Unconventional cancer therapies are generally any approach to the diagnosis, treatment and care of a cancer patient that fall outside of conventional cancer treatments. These therapies fall under two categories they are Complementary and Alternative.
Complementary Cancer Treatments
These treatments are the unconventional therapies used inconjuction with medical treatment.
Alternative Cancer Treatments
These treatments are the unconventional therapies that are used instead of conventional medical treatment.
Some unconventional therapies may include: Guided Imagery, Massage Therapy, Meditation, and Macrobiotic Diet.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is a technique that relies on the power of suggestion to create a relaxing mental image. It is very useful for relieving stress and relaxing. It is not a treatment for cancer, some patients find it helps them cope with the diagnosis and side effects of treatment. The initial goal of guided imagery is total relaxation. Patients learn breathing exercises to help them attain an "inner calm." If you are interested in guided imagery, try starting with audio tapes specifically for cancer patients. Two of my favorites are Belleruth Naparstak and Petrea King.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is designed to stretch and loosen muscles and to improve blood flow. Massage therapy provides a relaxed state of alterness and reduces mental stress.
Meditation
Meditation is taking time to get in touch with our true nature. It becomess effortless as we do it more and more. The effort comes by simply taking the time out of our hectic lifes. When we first begin to meditate, our minds resist. We are so used to the constant chatter in our minds, that it is hard to turn off. We worry about money, jobs, relationships, our families...the list goes on and on. All the things that we worry about are a part of the physical world. Meditation helps us temporarily let the physical world go to find peace within ourselves. Meditation has been proven successful in the treatment and prevention of: high blood pressure, heart disease, migraines, diabetes and arthritis. Beyond the physical benefits, which have been scientifically proven, people who meditate receive emotional and mental benefits as well as spiritual enrichment.
Macrobiotic Diet
The first macrobiotic diet was first decribed by George Ohsawa (1893-1966). He developed a diet consisting of 10 stages, with each stage being more restrictive that the previous stage. Some cautions for cancer patients regarding the macrobiotic diet:
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