Skip to main content

Mesothelioma alternative treatments are commonly combined with treatment plans to better cope with cancer treatments and their harsh effects on both mind and body. Alternative and Natural mesothelioma treatment options offer a unique way of dealing with the disease in an unconventional way that may interest many patients. Contact us to get help with finding alternative mesothelioma treatment. We are standing by 24/7 to assist you with finding natural mesothelioma treatment options.

Play Video
Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments
Defining Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are natural mesothelioma treatment options which are frequently sought after by patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the hope of increasing their prognosis and living a better life. Mesothelioma alternative treatments are commonly combined with treatment plans like chemotherapy for mesothelioma to better cope with cancer treatments and their harsh effects on both mind and body.

Although the terms may be familiar to individuals, both “complementary” and “alternative” have different meanings in the context of healthcare.

  • Complementary: approaches are used in combination with mainstream medicines – also known as “integrative therapy”
  • Alternative: a less common approach that is used in place of mainstream medicine

Quick Fact

Complementary therapies are used by approximately 70 percent of people diagnosed with cancer. Those diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma or stage 3 mesothelioma may find alternative mesothelioma treatments an interesting option.

Survival Rates for Natural Mesothelioma Treatments

Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments Impact on Survival Rates

Unfortunately, complementary and Mesothelioma alternative treatments do not guarantee a cure. Patients may, however, experience pain relief or even an increased survival rate by participating in such therapies.

For hundreds of years, some of the following approaches have been used to treat a variety of diseases by ancient cultures. As modern palliatives, they often rely on historical and/or anecdotal records rather than on scientific evidence for diseases such as mesothelioma. Nonetheless, many that have expressed significant benefits using natural alternatives for mesothelioma treatment.

Other Forms of Financial Assistance
Oncology Nutrition
Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma

Oncology Nutrition for Natural Mesothelioma Treatment

The nutrition of a patient is extremely important, therefore, it is essential that nutrition remains balanced and adequate before, during and after cancer treatment. To better control symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and nausea, oncologists strongly promote healthy diets. In fact, registered dieticians are employed in some cancer centers to help patients create specific meal plans.

Mesothelioma Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Herbal Medicines for Mesothelioma Treatment

Herbal medicines are derived from herbs and can help improve cancer treatments and even alleviate symptoms, as scientific studies have shown. These herbs are in the form of capsules, creams, teas, and tinctures (an herbal concentrate in an alcohol solution).

Medical marijuana has been involved in many clinical studies and has diagnosed patients significantly. Not only does this herbal medicine alleviate pain and nausea symptoms, but it has also been shown to improve sleep and increase appetite for those undergoing chemotherapy.

Herbal Medicines
Mesothelioma Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Mind-Body Therapies for Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma alternative treatments that facilitate body and mind union are regarded as mind-body therapies. Meditation, tai chi, qigong, and yoga are the most commonly studied and practiced forms of mind-body therapy in cancer treatment.

Meditation for Mesothelioma

Meditation for MesotheliomaTechniques in meditation can better aid individuals with coping with cancer-related anxiety, depression, and pain. There are many different forms of meditation, ranging from emotional to mental, to emotional – all of which can produce different effects. Regardless of whether or not the focus of meditation is spiritual, it can help patients to gain a healthier perspective, as the main objective of meditation is stress reduction.

Tai Chi and Qigong for Mesothelioma

Tai Chi and Qigong for MesotheliomaTai Chi and Qigong originated in China and have been practiced for centuries. These similar practices united breathing, meditation, and movement exercises.

Studies have shown that Tai Chi and Qigong can benefit the following:

  • Increase survival rates for patients with liver cancer
  • Improve the quality of life
  • Lessen fatigue and depressed
  • Reduce stress chemicals

Yoga for Mesothelioma 

Yoga for MesotheliomaThe origins of yoga trace to ancient India thousands of years ago. The practice is designed to increase awareness through meditation and movement and has been shown to reduce fatigue and stress, improve breathing skills, and improve sleep. Gentle styles, such as laughter or restorative yoga, are recommended for patients as athletic forms of yoga are generally too strenuous for those who are undergoing or recovering from treatments.

Acupuncture
Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments

Body-Based Therapies for Mesothelioma

Body-based therapies utilize multiple methods to effectively treat pain and discomfort throughout the body. Primary cancer treatments include acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, exercise, TENS therapy, and therapeutic massage.

Acupuncture

Studies of acupuncture have shown that this treatment is beneficial for cancer patients. This technique reduces pain and adverse reactions to radiation therapy and chemotherapy effectively. Research also shows that acupuncture can reduce vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of self-massage based on acupuncture, although less widely known in the United States. Although acupressure does not involve needles, similar points in both acupressure and acupuncture are focalized throughout the body. Various clinical trials have shown that acupressure can help to ease symptoms of fatigue, occasional vomiting, nausea,  as well as pain in the bodies of patients.

