Alternative Therapies to Complement Mesothelioma Treatment
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/03/25 - Updated: 2025/03/22
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Mesothelioma - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This report explores alternative and complementary treatments for mesothelioma, focusing on therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, medical marijuana, and mind-body techniques such as yoga and meditation. These approaches are not substitutes for conventional treatments like chemotherapy or surgery but can alleviate symptoms, reduce stress, and improve quality of life when used alongside standard care. The article highlights the importance of consulting healthcare providers before adopting these therapies to avoid potential conflicts with traditional treatments. It is particularly relevant for individuals with disabilities or seniors seeking holistic ways to manage cancer-related challenges - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Alternative treatments for mesothelioma are often described as holistic treatments because not only do they help their patients physical well being but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Main Content
Alternative treatments help ease stress and reduce the side effects caused by the medical treatments for mesothelioma cancer. Alternative treatments for mesothelioma therefore are a great compliment to medical treatment.
Alternative Treatments
In order to make the most of your cancer treatment, it is a good idea to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor prior to use. Anything deemed outside the traditional treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) are alternative treatments. These alternative mesothelioma treatments can include:
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Massage Therapy
- Nutritional Supplements and Herbs
- Aromatherapy
- TENS therapy
These treatments may be expensive and most are not covered by health insurance.
Acupuncture
This technique involves thin, long needles being inserted into certain points on the body. Mesothelioma victims seek this pain reliever used in China for centuries because it decreases the intense pain that may be a symptom of the disease or it's treatments.
Yoga and Meditation
Patients use these methods in order to reduce stress and pain. Yoga, meditation, and other similar therapies consist of relaxation and an awareness of body and mind.
Massage Therapy
Massages as a treatment for mesothelioma cancer is therapeutic because of the rubbing and kneading of the body's soft tissue increasing blood flow, and therefore improving circulation. Doctors often promote massages for cancer patients in order to ease the mind and relax the body, helping to control the pain.
Discuss massage therapy with your doctor as a massage immediately after radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery may cause damage to the recovering parts of the body. Deep massages may cause significant pain if the cancer has spread to the bones and may cause bone fractures.
Nutritional Supplements and Herbs
Though not all are verified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) most patients use this treatment as a compliment to conventional treatments. Also used for centuries in China, nutritional supplements and herbs claim to boost the immune system.
Again, discuss this alternative treatment with your doctor before using because some herbs or nutritional supplements may decrease the potency of certain chemotherapy.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is when oils derived from plants are burned releasing a smell that have been known to ease the mind into relaxation by appealing to the human sense of smell.
TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is an alternative method approved by the FDA where electrodes are placed on the nerve pathways producing an electrical current that stimulates the production of a morphine-like substance in the brain. Some patients have found success through this method as its electrical shocks relieve pain much like massage therapy or acupuncture. There are few side effects to TENS and this method can be performed at home.
Although many of these treatments are not endorsed by some doctors, many patients have found these treatments to be effective in either combination with the conventional medical treatments or as stand-alone therapy.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While alternative treatments for mesothelioma offer hope for symptom relief and enhanced well-being, they should be approached cautiously and in consultation with medical professionals. The integration of these therapies into a broader treatment plan underscores the growing recognition of patient-centered care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. However, the lack of robust scientific evidence for many of these methods calls for further research to validate their efficacy and safety - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.