Dear Dr. Betty,
I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to have the cancer removed. I am now receiving chemotherapy. What therapies can I use to help me with the side effects of chemotherapy?
M.P., Shohola
Dear M.P.,
I have treated quite a few women in my practice who are facing the same challenges as you with the side effects chemotherapy. First of all, I’d like to remind you that not everything is for everybody – by that I mean that complementary therapies may work better for you than someone else with the same symptoms. A reputable practitioner will take into account several factors regarding each individual to determine what choices will work best.
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea. Some people become very nauseous from this treatment and others suffer minimal discomfort. Ginger tea is often very helpful for alleviating this symptom. You may try a few slices of fresh (peeled) ginger root (available in the produce section of your local market) steeped in hot water. You may safely add honey to sweeten the tea without contraindication. Some constitutions are tolerant of a very concentrated tea while others enjoy good results with a mild tea, again dependent on the individual.
I usually recommend a series of touch therapy treatments to chemotherapy patients. Touch therapies, such as Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and Reiki, are very effective for balancing the body’s energy, allowing the physical body to begin repairing itself.
Aromatherapy is also effective for treating certain side effects of chemotherapy. Essential oils are used in many chemo clinics to assist patients with physical side effects, such as nausea and pain, as well as emotional issues, such as anxiety and trauma associated with hair loss. Lavender and frankincense are excellent choices to promote relaxation and can be used through inhalation methods (such as a diffuser) or applied directly to the body in the form of a gentle massage or rubbing the oil on the soles of the feet.
The use of flower essences is a popular choice for those whose mood needs a boost. Often the process of cancer surgery and ensuing chemotherapy can stimulate a broad range of emotions. A flower essence consultation can help target specific emotional challenges, or an overall essence, such as Five Flower Essence, can help to lift your spirits.
Meditation is a superb avenue for coping with any anxiety that occurs from chemotherapy, particularly the form of meditation called guided visualization. Chemotherapy drugs are prescribed with the intention of destroying bad or cancerous cells. Guided visualization helps you to balance your body and focus the drug to destroy only non-healthy cells. One of my clients uses this technique hand in hand with her chemotherapy, envisioning the pill as a Pacman traveling through her body, gobbling up unhealthy cells.
Journalling is a proven method of sorting out your fears and feelings resulting from your diagnosis and surgery. Writing exercises and meditation work very well together – you may want to seek out a group who supports a meditation or writing practice to explore how an inward journey can assist in bringing your outward symptoms into balance.
There are many other therapies available but space permits discussing only these few. Remember, check with your physician to discuss the fact you intend to use these therapies and engage in the practice of integrative medicine.
For more information please visit our website at: www.minervaed.com
