Traditional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can harm the body as much they help. Some cancer patients who want to avoid the harsh effects of treatment turn to alternative therapies, like Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture and homeopathy. Alternative medicine is not approved as a replacement for established medical care when it comes to cancer, but many physicians believe alternative treatments impact the patient in a positive manner and help the body fight off cancer.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is an Indian system of alternative medicine that emphasizes body, mind and spirit balance. This system claims that impure blood due to an imbalance in the mind/body type causes cancer; treating the cause of the impure blood will cure the cancer. Practioners of Ayurvedic medicine say the best method of cleansing the blood and blocked body channels to combat cancer include herbal formulas and non-invasive techniques like massage and steam treatments.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to promote health and decrease disease symptoms and treatment side effects. This traditional Chinese medical treatment includes the use of needles, acupressure, a procedure called cupping and other types of heat therapy to activate the pressure points. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer patients utilize acupuncture most often to control pain, nausea and vomiting, although current research focuses on acupuncture's effects on increasing the blood cell count and other immune functions.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicine operates on the principle that diseases and other disorders can be cured by a substance producing similar symptoms in healthy people. Cancer patients seeking homeopathy treatment find three main options: tumor remedies, treatments that heal the "eliminative channels" (liver, kidneys, urinary tract, lymphatic system and so on) and whole-body treatments. Homeopathy practitioners often employ this treatment in conjunction with other alternative medicine therapies; it is generally not a primary cancer treatment strategy.
