What Is Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma alternative treatments are nontraditional therapies that can help patients feel more comfortable and ease symptoms. These therapies work alongside standard treatments but aren’t meant to replace them or cure mesothelioma.
Alternative medicine can benefit patients with mesothelioma at any stage of the disease.
Some mesothelioma alternative treatments include:
- Acupuncture
- CBD (cannabidiol)
- Massage therapy
- Medical marijuana (cannabis)
- Meditation
- Nutrition therapy
- Tai chi
- Yoga
A study found more than 30% of cancer patients use some type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as yoga, acupuncture, and herbal supplements, in addition to traditional treatments.
Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment & Integrative Medicine
Alternative therapies and integrative medicine can be combined with mesothelioma treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These options are designed to help manage symptoms, improve well-being, and boost the body’s natural healing processes.
Integrative medicine combines conventional treatments with alternative approaches, addressing the whole person to foster healing. This approach may include nutrition counseling and herbal remedies, mind-body practices, and meditation.
No matter your goals, make sure to speak with your mesothelioma doctor before starting any alternative therapies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your situation.
Our Free Mesothelioma Guide can help you discover safe, effective ways to manage your symptoms. Get your copy shipped overnight and take the next step toward feeling better.
Types of Complementary & Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma
There are various alternative treatments that can reduce uncomfortable mesothelioma symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Acupuncture & Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are both forms of traditional Chinese medicine, but they differ in significant ways.
- Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points of the body called acupoints, which exist along meridians — channels believed to promote healing from injuries, illnesses, and mental health issues. Acupuncture can only be administered by a licensed practitioner.
- Acupressure is a non-invasive form of treatment in which pressure is applied to these same meridian points but without inserting needles. Unlike acupuncture, people can perform acupressure on themselves without seeing a licensed practitioner.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), both procedures can relieve nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, and other potential side effects of cancer treatment.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is an alternative therapy that teaches people to make voluntary changes to their involuntary bodily functions.
These could include controlling their:
- Body temperature
- Breathing rate
- Heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Sweat
Psychologists or physical therapists typically provide this therapy. It can help ease anxiety and pain in patients with malignant mesothelioma and other cancers.
“When my husband and I started researching mesothelioma alternative treatments, I think that’s what saved my life. It’s really important for patients to do their research and make the choices that are best for them.”
CBD and Medical Marijuana
Both CBD and medical marijuana can help with pain management for mesothelioma. Both come in many forms, including oils, topicals, capsules, and edibles.
The main difference between CBD and medical marijuana is that marijuana produces a feeling of euphoria. CBD carries many of the same benefits but without the psychoactive effects.
Not only can CBD and medical marijuana help with pain relief, but they can also reduce anxiety, stress, and inflammation in mesothelioma cancer patients.
Chiropractic Therapy
During chiropractic therapy, a licensed chiropractor manipulates a person’s spine and joints using either their hands or specialized equipment.
Chiropractic therapy can potentially help relieve cancer pain and improve mobility.
In addition, this holistic treatment has been shown to reduce the need for pain medications during cancer treatment and recovery.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a type of alternative mesothelioma treatment that uses special cups to create suction and pull blood to the skin’s surface.
Benefits of cupping may include:
- Better immune function
- Improved blood flow and circulation
- Pain management
- Relaxed muscles
However, it also puts patients at risk of bruising and infection, so it should only be done at the recommendation of a physician.
Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to help you discuss alternative and complementary treatment options with your mesothelioma specialist.
Emotional Support
Emotional support is a key aspect of alternative treatment for mesothelioma, helping patients manage the mental and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
- Mental health counseling can address symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This allows patients to process their feelings and improve their overall well-being.
- Mesothelioma support groups can help patients find a community of people in similar situations. These support groups are held online and in person to meet the needs of mesothelioma patients.
Both options offer a valuable alternative therapy to enhance patients’ overall care and quality of life.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Exercise can help people with mesothelioma stay physically active and maintain their energy levels during cancer treatments.
According to a 2024 report in Current Oncology, exercise can boost muscle mass, enhance strength, and improve the overall physical well-being of mesothelioma patients.
The amount of exercise you can tolerate depends on your overall health and what your mesothelioma specialist recommends. Learn more about exercise and mesothelioma.
