Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells. While there are many mainstream treatment options available for this type of cancer, the side effects and symptoms associated with these therapies are quite severe. This is why treating leukemia can be a very painful ordeal, not only for the patient but for their family members, as well.
Leukemia is a condition in which the bone marrow starts producing abnormal white blood cells in large quantities. White blood cells are an integral part of the immune system and are often described as the ‘soldiers’ of the body. The exact cause of leukemia is not known. The condition is on the rise, however, and, each year, over 30,000 new cases are diagnosed.
The conventional treatments for this type of cancer include chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and bone marrow transplant Most of these are quite invasive and can affect the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and the nervous system, causing painful and serious side effects. This is probably the reason why an increasing number of people are now looking for non-invasive, non-toxic alternative treatments.
Alternative therapies and cures for leukemia are either used on their own or in conjunction with mainstream treatment modalities. These include a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies. The following list contains some of the most powerful and effective options:
Nutritional Therapy. This is based on providing proper nutrition to the body, and giving it what it lacks. Your nutritionist will assess your health, leukemia treatment regime, food intake, et cetera, and devise a diet chart for you. In most cases, leukemia patients are asked to follow a plant-based diet, which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, fish and whole grains. Processed and packaged foods, red meat, milk products, et cetera are avoided.
Acupuncture. This is a well-known alternative therapy for treating other types of cancer and alleviating the various symptoms associated with chemotherapy and surgery. The idea is to remove blockages or energy imbalances in the body. Acupuncturists believe that a blockage in the ‘Chi’ or ‘Qi’ (life force) at any point in the body is the reason for illness or disease. Very thin needles are inserted at various points on the body to unblock and rebalance the flow of ‘Chi.’
Biofeedback. This has been proven effective in treating not just cancer but various health disorders, including high blood pressure and chronic joint pain. It helps improve health by controlling various functions in the body, such as heart rate, skin temperature, blood pressure, and muscle tension, physiological functions in the body that we, normally, are not aware of.
Guided Imagery. This is based on the concept that our our body and mind are linked. Through a series of suggestions and directed thoughts, your imagination is guided towards a relaxed, calm, and focused state. Being in such a state promotes healing, alleviates pain, and improves your sense of well-being.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Both are Chinese forms of exercise that are based on two ideas : First, ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’ flows through the body along meridians or energy pathways, and a blockage in these pathways can lead to various health problems; second, the human body consists of two opposing forces called the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’, and an imbalance in these forces can create illness. Through a series of movements done very slowly or quickly, these exercises aim to correct the flow of ‘Chi’ and restore balance. Regular practice of Tai chi and Qi Gong has shown positive and healthy improvements in patients suffering from leukemia and other forms of cancer.
Herbal Medicines. A variety of herbs such as garlic, echinacea, aloe vera, et cetera, are known to boost the immune system and increase the body’s cancer-fighting abilities. Herbal medicines can vastly increase the effectiveness of conventional treatments and prepare the body to combat the ill-effects of chemo and radiation therapies.
Massage Therapy. This involves rubbing the soft body tissues in order to improve blood flow, restore normal joint movement, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation. Mostly used as a complimentary therapy, massages can be of various types. The American Cancer Society recommends massage therapy as an alternative treatment for cancer patients to improve their quality of life and alleviate various symptoms.
Yoga. The breathing exercises (Pranayama) in yoga can increase the body’s oxygen intake by up to 30% and promote blood flow. It is a proven fact that cancer cells of any kind cannot survive in an oxygenated environment, which is why the regular practice of these breathing exercises is claimed to be capable of curing leukemia and easing the various symptoms associated with this condition.
Hydrotherapy. This involves the use of water, steam, and ice. The therapeutic application of water in varying forms and intensities can create a cascading effect and improve health by promoting blood circulation and detoxification. Hydrotherapy is gaining popularity as an alternative cure for leukemia as it can aid in tumor reduction, stimulate cellular function, and increase the patient’s tolerance to radiation and chemotherapy.
Homeopathy. The basic principle of homeopathy is that any substance which triggers a particular symptom in its physical form can be used, in a diluted form, to promote healing for the same type of symptoms. For leukemia, homeopathic medicines can work very well as they initiate an action-reaction response in the immune system. While the remedy pushes the diseased cells in one direction, the immune system rebounds back in the opposite direction, thereby stimulating the healing process.
While there are various alternative options to choose from, the effectiveness of each will vary depending upon your health condition. However, it is still best to consult a health practitioner before considering any of these alternative therapies as a cure for leukemia.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 at 7:02 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.