According to a survey, almost 40% of Americans believe cancer is curable with alternative treatments.
Alternative treatments refer to methods not used by neurosurgeons as standard therapies for a brain tumor, but since researchers have found their benefits in cancer patients, a neurosurgeon may include them in their treatment plans along with standard treatment like tumor surgery.
Let’s talk about how alternative medicine can help with your tumor, what alternative therapies are worth trying in brain tumors, and where you can go in Lone Tree Co for comprehensive treatment.
How Can Alternative Treatments Benefit You in Brain Tumor?
Alternative therapies, even though they sound simple and wholesome, can promise wellness, such as relief from brain tumor signs and symptoms, i.e., nausea and vomiting, pain, anxiety, fatigue, stress, and difficulty sleeping.
However, it’s pertinent to mention here that alternative or integrative treatments can’t cure your brain tumor and may be dangerous if considered a replacement for standard therapy, such as brain tumor surgery.
You can discuss your alternative treatment options with your neurosurgeon to find the best option for you.
Alternative Therapies That Are Worth the Shot
Popular alternative treatments that may be worth trying in brain tumors include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting tiny solid, sterile needles into the skin at strategic points in the body by a practitioner with the belief that your energy flow will be rebalanced. Acupuncture can help with mild pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Acupressure is a related technique that can also help relieve nausea.
Aromatherapy
This practice involves using oil infused with scents, e.g., lavender, to produce a calming sensation. You or your provider can apply oil to your skin during a massage. You can also add them to a water bath or heat them to release their scents into the air.
Aromatherapy is beneficial in relieving pain, nausea, and stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talk therapy during which a psychotherapist collaborates with you to view and effectively respond to challenging situations. For instance, the therapist identifies the thoughts and behaviors that keep you from sleeping and replaces them to promote sound sleep.
Exercise
Exercise can manage your signs and symptoms prior to or after brain tumor surgery. It helps relieve stress and fatigue, thus promoting sound sleep. You can gradually start doing light exercises and then increase the duration according to your need and stamina.
Studies have shown positive effects of exercise programs in improving the overall quality of life in cancer patients.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is otherwise known as a deep state of concentration. During hypnotherapy, your therapist talks in a gentle voice and relaxes you. Once you are hypnotized, your goals, such as controlling pain and reducing stress, will be the aim of the therapy.
Hypnosis helps with pain, anxiety, stress, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Massage
In this therapy, your therapist kneads your skin, tendon, and muscles to promote relaxation and relieve muscle stress and tension. It can be light and gentle or deep with more pressure.
Massage therapy relieves pain, anxiety, and fatigue. However, remember to tell your therapist not to massage near your surgical area, radiation treatment area, or tumors.
Tai Chi
As a form of exercise, tai chi involves deep breathing along with gentle movements to reduce stress. Tai chi is safe as the exercises can be adapted to your own abilities.
Music Therapy
This involves listening to music, playing instruments, singing song, or writing lyrics. Music therapy helps lessen pain, deal with anxiety and depression and control nausea and vomiting.
Yoga
It is a combination of deep breathing and stretching exercises that can relieve stress in people with cancer, improve sleep and reduce fatigue. During yoga, you will be advised to pose your body in different twisting, bending and stretching positions.
Meditation And Other Relaxation Techniques
As a state of deep concentration, meditation focuses your mind on one positive thought, image, or sound. Plus, you may also perform some relaxation exercises and do deep breathing.
Other relaxation techniques, such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation also involve focusing on relaxing your muscles and calming your mind. These are safe and help relieve anxiety and fatigue.
Tumor Surgery in Lone Tree Co
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our board-certified neurosurgeons are devoted to delivering you excellent outcomes for cranial conditions, including brain tumors. Besides providing standard brain tumor treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery, our neurosurgeons will also help you find alternative treatments that are best for your condition.
To receive brain tumor treatment, schedule an appointment with one of our excellent neurosurgeons by calling us today at (303) 790-1800 or by filling out our appointment request form.
