The Role of Natropathic Medicine in Treating Cancer

[Ommsuleiman]

Dear Parents,

I know its hard to cope when your child or relative has just been diagnosed with Cancer. I am posting this to my journal in hope that it may assist you and inform you. Please know that you have options!

I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR!  " I SURVIVED THE CANCER, THE CANCER DID NOT SURVIVE ME."

This started my long road to becomming a Naturopath. I wanted to help others in the most natural way posible, for those whom have given up....dont'!       Your journey has only just begun!

My goal is spread the awareness of the importance and essential role that Naturopathic Medicine has in fighting this disease while enriching our lives.

Thank you.

OmmSuleiman, MD., ND.

PS: I have updated the "Little Suleiman Foundation" page.

 

Naturopathic Medicine in Cancer Care

Conventional cancer treatments, and cancer itself, can be strenuous on your body. You may find it difficult to deal with side effects like nausea, pain and fatigue. Naturopathic medicine therapies may help provide relief from these symptoms. When used alongside conventional medical treatments, naturopathic methods may help increase your body's natural healing power to fight disease.

As you undergo traditional cancer treatment, naturopathic medicine aims to:

• Support normal metabolism
• Decrease side effects of treatment
• Boost the body’s immune system
• Provide strategies for long term health maintenance
• Improve energy, well-being and overall quality of life

 

Naturopathic Therapies

Naturopathic medicine incorporates the natural therapies of many different healing traditions. These therapies aim to support whole-body wellness, including the immune system, digestion, sleep, energy levels, diet, exercise, and spirituality.

The following are some therapeutic modalities of naturopathic medicine that you may decide to integrate into your cancer treatment plan:

•  Clinical Nutrition: The philosophy "food is the best medicine" is one of the principles of naturopathic practice. It is important to give your body a constant supply of nutrients to use as fuel during the healing process. Naturopaths assist with individualized diets and nutritional supplements.
  
  
• Botanical Medicine (Herbs, Minerals, and Vitamins): Many plant substances are powerful medicines. Their organic nature makes most botanicals compatible with the body's own chemistry; hence, they can work gently with few toxic side effects. Naturopaths have expertise in potential drug/herb/nutrient interactions and can monitor botanical use.
  
  
• Chinese Medicine: Chinese medicine is a healing philosophy that is complementary to naturopathic medicine. Meridian theory offers an important understanding of the unity of the body and mind and adds to the Western understanding of physiology. Naturopaths may use acupressure and herbal medicine to promote healing.
  
  
• Homeopathic Medicine:  Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of "like cures like." It may work on a subtle, yet powerful level, gently acting to strengthen the body's immune response and triggering the self-healing process. Naturopaths may use small doses of natural substances (e.g., plant extracts and minerals) to support symptoms such as post-surgical recovery, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
  
  
• Physical Medicine: Naturopathic medicine has its own methods of therapeutic manipulation of the muscles, bones and spine. Naturopaths employ therapeutic exercise, massage, physical therapy hydrotherapy, gentle electrical therapies, and applications of heat and cold.
  
  
• Psychological Medicine: Mental attitudes and emotional states can be important elements in healing and disease. Naturopaths are trained in counseling, stress management, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback.
  
  
• Hydrotherapy: The use of various temperatures and applications of water is one of the traditional naturopathic treatment modalities. Naturopaths use applications of warm and/or cool water to stimulate the body’s immune system and decrease inflammation.
  

Tips for Incorporating Naturopathic Medicine into Your Cancer-Fighting Regime

• Find a qualified Naturopathic Practitioner. Look for experts in natural medicine, who have had formal training in the field. Some naturopaths are self-taught. Find a naturopathic practitioner with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree, who graduated from a four-year, graduate-level, federally recognized and accredited naturopathic medical school.
• Do not self-prescribe. If you are unable to maintain a healthy diet during cancer treatment, dietary supplements may provide the needed nutrition. However, natural does not always mean safe. You should only use supplements/herbal products under the guidance of a qualified naturopathic practitioner or other medical professional.
• Be aware of potential drug interactions. It is important to remember that vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other therapies generally have a biochemical effect on your body. Some supplements may interact or interfere with your cancer treatment or other medications, or may be contraindicated with your cancer type. A naturopath practitioner can monitor your supplement intake on an ongoing basis.
• Make sure your treatment is coordinated among your healthcare team. All of your healthcare providers should know about the treatments you are receiving at all times. If you are receiving care from a naturopathic practitioner separately, make sure your oncologist knows about it, and vice versa. An advantage of an integrative medicine center is that your naturopath works alongside your conventional cancer doctors to recommend appropriate treatments.
• Insist on individualized care. Each person responds differently to cancer and its treatment. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you. Your naturopathic practitioner should tailor your naturopathic therapies to your individual needs, making you the key participant in your care.

[ilovepolkadots]

Apr. 28, 2008 at 1:50 PM

I did something like this when I was going through treatments as a teen.  I was extremely healthy and bam i had cancer.  I went through 6 8 hour treatments every 21 days and not a once did my blood counts drop below the normal counts.  I had chemo then went home slept 4 hours late i puked 4 times and then went back to bed and the next day i was full of energy like nothing was going on besides i was bold but even then not all the way bald more like thinned hair.

I did my research on vitamins and got myself on them and i say because of a few of those my body held up without a glitch.  The doctors were just amazed on my attitude and how strong i was staying.  In fact they are lifelong friends now and thanks to 2 of them i had my 1st year of med school 100% paid for.  But it was because they saw how determined I was and that fire that i wasn't going to let cancer rule me.  They call me the spit fire angel who is very determined.