3 Pros to Using Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) When Healing from Cancer

In the context of cancer and healing from cancer, people seek Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) usually as a last resort. Some seek CAM treatments because their conventional treatment failed to produce desired change. Others may choose CAM because of the prospect of treatment side effects.

A report from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) stated that about 38 percent of U.S. adults and about 12 percent of children are using some form of alternative medicine.

Here are the three pro’s people acknowledge:

East meet West

1. Holistic Approach. One of the main draws for alternative medicine is its holistic approach which means treating the whole person. People are cared for on all levels, mentally, emotionally and physically.

2. One-on-One. Another draw for alternative medicine is the nurturing relationship between practitioner and client. Because the emphasis is on treating the whole person, practitioners tend to offer clients longer visits and more personal attention.

3. Ownership of the healing process. Clients get to feel more in control of their own healing process. Taking responsibility for one state of mind allow clients to become an active participant rather than a passive receiver. Many clients often report that this factor is the main reason for their choice of alternative treatments.

In this era of free internet information, people are smarter and more educated about their treatment choices. Despite of limited scientific research and even some potential risks, more and more people choose to integrate CAM into their treatment plan.

My recommendation is to suggest to your support team, both the MD as well as the CAM practitioner to converse. After all, they are getting paid to support you and make sure you get the best treatment possible. In my practice  in Brookline, MA this approach has shown to benefit clients the most.
Your health is in your hands. Do the research and learn about the facts behind the treatment offered so you can have some peace of mind.

Let me know if you can think of more pros to using CAM while healing from cancer?