Complementary and alternative medicine
If your doctor has told you that your lung cancer can’t be cured, you may be tempted to turn to complementary and alternative medicine for answers. Flashy Web sites claim cures are available at clinics in foreign countries, and secret herbal remedies seem to offer hope at a time when you feel you have few treatment options. But alternative lung cancer treatments aren’t backed by scientific research, so there’s no evidence that these therapies work. And, in many cases, the side effects of these treatments are unknown.
Alternative lung cancer treatments may be expensive and require travel to distant places. Consider how you want to spend the time you have remaining. You may prefer to spend your time at home with friends and family, rather than a faraway place where you have no support system.
Rather than forgoing mainstream cancer treatments, using complementary and alternative treatments along with care from your doctor may be a reasonable option. Work with your doctor to determine what complementary and alternative treatments may help relieve any signs and symptoms you experience. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks of complementary and alternative treatments.
The American College of Chest Physicians reviewed available complementary and alternative treatments and found some therapies may be helpful for people with lung cancer, including:
Acupuncture. During an acupuncture session, a practitioner inserts small needles into precise points on your body. Acupuncture may relieve pain and ease cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and dry mouth, but there’s no evidence that acupuncture has any effect on your cancer. Acupuncture can be safe when done by a certified practitioner. Ask your doctor to recommend someone in your community. But acupuncture isn’t safe if you have low blood counts or take blood thinners.
Hypnosis. Hypnosis is a type of therapy that puts you in a trance-like state that can be relaxing. Hypnosis is typically done by a therapist who leads you through relaxation exercises and asks you to think pleasing and positive thoughts. Hypnosis may reduce anxiety, nausea and pain in people with cancer, and it may improve appetite.
Massage. During a massage, a massage therapist uses his or her hands to apply pressure to your skin and muscles. Massage can help relieve anxiety, distress, fatigue and pain in people with cancer. Some massage therapists are specially trained to work with people who have cancer. Ask your doctor for names of massage therapists in your community. Massage shouldn’t hurt. Your massage therapist shouldn’t put pressure anywhere near your tumor or any surgical wounds. Don’t have a massage if your blood counts are low or if you’re taking blood thinners.
Meditation. Meditation is a time of quiet reflection in which you focus your mind on something, such as an idea, image or sound. Meditation may reduce stress and improve quality of life in people with cancer. Meditation can be done on your own, or there may be instructors in your community. Ask for recommendations from your health care team or friends and family.
Yoga. Yoga combines gentle stretching movements with deep breathing and meditation. Yoga may help people with cancer sleep better. Yoga is generally safe when taught by a trained instructor, but don’t do any moves that hurt or don’t feel right. Many fitness centers offer yoga classes. Ask your friends and family for opinions on yoga classes they’ve taken.
Source: mayoclinic.com
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