Alternative medicine is a term used to describe medical treatments used in place of conventional treatment. For example, conventional breast cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy. Alternative treatments for breast cancer include alternative medication, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic medicine, detoxification, energy therapies, traditional Chinese medicine, antioxidants, magnetic field therapy, and many others. While we can’t necessarily tell you what the best alternative treatment would be, we have outlined some popular alternatives and complementary therapies for breast cancer so that you can make an informed decision.
Lymphatic Detox for Breast Cancer
A lymphatic detox is a gentle form of massage that may relieve painful swelling in the arms and legs because of lymphedema (common in patients recovering from breast cancer surgery). The massage therapist uses a specific lymphatic drainage massage technique to move lymph buildup from your tissues to the lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in the tissues.
Benefits
Studies suggest that manual lymphatic drainage may have a beneficial effect on lymphedema related to breast cancer surgery.
Things to Consider
Before going for a lymphatic detox massage, ensure you are well hydrated, eat a small meal, wear comfortable clothing, and are ready to move your body afterward.
Photodynamic Therapy for Breast Cancer
Photodynamic therapy is an alternative to chemotherapy for breast cancer—a newer treatment that uses oxygen, light energy, and a photosynthesizer to supposedly kill breast cancer cells. A photosensitizing agent is placed directly onto the skin or injected into the bloodstream. After some time, the photosensitizing agent is absorbed by the cancer cells. Light is then applied to the area that may cause the agent to react and form a special oxygen molecule that kills the cells.
Benefits
Photodynamic therapy shows promise as an alternative form of localized breast cancer treatment. This alternative therapy appears to have no dangerous long-term effects and is less invasive than surgery.
Things to Consider
Photodynamic therapy can only treat areas where light can reach. Visible light can infiltrate the tissues not deeper than 5-10 millimeters. Because the light cannot travel very far into the body tissues, this therapy cannot be used to treat large areas or cancers that have grown deeply into the skin or other organs.
Homeopathic Treatments for Breast Cancer
Homeopathic remedies involve food and natural supplements for breast cancer treatment. It is believed that natural herbs and your diet form part of a herbal cure for breast cancer.
Common herbs and foods used for breast cancer treatment include echinacea, garlic, turmeric, burdock, green tea, carotenoids, ginseng, Black Cohosh, vitamin D, and flaxseed. These supplements are believed to boost the immune system so that the body can fight cancer. A diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables with minimal fat, sugar, and processed foods is recommended.
Benefits
Homeopathy takes a holistic approach and works to make the whole body stronger. It is natural, easily available, and appears safe with no long-term side effects.
Things to Consider
If you use alternative therapies to complement conventional treatment, certain herbs and supplements may interfere with the chemotherapy or radiation.
Antioxidant Supplements for Breast Cancer
Antioxidants are compounds believed to reduce the effects of free radicals, which are substances that cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to aging and disease, and taking antioxidants is thought to counteract these effects.
Certain fruit, vegetables, and grains are rich in antioxidants, including beta carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidants can be found in goji berries, blueberries, dark chocolate, pecan nuts, kidney beans, and dietary supplements. Certain herbs and plants can serve as an alternative to hormone therapy.
Benefits
Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
Things to Consider
Just like homeopathy, certain antioxidants may interfere with conventional forms of treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body. It is a form of traditional Chinese medicine used to restore the flow of energy in the body and bring it back into balance and optimal health. Acupuncture seeks to stimulate the central nervous system into releasing chemicals into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. These biochemical changes are believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Benefits
Studies suggest that acupuncture may relieve some of the symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment like fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Things to Consider
Acupuncture is considered very safe. Make sure you are hydrated, eat a good meal, and wear appropriate clothing. Don’t schedule anything for after the appointment.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves using various pressures, techniques, and movements to manipulate the body’s muscles and other soft tissues. The goal is to slow down the nervous system. Massage therapy is popular as a way to release stress and tension as well as potentially provide relief from cancer symptoms, heal injuries, and support overall wellness.
Benefits
There is evidence to support the belief that massage therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, pain, and exhaustion and boost the immune system. One study found that massage therapy helped reduce anxiety, pain, and the need for pain medication in women with breast cancer. Another study found that regular muscle relaxation and massage therapy help increase the amount of protective white blood cells in the bodies of women with Stage I and II breast cancer.
Things to Consider
Massage therapy is safe, and there is not much to consider before your treatment.
Energy Healing for Breast Cancer
Energy healing is a holistic practice based on the belief of life force energy in the body. The different modalities of energy healing include Reiki, crystal healing, sound therapy, and quantum healing. Energy healing is believed to activate the body’s subtle energy systems to remove any energy blockages. By breaking through these energetic blocks, the natural flow of energy can return to the body, and the ability to heal itself should be stimulated. Energy healing is also linked to mind-body therapy and includes the belief that emotional and spiritual turmoil can manifest as a physical ailment like cancer.
Benefits
Energy healing is non-invasive and has no apparent negative side effects. It can be done long-term, promoting a holistic way of healing.
Things to Consider
Energy healing is not a quick fix, and it will likely take a while before you feel the benefits. There are also other mind-body therapies like yoga, meditation, hypnosis, tai-chi, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques.
In Summary
The notion that one can heal breast cancer naturally is becoming increasingly popular. People are more aware of the negative effects of conventional therapy and are seeking methods that make them feel better, not worse. Alternative and complementary medicine focus on healing the body as a whole and can be used in conjunction with one another. With a strong, mind, and an array of alternative therapies, there is a chance that the body will fight breast cancer naturally.
