Integrated Cancer Care
Goals of Adjunctive Naturopathic Support for Cancer
The goal of naturopathic medicine is to create a healthy environment both inside and outside the body. This is especially significant for people with cancer.
Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic, or whole- person, approach to cancer care. It makes use of time-tested, scientifically grounded, natural methods to strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself.
Cancer support includes:
- Support for your normal metabolism during treatment
- Decreasing of side effects of cancer treatment
- Support for the body’s immune system
- Strategies for long term cancer prevention and health maintenance
- Improvement of energy, well-being and overall quality of life
Dr. Gupta focuses a portion of her practice on the adjunctive support of cancer from a naturopathic perspective.
Rather than cutting out the medical profession, Dr. Gupta’s approach is to use naturopathic therapies to enhance the effectiveness of medical approaches and reduce the intensity of harmful side effects.
According to the scientific literature, certain naturopathic supplements have been safely used along with chemotherapy to improve patients outcomes.
Naturopathic support may be used to help manage these side effects: digestive issues, fatigue, insomnia, mucositis and mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, pain, peripheral neuropathy, radiation burns, weight loss.
Although each patient has unique needs, a treatment program may include:
- Diagnostic testing
- Individualized dietary recommendations
- Specific supplements and/or medications
- Intravenous therapy: high dose vitamin C therapy
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Mistletoe extract injections
1. What is integrated cancer care?
Integrated cancer care is an approach to cancer treatment that combines conventional medical therapies with complementary and alternative treatments to address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing. It aims to optimize treatment outcomes, improve quality of life, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
2. What are the components of integrated cancer care?
Integrated cancer care typically includes conventional medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, as well as complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, mind-body techniques, and lifestyle interventions. The specific components may vary depending on individual needs and preferences.
3. How does integrated cancer care differ from traditional cancer treatment?
Integrated cancer care differs from traditional cancer treatment in its holistic approach to care. While traditional cancer treatment focuses primarily on eliminating cancer cells, integrated cancer care addresses the whole person and aims to support overall health and well-being during and after treatment. It emphasizes personalized treatment plans and may include a wider range of therapeutic modalities.
4. Who can benefit from integrated cancer care?
Integrated cancer care may benefit individuals at any stage of the cancer journey, including those undergoing active treatment, in remission, or facing end-of-life care. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to minimize treatment side effects, improve symptom management, enhance quality of life, and support long-term survivorship.
5. What are some examples of complementary therapies used in integrated cancer care?
Examples of complementary therapies commonly used in integrated cancer care include acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, meditation, yoga, art therapy, music therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. These therapies are often used alongside conventional treatments to address physical symptoms, reduce stress, and promote healing.
6. Is integrated cancer care safe?
When administered by qualified healthcare providers, integrated cancer care is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it’s essential for individuals to discuss their treatment plans with their healthcare team and ensure that all therapies are coordinated and integrated into their overall care plan. Some complementary therapies may interact with conventional treatments or have contraindications for certain individuals.
7. Can integrated cancer care cure cancer?
chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Instead, it complements these treatments by supporting the body’s natural healing processes, enhancing treatment effectiveness, and improving overall well-being. While integrated cancer care cannot guarantee a cure, it can play a valuable role in managing symptoms, reducing treatment side effects, and supporting long-term survivorship.