Breast Cancer Treatment Descriptions

Naturopathic medicine encompasses a wide range of therapies that can be very helpful for those with breast cancer, or those who wish to prevent it. In the field of herbal medicine, there are many plants that can enhance normal immune function and have anti-tumor effects, or that can reduce toxicity and side effects caused by conventional treatments, without interfering with their action. Guidance in nutrition and food choices, as well as nutritional supplements, can encourage the growth and health of normal cells, while weakening cancer cells. And homeopathic remedies can stimulate the body's own ability to fight or prevent cancer, without interfering with conventional treatments.  Naturopaths are licensed as physicians in 16 states, and with their additional training in pharmacology, they have the knowledge necessary to help their clients make the most effective and safest use of natural therapies for breast cancer.

Hypnotherapy and Breast Cancer “The Journal of the National Cancer Institute”, September 5, 2007, reported that women undergoing surgery for breast cancer who received a brief hypnosis session before entering the operating room required less anesthesia and pain medication during surgery, and reported less pain, nausea, fatigue, and discomfort after surgery than women who did not receive hypnosis. The overall cost of surgery was also significantly less for women undergoing hypnosis. Hypnosis accesses the subconscious mind, which controls automatic body processes, including immune function and pain perception. Besides decreasing pain, hypnosis can help increase blood flow and decrease swelling, and encourage healing by helping to strengthen the immune system. Additionally, the subconscious mind is the source of all emotions, which also makes hypnosis a logical choice for dealing with the emotional aspects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as anxiety, stress, fear, and depression. Hypnosis can also help to alleviate the discomfort, nausea, fatigue and pain associated with radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Reiki is a powerful yet gentle form of energy that is healing in nature. It is used to alleviate stress, reduce pain, and promote relaxation and healing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. During a session the Reiki practitioner places their hands on or above the person’s body while they are fully clothed, either seated or lying down. Reiki works in conjunction with all conventional medical and therapeutic techniques to improve the effectiveness of treatments, while reducing side effects and decreasing healing time.

Acupuncture helps relieve fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Acupuncture has been shown to work better than Zofran at controlling nausea related to chemotherapy.   In a French study published in 2003, acupuncture was examined in the treatment of cancer-related pain. Patients treated with acupuncture had a 36% reduction in pain after 2 months of acupuncture treatments, compared with a 2% reduction in pain in the patients receiving a placebo type of acupuncture.  In one very preliminary 2004 study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, acupuncture was shown to reduce post-chemotherapy fatigue by 31% in people with various types of cancer. In 2005, another preliminary study of breast cancer patients in Sweden showed that acupuncture reduced hot flashes by half.

Massage therapy has been found to be a safe treatment for breast cancer patients, with widespread benefits. April Zimmerman offers various types of therapeutic and relaxation massage, including Swedish, Deep-tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Many of these techniques have been found to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and anger in women with breast cancer. Studies also show that massage increases the number of natural killer cells and lymphocytes, which are responsible for destroying cancer cells and regulating immunity. Patients were found to have improved immunity and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy.

*Please consult your oncologist before receiving massage therapy.*

Counseling Services for Breast Cancer Patients
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Stress levels can skyrocket. Often questions can arise concerning the uncertainty of the future, the unpredictability of cancer, disability, and financial difficulties, In addition , a diagnosis can lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness, anxiety, depression and significant spiritual issues.   Counseling, education, and supportive care in a compassionate environment can help patients deal with the many issues and emotions they are experiencing. By participating in individual counseling, a patient might more effectively express sensitive or private feelings they have about their illnesses, treatment, and personal situation and its impact on lifestyle and relationships.  Finally , coping abilities can be enhanced to help patients regain a sense of control over and improve the quality of their lives. Practical tips can be discussed on managing the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of the effects of breast cancer and its treatment thereby reducing the emotional impact of the disease.

Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork Therapy  Shiatsu, ancient therapeutic bodywork, originating in Japan over 1,000 years ago, is a form of Acupressure that has gained world wide renown for its effectiveness at stress relief and pain management. Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses the body’s energy pathways to stimulate self healing and wellbeing. Through stretching and rhythmic pressure, Shiatsu harmonizes the natural energy flow to reduce tension, increase circulation, relieve stress, manage pain and enable the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, Shiatsu strengthens resistance to disease. The healing benefits of Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork involve both the relaxation of the body and its positive effect on the mind. Over time a heightened self awareness results, leading to mental clarity and healthier physical and emotional wellbeing. It has been reported that Shiatsu, in addition to reducing pain from surgery, is effective at alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting that are experienced as side affects to Western medications used to treat Breast Cancer. Decreases in depression and anxiety, improved sleep and mood, as well as stress relief have also been results of receiving Shiatsu. Overall, Asian Bodywork Therapy, such as Shiatsu is ideal for treating the human body, mind, emotions and spirit; for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health, and can be a welcomed complement to the treatment of Breast Cancer.

Source: Meadow Hill Wellness