It can be challenging to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy. The type of side effects often depend on the kind of chemotherapy administered. Some of the most common include fatigue, infection, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, appetite changes, weight loss and easy bruising and bleeding. Thankfully, supportive therapies such as major auto hemolytic therapy, intravenous nutrition, guided imagery, and Healing Touch may help improve quality of life while going through treatment.
Major auto hemolytic therapy (MAH) is an intravenous (IV) therapy. MAH has been heavily researched and used for over 60 years in countries worldwide. MAH uses ozone (O3) to improve oxygen levels in the body. Ozone is mixed with the patient’s blood and infused back into the body. In our experience, patients have experienced less fatigue, infections, and nausea and vomiting when ozone is used alongside chemotherapy. Research has shown that ozone helps the body create its own hydrogen peroxide and boost the immune system [1].
IV nutrition is beneficial for individuals who have a poor appetite and aren’t getting the nutrition they need. Recent research showed anorexia and cachexia of chemotherapy are within the top five most troubling and bothersome side effects for cancer patients as well as their family members. This particular side effect lessens quality of life and increases weakness and fatigue for patients undergoing chemotherapy [2]. The Myer’s Cocktail is a combination of vitamins and minerals that was developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s [3]. It is administered as an IV either alone or after the MAH therapy. Getting the nutrition you need when you aren’t able to eat helps you feel better and keep up your strength.
Healing Touch uses the hands to smooth and balance the energy field of the body to promote healing and wellbeing. For cancer patients, it may improve immune response, decrease pain, improve fatigue, heal wounds, and decrease depression [4].
Guided imagery is a means to help change the picture in the mind’s eye of an issue affecting you, such as cancer. Research has shown the mind-over-matter concept does help support healing and recovery [5]. If you are a cancer patient and are interested in supportive therapies, all of which are research based, give us a call at The Health Office Co. 715-895-8571.
Sources: 1. www.aaot.us, https://www.zotero.org/groups/46074/isco3_ozone 2. https:// www.cancernetwork.com/cancer-management/anorexia-and-cachexia 3. http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/ 7/5/389.pdf 4. https://www.healingbeyondborders.org/index.php/research- integrative-health 5. Achterberg-Lawlis, Dossey, Rituals Of Healing: Using Imagery for Health and Wellness; Achterberg-Lawlis, Imagery in Healing: Shamanism and Modern Medicine; Naparstek https://www.healthjourneys.com/audio-library/cancer