Alternative medicine and cancer
and Martina Feichter, medical editor and biologistMartina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.
The combination of conventional medicine and alternative medicine for the treatment of tumor diseases is called complementary cancer therapy (integrative oncology). It aims to regenerate the immune system, stimulate the body's own detoxification processes and provide emotional support. Some alternative methods also help to cope better with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
»Mistletoe therapy: Of all complementary cancer therapies, mistletoe therapy is the most commonly used. However, their effectiveness is still controversial. According to the manufacturer, mistletoe preparations are supposed to improve the physical and mental well-being of cancer patients, strengthen their immune defenses, stimulate appetite, relieve pain or even inhibit tumor growth and prevent relapses.
»Phytotherapy: In addition to mistletoe, other plants (phytotherapy) are used to improve the quality of life of cancer patients - either as ready-made preparations (e.g. capsules) or in tea form. A few examples: Valerian root helps with sleep disorders, St. John's wort for mild to moderate depression, tea mixtures made from lavender, lemon balm and passion flower can fight fears.
»Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are supposed to relieve symptoms of exhaustion and sleep disorders as well as to drive away nausea (for example through chemotherapy) and headaches. For example, Nux vomica 30C (against nausea from the stomach, headache and neck pain) and Cocculus 30C (against nausea, vomiting, weakness and insomnia) are used. Homeopaths adjust the selection of preparations individually to the patient.
»Acupuncture: By inserting acupuncture needles, tumor pain and side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and weakness can be alleviated.
»Relaxation and meditation: Whether autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, Qi Gong or yoga - relaxation methods can help against pain, sleep problems, fears and depressive moods that occur with cancer. Even if some medical professionals are skeptical - it can be worth a try.
