What Is Integrative Cancer (Oncology) Support
A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and the medical treatments to send cancer into remission are often physically draining. However, at Knox Wellness Experience in Knoxville, TN, we believe in treating the whole patient, not just their cancer. Please keep reading to learn more about our therapies to provide integrative cancer support.
Cancer patients are often putting their body through challenging treatments that impact overall health. Our practice helps identify opportunities to include high dose IV Vitamin C and to create support protocols that can enhance the other treatments a patient is receiving.
The focus on destroying cancer cells often leaves patients feeling drained emotionally and physically. In addition, it carries risks and side effects that, for many patients, are almost harder to endure than the illness itself. This is where integrative support comes in.
Integrative Medicine Explained
Integrative practitioners believe in the body’s innate ability to heal itself, and they work to facilitate natural healing processes. It is characterized by a desire to treat the whole patient, not just symptoms. In fact, for many patients, a visit to a holistic provider is the first time someone attempts to uncover the root cause of those symptoms.
Holistic care often includes the use of natural treatments and alternative therapies. However, not all integrative medicine uses alternative methods. At Knox Wellness Experience, we combine functional medicine with holistic care practices to support your fight against cancer as well.
Traditional Cancer Treatments
We do not discourage patients from seeking modern medical treatments for their cancer. On the contrary, we offer support to help patients complete these treatments with the best possible results and manageable side effects.
Chemotherapy and radiation are the two most common forms of cancer treatments. They are both considered effective at destroying cancer cells and facilitating periods of remission. However, the ability to direct treatment to only cancer cells is still limited. Therefore, patients are left struggling with side effects that may include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Disruptions to appetite
- Decreased body temperature
- Susceptibility to colds and illnesses due to reduced immune function
The Role of Integrated Oncology Support
The severity of the side effects can leave patients frustrated and ready to give up. However, integrative support treatments like those offered at Knox Wellness Experience may help to reduce discomfort and improve treatment outcomes.
How It Works
Our integrative cancer support<https://knoxwellnessexperience.com/integrative-cancer-support/> works as a complement to your cancer treatments. Some modalities are designed to decrease side effects and help improve quality of life. Others work to support and strengthen immune function, so your body can better destroy cancer cells — and hopefully keep them from returning.
One of the most appreciated aspects of our treatments is that they do not damage any tissue. This is often a welcome relief for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, they help the body function more efficiently and effectively. Consider these treatments we offer and how they can help you on your journey to healing.
High Dose Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been studied as a therapeutic against cancer for many years, although its use has not been without controversy. However, newer information emerging shows that it may help improve outcomes such as quality of life for those undergoing chemotherapy.
One crucial factor to consider with vitamin C therapy is the delivery method. Very high doses are needed to target cancer cells, but they cannot be achieved through oral administration. That is why we offer IV infusions of high-dose vitamin C. It can reach — and potentially compromise — cancer cells at these levels. Vitamin C is widely regarded as safe, even at these high doses.
IV Ozone Therapy
Ozone is comprised of three oxygen atoms, making it an efficient way to increase oxygen levels within the body. IV infusions of ozone can act as a booster to reinvigorate oxygen-starved blood. In addition, it is associated with improvements in circulation, immune system function, and resistance to infection. Some patients also find that it helps reduce inflammation and soreness.
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation
Ultraviolet blood irradiation is commonly administered with Ozone therapy. Unlike the radiation used in traditional cancer treatments, UBI exposes a small portion of your blood to ultraviolet light. This works against pathogens in the blood, such as bacteria and viruses, and supports stronger immune function. It may be helpful to think of UBI as a sort of generalized vaccine that allows your body’s own immune system to work more efficiently.
UBI also improves circulation and oxygenation levels in the blood, which may help weaken cancer cells. In this way, it works to support your other cancer treatments.
Dietary Supplements
There are also many dietary supplements and herbal remedies that may be beneficial. We can work together to explore these options and find a combination that works for you. For example, mistletoe and Helleborus have both been widely studied and used as therapeutics in integrative and alternative cancer treatment programs.
Mistletoe Therapy and Injectables
Mistletoe (viscum album) is a hemiparasitic plant that attaches itself to trees (such as apple, birch, elm, maple, pine, and oak), though you may know it best for its use in an old Christmas custom. While this merry tradition may be what mistletoe is best known for in North America, ancient civilizations have been using this plant for medicinal purposes long before Burl Ives sang about kissing beneath it.
In fact, the extracts from this plant have been proven safe and effective for a number of applications in the field of oncology. Used in conjunction with established conventional treatments, mistletoe therapy can be used to treat malignant and non-malignant tumors, to stimulate bone marrow activity, and to offset common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and a lack of appetite. Tumor-related pain and the risk of tumor recurrence can also be diminished using this therapy.\
What Are the Benefits?
Clinical studies examining mistletoe therapy for cancer patients have shown improved outcomes, including fewer or less severe side effects from chemotherapy (such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting), improved emotional well-being, improved concentration, and an improved quality of life. Recipients of mistletoe therapy have often reported feeling more courageous, less fearful, and more positive in terms of their outlook.
Additionally, mistletoe therapy has demonstrated many other benefits for its recipients, including:
- Activation of the immune system
- Improved appetite
- Increased body temperature (in cancer patients who feel chronically cold)
- Increased energy
- Increased production of defense cells
- Improved sleep
- Improvement in overall wellness
- Lessened pain sensitivity
- Prevention of the formation of new blood vessels in cancer cells
- Protection and stabilization of healthy cells against damage caused by cancer treatments
- Reduced chemo-related fatigue and nausea
- Stimulation of cell death in cancer cells
Who Is Mistletoe Therapy For?
Mistletoe therapy and injectables can be used for types of cancer at any stage. This therapy can be utilized at any point in the course of cancer diagnosis and treatment and can be used as an after-cancer prophylaxis to protect survivors from relapse or developing secondary cancers. This treatment can be used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments or as a stand-alone therapy.
Who Is This Right for?
Unfortunately, many patients undergoing cancer treatment are left feeling alone, confused, and scared. This does not have to be your reality. If you can relate to any of these statements, then you may be a good candidate for our integrative oncology services:
- You have been diagnosed with cancer
- You are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
- You have completed chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- You want to reduce your chances of developing cancer
Get Support Through Your Cancer Treatment
You do not have to struggle through cancer treatment alone. Our professional, supportive, and knowledgeable staff is here to help you with integrative support services. At Knox Wellness Experience in Knoxville, TN, we can help you to take charge of your cancer treatment.
Coming Soon: Cancer Patient Donation (Click here for more info)
We Offer Many Other Additional Supportive Therapies – Contact Us Today For More Info Contact Knox Wellness today to schedule a consultation with our medical team and find out how our oncology support services can help maintain overall wellness.
