Workplace safety is crucial for the health of workers. However, workplace safety was merely negligible in the past few decades, and thousands of countless people lost their lives or got terminal illnesses because of it. One example of work-associated disease is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive, incurable, and rare cancer. It occurs because of asbestos exposure. Cancer occurs at the inner lining of tissues called mesothelium and progresses when asbestos fibers are stuck into the inner lining of any organ.
Mesothelioma can develop in the lungs, heart, abdomen, and testicles. According to the American Cancer Society, it is frequent among people who work with asbestos for a long time. U.S. NAVY ship workers, electricians, marines, and plumbers are at high risk for asbestos because the vessels contain high quantities of asbestos.
Alternative medicine includes techniques like yoga, acupuncture, cupping, etc. can replace some traditional western medicine practices. Some of the benefits of alternative medicine are as follows:
1. Benefiting terminal illnesses
Terminal illness patients, for example, mesothelioma patients, can benefit from alternative medicine. According to a 2012 study in Cancer Research United Kingdom, approximately half of the people with cancer use at least one kind of complementary alternative technique in their lifetime. However, there is no evidence that it cures or prevents cancer.
Veterans and U.S. Navy seals are among the high-risk groups for mesothelioma-type cancer. According to research, U.S. veterans are known for 33% of all malignant mesothelioma cases: that arise because of asbestos exposure.
Hence several centers like the mesothelioma veterans center are available throughout the United States. Such centers offer benefits and legal help to veterans battling mesothelioma and grant support to their families.
Complementary alternative medicine cannot cure mesothelioma, but it can significantly reduce symptoms and comfort the patients.
2. Focusses on prevention
Alternative medicine focuses mainly on preventive strategies. On the contrary, traditional medicine focuses on when the disease is present and shows symptoms.
Alternative medicine prioritizes and advises patients to have frequent visits and treatments that prevent the disease rather than taking care of the person when they manifest the disease. According to an NIH review, among some complementary and alternative medicine modalities, some simple supplements show strong positive evidence in preventing some common diseases, for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, dementia, etc.
3. Targets many medical issues or symptoms
Alternative medical therapies are known to target many medical issues. According to CDC, people with chronic diseases have a high prevalence of CAM use.
Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that allows the person to stick needles into pressure points. According to Web MD, it helps alleviate pain, anxiety, stress, depression, mood changes, etc.
Chiropractic medicine is another technique that focuses on healing the body, easing pain, and reducing spine problems. According to Web MD, it is known to help with headaches, joint problems, neck pain, and treats whiplash.
Magnetic field therapy is known to target fractures to heal faster. According to NCBI, pulsed magnetic therapy reduces the symptoms of symptomatic osteoarthritis, improves knee function, and reduces impairment in daily life activities.
Therapeutic healing touch is a therapy in which the therapist uses healing touch to repair the imbalances in a person’s energy. The practitioner moves their own lightly over the patient’s body. According to Nursing Research, healing touch reduces anxiety in heart patients. Tai Chi, Qi gong, and Reiki are other energy repairing therapies consisting of breathing strategies and meditation.
Several other therapies can also withhold treatment or preventive qualities. Herbal medicine and dietary supplements are known to alleviate many medical issues. Herbal medicine uses parts of plants, roots, leaves, and flowers to make tonics that heal the body. According to WHO, 80 % of people use herbal medicine.
Another research in NCBI states that many spices have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and other properties that affect mood and cognition. It potentially explains the benefits of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, chilies, fenugreek, rosemary, and garlic.
Ayurvedic medicine is an old alternative medicine technique that treats illnesses. However, not much clinical or scientific evidence is on these practices.
4. Promotes cultural harmony and healing
Alternative medicine also supports the culture and faith of many communities. Therefore, some people follow it as a result of their cultural traditions. For example, prayer therapy is considered very important in the communities that follow them. According to JAMA, many alternative medicine users were not dissatisfied with traditional treatment methods.
According to Cleveland Clinic, therapies like aromatherapy, massage, yoga, music therapy, and art help relieve mood swings and improve metabolism and sex drive.
5. Personal control
Sometimes it feels like your doctor has already made the decisions about your treatment, and you do not feel like you are in control. Complementary therapy helps patients take an active role in their treatment options and improve their communication with the therapist.
6. Personal attention
Alternative medicine practitioners offer great patients a significant amount of personal attention. On the contrary, traditional physicians have an immense workload, less time for patients, packed waiting rooms, and pressure from insurance companies.
Alternative medical practitioners have different techniques, philosophies, and fee structures that cater to many people and provide one-to-one attention.
7. Whole-persons treatment
Traditional medicine focuses on disease as a distinct entity from the person and forgets about the healthy parts of the body. Specialization has further distanced doctors from patients.
A chief difference between alternative medicine and traditional medicine is the former focuses on whole body care. It focuses on physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Patients feel more connected to alternative medicine; this is why it is on the rise. According to the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, more interest in a holistic approach to health is why alternative medicine is rising.
8. Staying positive
Having a positive outlook on life is very important for people battling cancer. It is natural for these patients to hope for a cure even if the doctor says otherwise. Complementary alternative medicine helps patients with chronic diseases feel hopeful and happy.
Conclusion
Traditional and alternative medicine approaches both help to cure patients with chronic illnesses. If you are struggling with an illness, consider alternative medicine; with your treatment. It will help to alleviate your symptoms and cope with your treatment.
Therefore, you can consider your options with your doctor to live a better and happy life.