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complementary medicine

There are many different paths to health and wellness. Sometimes traditional medicine isn’t the answer. Our experts and team have some ideas for alternative health treatments.

complementary medicine
Alternative paths
yoga
Complementary Medicine
Stretch It Out

Yoga, a popular form of exercise focusing on breathwork through a series of postures or stretches, is gaining acceptance in western medicine as a way to relieve the mental, emotional and physical side effects of cancer treatment.

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benefits of cbd
Complementary Medicine
Cannabis Comeback?

More athletes have been turning to cannabis to support their recovery efforts post-game or post-workout, but what purpose do CBD and THC serve in a sports and exercise setting?

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PSYCHEDELIC SERIES
(Y)our Stories
The Psychedelic Series

Part one of cW’s Psychedelic Series examines the history of research into psychedelic drugs in the United States and considers why psychedelic therapy may be an ideal option to help relieve some cancer patients’ end-of-life depression and anxiety.

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neuroplasticity
Complementary Medicine
Your Brain on Joy

Harnessing the “plastic” power of your brain can help cancer thrivers and survivors neutralize the feelings of depression and anxiety that may accompany a diagnosis — no products, programs or prescriptions required.

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JILL MEYER LIPPERT
Ask the Doctor
Best Tooth Forward

Through her company, Side Effect Support, Jill Meyer-Lippert, raises awareness about the importance of dental health while being treated for cancer, and offers resources to help manage short-term side effects and long-term oral health.

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dostarlimab
Colorectal Cancer
Wonder Drug?

A recent clinical trial using an immunotherapeutic “checkpoint inhibitor” completely eradicated colorectal cancer in all 18 participants.

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DIANE HURA
(Y)our Stories
Prolonging Life With a Pill

A sudden diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer left Diane Hura uncertain about her future, but a drug for ALK-positive lung cancers inspired hope for a second chance.

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sleep tips
Complementary Medicine
A Good Night’s Rest

When going through cancer treatment, catching some Z’s is more important than ever—but it’s not always easy.

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rick bartlett
(Y)our Stories
A Rewritten Route

Rick Bartlett, prostate cancer thriver, hopes revolutionary advancements in cancer care will encourage more men to take their health seriously.

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On the lookout
Complementary Medicine
On the Lookout

Side effects aren’t always minor. Familiarizing yourself with your medications and symptoms can be a lifesaver in serious situations.

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DR KAREN WONDER
Complementary Medicine
Setting the Standard

Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance Dr. Karen Wonders stresses the importance of exercise becoming an accessible part of the national standard of care for cancer.

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GRYT HEALTH
Complementary Medicine
Oncology’s Melting Pot

Gryt Health demystifies integrative oncology so warriors can reap the rewards of a mind-body approach toward cancer treatment.

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BREATHE NOW WELLNESS
(Y)our Stories
Healing Together

Through its Breathe Now Wellness Retreats, Dear Jack Foundation helps bring couples closer together after cancer treatment.

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CACHEXIA
Complementary Medicine
Zero Waste

Confronting cachexia, the “wasting syndrome” seen in many cancer cases, may become easier with promising new drug development.

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CANNABIS BAKERIES
Complementary Medicine
Buzzed & Baked

If you’re looking for something beyond a simple sugar high, cannabis confections have you covered.

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CANCER AND MASCULINITY
Complementary Medicine
Masculinity: Keeping It Real

In the face of rigid societal roles and expectations, like masculinity, your authentic self can become overshadowed and lost. But you owe it to yourself to stay true to your inner identity, cultivating it free of performative constraints.

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CAMP KAMBO
Complementary Medicine
Camp Kambo

It may not sound like a typical treatment, but “frog medicine” is growing in popularity for its purging properties that some believe promote healing. A handful of holistic experts are now engaging in the ancient practice of kambo rituals to treat conditions ranging from anxiety to cancer.

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PLANT HEALING CANCER
Complementary Medicine
Horticultural Healing

Can a dose of gardening help your recovery? Horticultural therapists think so. Here’s the dirt on the power of plants.

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SHEPARD THERAPEUTICS
Complementary Medicine
No Warrior Left Behind

For Shepherd Therapeutics founder David Hysong, “rare isn’t rare” is more than just a slogan when it comes to oncology. It is a battle cry rooted in his personal fight against cancer.

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EMOTIONAL VOCABULARY
Complementary Medicine
Our Emotional Vocabulary

Feelings aren’t always black and white. There’s an entire emotional vocabulary to be discovered by opening your heart and your mind.

