm us if we give up mainstream medicines for holistic treatments.

Why Holistic Approaches

Some radiation-relation cancer patients try holistic approaches because they often feel that treatments for the illness can’t help or might be harmful.

This idea of horrible side effects and getting cancer treatments is frightening. However, most people with early-stage cancers can get cured through treatment.

If you are diagnosed with a radiation-related cancer that a doctor can’t cure, you might find it difficult to accept. In this situation, some individuals think of holistic approaches. But if you can treat cancer through medicine, then it will also be difficult to cure the disease through alternative approaches.

Common Holistic Approaches

Most individuals with radiation-related cancers try other alternatives to help cure the disease. Unfortunately, some approaches have not been approved yet and might even be risky. So, to help you make a good decision, we’ve compiled a list with approved holistic approaches. Some of these include the following:

1. Aromatherapy

This involves using fragrant substances, often essential oils from plants, to change mood and improve symptoms like nausea or stress. These essential oils can be diluted or inhaled and rubbed on patients’ skin.

2. Massage Therapy

This is the process of stimulating our tissues in the muscles and skin. Most people say that it helps them to promote relaxation or relieve anxiety and pain. Doctors also recommend the therapy as a helpful approach that improves an individual’s quality of life while relieving them from the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Fatigue

3. Mind-Body Techniques

According to research, our mental state affects our health. Techniques such as guided imagery, hypnosis, and meditation can help us to relax and concentrate on something besides our pain. In addition, these techniques can ease the side effects that come with medications.

In conclusion, we should talk to our doctor before getting holistic treatment. Our doctors will recommend the best approaches for us and highlight any side effects they might have. It is also important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the approaches and their interactions with different medications.