Cancer has become a scourge that’s threatening the existence of the entire population. So many are the forms of it that the medical research world is overwhelmed in tracking and trying to find a cure for all of them. Lung cancer is one of such forms responsible for taking away nearly 230,000 every year from different places across the globe. Lung cancer is mainly common among smokers, and it is postulated that smoking is one of its major causes, though there is conclusive evidence to cement such a claim. Genetics, pollution, and radiation are also believed to be strong contributors to this form of cancer.
Just like other forms of cancer, there are integrative complementary and alternative medicine therapies that are used to treat side effects as well as symptoms of lung cancer. It should be known that these alternative treatment lung cancer are not designed to act as standalone cures, but they should be used alongside conventional cancer treatments to get more release and to aid the efficacy of the conventional cancer approaches.
And before we delve into the specific alternative treatments for lung cancer, it is important to point out that there is no supportive research to back most of the claims made about the alternative therapies, and they have a lot of mixed opinions when it comes to their effectiveness. However, the majority of the people who resorted to the use of these therapies have always recorded very good results in the treatment and management of lung cancer. With that said, below are some of what’s currently considered as the best alternative treatments that might help with lung cancer.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for many centuries in Chinese medicine. It is where various specific pressure points in the body are stimulated with very thin needles. This is so that the natural flow of energy in the body may be restored. Whenever there is an imbalance in the natural flow of the body’s energy, disease strikes. Nearly all individuals suffering from lung cancer will experience symptoms related to the diseases or to the treatments that they may be receiving.
Some of the more pronounced symptoms include-: depression, poor wellbeing, pain, nausea, and anxiety among others. Acupuncture is a deadly effective strategy for managing most of these symptoms, thus bringing relief to the patient and aiding whatever treatment method that is being administered. If the patient had already started attending chemotherapy sessions, acupuncture will be very helpful in managing nausea and the vomiting normally associated with this method of treatment.
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, essential oils are used to stimulate certain parts of the brains to change emotions. Reports by the National Cancer Institute reveals that essential oils can fight diseases, and it is from these findings that aromatherapy may be considered as an alternative treatment lung cancer. Essential oils also have calming and energizing qualities that studies show can promote emotional and mental wellness reducing the effects of the following symptoms-: depression, stress, pain, and nausea. In in the presence of such emotional and mental state, no remedy administered to a cancer patient will be successful. Some of the common essential oils usually used for lung cancer patients include-:
- Peppermint to fight nausea
- Rosemary to relieve pain and congestion
- Lavender to promote calmness
- Frankincense for its meditative properties
- Jasmine for its mood uplifting features
There is a study that showed that the use of thyme essential oil had the ability to kill some cancer cells, including lung cancer.
Herbal supplements
The Chinese have documented more than 130 herbal supplements as being effective in the treatment of lung cancer. They have historically used these supplements alongside conventional treatment like chemotherapy to bring total healing to cancer patients. Most of these supplements are believed to not just ease the symptoms of the disease, but also can kill them and erase them from the body. The herbal supplements commonly used as alternative treatment lung cancer include-:
- Licorice root – this is an effective expectorant that enhances the secretion of mucous and it is a normal prescription for relieving cough and shortness of breath.
- American silvertop root – this is a powerful antibiotic known to reduce tissue permeability, inflammation and also has cancer-fighting chemicals.
- Fu ling – this is normally used as a diuretic in patients that suffer from edema. It is also effective in reducing phlegm, and improving sleep in those who suffer from insomnia.
- Asparagus root – the root is believed to possess properties that kill and prevent lung cancer from growing in the body.
- Snake needle grass is also believed to kill cancerous cells in the lungs.
Massage
Massage is known to relieve pain and improve relaxation. In massage therapy, either hands or feet is used to apply pressure on body parts to release any tension in the muscles leading to relaxation and pain relief. People suffering from lung cancer do experience pain in the muscles and nerves around areas such as the neck, upper back, chest, and shoulders.
If you are considering using massage as an alternative treatment lung cancer, then don’t go to the ordinary massage parlors. Get a professional masseur who has experience in working with people suffering from lung cancer. This is because certain massage techniques will be applicable in such cases, depending on the stage and treatment status. Your average massage therapist in your local beauty parlor may not have any idea about such.
Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has been exploited for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It contains an active compound known as cannabinoids which are very effective in stimulating the body to produce other vital chemicals essential in boosting the immune system and the central nervous system. Nearly half of the states in the US have passed legislation to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Several studies show that smoking marijuana does not increase the risks of cancer and that the cannabinoids in marijuana are very effective in treating vomiting and nausea usually associated with some forms of lung cancer treatments. As an alternative treatment lung cancer, the FDA has already approved two cannabinoids to be used for preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea. Several studies also suggest that marijuana can kill cancerous cells, though the FDA is yet to approve any such treatments for cancer.