What Has Alternative Medicine Got To Do With Radiotherapy?
July 3, 2008 – 12:06 pmAlternative medicine and radiotherapy can be used together as a treatment for certain diseases, particularly common with cancer patients. External beam therapy is one method that is widely used and the name came from the process itself. A machine emits a beam that concentrates on the affected body part, targeting the tumor, and the biggest amount of radiation is used to eliminate cancer cells.
The effects of radiotherapy are taxing on the body. These methods consume little time, with the duration between 10 to 15 minutes. There are no pain in the process, but the side effects are appalling. Though it varies on the individual, the most common complains are extreme fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and skin irritation. In lieu to this, alternative medicine has been used to relieve the patient’s distress.
One of the most agonizing side effects of radiotherapy treatments is nausea. Patients dread the process which results to a never-ending consequence. Acupuncture and radiotherapy in turn have been tested on a group of cancer patients to determine its ability to alleviate the persistent conditions of nausea and vomiting.
Using the data gathered in the test, the patients revealed a dramatic difference after treatment. Acupuncture improved the ill-feeling after radiotherapy. The amount and frequency of nausea was lessened according to the patients.
Pain is another side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment. It is well documented as a staple consequence by nearly all patients receiving treatment. Acupuncture has been tested and proved to be very effective in relieving pain.
Meanwhile, Chinese medicine has another technique to relieve nausea among cancer patients. It is called Acupressure. The treatment involves massaging the body at strategic areas called acupoints. Acupoints are supposedly intertwined with each other, and to different organs and systems in the body.
Devotees to this 5000 year old healing method say that a careful massage in a certain area can stimulate a person’s essential life force, which flows from area to area rather like the circulation of blood. A look at an acupressure chart reveals that the areas that control nausea and vomiting are directly above the kneecap, on the wrist, and about 2 inches above the wrist.
Believers and non-believers alike are fascinated on how Acupressure naturally relieves side effects.
Tags: Health and Fitness
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