Alternative Treatment for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer alternative treatment has become increasingly popular in recent times because of the harsh side effects of conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The low success rate of conventional treatments has also pushed patients and medical professionals alike to explore alternative approaches to treating this disease. Lung cancer like all other cancers is caused by the rapid development and uncontrolled growth of cells with abnormalities. In a normal lung the tissue is comprised of healthy cells, while in a lung cancer patient the cells with abnormalities multiply forming tumors. Tumors may occur in just one or both of the lungs. Cancerous tumors are malignant which means that they are aggressive and can spread over time to other body parts. Not only do these abnormal cells multiply but they also destroy cells that are healthy, causing severe and irreversible damage to the afflicted organ. Irrespective of the type of cancer early treatment is the key to successful treatment.
Some forms of lung cancer treatment that appear promising include
- Acupuncture: This treatment appears to effect neurally-mediated reflexes. In some cases treatment with acupuncture has been found to be much more effective than conventional cancer treatments. It is a completely safe form of treatment, free of any side effects.
- Ginger: Ginger is a useful herb and though it has no effect on cancer it is useful for cancer patients following conventional therapy as it reduces some of the side effects like nausea.
- Shark cartilage: This is another avenue of lung cancer alternative treatment that is being explored today. It is being used in some instances as a complimentary medication for those going through conventional cancer treatments.
- Massage therapy: Massage therapy is being used effectively as a lung cancer alternative treatment to relieve cancer related fatigue.
- Mistletoe extract: Mistletoe extract can be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat solid tumors.
Apart from these alternative treatments research is also being done in various other areas exploring the possibilities of other lung cancer alternative treatments. Illicium verum, star anise and ammannia baccifera are just some examples of other herbs and natural products that are being studied with some positive results.
No matter what lung cancer alternative treatment you chose it is important that you keep in mind that many of these therapies are not scientifically proven and some are not cures in themselves but are extremely effective as complimentary medicine. This means that in the case of cancer they can aid conventional treatments, by facilitating healing, speeding up recovery and reducing or eliminating the severe side effects that are associated with conventional treatment. You can also consult naturopaths, herbalists and nutritionists for advice over lifestyle and dietary changes that you can make to help fight the disease as well as for advice on your choices of lung cancer alternative treatment.
