Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

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 Item

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

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.

Reference: The Asbestos Cancer and Mesothelioma Support Center at www.Asbestos.Net

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Asbestos.Net. (2009, March 25 - Last revised: 2016, March 20). Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments. Disabled World. Retrieved December 12, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/mesothelioma/alternative-treatments.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/mesothelioma/alternative-treatments.php">Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments</a>: Alternative treatments for mesothelioma described as holistic treatments not only help a patients physical well being but mentally emotionally and spiritually.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.