Five Supplemental Therapies For Cancer Care
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, then your doctors will likely recommend a specialized treatment plan including chemo or radiation, surgery, and perhaps a few other treatments. But what you may not know is that there are several supportive therapies you can also talk to your doctor about including in your plan. These supportive therapies won't cure your cancer, but they do help make you more comfortable throughout the treatment process and help ease any side effects from your primary treatments.
Here are five supplemental or supportive therapies to consider as a part of your cancer care.
Acupuncture
The idea of having needles stuck into your skin when you are already feeling sick may sound unappealing. But surprisingly, acupuncture does not hurt, and it is very effective at relieving the nausea that often comes with cancer treatment medications. Your cancer care center may even employ an acupuncturist since this treatment has become so popular. It works by redirecting the flow of energy through your body -- or in other words, altering your nerve impulses to dull down those that trigger pain and nausea. You can have a session after each chemo or radiation treatment to prevent side effects from becoming too worrisome.
Aromatherapy
Have you ever noticed that certain smells can make you feel more relaxed or energetic? This is the idea behind aromatherapy. If you are feeling nauseous or worn out during cancer treatment, certain smells may help make you feel better. You can meet with an aromatherapy expert who will help you identify the best scents to assist in your care. They typically use essential oils, which you can diffuse into your room in a vaporizer, spritz into the air with a spray bottle, or just apply to your temples and forehead for relief.
Nutrition Therapy
You should absolutely meet with a dietitian as a part of your cancer care. The cancer treatment center you are seeking treatment at probably employs a few of them, and they can help you devise a treatment plan that not only keeps your nutritional needs met, but also helps you feel better during treatment.
During cancer treatment, your appetite is often diminished, making it harder to get the nutrients you need. A dietitian can recommend specific foods that are packed with the right nutrients, and they may also recommend certain supplements based on the results of your blood test or the foods you have been unable to eat.
Do make sure the person you meet with is a registered dietitian. Someone advertising as a "nutritionist" may not have actually received the necessary training to give qualified nutrition advice since the term "nutritionist" is not regulated.
Massage
Massage can help reduce your stress levels, which may make all of your symptoms less severe. Do make sure that you seek a massage from someone who has experience working with cancer patients. Share with the massage therapist the fact that you are battling cancer so they know to stay on the gentle side when treating you. A hot stone massage or aquamassage may be a better choice than a deep tissue massage, as these modalities tend to be gentler.
Yoga
Yoga may not seem like a treatment per say, but it can have very therapeutic effects. Staying gently active can help ease your side effects, and yoga can easily be made as simple or challenging as you wish. The gentle stretching and breathing will help you relax and maintain a positive mindset, which is essential for healing. Try partaking in beginner yoga classes at a local gym, or follow along with basic yoga workout videos in the comfort of your own home.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about these and other cancer care services.
