Cancer can affect the body and your entire mind. Though we associate one section of the body and cancer, the disease can affect far more than a single organ or area of our body. Integrative oncology takes a holistic approach to managing side effects that involve cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Combining integrative therapies with conventional medicine (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery), integrative oncology produces a cohesive approach for your care.
Beyond symptoms and your initial examination, your care plan is developed by an oncology team that looks at cultural and spiritual beliefs, your support system, and your personal goals.
What Treatments and Therapies are Used?
Integrative oncology combines a selection of therapies and general lifestyle practices that will assist you in healing, handle the side effects of therapy, and improve your overall quality of life before, during, and after "cancer" became a part of your life. Therapies incorporated into your care plan fall under the categories of nutrition, touch, movement, and mindfulness.
Examples include:
Music, arts, and expressive therapy
Meditation
Yoga and other forms of physical exercise
Acupuncture
Lymphatic Massage
Aromatherapy
Lifestyle Nutrition
Intravenous therapies such as high dose vitamin c and ozone
What Are the Benefits of Integrative Oncology?
Intravenous therapies chosen in an oncology program are those who have been demonstrated most effective in helping patients with the most common side effects associated with cancer and its therapy. Conventional drugs like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy have side effects that are tough to handle despite our best attempts and all of the progress in the field.The major advantage of integrative oncology is combining the best from both fields, conventional and alternative medicine for the benefit of the patient. The patient will not feel sick after each treatment but yet will feel stronger and more alive with minimal side effects.
The patient wont suffer from hair loss and severe, unhealthy weight loss. They wont end up with that metal taste in their mouth. They will feel empowered and amazing and build on that each subsequent day of treatment. Conversely, here are some cancer side effects from just using conventional treatments alone:
Nausea and vomiting
Insomnia
Anxiety or depression
This provides more than enough reason to go with intregrative oncology treatments. Also, energy therapies and bodywork (Reiki, Shiatsu) are used in integrative oncology to lessen cancer symptoms. Not only will the symptoms decrease but the root cause of the patients condition will be directly addressed and improved upon as well as their quality of life. When you are feeling bad, it's difficult to remain positive and continue treatment. You have a good deal of options to help you. For example, if you are coping with pain, you might want to consider acupuncture instead of just resorting to pain medicines.
Fatigue is also a common side effect of cancer and treatments. Your body goes through a lot with conventional treatments. Physical activity and yoga can help you recover energy and some strength. It's important to make sure that any therapies and nutritional supplements are discussed in detail with your oncologist. Cancer is a complex disease and is best managed your care team and by your physician. By receiving care at a cancer center with a dedicated integrative oncology program, you can be sure you'll get the safest and most comprehensive advice, treatment and guidance.