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Homeopathy and Cancer
Dr. Anke Zimmermann, BSc, ND, FCAH,
Naturopathic Physician and Classical Homeopath
What can Homeopathy offer to Cancer Patients?
Cancer is a difficult and multifactorial condition and it is clear that there is no one definitive treatment or cure for it at this time. In addition, conventional treatment, although often effective in eraticating the disease, can have unfortunate side effects.
Homeopathy is a therapy which is being seriously studied for the treatment as well as co-treatment of cancer, the treatment of side effects of chemotherpy and radiation, post-surgical pain relief and reduction of side effects, and the prevention of a recurrence of cancer.
The History of Homeopathy in Cancer Care
Homeopathy has a long tradition of being employed for the treatment of cancer with many anecdotal references in the homeopathic literature over the past 200 years. It is over the past two to three decades though that homeopathy has been more seriously and rigorously studied in the treatment of cancer, predominantly in India. India, being a poor country, does not have the financial resources to emply modern Western medicine for the care of cancer. and additionally has a long tradition of using homeopathy. Several clinics, often run by generations of homeopathic medical doctors, are now developing revolutionary and simple methods of selecting and administering homeopathic remedies for cancer care which have gathered international attention and have sparked scientific research into the remedies used.[1], [2]
The Shock of a Cancer Diagnosis and Homeopathy
Homeopathy has a lot to offer a person in shock. A cancer diagnosis is a definite shock to the system, a potential threat to life. The shock itself can make it more difficult for the patient to cope with life and to make the challenging decisions ahead. The homeopathic remedy Aconite can be wonderful to quickly reduce the effects of the shock, restoring calm and equilibrium to the system. Ignatia, a remedy often used for the treatment of disappointment and loss, can also be very helpful after a cancer diagnosis as well as after a loss following surgery, such as the loss of a breast, prostate gland or other body part.
Cancer, Surgery and Homeopathy
There is much evidence to show that surgery is the best treatment for cancer and the earlier a tumour is detected and removed the better the outcome. Common homeopathic trauma remedies such as Arnica, Hyericum, Stapysagria and Belladonna can be most helpful to reduce pain and swelling as well as the risk of infections after surgery. See a homeopathic practitioner before surgery, take the remedies to the hospital with you and ask your doctor to order the nursing staff to allow you to take your remedies beginning in the recovery room. I myself have had several surgeries using homeopathy for effective pain management.
Homeopathy in Different Stages of Cancer
In some of the above-mentioned clinics in India, patients are offered homeopathy for cancer even before surgery or while waiting for surgery. Sometimes tumours shrink just with homeopathy and surgery may no longer be necessary or be less invasive. More commonly, surgery is used to remove the primary tumour as well as any affected lymph nodes and then the patient is treated with homeopathy in an intensive manner for at least a year, apparently with good outcomes.
This is where the new methods of using homeopathic remedies come in. In traditional or ‘classical’ homeopathy, one remedy at a time is given infrequently. The remedy is selected to match the patient’s constitution, rather than the specific condition. Two of the most prominent homeopathic doctors with large clinics and using homeopathy in India have found that giving the remedy several times a day in a special way as well as alternating remedies on a weekly basis is providing much better control of the cancers. I am currently starting to implement these kinds of protocols in my practice.
In advanced (stage 4) cases of cancer homeopathy can have at least palliative effects and improve quality, if not length of life for the patient as well as ease the dying process. With the new methods being pioneered in India, patients have apparently achieved excellent results using homeopathy for pain control in terminal cancer.
Homeopathy and Radiation Therapy
The homeopathic remedy Radium bromatum is being used to reduce the side effects of radiation, including burns to and discoloration of the skin. A homeopathic preparation of water irradiated with X-rays is also sometimes used for this effect. It is important to note that lifestyle changes, such as avoiding sugar and the use of certain nutritional and herbal supplements can also be helpful to mitigate the side effects of radiation as well as to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. However, this article focuses on homeopathy.
Homeopathy and Chemotherapy
Homeopathy can also be helpful to reduce side effects of chemotherapy such as immune system suppression, nausea and GI irritation and others. In addition to remedies specific to the particular side effects in an individual, the general supportive homeopathic cancer care protocol is used during chemotherapy. As the remedies do not interfere with the effectiveness of the chemotherapy they are safe to take during treatment and can help to strengthen the organism at the same time.
Homeopathy After Completed Cancer Treatment
Homeopathy may also be an attractive option to patients who have finished their conventional cancer treatment. Many patients are left wondering what will happen to them without ongoing treatment. Homeopathy as an ongoing supportive treatment is a potentially effective, harmless and inexpensive way to strengthen the immune system and increase the chances of a durable remission or cure.
Homeopathy for Cancer Prevention
Some pre-cancerous conditions such as leukoplakia or MGUS may benefit from homeopathic care and may help to prevent the development of cancer.
What is Involved in Homeopathic Cancer Care?
The treatment protocols are very simple and involve taking a homeopathic remedy several times a day diluted in some water. The cost is absolutely minimal, the total cost of care for one month would be less than $10.00. Consultations may be covered by extended or private health care plans. Even without coverage, consultation costs are very reasonable.
[1] – Dr. R.U. Ramakrishnan, http://www.drramakrishnan.com/cancer.php [2] – The Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation, http://www.pbhrfindia.org/
Dr. Zimmerman can be reached at: –
Suite 2A – 2563 Penrhyn Road, Victoria, B.C.
Tel. 250-590-5828
www.drzimmermann.org
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