A medical cure for cancer remains elusive but research continues to unlock the key to treating this most deadly of diseases. Patients diagnosed with the disease may, however, consider alternative, holistic therapies that claim to have some ability to treat cancer. These include naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal and spiritual disciplines such as yoga or healing.
The two most common types of herbal medicine are Western and Chinese along with Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine popular in India. All methods, sometimes referred to as phytotherapy, use plants or plant extracts to treat any illness or disease such as cancer. Herbal medicine focuses on a whole body approach, using the plants to restore physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
The best-known herbs used in India in cancer treatment include aloe vera, essiac and hoxsey, while in China a formulation of six herbs known as Fu Zen therapy is said to strengthen the immune system against cancer cells. Panax ginseng has been used by the Chinese to treat and prevent cancer for centuries.
Naturopathy is a combination of natural therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture and herbal medicine alongside modern techniques such as ozone therapy and colon hydrotherapy. Naturopathy considers that the body can heal itself in the right conditions so works to restore natural balance and harmony by, for example, a change of environment or diet and detoxification.
That holistic approach is also seen in homeopathy, based on the principle that “like cures like” – ie that the substances that cause symptoms may also be used to treat those symptoms and cure the disease. The identified substances, usually plants or minerals, are diluted in water and administered through pills or tinctures. Homeopathy promotes a healthy diet and lifestyle that avoids processed foods, smoking and alcohol, and so acts to prevent illness.
Spiritual disciplines and the power of positive thinking are linked to improved wellbeing of cancer patients. This type of alternative therapy can include the likes of yoga, a discipline that encompasses the physical, mental and spiritual spheres, using its postures to reduce stress, encourage health and improve flexibility in the spine. Healing is an ancient practice that harnesses and channels the energy around you into a positive force that tackles sickness and disease. Practices that focus on maintaining a positive mental attitude, such as deep breathing exercises to de-stress, may have a similar effect.
Comments are closed.