Alternative and complementary medicine is defined by the National Institutes of Health as a diverse group of health care practices and products that are generally not considered part of conventional medicine. They include holistic health care methods such as herbs, acupuncture, reiki, massage and yoga, many of which have ancient roots. Some of these therapies offer alternative approaches to cancer treatment as well.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. It utilizes fine needles inserted into energy channels along the body called meridians. It is believed that the needles help stimulate the flow of qi, or the life force, and facilitate healing. Several studies have been done on the effects of acupuncture on cancer patients. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute conducted a number randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture and found that it enhanced immune system function, helped with weight gain, provided symptom relief and had fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Herbs
Herbs are common in most forms of natural healing, from TCM and ayurveda to Native American and folk medicine. A few herbs have been identified as anticarcinogenic in scientific studies. One of the most widely studied herb for cancer treatment is turmeric. It is a spice used in Indian dishes that gives curry its golden color. It is also one of the main ingredients in the popular Hoxsey formula used on cancer patients at the BioMedical Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several studies that suggest that curcumin, the chemical component of turmeric, may help prevent, control or kill several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin and colon. Another notable anticancer herb is acai berry. In laboratory studies conducted at the University of Florida, researcher Stephen Talcott found that extracts of acai triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice from India that is often used in conjunction with ayurveda, a traditional form of Indian medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga may help with many chronic health conditions, even cancer. Other benefits of yoga listed by the Mayo Clinic include stress reduction, weight loss and improved physical fitness. As impaired immune function is a key factor in cancer growth, certain yoga postures that strengthen the immune system may help combat the spread of the disease. The Yoga Journal lists several poses believed to help destroy disease or enhance immune function, including Lion Pose, Shoulder Stand, Plow Pose, Fish Pose, and Cobra.
