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Integrative Medicine
Most people have heard the terms "complementary" and "alternative" medicine. Now, a new term has evolved "integrative" medicine, and over the past several years, major cancer facilities across the country have begun incorporating this approach into their patient care.
Integrative medicine combines the very best of mainstream conventional therapies such as cutting-edge surgery, chemotherapy and radiation with appropriate complementary therapies proven to have sound scientific evidence as to their safety and effectiveness. It is care that extends not only to the patient's body, but to their mind and spirit as well. Complementary medicine may help ease stress and may help patients cope with side effects such as nausea, pain and fatigue common to many standard treatments.
Complementary medicine falls into five general categories as classified by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (a component of the National Institutes of Health):
- Alternative Medical Systems are those which have evolved over many years in different cultures and parts of the world. Some examples include homeopathic and naturopathic medicines in Western culture and Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine in non-Western cultures.
- Biologically Based Therapies focus on things found in nature such as food, herbs and vitamins, as well as dietary supplements, herbal products and "natural" but scientifically unproven products.
- Energy Therapies subscribe to the belief that the body has energy fields that can be used to attain wellness. Examples are Tai Chi, Reiki and therapeutic touch.
- Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies are based on the manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body, such as in chiropractic manipulation or massage therapy.
- Mind-Body Therapies use the premise that the mind
can affect the body's functions and improve symptoms. Some examples
are biofeedback, hypnosis, imagery, meditation and yoga. Also
included in this category are expressive therapies such as art, dance
and music.
While many cancer centers now offer classes in the some of the techniques listed above, not every choice is right for every patient. If you are considering some type of complementary treatment, discuss these options completely and openly with your doctor. While some choices may be beneficial, care needs to be taken that nothing interferes with your standard treatment or is unsafe in your particular case. If your doctor approves, ask for a referral to a qualified practitioner who has the proper credentials and training. Ask what benefits you might expect from the therapy, and what, if any, the potential risks and side effects might be.
Following are some common types of complementary treatment. This table is meant to be for general information purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice.
Complementary Treatment |
Definition |
Potential Benefits |
Potential Risks |
Acupuncture/ |
The practice of inserting needles into specific points on the body to control pain or other symptoms; the application of pressure on specific points on the body to control pain or other symptoms. |
May reduce cancer pain. May reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy. May reduce fatigue. |
Not recommended for patients with low white blood cell count or low blood platelets due to greater risk of infection and/or bleeding. |
Biofeedback |
A method of treatment using monitors to feed back to the patient physiological information of which they are normally unaware. The patient learns to adjust their thinking to control involuntary bodily processes such as heart rate and blood pressure. |
May reduce cancer pain. May reduce stress. May help insomnia. |
None known. |
Creative Expression Therapies |
Methods of treatment in which patients are encouraged to express their feelings through mediums such as art, journal writing or music. |
May allow patients to express feelings that are difficult to verbalize. May reduce stress. May improve mood. |
None known. |
Guided Imagery |
A technique which uses the patient's imagination and senses to create a feeling of comfort and relaxation. |
May reduce cancer pain. May reduce side effects caused by chemotherapy. May reduce anxiety and stress. |
None known. |
Hypnosis |
A method of therapy in which a medical professional creates a state of relaxation where the patient can focus on their health and well-being. |
May reduce cancer pain. May reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy. May reduce fear and/or anxiety. May help insomnia. May improve mood. |
Inadequately trained individuals. Be sure this type of treatment is administered by a physician or a licensed hypnotherapist. |
Massage |
A form of therapy which promotes relaxation, relieves muscular tension and stimulates circulation through the stroking and kneading of muscles and soft tissue. |
May reduce cancer pain. May induce relaxation. May reduce anxiety and stress. May improve mood. |
May not be advised after surgery. May not be advised while undergoing chemotherapy (increased risk of infection or bruising) or radiation (further irritation to irradiated skin). |
Nutrition and Supplement Counseling |
Involves guidance from nutritionists and/or pharmacists on maintaining healthy eating habits, as well as advice on the safe use of supplements. |
May help patients better cope with the rigors of treatments. May help patients avoid weight loss which can cause delays in treatments. |
Extreme diets may be unsafe. Supplements or herbal remedies may interact with other treatments or medications. |
Qi gong, T'ai Chi, Yoga |
Therapies that use breathing techniques, meditation and movement to promote self-healing. |
May reduce stress and fatigue. |
Not recommended for patients with arthritis, weak bones or heart disease. |
Reflexology |
A technique that uses pressure-point massage on the feet, hands or ears to restore the flow of energy throughout the body. |
May reduce cancer pain. May induce relaxation. May reduce stress. May increase circulation. |
Not recommended for patients with arthritis, weak bones or heart disease. |
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