Chemo and radiation side effects are well researched in conventional medicine. As a result an additional prescription procedure is put into place to deal with them. These synthetic formulas to keep a patient comfortable during their treatment could be taxing on the system in the long run, especially the immune system. Acupuncture and naturopathic medicine have been used for years to deal with chemo and radiation side effects. This is especially relevant for pain associated with lung cancer treatment as stated by the American College of Chest Physicians, “In patients with lung cancer with symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, or postthoracotomy pain, a trial of acupuncture is recommended.” At Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Lisanti treats each individual’s chemotherapy experience with a safe, reliable acupuncture protocol as well as highly effective Classical Chinese and naturopathic remedies.
Acupuncture: Reducing Chemo and Radiation Side Effects
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a report in 1997 that “…acupuncture was better than placebo in treating patients with cancer pain, despite stable medication (most of the patients had neuropathic pain, which often resists standard treatment).” IMS will determine the best painless point work to drastically reduce peripheral discomfort associated with your chemo and radiation side effects. This includes assisting in appetite increase, reducing fatigue and alleviating neuropathic discomfort. Some specific points that may be targeted are: Stomach – ST36 located about four fingers below the outside knee cap and Spleen – SP6 on the inside lower front leg just above the ankle.
Homeopathy: Deep Layered Healing
Using various natural substances, homeopathy relies on an over two hundred year old theory that ‘like cures like’. Each remedy comes from a source that would result in a similar response to current physical or mental symptoms if ingested directly. Homeopathic remedies however are diluted many times to ensure safe, yet effective treatment. Some remedies and their associated use for chemo and radiation side effects may include:
- Belladonna – radiodermatitis, skin reaction caused by radiation.
- Rhus-toxicodendron – reduces post radiation itch.
- Ruta graveolens – reduces chromosome damage.
- Cocculine – This is a combination of the remedies Cocculus indicus, Nux vomica, Tabacum, and Petroleum rectificatum used to relieve nausea and vomiting.
Botanical Medicine: Herbs and Plants offer Natural Relief
Many remedies for chemo and radiation side effects can be found by using simple, time tested herbal and plant remedies. Dr. Lisanti takes your health history as well as current conventional medication into consideration to determine the safest most effective botanical medicine protocol. Remedies that have been used to alleviate various side effects associated with cancer treatment include: ginger root for nausea; ginseng for energy; burdock root for blood purification and aloe vera to soothe stomach and intestinal lining.
Dr. Lisanti can offer many therapies to assist you during your chemotherapy and radiation protocol. Some others include clinical nutrition, nutraceutical supplementation and clinical hypnosis. At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.
*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.