| The traditional course of treatment for non-small cell | | | | Meditation. There are a wide variety of meditative |
| lung cancer (NSCLC) may include surgery, | | | | techniques, from focused exercises that require an |
| chemotherapy, radiation, and more recent innovations | | | | hour or more, to five-minute deep breathing |
| such as photodynamic therapy. However, some | | | | methods. Whichever method you choose, you may |
| patients find that these strategies do not fully | | | | find it much easier to relax and focus even when |
| address the challenges they are facing, which may | | | | your life becomes very stressful. Some people even |
| include pain, nausea, stress, and other difficulties. | | | | claim that these methods can reduce pain and other |
| Sometimes a non-traditional course of treatment is | | | | symptoms. |
| recommended alongside traditional medicine - a | | | | Visualization. This is a kind of exercise that involves |
| practice known as complementary treatments. | | | | focusing on your body's healing process, even |
| Generally speaking, the goal of this option is to | | | | picturing it in your mind. Some people use creative |
| reduce symptoms that more traditional methods do | | | | metaphors for the drugs that are fighting their illness, |
| not address. Some patients also prefer them over | | | | while some choose to picture a more realistic |
| pharmacological pain or nausea intervention because | | | | molecular scene. This can be an effective way to |
| of the reduced risk of side effects. Finally, some | | | | increase your motivation and lift your mood during |
| patients believe that these techniques help their | | | | difficult times. |
| medical treatments work more effectively. | | | | Acupuncture. This is a very old practice that involves |
| It is important to note that none of the methods | | | | inserting long, thin needles into strategic points along |
| described in this article will cure NSCLC. However, | | | | the body. (The needles are so sharp, and so gently |
| many people have reported benefits from using | | | | used, that this should not hurt.) Many people have |
| them. | | | | reported benefits of this method, including reduced |
| Herbal remedies. Some patients swear by the use of | | | | pain or nausea, as well as increased relaxation and |
| certain herbal supplements or teas to reduce nausea, | | | | improved spirits. |
| relax, sleep better, and even reduce pain. For | | | | You may have to try a few different things before |
| example, ginger and peppermint have reportedly | | | | you find the best strategy for you. Do not be afraid |
| helped people keep food down, a very important | | | | to experiment or ask for help. Remember, it is just |
| goal for cancer patients. Your doctor or a | | | | as important to take care of your emotional health |
| professional in botany may be able to recommend | | | | as your physical health, especially during challenging |
| ideas that will help you. | | | | times. |