Herbal Medicine
Some mesothelioma patients may benefit from taking herbal supplements, minerals, and vitamins during their cancer treatments. This natural approach can help them feel more in control of their health.
However, some supplements contain plant extracts that can interact with chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs or make them less effective. Consult your doctor before starting any new herbal treatment for mesothelioma.
Supplements used by mesothelioma patients may include:
- Capsaicin
- Flax seed
- Folic acid
- Garlic
- Green tea
- Iron
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Selenium
- Turmeric
- Vitamins C & D
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), many herbal supplements aren’t approved or regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may carry additional health and safety risks.
“In general, elements in certain herbs and supplements may disrupt the way the body processes chemotherapy drugs, making them either less able to fight cancer cells or more toxic to the body than intended.”
– City of Hope Cancer Center
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage massage, relieves the symptoms of lymphedema, which sometimes occurs due to cancer surgery.
Lymphedema causes swelling in a person’s arms and legs. It can be very uncomfortable, especially for people who are already in pain due to their cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
The effectiveness of lymphatic massage is still being studied, but it has shown promise in relieving pain for some cancer patients.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a way to use diet and nutrition to improve your health. MNT is typically provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition specialist.
MNT helps by creating a diet that:
- Improves energy
- Keeps you strong
- Promotes feelings of wellness
- Supports your treatment
It can also help you manage side effects from treatments like feeling sick, losing weight, or being too tired to eat.
Learn more about nutrition therapy by downloading our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide, packed with practical tips and advice from experienced cancer nurses.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness can provide relaxing effects for people with cancers like mesothelioma.
These alternative mesothelioma treatment methods help people focus on their breathing while being in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or feeling anxious about the future.
Mind-body therapies can alleviate stress and anxiety and improve overall quality of life.
Music Therapy
Music therapy incorporates playing instruments, listening, dancing, singing, and other activities to make patients feel better after a cancer diagnosis.
Music therapy has been shown to help with a variety of conditions, including pain management, low self-esteem, anxiety and stress, depression, surgery-related complications, and recovery from treatment.
Pet Therapy
Support animals, or emotional support animals (ESAs), can provide comfort for mesothelioma patients. Support animals are different from service animals, which require specialized training to perform specific tasks.
Common ESAs include:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Guinea pigs
- Rabbits
- Other small animals, like birds or turtles
Spending time with animals may help reduce stress, lift mood, and ease feelings of isolation. Support animals may even reduce some physical discomfort.
Studies show that interacting with an animal can release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.
Reiki (Energy Healing)
Reiki is a form of healing where a practitioner uses gentle hand movements to balance the patient’s energy and promote relaxation. It has roots in ancient Japanese healing practices.
Reiki for mesothelioma may help you:
- Achieve more well-being
- Better cope with difficult situations
- Find deeper relaxation
- Relieve emotional stress and tension
This type of alternative mesothelioma treatment can be done in person or virtually. Sessions usually last between 20 minutes and one hour.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice that combines meditation and martial arts. People of all ages and fitness levels can participate.
Not only can tai chi reduce stress and anxiety through meditation, but it can also help relieve muscle and joint pain.
Yoga
Yoga is a mind-body practice where people perform a series of stretches and poses designed to increase flexibility, strength, and balance.
The physical benefits of yoga include:
- Better sleep quality and longer, more restful sleep
- Effective pain relief and management
- Enhanced physical function and increased flexibility
- Reduced feelings of fatigue and improved energy levels
Yoga can also help you feel more relaxed and less anxious. Be sure to ask your doctor whether it’s safe for you to incorporate yoga into your alternative mesothelioma treatment plan.
Other Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments
In addition to the treatments listed above, there are several other types of alternative medicine for mesothelioma that could help you or a loved one.
- Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to promote relaxation, lower stress levels, and improve overall well-being.
- Art therapy encourages patients to express themselves through art, which can ease anxiety, boost mood, and help process difficult emotions.
- Bodywork includes therapies such as massage and chiropractic care to improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.
- Equine therapy involves interacting with horses to improve emotional health and manage stress and anxiety.
