Is There Any Alternative to Radiation Therapy for Oral Cancer Treatment?

Many people with oral cancer are looking into anything that can help them, including alternative treatments. If you feel that cancer gives you little control over your health, these alternative options can give you some feeling of control. However, some alternative cancer treatments have not been proven, and might even be dangerous. Here are some alternative cancer treatments that are generally safe and have shown some promise in helping people with oral cancer.

Hypnosis. This deep state of concentration can help cancer patients experiencing pain, stress, and anxiety. It can also prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. Inform your therapist if you have a mental illness history.
Acupuncture. This treatment has been shown to be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. It can also give relief to certain kinds of pain. Just make sure that a licensed practitioner is performing the procedure and that sterile needles are used.
Exercise. A good exercise program can help manage the signs and symptoms of cancer during and after treatment. It can also help relieve stress and fatigue and promote restful sleep. Check with your doctor first before doing exercises.
Meditation. The deep breathing and relaxation exercises of meditation can help with stress and anxiety. It is generally safe and can be done for a few minutes once or twice every day right at home or in a class with an instructor.
Massage. Whether gentle and light, or hard and deep, numerous studies have shown that massages provide pain relief among oral cancer patients. It also relieves stress and muscle tension and promotes relaxation.
Music therapy. A trained therapist can give you music therapy sessions designed to meet your needs and help with pain, nausea, and vomiting. Music therapy is safe and does not require any musical talent for anyone to participate.
Aromatherapy. Fragrant oils provide a calming sensation and can be applied to the skin during a massage or added to bath water. These oils can also be heated to release their scents and help in relieving pain, nausea, and stress.
Yoga. Combining deep breathing and stretching exercises, yoga can give stress relief, reduce fatigue and improve sleep. Take your pick from many kinds of yoga, each with its own purpose. Stay away from poses that cause pain.

As you go on trying these alternative oral cancer treatments, you might find that some of these work well together. Choose the combination that works best for your specific needs. But before anything else, it is important that you first talk to your doctor before doing any of the alternative treatments above. You need to make sure that your treatment choices will help ease your symptoms, and not worsen them.