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SHOULD PEOPLE PURSUE NATUROPATHIC REMEDIES FOR CANCER?

When someone first receives that most feared diagnosis of cancer, they need s time to
recover from the shock before they can make wise choices concerning therapeutic
options. The person may a want to consider Mind/Body medicine or Oriental medicine in
combination with Naturopathy or mainstream choices. Mind/Body medicine will help

them explore any toxic beliefs, emotional traumas, and thoughts that may be suppressing
their immune system. Oriental herbs and practices have a long, well-established history
of healing that may be of comfort and build confidence in the patient on their path back
to health.

Someone's belief system plays a large role in healing. If they do not believe that
Naturopathy or Oriental medicine can help, of course, it will not be a choice for them. If,
however, they fear mainstream treatments and prefer to try alternate paths first, they
should be allowed to do so and not be restricted by regulations.

The role of belief is well documented in mainstream medicine as well and termed the
placebo effect. Holistic medicine recognizes the power of belief by teaching that wellness
of body, mind and spirit is necessary to be truly healthy. One of the most famous
examples is that of Dr. Norman Cousins who cured himself with laughter therapy,
described in his 1979 book Anatomy of an Illness. Laughter therapy is now part of the
program at Cancer Centers of America.

A clear understanding of what Naturopathy is and how it can be used in conjunction with
mainstream options would be helpful when deciding whether it is an option for a patient.

Naturopathy was originally founded in Europe and called the nature cure. Its pillars of
health were: fresh air, sunshine, pure water or raw milk, organic vegetables and fruits,
exercise, whole grains, and water therapies. Many people were "cured" of cancer and
other debilitating illnesses by following these guidelines.

The Naturopathic theory that the body will heal itself if it is strengthened with nutrients
and a natural lifestyle that eliminates toxins was proven in the documented case of Dr.
Lorraine Day. Dr. Day published a video, "Why Cancer Does Not Scare Me Anymore"
that covered her journey back to health after defeating a large, aggressive tumor.
Although she was an M.D., she did not opt for the mainstream medicine approach and
states clearly that it was a combination of pure water, sunshine, organic fruits and
vegetables, complex grains and her faith that healed her. At one point, her tumor grew so
large it was obstructing her wearing of clothes so she did allow her doctors to perform a
minor surgery and reduce its size. Over a year to eighteen months, she was completely
healed and today, she does not even look her age due to her healthy diet and lifestyle
choices.

As to what causes cancer, the researchers do not agree but it appears to be the result of an
immune system gone wrong. When you study Immunology, however, you wonder how
such a marvelously designed intricate system of cells, antibodies, chemicals like
cytokines, and multiple layers of defense could fail to handle any invader. Was it a
virulent strain of virus or the cumulative effect of years of abuse and imbalance in the
body?

At the time of diagnosis, it is probably a mute point. A patient needs to take a moment to
review his/her options. Find a supportive healthcare provider that is encouraging as a
partner on the healing path. Someone who is open and does not allow their ego get in the
way when discussing option. After all, the patient is the one whose life is at stake.

Learn more about this author, OV Frye.
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