A whole approach to healing cancer is becoming increasingly popular. Certain institutions, like Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, are treating the whole person by incorporating naturopathic medicine, spiritual support, nutrition therapy, and mind-body medicine into treatment plans.

Naturopathic medicine teaches prevention and prescribes treatments that promote optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and modalities which encourage the body to heal itself. Naturopathic methods may include clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy. Naturopathic physicians aim to treat each person individually, considering their physical, mental, emotional, genetic, spiritual, environmental, and social factors. Other resources a naturopath may utilize include: aromatherapy, reflexology, Ayurveda medicine, herbal remedies, massage therapy, exercise (Pilates, yoga, etc.), body work, colonics, oil pulling, acupuncture, chiropractic care, hypnotherapy, emotional counseling, and more. Many of these practices, when used consistently and under the guidance of a professional, can do much to prevent disease, promote healing, and contribute to greater overall health.  It is advised that you consult with your medical doctor prior to beginning a naturopathic route.

Reflexology

• Reflexology is a therapeutic treatment in which the practitioner applies pressure to the “reflex” areas on the feet and hands that are associated with corresponding organs, glands, and other parts of the body. It is believed that this technique will promote healing in specific organs via energetic pathways.
• Benefits: A reflexology session is typically very relaxing. It can improve blood circulation to organs, reduce pain, and encourage overall health.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncturists believe that each person has a vital energy, called “qi” (pronounced chi). This energy circulates through twelve invisible energy lines, also known as meridians. Each meridian is associated with a particular organ system. An Acupuncturist inserts needles into specific areas along a meridian to balance and correct any disruptions in the flow of qi. They believe an imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.
• Benefits: Acupuncture may release pain-relieving endorphins and stimulate circulation. Many people use acupuncture for sinusitis, joint and muscle pain, asthma, migraines, and to overcome negative side effects associated with certain diseases or ailments such as cancer and stroke.

Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy is the art and science of using naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, and seeds to balance, harmonize and promote a healthy body, mind and spirit.  Aromatherapy can make you feel centered, unifying your physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to enhance healing.
• Benefits: Certain oils can work to stimulate lymphatic drainage, while others have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Certain scents can help reduce anxiety, alleviate nausea, and help promote rest through relaxation. Some oils work to rejuvenate the mind and body, sharpening memory, and energizing the body. Almost everyone, including cancer patients, can benefit from the nourishing, restorative power of essential oils.