by Dr. Elizabeth Langer, DC, LAc
When you have been diagnosed with cancer, your entire world turns upside down. Depending on the type, stage, and severity of your cancer, you may be looking at chemotherapy or radiation for treatment. And while these treatments can often eradicate your cancer, they can also wreak havoc on your body and interfere with your quality of life.
If you want to gain control of your health and start to feel better while you are undergoing your treatment, you may consider complementary alternative medicine and cancer treatment support in Pittsburgh. At the WAY Wellness Center, we use complementary alternative medicine to help you to reduce side effects, manage your symptoms, and support overall wellness.
What is CAM?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term that encompasses a variety of therapies that can be used alongside or instead of traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. CAM is not meant to replace conventional treatments, rather it is intended to supportive and be integrative tool that can help you along your journey.
Some alternative therapies may even interfere with cancer treatments, so we at the WAY Wellness Center recommend talking to your oncologist before starting any new therapy to ensure that both of these treatments work together so you are healthy and cancer-free.
If you are in the Pittsburgh area, you will want to check out WAY Wellness Center for complementary alternative medicine best support your cancer treatment. Our practice offers treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and even chiropractic care.
The WAY Wellness Difference
At the WAY Wellness Center in Pittsburgh, we offer a variety of complementary alternative medicine and cancer treatment support. We offer treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, and Chinese herbal medicine, that are proven to be effective in managing symptoms such as nausea and fatigue and helping you feel your best.
Acupuncture has been found effective in managing cancer-related symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, pain relief, stress, fatigue, and neuropathy. And because chemotherapy and radiation can decrease your immune system, our practitioners always use Universal Precautions to minimize any risk of infection. Additionally, we can use smaller needles if you are particularly sensitive that day.
Massage therapy is great for cancer support because it relieves pain, reduce anxiety, and helps you to relax. Oncology massage is specifically designed to be safe for cancer patients, focusing on comfort, stress reduction, and relief of treatment side effects like fatigue or muscle tension. Our therapists are trained to work with your body to help you feel better without putting you at any risk.
Gentle chiropractic care can help to relieve pain and balance your nervous system so you can stay strong throughout your treatment. When you feel fatigued and fragile, you can be sure that we provide softer methods of chiropractic care where there is no “cracking” involved.
Chinese herbal medicine can be extremely helpful in relieving side effects, boosting your immune system, and restoring your strength. However, some herbs – and supplements too – can interfere with your cancer treatment. At the WAY Wellness Center, we understand this and make sure to prescribe you safe herbs that allow you to engage in both therapies. Examples of safe and effective Chinese herbs that we might use may include licorice root, turmeric, and ginseng.
Find Out How Complementary Alternative Medicine Can Support Your Cancer Treatment Today
Complementary and alternative medicine can help support your cancer treatment, as it holistically boosts your emotional, mental, and physical health during and after treatment.
If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today. Our team will be happy to help you.
