Cancerous cells may take hold, proliferate and spread undetected. A diagnosis of advanced cancer typically shocks the victim as well as loved ones. Conventional medical care offers palliative measures when there are no curative treatments. With few exceptions, pain relieving medications are necessary.
The purpose of alternative medicine is to support the body’s immune system in the fight against cancer, to the extent that recovery is possible. Most natural health care experts agree that the chances of success depend upon both the extent of damage to vital organs and the individual's strong desire to live, coupled with a commitment to the work involved.
Grow Healthy on Wheatgrass, Sprouts, Algae and Raw Vegan Cuisine
The heart of raw vegan nutritional programs to fight cancer is wheatgrass juice. Facilities such as Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida help educate the public about the living foods lifestyle. Dr. Brian Clement and his wife, Anna, have presided over the non-profit retreat for more than 40 years. Students in residence are treated to fresh green juices made three times daily from sunflower sprouts, pea greens, cucumbers and celery. The diet includes algae superfoods, such as spirulina, chlorella and E3Live. Wheatgrass juice is served in 2 ounce servings, three times a day. Colon cleansing is part of a detox program, followed by recommendations based on the students' health concerns.
Those with cancer typically continue the wheatgrass, green juice, sprouts and algae and avoid fruit or sugar of any type. Stevia is the only acceptable sweetener. Avocado, all types of fresh vegetables and sprouted uncooked grains, seeds and nuts are allowed on the diet, as well as salad meals containing even more sprouts.
It can be difficult to change from a standard Western diet to 100 percent raw vegan nutrition. Cancer-fighting herbs and supplements, provided they are potent, pure and uncontaminated, can be valuable as well. Natural remedies of themselves, however, will likely be ineffective unless the former diet and lifestyle can be left behind.
Infared Sauna May Kill Cancer Cells
In Northern Europe, cancer patients are sedated and given induced fevers. The higher body temperatures are thought to destroy cancer cells. Infared saunas provides penetrating heat, which can reach high temperatures while remaining comfortable in comparison to regular saunas. Sweating also releases toxins. Guests at the Hippocrates facility have access to infared sauna on a daily basis. Home units are available through membership department stores and directly from manufacturers.
Cold Laser Therapy May Relieve Pain
Used properly by trained health practitioners, low level cold laser therapy is said to inhibit cancer cell growth and, at the same time, enhance healthy cell growth. The American Cancer Society reports that scientific studies are underway, and if these studies show positive results, certain types of cold laser treatment may eventually become part of conventional medical care. Clement encourages those who are challenged by cancer pain to arrange treatment with low level cold laser.
Knowing More About Pain Can’t Hurt
Clement states that radiation treatment, although sometimes a necessary evil, may pose a giant step backwards in terms of healing from cancer. Situations that call for palliative radiation are pain that prevents adequate sleep and that does not respond to narcotic pain relievers without causing intolerable side effects. Pain control is an important challenge. Over time, developing a tolerance to pain medication is normal. Additionally, Clements states that pain and inflammation may increase as cancer cells die off or are eliminated.
Naturopathic physician Isabel Moser explains in How and When to be Your Own Doctor, which she co-wrote with her husband, Steve Solomon, that growing tumors may compress nerves and deaden sensations, while shrinking tumors allow nerves to wake up, causing intense pain.
While facing the challenge of advanced cancer realistically and taking advantage of the best that conventional medical care has to offer, lifestyle changes can still offer hope. Besides a diet of green juices, sprouts and algae superfoods, promising technological treatments include infared heat and low level cold laser devices. A multifaceted approach to pain can include a healing perspective.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
Hippocrates Health Institute, accessed 1/26/2011.
American Cancer Society: Cold Laser Therapy, accessed 1/28/2011.
How and When to be Your Own Doctor, Isabel Moser, N.D., and Steve Solomon, 2003.
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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