What Are Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma alternative treatments are nontraditional therapies that can help patients feel more comfortable with fewer symptoms. These therapies work alongside standard treatments but aren’t meant to replace them or cure mesothelioma.
Alternative treatments for mesothelioma can benefit patients at any stage of the disease.
Some mesothelioma alternative treatments include:
- Acupuncture
- CBD and medical marijuana
- Massage therapy
- Meditation
- Nutrition therapy
- Tai-chi
- Yoga
In a recent study, more than 30% of cancer patients said they use types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), like yoga, acupuncture, and herbal supplements, in addition to traditional treatments.
If you’re considering alternative treatments for mesothelioma, talk to your oncologist (cancer doctor) to make sure they’re safe for you.
Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments & Integrative Medicine
Alternative treatments 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.
- Alternative treatments can include therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and meditation. While they aren’t cures for mesothelioma, they can help reduce pain, stress, and fatigue.
- Integrative medicine combines conventional treatments with alternative approaches, focusing on the whole person. This can include nutrition counseling, yoga, and mind-body practices to support mental and physical health during treatment.
No matter your goals, it’s crucial 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 Treatments 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 meridians, which are believed to promote healing from injuries, illnesses, and mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. 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 the insertion of 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:
- Breathing rate
- Body temperature
- Heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Sweat
This type of therapy is typically provided by psychologists or physical therapists and can be used in treating mesothelioma and other cancers by reducing both anxiety and pain.
“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 & Medical Marijuana
Both CBD (cannabidiol) 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 (cannabis) is that marijuana produces a feeling of euphoria in people who inhale or consume it. 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 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 is considered a holistic treatment rather than a medical one, but it’s been shown to help relieve pain and improve mobility.
In addition, chiropractic therapy has also been shown to reduce the need for pain medications during cancer treatment and recovery.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a type of alternative therapy that uses special cups to create suction and pull blood to the skin’s surface.
Cupping can improve blood flow and circulation, boost immune function, relax muscles, and reduce pain.
However, it also puts patients at risk of bruising and infection, so it should only be done at the recommendation of a physician.
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.
Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to help you discuss alternative and complementary treatment options with your mesothelioma specialist.
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 certain plant extracts that can interact with chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs or make them less effective. This is why it’s important to consult your doctor before starting any new regimen.
Example supplements used by mesothelioma patients include:
- 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 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 help improve your health. MNT is typically provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition specialist.
MNT helps by creating a diet that:
- Supports your treatment
- Helps you feel better
- Keeps you strong
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 & Mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness can provide relaxing effects for people with cancers like mesothelioma. These methods help people focus on their breathing and on being in the present moment as opposed to dwelling on the past or feeling anxious about the future.
Mind-body therapies can help alleviate stress and anxiety and improve overall quality of life.
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.
Music Therapy
Music therapy incorporates playing instruments, listening, dancing, singing, and other activities to help patients feel better in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
While the results can vary from person to person, 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.
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:
- Enhanced physical function and increased flexibility
- Reduced feelings of fatigue and improved energy levels
- Effective pain relief and management
- Better sleep quality and longer, more restful sleep
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 treatment plan.
Other Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma
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.
- Animal therapy involves spending time with animals, which can help reduce stress, lift mood, and provide emotional support.
- 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 help manage stress and anxiety.
- Massage therapy uses hands-on techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and ease pain.
- Reiki (energy healing) is where a practitioner uses gentle hand movements to balance the patient’s energy and promote relaxation.
- 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 help 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 Mesothelioma Alternative 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 to 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.
“Deciding to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy is a personal decision but one that should be made after talking to your doctor. Together, you can look for information on whether CAM therapy is safe and may help.”
– Dr. Jeffrey D. White, Director of the NCI’s Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Alternative Treatment Benefits for Mesothelioma Survivors
Many mesothelioma survivors have benefited from incorporating CAM therapies into their 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 12 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 Mesothelioma Alternative Treatments
If you or a loved one are exploring alternative treatments for mesothelioma, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our team can provide valuable resources, 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 therapies
- 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 treatments for mesothelioma?
Alternative treatments for mesothelioma are therapies used alongside or instead of standard treatments 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 help 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.
Are mesothelioma alternative treatments safe?
It depends on the specific treatment. Options like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are generally safe and can help 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 mesothelioma care team before starting any alternative treatments. While many complementary therapies can be helpful, others may pose risks if not used properly.
How can I access alternative 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. It’s important to 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.
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