Holistic Therapies for Breast Cancer
This month, we turn our focus to an essential topic: breast cancer awareness. It's crucial to understand what breast cancer is and how we can support individuals grappling with this diagnosis. While many are familiar with complementary and holistic therapies that accompany medical treatments, it's less common knowledge why these therapies are effective. In this article, we will explore some well-known holistic therapies and their clinical reasons for effectiveness.
Massage Therapy:
Massage therapy is one of the most well-known and evidence-based holistic therapies. Many individuals living with cancer have experienced the benefits of lymphatic massage, particularly when dealing with lymphedema after lymph node removal. Lymphatic massage's gentle touch not only soothes the body but also bolsters the immune system. It can alleviate pain from sore muscles, injuries, and general wear and tear. Other specialized massage techniques can even assist in addressing scar tissue after surgeries, improving mobility and alleviating pain. Beyond these physical benefits, massage is renowned for its relaxation-inducing qualities, which can be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with anxiety and high stress.
Moreover, massage promotes the release of oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone. This hormone has the power to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol levels, alleviate fear, and even enhance pain tolerance. Beyond its physical advantages, massage can positively impact self-image and body acceptance, especially when the body undergoes changes due to surgeries, hormonal fluctuations, and medications. A gentle and compassionate touch that honors and accepts the individual can help them reconnect with themselves after enduring testing, needles, and feeling disconnected from their own body.
Reiki or Energy Healing:
Reiki, or Energy Healing, is another holistic therapy well-recognized in the realm of cancer care. Often incorporated into medical therapies in hospitals, cancer centers, and rehabilitation facilities, Reiki uses light, noninvasive touch. The practitioner's hands are placed on or just above the person, who remains fully clothed, either lying down or seated as preferred. Reiki's goal is to facilitate the body's self-healing by balancing the body's subtle energies. One of the key mechanisms behind Reiki's effectiveness is its activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as "rest and digest" as opposed to "fight or flight." Numerous studies have shown its ability to reduce anxiety, ease depression, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, enhance digestion, improve sleep, and expedite recovery after surgery.
According to the American Cancer Society, research indicates that cancer patients undergoing Reiki treatments reported less overall pain. Even though these patients still required the same amount of pain medication, they felt better when Reiki was part of their treatment regimen. The Abramson Cancer Center's Integrative Oncology Initiative conducted a study that revealed Reiki's benefits when used in conjunction with traditional treatments. These benefits included reduced perception of pain, decreased stress levels, reduced nausea, lowered anxiety, and increased relaxation.
An interesting study in Naples, Italy, found that cancer patients who were confident in their ability to cope with their disease derived greater benefits from Reiki. This underscores the importance of providing individuals with as many coping mechanisms as possible upon receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is another holistic option that is gaining traction, with apps like Calm and Headspace making it more accessible. It's essential to clarify that mindfulness is not synonymous with meditation. While meditation can be a form of mindfulness, the latter can manifest in various ways. It can involve purposeful observation, mindful breathing, or even engaging all senses while eating. Mindfulness, including mindful meditation, can encompass physical movements, making it adaptable to individual preferences.
Research shows that mindfulness-based practices reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and aid in pain management. Consistent practice yields better results, and discovering the mindfulness style that suits your personality and lifestyle can be facilitated by a mindfulness coach.
Sound Healing:
Sound healing has been gaining attention, utilizing various instruments such as metal singing bowls, chimes, drums, tuning forks, rattles, crystal bowls, and gongs to introduce frequencies to the body. As these sound waves permeate the body, they induce a state of relaxation. Drumming, for instance, can align the heartbeat with its rhythm, either energizing or calming the nervous system depending on the pace. The frequencies can shift brain waves from an active Beta state to a more relaxed Alpha state, ultimately reaching a deeper Theta state conducive to healing.
Sound travels more easily and quickly through water than air. Understanding that the human body is comprised of about 66% water (bones are 22%; muscles, 76%; blood 83%, lungs, 90% and brains, 95%), we can see how sound can have a profound effect on the body. Vibrations during sound healing, especially when instruments are placed directly on the body (or drumming around the body), affect the body on a cellular level, relaxing muscles, enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation, and reducing pain and inflammation.
Research, as published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, demonstrates that an hour of sound therapy can reduce tension, anger, fatigue, and improve depressed mood in participants. Other studies suggest that sound healing effectively manages stress, enhances sleep, reduces anxiety and depression, heightens clarity and concentration, relieves physcial pain, and promotes overall well-being.
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In considering these holistic therapies, a recurrent theme emerges—enhanced well-being. Whether it’s anxiety reduction, improved sleep, stress management, lower blood pressure, or pain relief, these are benefits we all seek, not just for those with a breast cancer diagnosis. However, when living with such a diagnosis, there's an array of challenges beneath the surface that often go unnoticed.
Metastatic breast cancer, in particular, presents a unique challenge; there is currently no cure, only management. People living with metastatic breast cancer endure not only physical pain but also the psychological toll of the disease. Treatments like chemotherapy can result in hair loss, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Medications may lead to side effects like numbness in the feet and weight gain. Continuous PET scans trigger anxiety about potential findings. Persistent physical and emotional stress affects the nervous system, causing fatigue and brain fog. There's also the unspoken burden of portraying courage amid personal uncertainty. These challenges are just a fraction of what individuals with metastatic breast cancer face. It's a testament to their resilience that they continue to live vibrant lives, sustaining careers, traveling, and making a positive impact in the world.
I've had the privilege of witnessing the strength of my close friend who lived with metastatic breast cancer for two decades. Her journey helped me comprehend the hidden struggles of this diagnosis. She faced physical pain and emotional challenges with remarkable grace and positivity. Her story reflects the indomitable spirit of those who live with metastatic breast cancer.
In her memory, I recently shared insights on holistic therapies for breast cancer at an event for Metavivor, an organization focused on supporting those with metastatic breast cancer. As the owner of a wellness center, my life's mission centers on well-being and supporting others. I encourage you to contribute to the well-being of those affected by breast cancer by donating to organizations like Metavivor and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (my friend’s favorite organization). Together, we can help find a cure and offer support to those facing the challenges of this diagnosis.
