Posts Tagged ‘therapies’

Natural Health Therapies and Cancer – Part One

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Cancer. The word itself is alarming. It sounds like a death sentence. In many cases, it is. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. The topic of cancer is so large that we will take at least three or four articles to even begin to touch on the main points. Like any other illness, the more you know about it, the better you’ll be able to deal with it. For example, how much did you know about your own health issues before they touched your life personally? What would you have done differently in your life if you knew that it would prevent the problem from happening? Would you have been willing to make the changes? I imagine that you would. You have that opportunity with cancer. In a series of articles, we’ll cover not only the natural health therapies for cancer but the lifestyle changes that help prevent cancer as well.

The increase in the rate of cancer is amazing. A hundred years ago, 1 in 33 people had cancer; today, 1 in 3 people either have cancer or will develop it. Statistics show that one American life is lost to cancer every 45 seconds. There is no other topic in medicine that has such urgency. So, exactly what is cancer? Basically, it is nature gone overboard. Healthy cells stop functioning properly for a variety of reasons and then begin to reproduce damaged copies of themselves. The natural process of cells multiplying becomes accelerated because these new mutant cells are not regulated by the body’s normal controls. In addition, the life span of these cells is not controlled any longer, meaning that cancer cells become virtually immortal.

There are types and stages of cancer. Of the 150 different types of cancer, there are 5 major groups:

• Carcinomas – solid tumors from cells in the surface of the mouth, nose, throat, lung airways, skin, GI tract, GU tract, breast, and thyroid. Lung, prostate, stomach, skin, colon, and breast cancers are in this type.

• Sarcomas – solid tumor from bones, fat, and other soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, abdomen, heart, central nervous system, and blood vessels. These are the most rare and most deadly of solid tumors.

• Leukemias – a blood-borne cancer type characterized by an abnormal production of white blood cells.

• Lymphomas – solid masses of abnormal white blood cells concentrated in the lymph system. Examples of this type of cancer include Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

• Myelomas – rare tumors from antibody-producing or blood cell-producing areas in the bone marrow.

Cancer is often described by what stage it is in. Staging in cancer refers to a scale used to determine amount of cancer, its location, size, and degree of containment. The four different levels listed below describe the stages of cancer.

• Stage I – earliest, most curable stage. Local tumor only.

• Stage II – some spreading of cancer to surrounding tissue and maybe nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage III – involves spreading to distant lymph nodes

• Stage IV – most advanced, least easily cured. Cancer has spread to distant organs.

Why do some people get cancer and others don’t? What is the trigger that turns these healthy cells into mutants? What causes cancer? There are at least 33 contributing causes, according to various researchers. Each of these factors could be an article in itself so I’ll just provide you with the list for now. With this information, you can easily research these contributing items to increase your cancer knowledge. The factors that can contribute to cancer are:

1. Sunlight

2. Nuclear Radiation

3. Pesticide/Herbicide Residues

4. Industrial Toxins

5. Polluted Water

6. Tobacco and Smoking

7. Chronic Electromagnetic Field Exposure

8. Hormone Therapies

9. Immune-Suppressive Drugs

10. Irradiated Foods

11. Food Additives

12. Mercury Toxicity

13. Dental Factors

14. Chronic Stress

15. Depressed Thyroid Action

16. Intestinal Toxicity and Digestive Impairment

17. Parasites

18. Viruses

19. Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies

20. Nerve Interference Fields

21. Toxic Emotions

22. Blocked Detoxification Pathways

23. Chlorinated Water

24. Fluoridated Water

25. Ionizing Radiation

26. Geopathic Stress

27. Sick Building Syndrome

28. Free Radicals

29. Cellular Oxygen Deficiency

30. Cellular Terrain

31. Oncogenes

32. Genetic Predisposition

33. Miasm

Now that we have a little background knowledge on cancer, we will begin to cover a wide range of clinically proven natural health therapies that can be helpful for people with various forms of cancer. Each of these types of complementary medicine has a wealth of scientific research available for review, thanks to the ongoing research of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, each of the therapies is currently available through physicians with outstanding medical backgrounds. The bottom line is that all of the cancer therapies that I will discuss in the next few articles are valid and have been documented in scientific literature.

In upcoming articles, we will explore the use of the following methods for cancer therapy supported by scientific evidence:

• Nutrition – Dietary changes and Anti-Cancer Nutritional Supplements

• Anti-Cancer Herbal Supplements

• Innovative Anti-Cancer Substances

• Physical Support Therapies – Detoxification, Biological Dentistry, Water Therapy, Heat Therapy, Bodywork/Therapeutic Massage/Exercise, Qi Gong

• Energy Support Therapies – Electrodermal Screening, Magnetic Therapy, Light Therapy

In closing, please remember that early detection and prevention is the key to beating cancer. Here are the 8 Early Warning Signs for Cancer. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

1. A Lump in the Breast or Testicles.

2. A Change in a Wart or Mole.

3. A Skin Sore or Sore Throat that Does Not Heal.

4. A Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits.

5. A Persistent Cough or Coughing Blood.

6. Constant Indigestion or Trouble Swallowing

7. Unusual Bleeding or Vaginal Discharge

8. Chronic Fatigue

If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this article, you can contact me through my website at www.JerryRyanPhD.com or email me at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com.

