Alternative Therapies for Mesothelioma

Alternative therapies for Mesothelioma refer to those therapies or forms of treatment which are given aside from the medical or traditional treatments of mesothelioma. These treatments are not always recommended or suggested by doctors as they are not actually medical options. They work towards making people more spiritually or internally strong to fight this deadly cancer.

As they are not a part of medical treatment, they are called as alternative therapies for mesothelioma. In this context, these alternative therapies can also be called holistic. They treat the patient physically, emotionally, mentally as well as spiritually. Because of their unconventional ways, many doctors do not even approve of them, but in some cases, patients find them to be very relaxing and stimulating for fighting the symptoms of disease.

Some Alternate Therapies for Mesothelioma

Here we have mentioned some of the alternative therapies for mesothelioma. If you or your friend is suffering from mesothelioma, you might want to try one or more of these therapies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originally comes from China and it is an art which helps in relieving pain. Mesothelioma symptoms are accompanied by intense pain. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma seek acupuncture treatment to decrease the pain so that they may enjoy an improved life. Acupuncture involves insertion of long, thin needles in certain points of the body. The acupuncture specialists know the exact points where they should insert the needles which will help to control the pain. This treatment may go on as long as necessary to relief the patient from pain.

Massage

Massage is one of the most popular forms of alternative therapy for mesothelioma patients helping in reducing both the stress and pain. It provides them the much needed relaxation and respite from the painful thoughts. The patients are given full body massages by applying tension, pressure and motions to the soft body tissues that include tendons, muscles, ligaments and lymphatic tissues.

Massage also helps in reducing some of the symptoms of mesothelioma and medical treatments. Nausea is one such side effect of chemotherapy which can be kept at bay by massage. There are specially trained massage therapists who know all the techniques for relieving pain and other symptoms administered by chiropractor. Massage can be taken whenever the patient feels like it.

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

Used along with medical treatment and other alternative therapies, herbal and nutritional supplements are equally helpful for mesothelioma patients. These herbal and nutritional supplements are said to boost the immune system of the patient while at the same time slowing the cancer progress in the body. They may include special diets, medicines or treatments like homeopathic.

Some of the herbs are also known to reduce the potency of chemo drugs. However, not all of these supplements are approved by FDA. Thus, it is suggested that you tell your doctor about any herbal and nutritional supplements you are taking so that they do not interfere with your regular treatment.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy is the placing of electrodes on the nerve pathway. This leads to production of an electric current which stimulates the production of morphine like substance in the brain. This substance is said to reduce pain in mesothelioma patients. A number of patients looking for a smoothing therapy often try TENS therapy which shows successful results.

Meditation

It is claimed that meditation increases the immune function of the body and helps in controlling pain and stress. However, it is not to be confused with massage. Meditation is an important part of many eastern religions and it is famous for brining about a healthy state of relaxation, which clears the mind and soul of all problems. It not only relaxes the body but also calms the mind. Mesothelioma patients who suffer from both mental and physical stress and pain can make use of this alternative therapy. It can help in improved quality of life for patients.

Mesothelioma patients are taught how to become aware of their minds and adopt attitude which can help them control the stress and deal with pain.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is fast becoming a popular alternative therapy for controlling pain and keeping stress at bay. A licensed hypno-therapist should be consulted who is experienced in dealing with cancer patients to help them find relief from pain and stress associated with mesothelioma.

Alternative therapies are a good way to help patients cope with their conditions. While these alternative therapies are not able to control the cancer or stop its spread in the body, they can certainly help the patient in managing the pain and controlling the stress and anxiety which accompanies the disease. However, for these alternative therapies, you should always consult a medical professional so that it does not interfere with your treatment and you get the best of both options.