Allaxys Communications --- Transponder V --- Allaxys Forum 1
FRAUENPOWER! => ~~~ FRAUENPOWER! ~~~ => Topic started by: YanTing on September 25, 2018, 10:01:33 PM
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Supportive Care in Cancer
July 2018, Volume 26, Issue 7, pp 2267–2273
Integrative medicine and the oncology patient: options and benefits
Karen Armstrong (1), Thomas Lanni Jr. (2), Maureen M. Anderson (1), Gail Elliott Patricolo (1)
1. Integrative Medicine Beaumont Health, Royal Oak MI
2. Oncology, Medicine, and Imaging, Beaumont Cancer Institute, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak MI
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health problem, and cancer patients and survivors face many physical and emotional challenges after the initial diagnosis, through treatment, and in the post-treatment period. Different integrative medicine (IM) modalities can be used to mitigate some of the physical issues that originate from the cancer itself or the treatment and to promote well-being and emotional health. Here, we discuss how an IM Department can function in a hospital system, particularly with regard to oncology patients, the modalities appropriate for oncology patients, how these modalities can benefit this patient population, and the role of IM in cancer survivorship. A dedicated IM Department that works with oncologists provides support and care for the whole person. These different modalities work together to reduce pain, anxiety, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and peripheral neuropathy, while promoting immune function and improving sleep, range of motion, and an overall sense of well-being. However, each modality has different contraindications for the oncology patient, and proper training is required for safe and effective care. We illustrate how IM can be a valuable component of the care of the oncology patient.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-017-4007-y
Excerpts:
"Acupuncture
"Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture has been used for over 3000 years to treat various disorders and ailments [16]. This technique involves stimulating specific points on the body with needles to achieve an effect [16]. This modality is very popular at our institution among cancer patients, second only to oncology massage. There is strong evidence to support the use of TCM acupuncture to control cancer pain [17, 18, 19] and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [18, 19, 20]. Acupuncture has also been shown to alleviate CIPN and other chemotherapy-related ailments [18, 21] as well as radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth) [22, 23, 24]. However, acupuncture is contraindicated for cancer patients with a low platelet count or decreased white blood cell count, which is evaluated by the acupuncturist’s review of the patient’s most recent lab work. For patients with unacceptable values, acupressure and moxibustion (the burning of dried mugwort above specific points on the body) are satisfactory alternatives."
"Naturopathic oncology
"Naturopathic medicine encourages a person’s inherent self-healing process using nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, and mind–body medicine to treat the whole person. Naturopathic doctors who specialize in oncology are trained in natural modalities that provide safe and appropriate care to cancer patients and survivors; those who pass board certification in this area are considered Fellows of Naturopathic Oncology. In naturopathic oncology, specific herbs and supplements are used to support the immune system, which is particularly important for the cancer patient...In addition, naturopathic oncology specialists work to reduce cancer therapy-related side effects, such as CIPN, nausea and vomiting, myelosuppression, and gastrointestinal, renal, cardio-, or hepatotoxicity. An initial consultation with an ND typically involves two 1-h appointments; subsequent visits typically last a half hour. These lengthy appointments allow the ND to thoroughly discuss all aspects of the patient’s life to obtain a clear picture of the patient as a whole."
"Reiki
"Reiki is an energy therapy in which practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above a person to facilitate energy balance and promote the healing response. Reiki is considered a very low-risk intervention that is contraindicated only when 'quieting' is inappropriate, as in patients with certain psychotic disorders. Therefore, this technique is very useful and appropriate for oncology patients, especially those with a low tolerance for touch or pressure. Further studies on the effects of Reiki are required, but Reiki has been shown to induce the parasympathetic response and may reduce pain and anxiety [26, 27] and improve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [28]. Reiki may also increase relaxation and improve patient QoL and sleep."
"Reflexology
"In reflexology, pressure is applied to specific points on the patient’s hands and feet to promote healing and relaxation. With gentle pressure, this technique is very safe for cancer patients; reflexology is contraindicated only for patients with compromised skin on the hands or feet. There are few clinical trials regarding the benefits of reflexology; however, some studies have shown that the benefits to cancer patients include a reduction in pain, nausea, and vomiting. Our department was involved in a multi-institutional NIH clinical study of patients with stage III or IV breast cancer and their use of reflexology. The study found that reflexology is safe for use in advance-stage breast cancer patients and resulted in improvements in physical function, dyspnea, and fatigue [34]. A second study is in progress at our institution to investigate the possible benefits of reflexology performed at home by a trained caregiver."
"Future clinical trials
"Many IM modalities lack rigorous clinical studies that demonstrate efficacy. As stated, we currently have clinical trials in progress regarding the use of massage to improve CIPN and the use of reflexology with late-stage breast cancer patients."
"In addition, Reiki is being investigated for its effects on anxiety and disease progression in prostate cancer patients, on fatigue in patients receiving hormonal therapy, and on neurotoxicity and QoL in patients with CIPN, while other clinical trials are investigating the benefits of reflexology to breast cancer patients.
"Clinical trials such as these can be important as they could provide evidence-based treatment plans to patients and thus increase confidence in IM modalities."
Comments:
As usual, there is no mention of the fact that reiki and reflexology are inconsistent with scientific knowledge and are rejected by scientific medicine.
Skeptics would disagree concerning the degree of support for acupuncture in the cited trials, as well as the claim that acupuncture has been used for 3000 years (in anything like its present form).