Complementary Therapies For Cancer Support

By: Mr Sebastian Liew, N.D. , MIFA (UK) Naturopath , Herbalist

Cancer treatment has become very technologically driven, reflecting our increasing level of scientific sophistication. But our scientific understanding of cancer has its limitations: cancer patients are more than just biological molecules, after all, and need to be treated as whole human beings. The field of complementary therapy strives to integrate body and mind in the healing process, and thus to maximize the quality of life of the cancer patient. Conventional therapies for cancer – surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy – can be thought out as the “yang” treatment, whereas complementary (natural or physical) therapies may be considered the “yin” aspect. These latter therapies include:

Meditation

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years by different cultures and religions, and is an effective means of controlling stress and anxiety, improving pain control, and perhaps also in reducing high blood pressure (in which context it may be termed as biofeedback). Prayers or chanting are forms of meditation: hence, when considered in its broadest meaning, meditation is the most popular complementary therapy.

Massage

After meditation and other relaxation therapies, massage is probably the most popular complementary therapy. Massage has been shown to deepen breathing, reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, enhance sleep, reduce pain and control anxiety. In addition, massage is a good way for caregiver to give emotional support. Massage does not need to be deep: It can be administered gently, and may be delivered to different parts of the body not affected by cancer. Touch in the form of gentle massage is especially helpful tin inducing relaxation, reducing feelings of isolation, and allowing cancer sufferers to release suppressed emotions.

The term aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils (usually as part of the massage) to improve the recipient’s psychological state via the sense of smell.

Yoga

The postures and controlled breathing techniques of yoga can help some individuals to improve their sense of calmness, mind clarity, and emotional balance.

For further information, visit Sebastian Liew Centre Pte Ltd
Chinatown point, 133, New Bridge Road, #03-10, Singapore 059413
Tel: 65389978, email: sebastianliew@slnaturopath.com
web: www.slnaturopath.com