Surgery and chemotherapy are traditional treatment options for breast cancer. However, a breast cancer patient is often willing to explore different treatments to regain their health. These include complementary and alternative breast cancer treatments. Both of these treatment options help patients with breast cancer cope with the stressful effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

What do these treatments entail?

Most of the complementary and alternative breast cancer treatments are like holistic medicine. They try and restore health and balance to the mind, body, emotions, and spirit.

Complementary treatment for breast cancer is used along with standard treatment and care. Some of the complementary therapies can be given to a patient include meditation, gentle exercise, reflexology, etc.

Alternative breast cancer treatment is the care that can be used to replace the Western medical approach. While alternative treatments have been used across the world for centuries, they have not been through rigorous testing like Western medicine.

Alternative treatments

Acupuncture

It is one of the few alternative treatments for breast cancer that has been researched. A study reveals that acupuncture helps to lessen the effect of the hot flashes caused by other breast cancer treatments and also reduces vomiting, pain, and lethargy.

Precautions: Women with lymph nodes removed under one arm shouldn’t insert acupuncture needles into that arm.

Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda harmonizes mind, body, and spirit with food, meditation, and massage.

Naturopathy and homeopathy

Uses herbs and other natural products to help the body heal.

Tai Chi and Qigong

These treatments of Chinese origin are based on manipulating energy through gentle movement, concentration on breathing and meditation. In China, Qigong is widely recommended for inoperable, advanced breast cancer patients in addition to chemotherapy and radiation.

Reiki

Reiki is another form of alternative treatment from Japan where practitioners use palm healing to transfer energy from the palms of the practitioner to the patient’s body. This treatment is said to reduce pain and help feel a sense of relaxation.

Before opting for any complementary or alternative treatment for breast cancer, it is essential to gather all the relevant information. These treatment options should be used only after the doctor has approved of them and assured you that they are safe.