Mesothelioma info

Traditional methods of containing and curing mesothelioma are not proving to be very effective, and has lead to a host of alternative treatments for mesothelioma. These are methods that are not subscribed to by physicians / surgeons because most of them do not have a scientific base. Usually patients use alternative treatment methods in combination with traditional methods to improve the chance of recovery and increase survival time. Alternative treatments could cost a lot. Before opting for a particular type of alternative treatment, find out if insurance will cover this treatment. If it does, good. If not, go in for alternative treatments such as meditation, yoga, or specialized breathing techniques that once learned will help you get better, at the same time not burden you financially.

Alternative treatments include any treatments which the medical community deems as outside the acceptable or “traditional” treatments for the disease. Even though such treatments are not endorsed by most doctors, many mesothelioma patients have found them to be effective in combating symptoms of the disease. They’ll treat the patient not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Because they are considered “alternative” or “unconventional” and are generally not approved by doctors for the treatment of the disease, these therapies are usually not covered by most medical insurance policies.

Some types of alternative medicine have been practiced for generations, and for many illnesses there is an effective alternative treatment. However, no alternative treatments have been shown to inhibit or cure mesothelioma.

Sometimes alternative medicine refers to systems of medicine or specific treatments that are not generally used or approved by medical doctors (MDs) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please be careful when considering any alternative treatment.

Don’t Stop Conventional Mesothelioma Treatment. Many of those practicing alternative treatments will make you believe that they can cure you of the dreaded cancer without the need for conventional treatment. Most of these claims are not true and could end in disaster, since time is of essence in any treatment.

Alternative treatments include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originally comes from China and it is an art which helps in relieving pain. Mesothelioma symptoms are accompanied by intense pain. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma seek acupuncture treatment to decrease the pain so that they may enjoy an improved life. Acupuncture involves insertion of long, thin needles in certain points of the body. The acupuncture specialists know the exact points where they should insert the needles which will help to control the pain. This treatment may go on as long as necessary to relief the patient from pain.

Massage

Massage is one of the most popular forms of alternative therapy for patients helping in reducing both the stress and pain. It provides them the much needed relaxation and respite from the painful thoughts. The patients are given full body massages by applying tension, pressure and motions to the soft body tissues that include tendons, muscles, ligaments and lymphatic tissues. Massage also helps in reducing some of the symptoms of mesothelioma and medical treatments. Nausea is one such side effect of chemotherapy which can be kept at bay by massage. There are specially trained massage therapists who know all the techniques for relieving pain and other symptoms administered by chiropractor. Massage can be taken whenever the patient feels like it. As with acupuncture, massage can be performed as often as the patient wishes.

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

As with acupuncture, treatment with herbs too has its origins in China. Traditional Chinese doctors have an assortment of herbs that will cure / reduce the intensity of various ailments. These herbs are used in addition to conventional treatment. Most often used as a complement to traditional therapies, the use of herbs and nutritional supplements have proven helpful to some patients. Though they’re efficacy is not verified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some herbs and supplements claim to boost the immune system while others attest to slowing the progression of cancers such as mesothelioma. (Always tell your doctor which natural supplements or herbs you are considering before you take them so as not to interfere with regular treatment. Some herbs may reduce the potency of certain chemo drugs.)

TENS therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy is the placing of electrodes on the nerve pathway. This leads to production of an electric current which stimulates the production of morphine like substance in the brain. This substance is said to reduce pain in patients. A number of patients looking for a smoothing therapy often try TENS therapy which shows successful results.

Meditation

 

Meditation techniques are centuries old and practiced worldwide for various spiritual reasons. It is one of the best ways known to relax the mind and body. Meditation has been an important part of many Eastern religions for more than 5,000 years and involves bringing about a healthy state of relaxation for the individual involved in meditating. If done with proper guidance it can destress the mesothelioma patient and help control pain. Meditation is also claimed to strengthen the immune system. The advantages of meditation are many. Meditation can be performed by the patient in the comforting confines of home. At a time when alternative therapies cost a lot monetarily, meditation once learned will not cost anything. Unlike most medication, meditation does not have any negative side-effects.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a type of therapy that falls under the guise of alternative medicine, typically through the use of different essential oils derived from plants. Though aromatherapy as use of essential oils for treatment purposes has roots in ancient times, aromatherapy as it exists today is a decidedly Western idea. Aromatherapy in the modern sense began as a French practice during the First World War when a perfume chemist began selling essential oils that when burned, eased the recovery from Gangrene in soldiers.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is fast becoming a popular alternative therapy for controlling pain and keeping stress at bay. A licensed hypno-therapist should be consulted who is experienced in dealing with cancer patients to help them find relief from pain and stress associated with cancer.

Alternative therapies are a good way to help patients cope with their conditions. While these alternative therapies are not able to control the cancer or stop its spread in the body, they can certainly help the patient in managing the pain and controlling the stress and anxiety which accompanies the disease. However, for these alternative therapies, you should always consult a medical professional so that it does not interfere with your treatment and you get the best of both options.