Alternative Treatments for Asbestosis

With advancement in medicine and technology, newer methods are being tested out to treat the malignant disease of asbestosis. This includes alternative treatment methods that are used apart from the traditional treatments such as surgery, oxygen therapy and thoracentesis.

Alternative therapies for asbestosis can be referred as the ones that are not commonly used by people and not always recommended by medical practitioners. However, asbestosis patients turn to these alternative treatments to relieve their symptoms of asbestosis and manage their disease in a new way. Even so, it should be remembered that all these alternative treatments are palliative methods to soothe and relieve the pain. They do not offer a cure or complete treatment of the disease.

Alternative Treatments for Asbestosis

Some of the old herbal as well as medicinal treatments are being adopted by people to alleviate the symptoms and pain associated with asbestosis. Some of these alternative treatments for asbestosis are:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese remedy that helps asbestosis patients by relieving their stress and anxiety. Due to its effectiveness, acupuncture is being tried by a large number of asbestosis patients and its popularity has increased a lot in the last 20-30 years. Seeing its benefits on asbestosis patients, oncologists have started recommending it to their patients with a degree of conviction now.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin at various trigger points on the body giving optimal results. Asbestosis patients have claimed that their pain was reduced and they found betterment in breathing with acupuncture. As this treatment carries no risk or side effects, it can be performed as frequently as needed by the patient.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is another popular alternative treatment for asbestosis. It makes use of herbs and supplements to relief painful symptoms of asbestosis. These homeopathy medicines are usually prescribed by a doctor or a nutritionist who has studied homeopathy in detail. It is also known as holistic medicine, a study of medicine that treats the whole body.

One thing to be noted here is that homeopathic drugs and medicines are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration of USA; yet, they have shown excellent results and very few side effects.

However, it is advised that you tell your physician before taking any homeopathic medicine as it might intervene with the working of bronchodilators, steroids or any other medications you are taking for asbestosis treatment.

Massage

Massage is a practical and easy to carry out alternative treatment for asbestosis. It helps in dealing with the pain and eases breathing problems. Some studies have also shown that massage helps in building immunity in the body that is very essential for asbestosis patients. For this purpose, patients can go to some reputed physical therapist or a masseur who recognizes their need for massage as well as their body condition and helps them.

Meditation

Meditation is fast becoming a popular way to reduce asbestosis pain and anxiety. In the beginning, the patient might need help from a therapist or a professional. However, with practice and more spiritual input, the patient can meditate by himself at home too and get rid of feelings of sadness and misery.

Some of the alternative treatments for asbestosis are not approved by a large number of physicians and oncologists. Yet seeing their positive effects on the patients’ health and recovery, doctors are now taking a considerate attitude towards them.

However, always remember to consult your oncologist before choosing any of these alternative treatments for asbestosis so that they do not interfere with your routine treatment. Also, before beginning these alternative treatments, consult properly trained professionals to avoid any side effects or harmful consequences. Remember, some alternative treatments might work for people while others do not. It might take time, patience and a few sessions with the professional before you feel any improvement in your condition.