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Yoga - Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

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Yoga is an ancient form of mind and body exercise. While yoga originated as a deeply spiritual practice, for many people in the United States, yoga is considered a type of exercise with no spiritual element. Yoga uses a combination of physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation or visualization. Among the many types of alternative therapies available, it is one of the more widely used.
Health Benefits of Yoga

There are a variety of health benefits associated with yoga. Yoga's gentle meditative poses calm the central nervous system, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve coordination and flexibility, and improve quality of sleep.

The health benefits of yoga are available even for practitioners that do not mediate or otherwise implement the spiritual side of a yoga practice. The gentle exercises are excellent for those who suffer from back problems, as well as those who need to implement an exercise program. Some forms of yoga, such as power yoga or bikrim yoga, involve a more rigorous workout and may not be best for those who are pregnant, dehydrated or sick.

Who Can Benefit From Yoga?

It is generally considered that anyone can benefit from yoga. Yoga is a proven way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and relieve anxiety. Even for the perfectly healthy individual, yoga (when combined with cardiovascular exercise and a weight training program) provides undeniable benefits. A solid exercise program has been proven to reduce the health risks associated with obesity, prevent the loss of bone mass and muscle mass, and help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

For people suffering with chronic illness, such as cancer, arthritis or diabetes, a specialized yoga practice can be implemented to meet specific needs. Cancer patients suffering from fatigue and muscle soreness can benefit from a gentle yoga practice that can energize and restore the body. Arthritis sufferers experience relief from a yoga program developed to increase the range of motion in affected joints.
Developing a Yoga Practice

Developing a regular yoga practice is an excellent way to integrate yoga into an established schedule. Many people find that a 30- to 60-minute session once a week goes a long way toward increasing flexibility and reducing stress levels. Other people find that a short 10-minute session first thing in the morning and again before bed on a daily basis is better for their schedule and body.

Make sure to attend a few professional classes before practicing alone, which provides instruction for proper form under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
Working With Your Doctor

Those suffering from a chronic or acute illness who would like to start a yoga practice as a form of alternative therapy should take the time to discuss the situation with a physician. Pregnant women are advised to avoid postures that may put pressure on the uterus. In addition to speaking with a physician, patients should make their yoga instructor aware of any physical ailments. While there are many yoga instructors that specialize in therapeutic yoga, they can be hard to find and may not be conveniently located. For a referral, ask a medical professional about local yoga classes and instructors.



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Supplements - Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

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Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or amino acids. Supplements are most often used in tablet or capsule form, but can also be found in powder or liquid form. These are not meant to be used as a replacement for food, but as the name implies, supplements meant to be used as a supplement to healthy meals. Supplements have long been used to promote health, but research is underway to determine if this alternative form of treatment is viable as a replacement to conventional medicine.

It is very important to talk to a doctor or another medical professional about supplements. Many supplements are often marketed as "natural" or "organic," but that does not guarantee safety. There are real consequences for taking too many supplements, taking ones that do not work with individual diet, or taking ones that conflict with other medical treatments.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements on the market. However, these supplements are not regulated with the same strict rules used for the regulation of conventional medication and prescriptions. Instead, they are regulated in the same way that foods are regulated. Companies do not have to prove the supplement is safe or effective. In addition, the FDA does not regulate consistency or quality. What is on the label may not necessarily be what is being ingested.
Working with a medical professional can help patients successfully choose supplements that benefit their medical condition. The following include some of most popular supplements:

Ginseng: treats high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and illness recovery
St. Johns Wort: treats mental disorders, sleep problems, and nervous system conditions
Grape Seed Extract: treats heart problems, high blood pressure, swelling, vision problems, diabetes, and circulatory conditions
Flaxseed: treats menopausal symptoms, arthritis, high cholesterol, and cancer prevention
Garlic: treats high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol


These are just a few of the dozens of supplements to consider. They treat a number of medical conditions and help with other health issues. Some supplements are used to prevent conditions, such as cancer. In addition, some supplements (such as Hoodia) are used to promote weight loss.

The U.S. government and various private organizations are funding research to examine how effective supplements can be, as well as address health concerns with supplements. Currently, the NCCAM, one of the country's leading organizations concerned with health supplements, is funding projects to research ginger, turmeric, chromium, green tea, and yeast-fermented rice. This research could help patients with conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

No matter how much supplements may benefit patients, this form of alternative medicine should not be used without the advice of a medical professional. Taking dietary supplements is just as dangerous as taking prescription medications without understanding how they work. Make sure to keep the following safety concerns in mind:

Always inform doctors of every medication being taken, as well as any other treatments.
Ask a doctor if the supplement is dangerous if alcohol is consumed.
Never take more than the recommended amount of a supplement at one time, and never take more in a specific time period than the doctor's recommendation.
Be careful when adding supplements to tea or coffee. Some supplements are meant to be added to food, but be careful that the amount ingested is safe.
Stay in touch with research on supplements.
Be aware of company recalls. If the FDA finds that a supplement is unsafe, they issue mandatory recalls to pull supplements off of the shelf.
If planning to have surgery, check with the doctor about supplements that may hurt the surgical process.

