OTHER TRADITIONAL CANCER TREATMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Homeopathy

Homeopathy was discovered by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann—a German Physician in 1790. During one of his experiments he noticed that after ingesting the juice of bark of China (Cinchona officinalis) he developed malarial symptoms (Chills, fever, nausea); whereas Cinchona drug was actually used to treat malaria. Thus a new system of medicine evolved called Homeopathy based on the principle "Similia Similibus Curantur " which means `Likes cure likes`. That is, a drug that produces certain set of symptoms in a healthy individual can cure the same in a diseased individual.

In his experiments, Dr. Hahnemann developed a method of "potentizing" homeopathic remedies by diluting them in a water-alcohol solution and then vigorously shaking (or succussing) the mixtures. The results convinced him that a high degree of dilution not only minimizes the side effects of the remedies but also simultaneously enhances their medicinal powers.

Homeopathy is derived from Greek words "Homoeos" = Like or Similar; and "Pathos"= disease or suffering, which means `Likes cure Likes`. The efficacy of homeopathy drugs is well established in almost all the ailments including those which are a challenge to the modern medicine such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer (Malignancies of various origins), Diabetes Mellitus, etc.

Most importantly since homeopathic medicines are in dilutions the side effects are greatly minimized. Hence this system is perfect in ailments of infants and children. The effects or the medicinal values of the drugs are determined by Drug Proving. The homeopathic drugs are derived from various sources. A good remedy removes the disease from its roots and leaves no trace of the disease behind. Individual constitution is given prime importance in homeopathy because no two individuals are alike. Hence we have one drug per individual. This path thus becomes unique and more accurate. Case taking is the most vital part prior to treatment wherein the doctors analyze the mental symptoms along with the physical symptoms. There is a concept of Vital force and Miasmas that determine the health status of the patient and his future health condition, which are again unique to the principle of this path.

After 200 years homeopathy has made tremendous advance with pioneers such as Dr. James Tyler Kent, Dr. Boeninghausen, Dr. Boericke, making voluminous contributions and enhancing the spread of this branch world over. Today homeopathy is recognized and practiced in over 30 countries around the world. It is recognized internationally as a branch of complementary and alternative medicine.


Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health care that has been in use for thousands of years. It has methods to prevent as well as to treat illness.

Qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital life force that flows through the body, is the basic concept in traditional Chinese medicine. Qi is thought of as energy that flows through the body along pathways known as meridians. In Chinese medicine, all ailments and disorders are believed to be caused by an imbalance of qi.

Diagnosing an ailment involves finding out the condition of the patient`s qi. Treatment aims at balancing the patient`s qi. An imbalance occurs when opposite and complementary forces, called yin and yang, become unbalanced because there is too much of one and not enough of the other.

The main treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine are acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, herbal remedies, and movement and concentration exercises, such as qigong and tai chi. All of these are attempts to re-establish yin-yang balance so that qi can flow smoothly and unblocked.

Traditional Chinese medicine has not been shown to cure cancer or other major illnesses. However, some elements of treatment have been properly studied and found to be effective. Acupuncture can control some types of pain and nausea in many instances, and it often can help break addictive drug habits.

Like other complementary therapies, Chinese medicine may be used in relieving certain symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment. Chinese medicine, however, should not be expected to slow or reverse growth or spread of cancer.


Naturopathy
Naturopathy`s overarching goal is to enlist the natural healing power of the body to fight disease. Some naturopaths equate this healing power to the vital force idea that underlies the traditional healing systems from many ancient cultures. A related emphasis is placed on uncovering and treating the cause of disease, instead of merely relieving symptoms.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) diagnose illness with many of the same methods used in mainstream medicine. They do not rely on concepts such as Ayurvedic medicine`s body types or the vital force belief of traditional Chinese medicine. Instead, naturopaths study mainstream medical sciences. They use x-rays, lab tests, and physical exams to make diagnoses, just as do mainstream doctors.

They part company with MDs, however, when it comes to treatment. They do not use drugs, modern medical technology, or major surgery. Despite that and although naturopaths are not MDs, they do perform minor surgery. The other treatments, however, are "natural methods," approaches, that naturopaths say, strengthen the body`s inner ability to heal itself.

These natural methods are alternative approaches that are not used in mainstream medicine. They include treatment with diet and supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathy, and acupuncture. They also employ other traditional oriental medicine techniques, hydrotherapy, counseling, hypnotherapy, and physical medicine (the manipulation of muscles and bones).

Naturopaths view what they do as an alternative to conventional primary care. However, naturopathic medicine treats almost all illnesses: from self-limiting and minor conditions to major diseases such as AIDS and cancer.

Other naturopathic principles include avoiding drugs and surgery in favor of natural methods. Naturopaths pay close attention to a person`s lifestyle and medical history. They strive to treat the whole person, including their lifestyles, environment, and other factors that affect their well being.

Naturopathic medicine uses several methods that vary in how effective they are. Some naturopathic methods, such as homeopathy, may be of little value. However, others are thought to be effective. Examples include the importance of diet in lowering the risk of severe illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, and the use of acupuncture to reduce pain and to help with drug addiction.


Siddha
Often considered as a branch of ayurveda, Siddha is an ancient Indian system of medicine, mainly practiced in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India, which is based on herbs and roots of plants. Many plants, which are considered poisonous, are also used in treating specific ailments.

The Siddha system of medicine may be classified into three parts:
• Herbal preparations
• Metal & mineral preparations
• Animal and other species preparations

Herbal processes are always recommended with the other two parts. If there is any unwanted material or any toxicity available with the other two processes, herbal processes eradicate them and act as the adjuvant drug to the major drug and minimize the severity of the concerned disease in a short period without any side effects. But at the same time, diet restrictions are also instructed according to the disease.

The Siddha medicine for cancer contains metals and compounds such as ferrous sulphate, mica, magnetized iron ore, sulphur, antimony, mercury, tin etc. Another important ingredient is derived from a salt collected from a beach in Tamil Nadu. The siddha medicine aims at providing immunity to the body and is devoid of any side affects. Based on the reports available, as a whole, the siddha system of medicine seems to provide a promising cure for many types of cancer.

For youngsters in the early stages, blood cancer is curable with siddha medicines. To produce more blood quickly for bone marrow transplantation, siddha treatments have shown excellent results in short periods. Patients can avoid surgeries and, in due course, they can develop the hemoglobin level to normal. Once medication begins tissues in the bone marrow and other parts of the body start to build up, and intoxification of any other drug is eradicated. Patients get more immunization and strength to walk and even run gradually without support. This is the major advantage with siddha medicines to blood cancer patients.

Brain tumors, poly cysts in the uterus or early stages of cancer apses can also be treated with siddha medicines without fear. This system predicts many medications for the above diseases without any contra-indications. Specially prepared oil applications in the body, fomentation, external pasting process and oral drugs are presented to the patient according to the symptoms of the body. Uterus poly cysts and sometimes uterus fibroid can also be treated promptly without surgery. The removal of the uterus may thus be avoided very safely. Other gynecological disorders, issueless problems etc., are also getting good responds with siddha medicines. Diet restrictions are advised to the patient for limited days only.