Natural Treatments for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Bone pain related to multiple lytic lesions is the most common symptom. However, many patients are diagnosed incidentally while being evaluated for unrelated problems, and one third of patients are diagnosed after a pathologic bone fracture.
Continuous bone destruction is the hallmark of multiple myeloma. The spine is the most afflicted skeletal organ, and vertebral fractures significantly contribute to its poor outcome. The principal underlying pathologic mechanism causing bone disease in multiple myeloma is a shift in the balance of bone formation and bone resorption toward bone resorption.
As the disease progresses, it’s likely that you’ll experience at least one of the four major problems common to multiple myeloma, which include: a high level of calcium in your blood, Kidney (renal) failure, Anemia-related fatigue and, Bone damage and fractures, among others.
Try the following techniques to treat multiple myeloma naturally:
Relaxation techniques. These approaches refocus your attention to something calming to soothe your mind and relax your body. Practices such as meditation, yoga and tai chi may help you reduce stress and ease the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its symptoms.
Massage therapy. Massage may reduce pain, stress and depression, help ease fatigue and anxiety, and reduce nausea related to cancer and its treatments.
Herbs:
Bupleurum also helps prevent muscle spasms and eases side effects of steroid treatments. It can be taken in tea form prepared by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or take 300 milligrams a day in tablet form.
Lentinan also activates NK (natural killer) cells, which are important in destroying damaged cells, such as cancer cells. Lentinan is a polysaccharid derived from shiitake mushroom. This is given by intramuscular injection by a health care professional.
Siberian ginseng naturally complements lentinan and also stimulates the production of B cells. Even if you do not do the lentinan injections, taking this supplement is still of benefit. Take the extract as directed on the label in ¼ cup of water.
Astragalus also restores white blood cell counts. Take 1,000 milligrams in capsule form three times a day. Maitake can also reduce tumor formation. Take 2,000 milligrams three times a day before eating.
Scutellaria has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is well known for its ability to fight off viruses and bacteria. This is good for people with multiple myeloma since they are at increased risk for infections. Take 2,000 milligrams three times a day.
Aromatherapy. Fragrant oils may improve mood and help relieve stress and nausea.
Biofeedback. This mind-body therapy uses monitoring devices that signal when your body is sending cues that pain is on the way. As you recognize these cues, you can train your body to respond differently and decrease the sensation of cancer-related pain.
Acupuncture. Studies have found that acupuncture may relieve nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy treatment, and may also reduce pain from surgery. This therapy also may improve fatigue related to cancer treatment.
