Complementary therapy?

Submitted by richarde3 on Tue, 10/06/2008 - 10:56.

One of my other jobs for Cancerbackup is to write summaries of some of the more interesting news articles and research papers. The summaries are published in the Health Professional pages of the main site, but they're technically open to anyone who wants to read them. I always try to choose a mix of subjects - stuff that isn't the run of the mill.

One of the last topics, a news item from ASCO, was about the use of acupuncture to relieve side effects of surgery for head and neck cancer. Very basically, a small research study involving 70 patients is suggesting that acupuncture may help to relieve problems of pain and dysfunction following surgery for head and neck cancer, when compared to the standard care (physiotherapy and ant-inflammatory drugs).

Although this is a small study it's interesting because research into the benefits of complementary therapies can be very difficult to do successfully, but also because the data was presented at ASCO and managed to make the health care press.

Sadly, (although it is changing) complementary therapies are still regarded by many medical professionals as 'a waste of time'. I think it's important that they are complementary and not an alternative, but I strongly believe they have a role in all aspects of health care, and can be very helpful to people affected by cancer - either the patient themselves, or their family and friends.

For me, one of the most important aspects of any complementary therapy is about regaining control. People diagnosed with cancer can often feel that they’re not in control of their lives anymore. By deciding to find a suitable therapy and by working with the therapist - to relieve symptoms and side effects of treatment, or to help with stress and anxiety - many people are able to take back some of that control. I also think that the human element of many complementary therapies is vitally important to overall well being.

I'm possibly a little biased about complementary therapies because of the personal experience I've had. A few years back I trained as a reflexologist and my partner is a yoga teacher. But above that, I've personally gained from a variety of different therapies - shiatsu, aromatherapy, chiropractic and reflexology - for a number of different ailments. I strongly believe that these therapies made a difference to my life and would always recommend that people try a complementary therapy if they want to.

When thinking about starting any type of therapy it's important to discuss it with your doctor. Some anti-cancer treatments can interact with some complementary therapies, which could make things worse. It's also important to find a reputable therapist. Anyone claiming to cure all (usually for a lot of money) is probably not all they claim to be. There are a number of 'umbrella' organisations who regulate the different therapies and they can usually give you a list of registered therapists in your area.

I think it's also worth baring in mind that complementary therapy is a two way process. To get the most from the therapy you have to work together with your therapist. Not every therapist is going to be right for every 'therapee'. If you aren't getting any benefit, discuss it with your therapist. It may be that you should try a different person or even a different therapy.

There's loads of info about complementary therapy and cancer on the main Cancerbackup website.

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Re Complimentary Therapy

I have been reading books by Jan De Vries (do you know of him) and have found them very helpful; he sounds extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. At the moment while going through chemo for breast cancer, I know that I cannot use any natural medicine.

After my masectomy in August I would like to consult with him as I have secondary bone cancer, this is not causing me any problems at the moment and think I would prefer a more natural treatment if possible.

Can I please ask for your thoughts on this.

Thanks!

Submitted by LizP on Wed, 11/06/2008 - 15:41.

Aromatherapy

I was offered a choice of treatments at the local hospice a few months after I had been diagnosed terminal. A wonderful therapist gave me some aromatherapy sessions. They turned me back from an NHS number into a human being. She had previously worked as a hospice nurse and I really trusted her. It was not simply relaxing, but did have an extraordinary sense of her hands making me feel light. I used to get off the bed and feel so supple. Unfortunately due to funding probs, I was only allowed 6 sessions at that time. Because of surviving longer than expected I have been allowed back. As my original therapist was off, I had a session with another practitioner and found it a completely different experience. The way she handled me felt different, and later that evening, all my affected lymph nodes had swelled up. Luckily my original therapist returned and I have had two more massages from her. However the one on my back, she warned me that she could feel "something" ie. another tumour. As I am not registered in the care of the hospice, I was not able to ask medical advice about the advisability of aromatherapy with my cancer. I took the view that as I am terminal anyway, and there is no other help for emotional or psychological problems, aromatherapy was definitely worth it. However if anyone else has cancer in their lymphatic system I would advise asking carefully about aromatherapy/massage as I think it works by stimulating the lymphatic system. xxx Penny

Submitted by Penny on Wed, 11/06/2008 - 21:18.

Aromatherapy

I trained to IIHHT in Aromatherapy a few years ago. We were told not to treat anyone who had cancer, except for massaing their hands and feet. The theory being that certain massage moves can help cancer cells to circulate, particularly in the lymphatic system.

That said, I understand that in some cases massage is beneficial to aid lymphatic drainage and indeed I used to massaged my mother's arm to help reduce the swelling. This was only after getting the OK to do so from her GP.