According to MedlinePlus, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and one of the most common cancers to affect people worldwide. Cigarette smoking, pollution and exposure to asbestos are the main causes of lung cancer. Treatment varies according to the nature and stage of lung cancer; however, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are typical treatments. Alternative treatments may be combined with traditional medicine to relieve symptoms and help patients cope with the side effects of traditional cancer treatments, notes Mayoclinic.com.
Acupuncture
According to Mayoclinic.com, The American College of Chest Physicians has reviewed alternative treatments and found acupuncture may be helpful for patients with lung cancer. Although there is no evidence that acupuncture acts directly on the cancer, it may help lung cancer patients by relieving pain and alleviating side effects associated with cancer treatment such as nausea and vomiting. During acupuncture treatment, very fine needles are inserted into energy points known as meridians to allow the free flow of vital energy or "qi," which in turn triggers the body's natural healing process.
Hypnosis
Mayoclinic.com notes that hypnosis may also help to reduce reduce anxiety, nausea and pain in lung cancer patients. During hypnosis, a hypnotherapist will lead the patient into a relaxing trance-like state using certain repetitive phrases. Once the patient is in a trance state, the hypnotherapist will introduce positive suggestions to help the patient. According to the American Cancer Society, it is unlikely that hypnosis can influence the progression of cancer, but it may help to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Massage
Massage therapy may help ease anxiety and distress in patients with lung cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that massage may also loosen mucus in the lungs and increase the body's production of feel-good chemicals called endorphins. According to Mayoclinic.com, some therapists are specifically trained to treat cancer patients. A doctor should be able to recommend a suitable therapist.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine uses natural therapies to aid the immune system and reduce treatment-related side effects of lung cancer, notes Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Naturopathic treatments that may be employed to support traditional lung cancer treatment may include the herb ginger, which may help to ease chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting.A combination of licorice and peppermint known as Glygel, may soothe a throat that has become irritated by chemotherapy drugs.