A type of acupressure based on energy pathways and pressure points is known as Jin Shin Jyutsu. One of Jin Shin Jyutsu’s primary purposes is to clear blockages and balance the body’s energy. Some patients found that the treatment not only reduced fatigue but also alleviated digestive problems caused by chemotherapy. Patients can also be taught in the comfort of their home with a trained practitioner.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, also known as “TENS”, is a treatment utilized low-voltage electrical currents to alleviate pain. Along with therapeutic massage, TENS therapy is generally administered during chiropractic care sessions. All three treatments have been shown to help relieve pain and stress in cancer patients.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Holistic Healing Systems

The primary purpose of holistic healing systems is to treat the whole person rather than the disease alone. Ayurveda, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are the most frequently used healing systems in CAM. These approaches offer complementary therapies to mainstream cancer care.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda originated in India and has also helped people with cancer feel better for thousands of years. Doctors that specialize in Ayurvedic treat cancer with body-cleaning therapies, dietary changes, herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Naturopathic Medicine

The prevention of diseases and health of the whole body is focalized with naturopathic medicine. It also uses natural treatments while teaching patients positive health habits. Although naturopathic doctors may prescribe mainstream medicines, they often propose effective natural treatments before using pharmaceuticals. Patients who feel more comfortable following a more natural approach and who are away from over-prescribed pharmaceuticals should seek a naturopathic physician, as they can help.

Traditional Chinese Medicines

Traditional Chinese MedicinesFor thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as “TCM”, has assisted patients in cancer treatment. For the past 100 years, clinical trials in China have combined TCM with mainstream medicines. These studies have shown that acupuncture, certain TCM herbs, dietary changes and mind-body techniques can benefit patients in positive matters.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda originated in India and has helped people with cancer feel better for thousands of years. Ayurvedic physicians treat the cancer with a combination of body-cleansing therapies, dietary adjustments, herbal medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Naturopathic Medicine

The prevention of diseases and whole-body health is focalized with naturopathic medicine as it utilized natural treatments while teaching patients better health habits. Although naturopathic physicians commonly suggest natural treatment method prior to pharmaceutical usage, they may prescribe mainstream medicines based off what is best appropriate for a patient. A naturopathic practitioner will be valued for patients seeking a doctor who will take a more natural approach and does not overprescribe pharmaceuticals.

Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine takes a health approach which emphasizes the human body’s integral nature. The importance of the musculoskeletal system, which provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body, is included in this holistic approach that is considerably unique in mainstream healthcare. Osteopathic physicians prefer a natural healing approach before pharmaceuticals are taken into consideration. For instance, if a patient experiences nausea which stems from chemotherapy, a osteopathic doctor would likely recommend natural remedies such as teas or herbs, as well as dietary changes. Patients with muscular or skeletal disorders may be advised to use osteopathic manipulation.

Herbal Medicines
Mental Health Counseling
Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Emotional Therapies for Natural Mesothelioma Treatment

Patients battling cancer may face many mental hardships. Emotional therapy includes techniques that have a positive effect on a person’s emotional health. This category includes counseling, pet therapy and support groups.

Mental Health Counseling

Counseling is a healthy treatment which may be utilized to assist patients with coping. Counselors will help individuals with constructive and effective techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, process their emotions. Countless cancer centers offer such counseling services to patients, free of cost.

Support Groups

Those who face similar challenges are united in cancer support groups. These groups provide the opportunity for patients to talk about their personal struggles within a safe space with other understanding individuals. Cancer support groups provide compassion and emotional support that is both unique and difficult to find elsewhere.

Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is very simple and great for animal lovers as it involves spending time with animals in order to improve a patient’s mood. Although almost any animal may bring joy to cancer patients, generally cats and dogs are present at such therapy sessions. Patients who participate in pet therapy may stroke a cat and/or dogs’ fur, or even watch fish swim for temporary comfort.  Discuss with your doctor to determine if your treatment center offers pet therapy.

Natural and Alternative Mesothelioma Therapies

Energy Therapies for Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment

The purpose of energy therapies is to produce a state of equilibrium and well-being within an individual. Music and sound therapy, therapeutic touch and Reiki are the primary energy therapies used by cancer patients.

Music and Sound Therapy

Music therapy can assist with stress reduction, support individuals’ well-being, and may reduce the severity of symptoms or even aid in recovery. In the company of a professionally trained music therapist, music therapy involves listening, playing, singing and discussing music. Similarly, sound therapy allows patients to listen to or even create music. To promote a state of relaxation, specific instruments or tones are used.