Supplements are not the only form of alternative therapy to consider. It is also important to take all treatment options into consideration. Patients have found success with massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and many other kinds of alternative treatments. 



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TENS Therapy - Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a type of alternative therapy that focuses on energy. Using many of the same ideas as massage and acupuncture, TENS therapists place electrodes on the skin in certain locations - either on special points on the body or where the patient is experiencing pain. From a small battery pack, electrical shocks are sent through the body that relieve pain and help with other medical conditions.
Unlike some other forms of alternative medicine, TENS therapy has been proven to work for many patients. TENS therapy has the potential to help relieve pain in two main ways. First, electrical signals send messages to the brain to produce more endorphins. Endorphins are natural chemicals produced by the body that produce feelings of euphoria. Additionally, the electrical signals can send messages to the brain that block pain messages. 


One of the great benefits of TENS therapy is the ability to perform treatment at home. A TENS therapy professional will help treat pain initially, as well as work with the body to find the right placement of electrodes. From this point, patients can control the battery pack. The medical professional will prescribe a certain routine, usually to use the battery pack several times every day for short intervals.

As an added bonus, there are few side effects to TENS therapy. This makes TENS therapy an especially good choice for those concerned with side effects. In addition, TENS therapy is a good choice for those who are taking prescriptions or dealing with other medical conditions. While taking more medications may adversely react with other substances in the body, TENS therapy is safe to use with other medication. Also, patients with a pacemaker should not use TENS therapy, as it may interfere with its operation. Pregnant patients should also consult with their doctor before using this therapy.

TENS therapy is also a safe choice because it is approved by the FDA. Because TENS is FDA approved, any insurance company will cover the process. If a doctor prescribes the treatment, most health insurance providers should fully cover the expenses. This is not always the case with some other kinds of alternative therapy.

Those who are not at ease with controlling their own TENS machine can receive more intense treatments at a doctor's office. With these treatments, a medical professional will assist with control of the machine, making sure the electrodes are comfortable and the setting is adequate. TENS should not hurt or make a patient uncomfortable. 



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Aromatherapy - Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

12:13 AM | Labels:


In recent years, alternative medical therapies are becoming more and more popular in Western health care. One such alternative therapy is called aromatherapy. This medical technique uses fragrances in oils, lotions, and other substances to heal and prevent health problems.
Aromatherapy starts with essential oils, which can be used alone for a single scent or combined with others. There are a number of application methods available, which can be performed at home or by a professional. Most specialty stores and aromatherapy professionals offer more than one of the following options:
  • Massage
  • Lotions and Creams
  • Baths
  • Inhalants
  • Compresses
Essential oils are highly concentrated oils from various plants. The simple inhalation of essential oils brings both physical and mental benefits. Those suffering from serious medical conditions should only use aromatherapy under the care of a trained professional, as combining the wrong essential oils can produce adverse side effects or medical problems. 

Aromatherapists are knowledgeable in aromatherapy techniques and can be a valuable resource. They begin the process by mixing an essential oil with a carrier oil. Remember that essential oils are extremely concentrated, thus applying them directly to the skin or using too much for inhaled therapy can be harmful. There are a number of carrier oils to consider, which act as a neutral base that dilutes essential oils. These include almond oil, grape seed oil, and peanut oil. An aromatherapy therapist can help select the right carrier oil according to other oils being used and possible allergies.

Essential oils can be used one at a time, but many therapists will combine oils using specific recipes. Essential oils must be mixed in appropriate concentrations and with the right oils to create a beneficial reaction.

There are seven basic types of essential oils, with dozens of varieties within each group. These groups are:
  • Alcohols: used for healing and uplifting the spirit
  • Aldehydes: used for sedation
  • Esters: used for sedation and fighting viruses (these are usually the most pleasant smells, which are found in many bath products)
  • Ketones: used to help with congestion problems
  • Monoterpenes: used to prevent viruses and bacterial problems
  • Oxides: used to prevent bacterial problems
  • Phenols: used for stimulation


There are hundreds of essential oils available to promote health and cure current medical problems. Essential oils may be made from plants, but not all essential oils are safe. It is important for the following essential oils to be used sparingly and by a licensed practitioner:
  • Bitter Almond
  • Sweet Birch
  • Calamus
  • Camphor
  • Garlic
  • Horseradish
  • Wormwood
  • Wintergreen
  • Sassafras
  • Onion
  • Rue
  • Mustard
  • Spanish Broom
  • Melilotus
Aromatherapy appeals to the human sense of smell, which is strongly linked to emotional centers in the brain. Aromatherapists have studied not only conventional scents known to achieve a certain state of mind (such as lavender as a calming agent), but have also studied unconventional scents and scent combinations that can produce alertness, aggression, happiness, and so forth.

