What is a Holistic Cancer Treatment Center?

The Fundamentals of a Holistic Approach to Cancer Treatment

What’s unique about holistic cancer care is that it seeks to support the body’s natural ability to heal. Instead of addressing symptoms but not root causes or focusing on managing the disease only – which is the case with conventional medicine – the purpose is to stimulate healing from within.

A holistic treatment plan encourages deep healing and a better quality of life by reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, supporting immune health, and enhancing mental well-being.

Another characteristic of a holistic approach to cancer treatment is the focus on the whole person.

Where conventional medicine will home in on the physical side of cancer treatment – such as surgically removing a tumor or using radiation therapy to kill cancer cells – holistic doctors and nurses might include therapies that support mental and spiritual wellness, such as meditation, emotional counseling, and tai chi.

What Are Holistic Cancer Treatments?

Holistic cancer treatments are meant to heal. As such, holistic practitioners won’t suggest treatments that could cause harmful side effects or inhibit healing.

For example, medications that cause toxicity or therapies that attack or disrupt parts of the body wouldn’t be part of a holistic cancer treatment plan.

Patients will find a variety of evidence-based therapies that are natural, non-invasive, and designed to support overall wellness.

Here are some of the most common holistic cancer treatments offered at holistic cancer treatment centers:

• Nutritional therapy – Tailored nutritional guidance, including diet and supplements, can improve the quality of life for cancer patients, strengthen the immune system, and enable faster healing after surgery.

• Oxygen therapy increases oxygen levels (a state known as hyperoxia), making it harder for cancer cells to survive.

• IV therapy – Different types of IV therapy offer specific benefits for cancer patients. For example, hydrogen peroxide is known to increase interferon production, thus boosting immunity, and quercetin is reported to trigger anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.

• Acupuncture – Studies report that acupuncture safely alleviates common cancer symptoms, including pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety.

• Meditation – This practice is known to relieve insomnia and anxiety and improve mood, which can help patients cope with the entire experience of battling cancer while also supporting overall wellness.

Does Holistic Cancer Treatment Conflict with Conventional Treatment Options?

Holistic care can be used with conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Because the natural treatments offered at a holistic medical center are designed to encourage healing and improve quality of life, they can support conventional treatments in two important ways:

1. Holistic cancer treatments can help to reduce the side effects caused by conventional therapies

Acupuncture, for example, can reduce some of the effects that chemotherapy drugs cause, such as nausea and vomiting, and red light therapy can speed healing after cancer surgery.

2. Holistic therapies are known to enhance the effects of conventional care

Nutrition and IV therapy, for example, can encourage anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity, supporting the effects of radiation therapy. Therapies that support mental resilience, such as medication and counseling, can boost immune system function.

What to Look for in a Holistic Cancer Treatment Center

Not all holistic medical centers are the same. The experience a patient has depends on the approach to care and the types of treatments offered.

When searching for the right holistic treatment center for you or a loved one, consider the following:

• Do patients receive personalized care? To get the best care, patients should have a treatment plan considering their health history, medications, and overall health. A reputable treatment center will look at labs, imaging, and other diagnostic information to create a customized holistic cancer treatment plan to fight cancer and help the body heal after cancer.

• Are the treatments evidence-based? Holistic doctors will only recommend natural treatments that are proven to be safe and effective for cancer patients. A patient’s medical team will know why each recommended therapy will help them, the research behind the healing modality, and how to tailor the specific treatment to the individual’s needs.

• Does the treatment center offer a comprehensive range of therapies? Cancer patients should have access to various therapies to support mind, body, and spirit health. That’s why the best holistic treatment centers will offer a variety of evidence-based treatments, including the latest therapies known to help with cancer.

• How experienced are the medical staff? Look for a team of licensed physicians with experience performing conventional and alternative treatments. It’s also important to find practitioners committed to the highest ethical standards and offering transparent, honest, compassionate care.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

At Brio-Medical, patients work with highly skilled, licensed physicians, including doctors who have overcome cancer with the help of naturopathic and holistic medicine.

Everyone on the staff is committed to offering superior medical care while ensuring patients have the best experience possible.

As a holistic medical center, patients can expect a patient-focused, personalized care plan that enables them to start their healing journey from day one.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.

Holistic Cancer Treatment Center FAQs

What is a holistic cancer treatment center?

A holistic cancer treatment center is a healthcare facility that uses holistic and integrative approaches to treatments. These may include nutrition counseling, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, psychotherapy, IV therapy, and other therapies that address the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of health and healing. The goal is to treat the whole person, not just the disease.

How does a holistic cancer treatment center differ from a conventional cancer center?

While a conventional cancer center primarily focuses on eradicating cancer through medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, a holistic cancer treatment center aims to treat the whole person. This means addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient, alongside the medical treatment of the disease. It often incorporates integrative therapies such as diet and nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other complementary therapies.

What types of therapies might be offered at a holistic cancer treatment center?

Holistic cancer treatment centers typically offer a range of therapies beyond conventional medicine. This could include nutritional counseling, mind-body therapies (like meditation, yoga, or tai chi), psychological and social support (like counseling and support groups), physical therapies (like massage and acupuncture), spiritual care, and herbal or botanical supplements. The exact therapies offered can vary by center and by individual patient needs.

Is the care at a holistic cancer treatment center scientifically supported?

Many holistic treatments used at these centers are backed by scientific evidence. For instance, the benefits of a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and support groups in improving the quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients are well-documented. However, it's important to discuss any treatments with your healthcare provider to ensure they're safe and effective for your specific situation.

Can I only go to a holistic cancer treatment center if I have cancer?

While the primary focus of a holistic cancer treatment center is to support individuals diagnosed with cancer, many centers also offer preventative and general wellness programs. These programs aim to strengthen the immune system, enhance overall health, reduce stress, and potentially prevent illness. However, offerings vary by center, so it's best to contact the specific center for detailed information.