Therapeutic Touch and Reiki

Therapeutic Touch and Reiki are similar forms of healing which hold a purpose to send healing energies to the patient’s body from the hands of the healer. Relaxation and deep states of peace are typically reported by patients, while others have claimed to have lasting effects on stress perception following treatment.

Therapeutic Touch and Reiki
Homeopathy
Mesothelioma Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Homeopathy for Mesothelioma Treatment

More than 200 years ago, German physician, Samuel Hahnemann developed homeopathy. The term “homeopathy” is derived from the Greek words “homeo” (similar) and “pathos.” It is a medical system based on two ideologies principles: similarity and dilution. The United States has offered homeopathy since the early 19th century. In fact, according to a National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2007, an estimated 4.8 million Americans in the previous year had used homeopathy.

Homeopathic remedies are safely derived from natural plants, minerals, or animal substances and are typically unlikely to cause serious adverse reactions or interfere with other drugs.

However, scientific research does not support homeopathic treatment and homeopathy in some parts of the world. For instance, it is a reimbursable medical expense for public health services in a few European countries. Additionally, homeopathy is considered to be one of India’s national medical systems.

Natural and Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment

Integrative Programs at Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

In recent years, integrative oncology programs have emerged throughout the United States.

These programs combine conventional medicine with clinically proven complementary therapies. The primary goal is to not only treat the disease but to treat the person as a whole.

Various specialized mesothelioma cancer centers offer complementary therapies through integrative oncology programs. While integrative health care is becoming increasingly popular, and these centers are now located across the country.

Such programs offer various complementary mesothelioma therapies, including:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Meditation
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Tai Chi
  • Yoga
Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments

Before Choosing Mesothelioma CAM Therapy

No scientific proof exists that mesothelioma alternative treatments or natural mesothelioma treatment has cured or improved survival rates. Much of the conventional medical community views natural therapies as “folk medicine”. In fact, concern exists that alternative treatment choices can be harmful to a patient by postponing or avoiding a more recognized and proven treatment plan.

Conventional cancer treatment is frightening. All cancer patients face fears of complications and side effects. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are treatments that will not cure mesothelioma but can slow its progress to help patients live longer. The use of mesothelioma alternative treatments in combination with the most effective mesothelioma treatments brings together the best of both modalities.

It is imperative that patients consult with their medical practitioner before selecting any CAM therapy. The risks and benefits of each potential therapy substance need to be determined properly.  Attention should be given to substance origin, manufacturing, prescribed dosage, inherent dangers or side effects. The FDA web site can be used for research. This site identifies and releases warnings regarding fake cancer treatments. Individuals who decide to choose a homeopathic healthcare provider need to perform careful research of the providers training and background.

Costs and Benefits of CAM

More than $34 billion dollars is spent annually, by Americans, on CAM therapies. These consumers are inclined to feel that the benefits outweigh their costs. CAM therapies do offer substantial savings compared to conventional treatments. CAM therapies circumvent expensive high technology. Instead, they offer low-cost remedies which are made from natural ingredients in an effort to utilize the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Mesothelioma alternative treatments are great options to explore for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Stages of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma Stages

A doctor will also determine the stage of mesothelioma as part of the diagnostic process, which determines the origin in the lining of the lungs and describes how far it has spread from that point. This information is significant to doctors when determining potential treatment availabilities. Standard treatment options are more commonly available to patients with stage 1 or stage 2 compared to patients with the later 3 and 4 stages.

The following are the pleural mesothelioma stages:

Stage
1

Within Stage 1, the mesothelioma tumor is generally in one location, and the cancerous cells have not dispersed to lymph nodes or other body organs and tissues. In general, surgical treatment may be an option for eliminating the cancerous growth.

 

Stage
2

Within Stage 2, the mesothelioma tumor is larger and has probably intruded on surrounding organs, such as the lung or even diaphragm. Lymph nodes could additionally be included. In this case, surgical reapportion might still be feasible, however much more difficult depending on the scope of the growth.

 

Stage
3

Within Stage 3, mesothelioma cancer has infested a region or perhaps location. Cancer has progressively spread throughout one side of the chest, within the chest wall, esophagus, and additional lymph nodes. Surgical treatment is typically not an option as curative therapy, however various other treatment options may be attempted. 

 

Stage
4

Within Stage 4, the mesothelioma has dispersed to numerous locations, such as various other organs and tissues throughout the body. Surgical treatment is no longer an alternative, and most treatments at this stage concentrate on minimizing discomfort and pain.