Patients coping with various serious diseases can use aromatherapy to help address the illness itself, as well as aid in relaxation. For example, a massage with essential oils can help the oils travel directly to the affected organs or area of pain. Throughout treatment, the aromas help patients become more relaxed, alert, and mentally able to fight any disease.

Aromatherapy was arguably once a lost art, known only to a select few who studied alternative medicine. Today, many doctors are acknowledging the benefits of aromatherapy and some are even becoming licensed professionals to extend the benefits to their patients.

Of course, this treatment is not for everyone. Alternative medicines are still highly criticized by those who solely believe in conventional medical treatments. It is important for patients to be aware of all available treatment options. Though researchers are still studying the effects of essential oils on the body, promising results in small-scale studies have been recorded. Essential oils should not be injested since many of them can be poisonous. Certian oils may cause sensitization (allergy caused by the oil), and may cause irritation if applied undiluted. Some oils have reportedly caused headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions.

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Acupuncture - Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

12:00 AM | Labels:

Acupuncture in History

Acupuncture is known to have been practiced as early as the Stone Age. Many ancient artifacts relating to acupuncture have been discovered in locations such as Inner Mongolia, dating back as far as 3,000 B.C. The way in which this technique was discovered or developed is not well-known. One legend states that Chinese soldiers who received arrow wounds in battle experienced relief from pain in other parts of the body, prompting further research and experimentation into these observations.
The practice of acupuncture is first described in a book known as "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine," a medical text compiled approximately around 305-204 B.C. Artifacts such as needle-sharp stones, called Bian stones, point to the use of acupuncture and other earlier techniques (such as bloodletting) for medical purposes.
Acupuncture first saw a rise in popularity in America in the 1970s. Throughout the '70s, Americans who visited China brought back with them reports of patients who underwent surgery with only acupuncture used as anesthesia. These reports inspired many of those seeking relief from pain and other maladies to try acupuncture. This treatment has progressively risen in popularity and has gained widespread acceptance in the medical community. Acupuncture is used for a wide variety of conditions, including headaches, back pain, and infertility.


Theory of Acupuncture

The foundational theory of acupuncture is based on a principle that involves treating the entire body rather than just the affected organ or area. According to this set of theories, diseases are caused by an imbalance of factors called Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood. In this practice, treating disease involves manipulation of the body to improve balance between these four factors.
Acupuncture employs the use of fine needles into the body's defined 'pressure points' to improve the flow of the four factors in the body, and improve the body's balance and harmony. There are almost four hundred different pressure points located all over the body. The pressure points that are stimulated during an acupuncture session may not be in the area where a patient feels pain. For example, a patient who is receiving acupuncture treatment for headaches may actually be treated in the webbing between the thumb and palm.
Many scientific theories have been proposed to account for how acupuncture works in the body. There is no doubt that it does provide symptomatic relief of pain, stress, and anxiety. One theory proposes that it is possible to modify the transmission of pain at many different sites in the body. Another is that acupuncture causes the release of hormones called endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are known to block pain and produce mild feelings of euphoria - these are what kick in during exercise, and are responsible for the so-called 'natural high' that many endurance athletes feel during events.

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Asbestos-Related Diseases

When it comes to the treatment of asbestos-related cancers, acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted alternative therapies. Those coping with asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, can use acupuncture to treat symptoms of pain, stress, and anxiety. Many patients with asbestosis who have tried acupuncture say the treatment helps relieve pain and makes breathing much easier.
During an acupuncture consultation, an acupuncturist asks their patient a number of questions relating to their health and symptoms. They also inspect certain points of the body, such as the face, mouth, and specific acupuncture points, to determine the best course of treatment. This initial examination allows the acupuncturist to determine which pressure points must be manipulated for the patient to experience relief from their symptoms.
During the actual treatment, very thin, sterilized needles are inserted into each pressure point. Once all needles are inserted, the patient may be left to rest for several minutes, or up to half an hour, before the needles are removed.
Acupuncture treatments are particularly desirable because when practiced by a skilled acupuncturist, there are virtually no harmful side effects in most cases. Around 3 percent of patients may experience some minor bleeding at points where needles were inserted. Around 2 percent of patients may experience some bruising at the site, while approximately 1 percent may experience some dizziness (usually as a result of anxiety relating to the treatment). It has been advised that people with bleeding disorders and those taking blood thinners should avoid acupuncture. In addition, those with infusion pumps, cardiac pacemakers, or any other electrical device are advised to avoid electroacupuncture.


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