Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a network of thin tubes in the body's immune system. It produces, stores and transfers white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, such as B cells and T cells. Lymphocytes play a major role in the defense against infections and other diseases. The selection of treatment options for lymphoma cancer may be a complex decision involving many factors, including the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, age and general health of the patient. In addition, patients may also benefit from complementary and alternative therapies, such as dietary supplements and megadose vitamins.
Alternative Medical Systems
The term, "alternative medicine" is generally used to describe the practice of complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, in place of conventional medicine. It includes Chinese medicine, ayurveda, homeopathic and naturopathic medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health. Chinese medicine places emphasis on the breath and mind to balance and direct life force, or vital energy, also called "qi" in Chinese language. Ayurveda, an ancient medical treatment in India, is aimed toward regaining our natural balanced state of mind, body and spirit. Homeopathy is a system of medical practice that uses minute doses of a remedy to treat a disease. Although homeopathy cannot be combined with the primary cancer treatments, but it raises the vitality of the patient, empowering the body to heal the tumor, according to the Cancer Cure Foundation. Naturopathic medicine uses a wide range of techniques, such as herbal medicine, stress reduction, acupuncture and exercise. Available scientific evidence, however, does not substantiate the claim that naturopathic medicine can cure cancer and other diseases, according to the American Cancer Society.
Mind-Body Interventions
Mind-body intervention strategies are used to help to relieve many symptoms associated with chronic diseases, including cancer. The underlying cause of several major health problems is stress, and its effects on the body. These coping strategies are most important for their healing power to reduce stress and relieve complications associated with cancer and cancer treatments.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are naturally occurring substances that have notable effects in the body. These include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and meat and dairy supplements. Cancer treatment places a high demand on the body. The use of nutritional supplements supports the body's natural energy cycle, thereby maintaining a healthy weight and satisfies our daily nutrient requirements, says the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lymphoma
- MedlinePlus: Lymphoma
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Integrative Medicine & Complementary and Alternative Therapies as Part of Blood Cancer Care
- National Institutes of Health: What Is Complementary and Alternatives Medicine?
- The Cancer Cure Foundation: Homeopathy
