Originally published September 22 2005
Understanding alternative therapies in treating cancer
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to the practice of integrative medicine, using a variety of healing techniques, medicines and therapies. The most important thing to understand is that alternative healing deals with healthy and sick patients, working on preventative methods and as well as treating diseases.
Where can I learn more about complementary and alternative therapies?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) -- also referred to as integrative medicine -- includes a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies.
A therapy is generally called complementary when it is used in addition to conventional treatments; it is often called alternative when it is used instead of conventional treatment.
Complementary and alternative therapies are used in an effort to prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce side effects and symptoms, or control or cure disease.
Some commonly used methods of complementary or alternative therapy include mind/body control interventions such as visualization or relaxation, manual healing including acupressure and massage, homeopathy, vitamins or herbal products, and acupuncture.
Scientific evaluation is important in understanding if and when complementary and alternative therapies work.
Conventional approaches to cancer treatment have generally been studied for safety and effectiveness through a rigorous scientific process, including clinical trials with large numbers of patients.
According to a panel of experts at a National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference in November 1997, acupuncture has been found to be effective in the management of chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting and in controlling pain associated with surgery.
Cancer patients considering complementary and alternative medicine should discuss this decision with their doctor or nurse, as they would any therapeutic approach, because some complementary and alternative therapies may interfere with their standard treatment or may be harmful when used with conventional treatment.
Patients and their doctors or nurses can learn about complementary and alternative therapies from the following government agencies: The NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) facilitates research and evaluation of complementary and alternative practices and has information about a variety of methods.
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