Alternative Therapies and Medicine Options For Mesothelioma

Saturday, February 20th, 2010


In addition to traditional methods of treatment for mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos exposure patients are looking for alternative methods of palliative care to ease pains and cut away at side effects. These include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage, aromatherapy, and other untested but holistic therapies. And though many of them are scientifically unproven, many provide anecdotal evidence of their successes.

CAM Therapies For Eating Disorder

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

There are many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for eating disorder treatment. They include herbal therapy, massage therapy, homeopathy, psychotherapy and nutrition therapy. Each CAM therapy approaches eating disorders from a different angle. Therefore, they can form part of a multi-pronged approach for eating disorder treatment. Here is a look at each of the CAM therapy in turn:

The more support that you get the higher the chances of recovery there will be for you. Hence family support is greatly beneficial. Group therapy is also helpful so that you have a group of friends that you can relate to. This is vital as you do not feel isolated, especially not during this period of your life.

Next, cognitive therapy and nutritional therapy, can also help in eating disorder treatment. Therapists educate you on the right way to view food and how to eat. To keep track, you will need to maintain a 24-hour diary of what you consume.

Also, consume antioxidants to help reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants include Vitamins A, C, and E. They lower the deterioration that your body experiences because of free oxygen radicals. Zinc is great for stimulating appetite, smell and cognitive function and reduces depression.

You will need polyunsaturated fatty acids for the normal development of your body. They include omega-6 fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid. Hence, you should consume foods such as fish that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. You should also try to eat balanced meals, so that your overall health can improve.

Alternative Medicine For Dogs: Types Of Medicine Therapies For Canines

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Alternative medicine for dogs is quickly gaining in popularity as more pet owners seek natural ways to treat their pets without depending on pharmaceutical therapies. Instead of relying on drugs, pet lovers are focusing on the whole animal.
To learn more about different types of natural medicine and treatments for canines, read on.
Osteopathy and Chiropractic Care
Studies show that manipulations of the body and bone structure based upon a firm understanding of anatomy are effective for limiting human back pain, joint pain and spinal column discomfort. In 1996, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported “sufficient clinical and anecdotal evidence exists to indicate that veterinary chiropractic can be beneficial.”
While virtually no research has been carried out on the value of osteopathy for dogs, anecdotal evidence suggests the treatments are effective and especially helpful during recovery after an injury or accident.
Acupuncture Needles
Acupuncture serves as an alternative “medicine” for dogs and is typically used as an effective painkiller. Painkilling drugs work by mimicking the brain’s pain-killing chemicals like endorphins. Acupuncture, instead, stimulates the release of natural endorphins.
Remember that acupuncture for dogs should only be performed by a veterinary acupuncturist and should not be done by an acupuncturist who only works on people. It is a medical procedure and should be treated as such. Instead, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation in your area.
Herbal Therapies
Most pharmaceutical drugs come from herbs and plants, but they isolate a particular chemical or component of the plant. In herbal medicine, the whole plant is used rather than only a single part. Also, many herbal remedies are seen as a complimentary program with each herb prescribed to a variety of ailments.
While many veterinarians understand herbal remedies and will accept that various treatments have a medicinal value, they are also hesitant to prescribe or recommend herbal therapies. This is because toxic doses of herbs are largely unknown for dogs. So, before you undertake an herbal medicine program with your dog, do your research carefully.
Relaxation and Massage
Relaxation is a critical part of good health – improving our breathing, anxiety, muscle pain and stress. The same holds true for dogs, and many veterinarians will actually prescribe massage and relaxation as treatment for pain, anxiety, stress or sleeping problems.
Homeopathy
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association – “clinical and anecdotal evidence exists to indicate that veterinary homeopathy may be beneficial.” And though no high-caliber studies of homeopathic medicines have been carried out on dogs, it’s a treatment course that’s increasing in popularity.
More and more veterinarians are beginning to prescribe alternative medicine for dogs, from touch therapy treatments to herbal remedies. So, ask your vet about natural therapies during your next visit as a health option for your pet.
During your research, though, be aware that there is still a lot of general medical community skepticism – both for people and pets – concerning alternative medications. Consequently, you will need to be vigilant in your fact-gathering investigation to ensure you are neither duped by a scam nor dissuaded from persuing legitimate health options for your pet.