Not only cancer, but traditional treatments for cancer also take a toll on the body and mind of the patient. Treatment with chemo and radiotherapy leads to side-effects including hair loss, weakness, fatigue, pain and nausea. Sometimes, the patient has to live these byproducts of traditional cancer treatments. This is a disease that affects both the body and mind of the patient. Depression, anxiety, and fear are very common in cancer patients.

Both mental and physical effects of this disease can be fixed with some of the natural cancer treatments. Not all natural cancer therapies target the mind of the patient. These therapies involve mind-body medicine also known as complementary medicine. The traditional type of medicines is not involved in these alternative cancer treatments. These treatments are based on some practices and diet protocols.

In addition to killing cancer cells and promoting the growth of healthy cells, natural treatment for cancer provides the patient with a more relaxed and focused mind. The benefits of cancer patient reaps are improved physical health and better control over emotions.

How does natural cancer therapy work?

The majority of cancer patients live stressful lives. Stress leads to the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that sends nutrients and blood to the brain and muscles so that both can react to the threat. This hormone makes your muscles tense, heart beat faster and quickens breathing. However, fewer resources are supplied to the immune system and other important body systems. Long-term stress can worsen the disease, make traditional treatments less effective and worsen the side-effects of traditional treatments. However, a cancer treatment based on mind-body medicine buffer these effects and make stress and disease management easier.

Following are some of the therapies for treating cancer naturally:

• Alkaline diet for cancer
• IV vitamin C for cancer
• Immunotherapy for cancer
• Mind-body medicine for cancer
• Oxygen therapy for cancer
• Juicing for cancer
• IV peroxide therapy for cancer

Healing of mind involves:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga and tai chi

Meditation

It is an ancient Indian practice in which an individual sits quietly and breathes deeply. This might also involve the repetition of some mantra. Meditation provides relaxation by providing better control over breathing and thoughts. Mindfulness meditation eases stress, enhances well-being and improves coping skills.

Deep Breathing

Apart from being a part of meditation, deep breathing can work on its own as well. Take a deep breath, hold for a few seconds and then let it go slowly. A few minutes of deep breathing a day is enough for relaxation.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This technique targets a specific muscle group at a time. Progressive muscle relaxation can provide relief from:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Sleeping problem

This technique involves some exercises and activities targeting the muscles of the entire body.

Yoga and tai chi

Yoga and tai chi is a combination of relaxation and deep breathing. This technique involves deep breathing with balance and stretching yoga poses. A patient suffering from cancer can reap the following benefits:

• Relief from stress, depression, and anxiety
• Reduced fatigue
• Better sleep
• Better emotional well-being
• Improved quality of life