Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking, as well as secondhand smoke. Less common causes are pollution inhalation and asbestos. Symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, breathlessness, restricted breathing, chest pain, weight loss, pneumonia, lung abscess and chronic chest infection. Holistic treatments are ideal for use as a supplement to conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Alternative treatments often can help the patient deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.
ACCP Guidelines
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has recommended massage therapy for lung cancer patients who experience pain and anxiety. The ACCP also includes acupuncture in its guidelines for patients with fatigue, neuropathy, pain, nausea and vomiting because of lung cancer and its treatments.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help prevent lung cancer, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. A 25-year study found that participants who consumed at least 83 mg of vitamin C a day had a 64% reduction in their risk for developing lung cancer. This was compared to participants who consumed less than 63 mg of vitamin C daily. Vitamin C may also help treat , but it will not cure lung cancer. Often, patients who undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy have depleted vitamin C levels. This is partly because of poor appetite resulting in poor nutrition, and partly because of the huge increase in vitamin C your body requires when undergoing these treatments. Try taking daily supplements of vitamin C, especially if you can't get enough of it from your diet.
Castor Oil Pack
To deal with the side effects of chemotherapy, and also to aid the lungs in detoxifying, try placing a castor oil pack over your chest. Try to do this at least three to four times a week, although daily use is better. After soaking a cloth in castor oil, place it on your chest and put a heating pad over it. You can also use a hot water bottle. Leave the cloth in place for 30 minutes.
