Those who are affected by asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma are no longer limited to conventional medical treatments such as surgery and pain relief medications.

The following types of complementary and alternative therapies can be used by patients coping with asbestos-induced diseases as a form of pain management, to improve general health, and to provide relief from disease symptoms.

These types of treatment options cannot cure asbestos-related illnesses, but can certainly help patients live more comfortably by providing relief from pain and stress.

Acupuncture is one of the most widely-accepted alternative therapies in use today, to the extent that many insurance companies provide coverage for this type of treatment. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into pressure points at clearly defined locations on the skin to improve the balance and flow of factors referred to as Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood in traditional Chinese medicine. This type of treatment can provide relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and stress, and is one of the most common alternative treatments used by those with asbestosis. Please see Acupuncture for more information about this type of therapy.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using fragrance to improve physical and psychological well-being. Fragrances are applied in liquids called essential oils, which are distilled and highly concentrated plant-based oils. These are combined and used by aromatherapists to provide pain relief, symptomatic relief and improve general well-being for patients. Aromatherapy may often be combined with massage therapy, as patients can receive a massage with carrier oils that have been combined with small amounts of essential oil fragrances. For more information, please see Aromatherapy.

A number of cancer patients look to chiropractice care as a form of alternative medicine to compliment their traditional medical treatments. Chiropractic care traditionally aims to alleviate pain and improve mobility through various therapies such as spinal adjustment, physical therapy, massage, ultrasounds, specific exercises and stretching movements, and electrical muscle stimulation (such as TENS therapy). Some cancer patients have turned to chiropractic care to help manage pain or relieve headaches, body tension and stress, and some have even reported an improved quality of life following treatment.

Massage therapy provides a number of important health benefits - it promotes blood and lymphatic flow and improves circulation, and helps to improve muscle tension. Massage also stimulates the nervous and digestive systems, and can relieve chronic pain and improve skin function. Commonly used as a stress relief treatment, many patients find that massage can reduce anxiety and feelings of stress, as well as help manage chronic pain. Please see Massage for more information about this type of therapy.

Meditation has long been known as an excellent way of reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Currently, meditation is also believed to help manage pain and other disease symptoms. Many people with cancer who add meditation to their treatment program find the practice helps relieve pain, stress and anxiety. Some studies have even indicated that meditation may be able to slow tumor growth and improve patient prognosis. For more information, please see Meditation.

Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are all needed by the body to carry out essential life functions, and supplements can help provide necessary chemicals when diet alone cannot. Many herbs can help treat diseases and conditions, as well as provide symptomatic relief. For example, flaxseed, ginseng and garlic are all known to reduce blood pressure.

When it comes to supplements, it's very important to tell your doctor about every type of supplement you are taking, because they can affect how well prescription medications work. Some supplements can even be dangerous when taken in conjunction with certain prescription medications. Please see Supplements for further information about this type of therapy.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - commonly known as TENS therapy - is somewhat similar to acupuncture, in that this treatment stimulates certain defined body locations. However, while acupuncture uses fine needles, TENS therapy stimulates body points with the use of electrodes that deliver very mild electrical shocks.

Unlike many other types of complementary and alternative therapy, TENS has actually been approved by the FDA. While this doesn't automatically mean that TENS can provide a cure when it is used, it does mean that the treatment has been determined to be safe according to FDA regulations, and also means that TENS therapy is covered by insurance. For more information, please see TENS Therapy.

The origins of yoga lie in India, where this ancient art is practiced more for spiritual reasons than for health-related reasons. Outside of India, yoga has become a popular form of exercise that is physically and psychologically calming and strengthening. Learning simple yoga techniques can help improve general health by toning and strengthening muscles, improving flexibility and improving general health and one's state of mind. Please see Yoga for more information about this type of therapy.

Also known as animal-assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities, this type of therapy aims to improve the general health and well-being of patients by allowing them to interact with a variety of animals. The wonderful effects of animal interaction has long been known - the simple act of stroking a cat or dog can improve the mood, lift the spirits and even provide some physical benefits (such as the temporary lowering of blood pressure). Pet therapy techniques can be used for a wide variety of medical conditions. For example, a physical therapist working with a person recovering from a stroke might bring a dog to a therapy session and have the patient brush the dog to help improve their motor skills. For more information on this type of therapy, please see Pet Therapy.