Breast Cancer Treatment: A Holistic Approach
Breast Cancer Treatment: 
Holistic and alternative medicine is very well known and practiced in the eastern side of the globe. It has been used to treat different ailments alongside nature. These holistic supplementary treatments are now being integrated in breast cancer treatment to help ease the side effects of cancer therapies.
An article from US News explains this alternative option in detail. I have summarized it here for my readers.
If you are a breast cancer patient interested in holistic approach it is very important to consult with your physician about it. Some natural supplements may interfere with drugs and may exacerbate instead of help alleviate the effects of breast cancer treatment.
Acupuncture
A scientific study in 2010 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology compared the effects of acupuncture and a drug commonly used to address side effects of antiestrogen hormone treatment in breast cancer patients. This study concluded:
acupuncture appears to be equivalent to drug therapy in these patients
The author notes that the evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness is so strong that many major cancer centers around the country have started offering acupuncture in an integrative medical setting. These kinds of treatments may be covered by insurance.
Dr. Maura Twomey, owner of Center & Spring Acupuncture in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts noted the following:
Acupuncture treatments activate the parasympathethic nervous system of the body (fight or flight response) that is often overwhelmed by a busy lifestyle. Acupuncture can help put it back in balance by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
The author concludes by stating:
Other integrative approaches worth pursuing include practicing mindfulness, meditation and yoga, which have all been associated with a reduction in stress. Yoga is also a good way to get some gentle exercise, a plus considering physical activity has been shown to be helpful for breast cancer patients.
Stay tuned to our blog for more alternative medicine news!