Although it often takes a backseat nowadays to more modern procedures, holistic health treatments are the oldest form of medicine around, and for thousands of years have been used to treat everything from broken bones to cancer. Before there were pharmacies and hospitals and walk-in clinics on every block, there was natural healing. Nature provided and still provides everything needed to sustain life- food, water, and medicine. But as time goes on and we think of more and more cutting edge treatments for diseases like cancer we separate ourselves from nature more and more, and erode our trust in using natural remedies is nonexistent. While these treatments are extremely beneficial, they often don’t provide a substantial cure as they are only a piece of the puzzle. A deeper look at the facts clearly shows how conventional therapies and medications are at their best when complemented with holistic techniques.

It’s easiest to explain how complementary and holistic treatments can be used together with the example of “filling the holes.” The “filling the holes” theory holds that because holes, like cancer, can’t form on their own. Holes obviously come from either someone digging a hole or a weak soil composition. Conventional cancer therapy sees this problem in a simplistic way; it aims to simply fill the hole by destroying the tumor by any means necessary, often only to see it re-appear in the future. Holistic treatments on the other hand focus on how the hole formed and aim to fix the soil-imbalance and prevent the hole from recurring.

Because conventional therapies focus primarily on ridding cancer patients’ of their symptoms- destroying the tumor or growth- the underlying bodily imbalances often go unnoticed. However this imbalance is commonly the root of the problem and if not treated properly, can cause the cancer to recur. This is precisely where holistic treatments can such an important part of cancer treatment. Treatments like yoga, reiki, and hypnosis have been proven to help as complementary treatments.

Doctor’s have increasingly become aware that using holistic treatments can improve recovery time and reduces the chance of recurrence. Many have recognized that fighting cancer with a multiple-layered approach is the proper treatment for cancer, but holistic treatments are still too commonly underutilized. Nurturing the body, while using conventional therapies, promotes strength, stamina, and the well-being to combat cancer with full-force. Doctors devoted to treating aggressive cancer or like non-hodgkin’s lymphoma or pleural mesothelioma often encourage the use of holistic treatments alongside their cancer treatments prompting many hospitals even offer the use of in-house homeopathic consultants or alternative therapy practitioners.

- Trevor Bradshaw

Yoga as Palliative Relief for Cancer Treatment

By: Jillian McKee

Practicing yoga is not just for soccer moms and enlightened masters from the far reaches of the world. More and more now yoga is being prescribed for all manner of ailments and illnesses including various forms of cancer including mesothelioma. While many view yoga as new age quackery many studies have found that yoga has a wide range of benefits for cancer patients.

Cancer and cancer treatment wreaks havoc on the body. Many patients and survivors complain of fatigue, aching muscles and joints, insomnia, and a host of other health issues that may not always be remedied by conventional medicine. Various studies have shown that yoga routines can ease and even eliminate some of these issues. A recent scientific study of breast cancer patients headed by researchers of the Anderson Cancer Center located at the University of Texas has shown that yoga can improve the side effects of cancer treatment.

Yoga is all about slow, measured movements, combined with gentle breathing. The combination of these two actions allows the practitioner to become aware of their body and mind. Becoming aware of emotional states allow patients to recognize negative states of mind such as depression. The patient will then be able to shift their mood of thinking. Having a good state of mind and positive outlook is crucial to combat the disease.

Insomnia and chronic pain are both common complaints for cancer patients. Often times, prescription medicine provides no relief for these symptoms. A gentle and regular yoga plan may actually help to relieve these issues. Yoga teaches calming breathing techniques and focuses on the moment of the pose, which takes the mind off of issues such the diagnosis and treatment.

The most basic fact about yoga is that it is a form of exercise and any exercise is good for the body. Cancer leaves the body weak so strenuous exercise is not always recommended or even possible so yoga being gentle and soothing in nature is a welcomed alternative. Allowing the body to stretch and move without over-exerting itself is crucial. While not a treatment in itself, a yoga routine will help promote a healthy mind and body. While yoga cannot change factors such as mesothelioma life expectancy the practice can reduce pain, insomnia, and even negativity in the patient. All these are crucial for cancer patients as they combat the disease.

xposted to http://www.rockyourboatyoga.com/