Cancer Treatments, Biological Health Article

Therapies

BOTANICAL MEDICINE. There are several different therapies that fit into this category, which encompasses general herbal medicine, Chinese herbalism and several other ethnic herbal disciplines.

NATURAL HYGIENE. Natural hygiene practitioners have a long history of successfully treating such serious diseases as cancer. This diet is a vegetarian diet focused around maintaining a healthy and happy out look. Rest, fresh air, grains, fruits, and vegetables are encouraged. The American Natural Hygiene Society is a good source of information regarding treatment and practitioners.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE. This centuries old system of natural medicine originated in India. Arvada has a concept of life force, which is similar to the Chinese chi. It aims to purge the body of undesirable matter, and then rebuild it with good nutrition, while at the same time attending to all aspects of the patient's life both physical and spiritual. This system is recognized by the World Health Organization.

MACROBIOTICS. A diet of largely whole grains and vegetables, combined with a unique philosophy is the essence of the macrobiotic diet. Classes are available lasting a weekend, one week, or one month, costing $350, $1,250, and $2,900 respectively.

In general, the charge for various clinics and practitioners varies widely, so it is essential for the patient to discuss fees with the practitioner before treatment.

Preparations

Without exception, the above practitioners advocated the use of fresh natural produce, preferably organic, for cancer patients and anyone else who wishes to improve their health. Where herbal remedies or other supplements are prescribed, it is important to ensure that the original formula is purchased, and not just a copy. Unscrupulous individuals have been known to pass off unauthentic remedies using the names of well-known practitioners.

Precautions

None of the therapies will be effective if the regimen is not followed in its entirety. No matter how good the quality of organic produce, no benefits will be felt if the patient is still being exposed to environmental pollution, or if detoxification procedures are inadequate. It is for this reason that most practitioners recommend that a cure be taken in the setting of a clinic, because all of these details can then become the responsibility of the staff, freeing the patient to concentrate on the business of becoming well.

In fact many practitioners who treat cancer take their cure so seriously, that they will refuse to treat patients who are not prepared to take all the necessary steps and truly commit themselves to becoming well. They warn that natural cures for cancer are not easy, cancer is a sign that the integrity of the body system has been seriously compromised, and nothing but the strictest regimen is likely to facilitate a return to health. Even so, these therapies are very experimental and there are no guarantees of a cure.

Side effects

Side effects associated with natural therapies are very mild compared to those commonly experienced with allopathic treatments. Cost is one of the main inhibitors of these treatments.

However, in the case of cancer treatment, a healing crisis can be an unpleasant experience. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that all illness is a result of a toxic condition in the body, and cancer, being one of the most serious conditions, is an indication of more serious levels of toxicity. This means that when the body starts to throw off these toxins, the blood system becomes overloaded and the patient will experience headaches, fevers, nausea, and in some cases extreme sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and light. It is highly advisable to seek a practitioner to help with detoxification therefore.

Research & general acceptance

Treatments for cancer are one of the areas where allopathic medicine disapproves most strongly of alternative medicine, and consequently these natural treatments are the subject of much adverse publicity. Alternative practitioners assert that cancer patients should at least have the option of choosing a biological cure for their illness.

Many alternative medicine practitioners recommend that patients compare statistics when deciding on the mode of treatment that is best for them, and ask to see documentation.

Training & certification

All of the above practitioners hold medical qualifications, some of them to an M.D. or Ph.D. level. The organization People Against Cancer; specializes in helping people find suitable practitioners and therapies. They also provide practical help regarding the implementation of therapies, can advise on books and so on.

BOOKS

Gerson, Max, M.D. A Cancer Therapy, Results of Fifty Cases. Del Mar, California: Totality Books, 1977.

Jensen, Bernard, M.D. Foods That Heal. Garden City, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1993.

Shealy, Norman, M.D. Alternative Medicine, An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Shaftsbury, Dorset: Element Books, 1996.