Acupuncture and It's Benefits For Mesothelioma (and other!) Cancer Patients

Dealing with mesothelioma can be difficult, especially for those who are undergoing an aggressive form of chemotherapy in order to better combat the effects of the dangerous cancer. For many patients, it can be difficult to continue intensive treatments, and many doctors recommend supplementary care systems to improve the individual's health in their fight. Numerous alternative medicine options are available to provide patients with additional relief, and many choose acupuncture as a primary supplementing treatment option. Those who are interested in how this system works can look forward to a number of health benefits that can assist them with their primary cancer treatment.

Stress Relief

Many people find the practice itself extremely soothing. By targeting specific pressure points with thin needles, the practitioner is able to help provide patients with a deeper state of relaxation. This can be invaluable in the fight against cancer, as many may feel stressed throughout their treatment, which can result in a number of detriments. When the body is stressed, it does not optimize healing as well as it could, which can lead to a slower healing process and an increased rate of remission. Through the stress relief benefits of acupuncture, individuals can reduce their levels of stress and allow their body to focus on healing more actively.

Appetite Encouragement

Many patients swear by the fatigue-reducing and appetite-boosting benefits that come with this method of treatment. The proper manipulation of the needles can help individuals feel less nauseous throughout the day, which can be an invaluable way to boost the appetite. When the patient is able to eat more, they are able to build up their strength reserves and immune system. This is critical to their health, as it helps them fight back against the cancer and improve their odds of a full and healthy recovery. With more energy throughout the day, the individual may also begin to move around more and regain their sense of self.

Optimized Healing

There are some who believe that this method of treatment may also provide them with deeper benefits. This can greatly improve their state of mind and body's will to fight against the cancer, which can be crucial in all situations. No matter how effective the treatments are, if the patient's heart is not set on recovering, they may not be able to optimize their healing. Through the spiritual benefits of this treatment, patients may feel better about how they are doing, which can encourage the recovery process and reduce the individual's downtime, especially when it comes to a cancer as aggressive as mesothelioma.

There are many unique styles of needle insertion, many of which are designed as a specific way to help individuals achieve a certain result. As such, some options may be better suited to help cancer patients than others. Speaking with the appropriate medical professionals is strongly recommended, as knowing what the primary caregiver may recommend as an acupuncture option can greatly increase the positive effects of the treatment itself. Patients are strongly encouraged to shop around before they settle with one specific practitioner.

by Katherine Keys
Mesothelioma Survivor

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