What is Natural Medicine?
The American Asociation of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) defines natural or naturopathic medicine as:
“…a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.”
I chose an integrative approach to my cancer, combining both traditional and naturopathic medicine. I believe in the body’s ability to self-heal, but I also don’t argue with certain aspects of modern medicine that have been proven to be successful in the fight against cancer.
As you embark on your quest for optimum health, I encourage you to investigate all the options available to you, including the resources below.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a relatively new and growing field in the United States and North America, having originated in Germany and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. If you are considering working with a naturopath, please do some research to find someone who is properly trained and experienced.
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
aanmc.org
List of Accredited Naturopathic Programs in North America
American Naturopathic Medical Association
anma.org
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
naturopathic.org
Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association
aznma.org
California Naturopathic Doctors Association
www.calnd.org
Naturopathic Oncology
Naturopathic oncology is a specialty within the field of naturopathic medicine, just as oncology is a specialty within traditional medicine.
According to the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology:
“Naturopathic oncology is the application of the art and science of naturopathic medicine to the field of cancer care and treatment. Naturopathic oncologists work both in hospital oncology settings and in private practices bringing their wisdom, perspective and experience to aid oncology treatment teams that seek the best positive outcomes for their patients.”
I work with one of the top naturopathic oncologists in the country, Dr. Dan Rubin at Naturopathic Specialists in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Rubin and his team offer outstanding treatment and care.
American Board of Naturopathic Oncology
fabno.org
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP)
oncanp.org
Naturopathic Specialists, Scottsdale, AZ
listenandcare.com
There are countless naturopathic treatments available, here are some that I am currently using in conjunction with my cancer treatment.
Viscum A/Mistletoe
The use of Viscum Album or mistletoe in cancer treatment was first recommended by Rudolf Steiner in the early 1920s. Mistletoe therapy is commonly used throughout Europe as a key component of cancer therapy.
The therapy has only recently become available in the US. I am taking it as a subcutaneous injection three to four times a week. My understanding is that the toxins in the mistletoe serum trigger a systemic response that boosts your immune system, essentially kicking it into high gear. Please discuss this treatment with your naturopath.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Another treatment I’m currently taking is low dose naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid blocker that is FDA approved at higher doses for heroin addiction. Taken at low doses, this is another treatment that boosts the immune system.
Read more about low dose naltrexone at lowdosenaltrexone.org.
IV Vitamin Therapy
You may have heard about IV vitamin therapy in the media lately since IV bars are starting to pop up around the country. This type of therapy involves getting high doses of vitamin C and B with other nutrients intravenously, allowing you to take in much higher doses than you can tolerate orally.
I have done IV vitamin therapy through all of my cancer treatment, and it makes me feel fantastic. It helps increase healing after surgery and can reduce side effects during chemotherapy.
I wouldn’t recommend going to one of the IV bars (sometimes called drip bars), instead, find a trained naturopath to administer the therapy as part of an overall treatment plan.
Community Acupuncture
There are endless resources talking about acupuncture and its benefits, so I will not repeat that information here. I have been doing acupuncture in conjunction with my other treatments and I want to share with you the benefits of community acupuncture.
Community acupuncture is a group setting where the acupuncturist moves around the room working on multiple patients simultaneously. Everyone stays fully clothed, just remove your shoes and socks, and the environment is usually very relaxing and comfortable. The goal of community acupuncture is to make acupuncture available to as many people as possible on an ongoing basis. The group setting allows the fees to be dramatically reduced, sometimes as little as $15 a session. I highly recommend a community acupuncture setting!
To learn more about Community Acupuncture, please visit POCA – People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture
If you live in Phoenix, I recommend Phoenix Community Acupuncture with Mayo Mercedes Wardle.