Integrative Treatment Approach

Acupuncture was a word I had heard before, but the thought of needles being stuck in my arm for managing symptoms and side effects was not what I would have imagined. I was already having enough needles stuck into my arms filling my body with toxins, how were there going to be needles that would lessen the impact? Having acupunture during chemotherapy was one of the best things I could have done. What I wish was that someone told me to continue having it done through surgery and after. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to research more about wellness practices and look for an acupuncture clinic near my new home. It’s one of the best things I’ve done for my healing and health. Starting here led me down a more integrative and mindfulness journey to heal and manage every day highs and lows.

Complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, and yoga won’t cure breast cancer. But when used alongside standard treatments, they may ease early stage breast cancer symptoms and treatment side effects such as pain, anxiety, and fatigue or treatment-related side effects like fatigue or nausea. 

Acupunture:

Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that involves stimulating specific points on the body with fine needles, mild electric currents, or heat. A 2018 study found that acupuncture slightly reduced joint pain caused by a type of breast cancer drug called aromatase inhibitors. This therapy may also improve chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting. Because there is a slight risk of infection, it’s important to see a licensed acupuncturist who uses sterile needles.

Massage:

A gentle massage may ease pain and anxiety in people with cancer. An early study from 2018 also found massage provided by licensed massage therapists to be helpful for relieving cancer-related fatigue. Another systematic review from 2021 found similar results. Massage is generally considered to be safe, but it’s best to avoid options like deep-tissue massage. You should also avoid massaging areas that have been treated with radiation. See more info on lymphatic massage.

Yoga:

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines strengthening, deep breathing, and meditation. Research reviews from 2021 and 2018 found that yoga improved physical and mental quality of life, sleep, fatigue, pain, depression, and menopause symptoms in those with breast cancer. This practice may also prevent unwanted weight gain during breast cancer treatment. Practicing yoga for 20–60 minutes at a time over 1–6 months appears to be most helpful for relieving symptoms.

Mindfulness/Meditation:

Mindfulness focuses the mind to produce a state of calm. A 2018 review found a mindfulness-based practice helpful for reducing breast cancer symptoms such as depression and fatigue. Mindfulness might also be useful for relieving the brain fog that can sometimes happen after chemotherapy treatment. Another 2022 review found that mindfulness-based stress reduction practices can help improve stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer survivors.

Not only was I doing more yoga, like I was before I was diagnosed, I continued to go to acupuncture, see a holistic therapist and research clean and nontoxic products. I came across the brand Primally Pure - one of my absolute favorite brands that I wish I could add to the selection of curated goods in Giv Shoppe. Even though I can’t I am a big supporter. I found they have a link on their site about breast cancer. They share a blog, Q&A with Dr. Connealy on Integrative Breast Cancer Treatment. I had a great team through my treatment, but this would be the way to go through treatment I said to myself after reading. “ Dr. Connealy's patient-centric approach emphasizes treating the patient with the disease and not the disease of the patient, while identifying the root cause of illness. “ Finding the root cause of illness, I’ve learned in my community herbalism course can lead to the ulterier problem versus just a quick fix. Everyone is going to respond to treatment, however looking at the full picture/ person can help lead to a lifetime of good changes!

"My approach to treating breast cancer involves a combination of conventional medical treatments, along with complementary integrative therapies. I emphasize identifying and addressing the root causes of cancer, taking into account factors like diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. This holistic approach aims to treat the whole person rather than just the disease itself. “

-Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D.

Read the artlce in its entirety - learn about a typical day of treatment at the Cancer Center for Healing, tests, including thorough lab work, nutrient assessments, and detailed toxin screenings, side effects and symptoms as well as explore lifestyle choices that can be applied to breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Resources:

https://primallypure.com/blogs/blog/a-q-a-with-dr-connealy-on-integrative-breast-cancer-treatment

https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/complementary-care-toolkit#1