Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP
Integrative Medicine |cancerGO

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies and practices. It aims to treat the whole person, not just the disease, by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Integrative medicine can be a useful addition to the standard treatment of cancer, as it can help patients manage symptoms, reduce side effects, and improve their overall quality of life. It is very important that anyone pursuing integrative medicine interventions should discuss with their oncologists, to be sure they are safe to be used in their particular disease as well as other prescribed treatments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments.

Massage

Massage therapy can help relieve pain and stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. It may also be used to help patients manage symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and neuropathy.

Mind-body practices

Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi can help patients manage stress, anxiety, and depression. These practices have been shown to improve the overall quality of life, reduce symptoms, and increase feelings of well-being.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies can be used to support the immune system and reduce side effects associated with cancer treatments. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure that they are safe and do not interfere with your treatment.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to promote relaxation and relieve stress. It can be used to help patients manage symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, and pain.

It is important to note that while integrative medicine can be beneficial for patients with cancer, it should be used in conjunction with, not as a substitute for, conventional medical treatment. Patients should discuss any integrative therapies they are considering with their healthcare team to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their individual needs.

 

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP
Julie is an oncology certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of medical oncology experience. In addition to her clinical work, she is an accomplished healthcare writer providing oncology content for various publications. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member for a Master's nursing program and a chair for Doctoral nursing students.

Download our
mobile app

Share this post
You may also like
Articles
Patient Experience: Transparency At End Of Life
April 14, 2023

Transparency is crucial when cancer has metastasized, and the patient is nearing the end of their life. In these circumstances, honest communication between healthcare providers, patients, and their loved ones is essential. It enables patients to make educated and informed decisions about their care and prepares them for the next…

Jenni Daniel BSN, RN

author

Articles
Cholangiocarcinoma – An Overview of Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
January 23, 2023

What is Cholangiocarcinoma? Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, affects the bile ducts, which are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Cholangiocarcinoma is a relatively rare form of cancer but can be very aggressive. Risk Factors Although there isn’t one specific cause of…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

Articles
Why a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis matters
November 6, 2022

Cancer care is an ever-evolving field where new treatments are continuously developed. So, it is always worth getting a second opinion when a person is diagnosed with cancer. Furthermore, research evidence indicates that most early-stage cancer patients are satisfied with the opinion of their first oncologist. So, what is a…

Vino Cherian

administrator

cancerGO gives you access to a community

Where are people to listen, answer questions, share information, and offer valuable and timely advice