- Sound therapy uses sound waves, music, or vibrations to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote healing.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a device that applies gentle electrical currents to the skin to relieve pain.
While they can’t replace traditional cancer treatments, these complementary therapies can significantly enhance the quality of life of mesothelioma patients.
Our Free Mesothelioma Guide can help you discover safe, effective ways to manage your symptoms. Get your copy shipped overnight.
Can Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments Improve Survival?
There isn’t enough medical evidence yet to confirm whether alternative or integrative treatments can improve mesothelioma survival rates.
However, these therapies can play a significant role in easing symptoms, improving quality of life, and supporting emotional and mental well-being as a supplement to traditional treatments.
Standard mesothelioma treatments include:
- Surgery to remove tumors and all visible signs of cancer
- Chemotherapy to target cancer cells
- Immunotherapy to help the immune system fight cancer
- Radiation therapy to shrink tumors and keep them from spreading
Patients may also be able to extend their life expectancy by accessing new treatments in mesothelioma clinical trials.
“Nutrition is obviously a big thing, but even some of the softer things like staying positive, active, and moving can really impact how a patient does. Don’t discount the importance of nutrition, positive attitude, and exercise on the immune system.”
Alternative Treatment Benefits for Mesothelioma Survivors
Many mesothelioma survivors have benefited from incorporating alternative mesothelioma treatment into their medical care plans.
Arthur Putt
After chemotherapy and immunotherapy proved ineffective, Arthur embraced a specialized anti-inflammatory diet, significantly improving his ability to eat solid foods again.
Dr. Bonnie Snyder
With concerns about traditional chemotherapy due to bouts with other cancers, Dr. Snyder pursued a combination of chemotherapy and alternative therapies that allowed her to manage her treatment more effectively.
John Panza
For over 13 years, John has credited his long-term survival to a holistic approach that includes exercise and nutrition alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Their stories highlight how combining standard medical treatments with alternative approaches can offer additional benefits for mesothelioma patients.
Get Help Accessing Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one is exploring alternative mesothelioma treatments, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our team can share free resources for patients and caregivers, answer your questions, and connect you with cancer specialists who can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Reach out to us now to:
- Get guidance on alternative and complementary medicine
- Find local clinical trials testing new treatments
- Learn how to cope with treatment-related side effects
- Access nutrition resources tailored to mesothelioma patients
Call (866) 608-8933 or get your Free Mesothelioma Guide for personalized support.
Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment FAQs
What are alternative mesothelioma treatments?
Alternative treatments for mesothelioma are therapies used alongside or instead of standard options like chemotherapy or surgery.
Complementary therapies, like acupuncture, yoga, or meditation, are meant to support traditional treatments by easing symptoms like pain and anxiety.
While they aren’t intended to cure mesothelioma, they can ease symptoms like pain, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
Some patients decide to turn to special diets, herbal remedies, or other mesothelioma alternative treatments if traditional cancer therapies have failed. However, this should be approached carefully under your doctor’s guidance.
Is alternative medicine for mesothelioma safe?
It depends on the specific treatment. Options like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are generally safe and may improve quality of life by managing pain, stress, and fatigue.
However, some mesothelioma natural treatments, such as herbal supplements, may interfere with chemotherapy or cause harmful side effects.
Always check with your cancer care team before starting any alternative mesothelioma treatments. While many complementary therapies can be helpful, others may pose risks if not used properly.
How can I access alternative mesothelioma treatments?
You can talk to an oncologist to access mesothelioma alternative treatments.
A mesothelioma doctor can recommend safe options — such as acupuncture, massage, or specific diets — that may help manage symptoms. You should only try treatments that your doctor approves to make sure they work well with your current care plan.
You can also look for cancer centers that offer integrative medicine programs where experts can guide you through various mesothelioma alternative treatments.
Is there an herbal treatment for mesothelioma?
No, there’s not a medically recognized herbal treatment for mesothelioma. In some cases, herbs and dietary supplements may help alleviate symptoms and side effects of mesothelioma and its treatment.
For example, one study found that the capsaicin in chili peppers could make chemotherapy more effective in fighting mesothelioma.
Always work with your health care team before starting any new herbal treatments or supplements, as sometimes they can interfere with medical therapies.
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