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MR-LINAC
Complementary Medicine
An Alternate Route

After seeing the effects that invasive treatment had on warriors close to him, Michael Justiz knew there had to be another way when faced with his own prostate cancer diagnosis. He took a gamble on a new technology—and it paid off.

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WOMEN CANCER RESEARCHERS
(Y)our Stories
Breaking Barriers

Women researchers are important to cancer science, yet the oncology field often fails at properly recognizing it. Organizations like Women Who Conquer Cancer and ResearcHERS are working to shatter the glass ceiling.

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CANCER FATIGUE
Complementary Medicine
Fighting the Fatigue

Drowsiness can be a doozy. Oncology nurse, personal trainer and exercise specialist Jenny Spencer is working to help warriors cope with cancer-related fatigue through fitness.

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LESLEY NYGAARD
(Y)our Stories
Reclaiming Myself

After a difficult breast cancer journey, Lesley Nygaard turned pain into passion by creating a holistic nutritional resource for other warriors.

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CANCER COMMUNICATION
(Y)our Stories
Care to Share?

Every cancer journey is different and so is the way you choose to share it. Finding the best communication tools to keep your loved ones in the loop means one less thing to worry about.

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ASK THE CANCER COACH
Ask the Cancer Coach
What Comes Next – Spring 2021

In this issue’s column, cW’s resident cancer coach Mirela Kopier explores the importance of living well and being your own advocate beyond conventional means.

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PSYCHEDELICS CANCER
Complementary Medicine
Under the Influence

Psychedelics are entering the mainstream with potent potential to ease cancer side effects of the existential variety.

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LESLEY NYGAARD
(Y)our Stories
Finding Her Vitality

At 41 years old, Lesley Nygaard was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. What could have been a devastating experience inspired her to create a naturopathic medicine company to help others.

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DR SMEKENS
Complementary Medicine
Finding A New Approach

As integrative medicine becomes increasingly popular, practitioners like Dr. Shelly Smekens at Raden Wellness are ensuring patients encounter safe and smart whole-person healing.

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HILARIE LOCKWOOD
Complementary Medicine
Trusting Your Gut

By learning to fully follow her intuition and listen to her body, yogi Hilaire Lockwood was able to find peace amid chaos.

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ARC
Clean Beauty
Cool, Calm & Collected

Thergy, a “cancer care solutions” brand, has revolutionized radiation and chemotherapy treatment with the introduction of ARC, their skin-saving solution.

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BREAST MILK
Complementary Medicine
Milking A Myth

Early research suggests the potential of a human breast milk protein for treating tumor cells—in a lab setting. Yet, some adults are traversing the breast milk online marketplace, betting on consumption as a cure.

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GUIDED IMAGERY
Complementary Medicine
Calling on Calm

With growing research on its merit for active cancer warriors, guided imagery offers a good excuse to stretch your mental muscles while reaping physical and emotional benefits.

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ESSENTIAL OILS
Complementary Medicine
Just the Essentials

Essential oils’ booming popularity has led to questionable claims on what these products can do for cancer. But some experts say the “Hey hun!” hoopla of MLMs shouldn’t completely deter you from considering aromatherapy as supplementary treatment.

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LIZ TUCKWELL CANCER
Complementary Medicine
The Strength in Sharing

Sometimes what scares us most has the greatest reward. For Liz Tuckwell, a rediscovered keepsake shifted her perspective on transparency.

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VITAMINS SUPPLEMENTS CANCER
Complementary Medicine
Well and Not So Good

While vitamin and supplement use has become trendier than ever, research shows nutrients in capsule or powdered form are still no match for a healthy diet—and may even cause more harm than good for people with cancer.

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IMERMAN ANGELS
Ask the Cancer Coach
What Comes Next?

After meticulous routines and strict schedules, the independence of survivorship may feel intimidating. Cancer coaches can help you tackle life’s new chapter in your own way.

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IPA CANCER
Complementary Medicine
Hop to It

IPAs or lagers, stouts or saisons—all your favorite beers lend their distinct flavors to the hop plant, but new research from Oregon State University suggests hops can play an important role in fighting cancer.

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CRYO
Breast Cancer
Cool to Cure

Popular with celebrities and athletes alike, cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures to heal and treat a variety of ailments, from sore muscles to cancer.

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telehealth
Complementary Medicine
Five Things You Need to Know About Telehealth

Since the 1960s, telehealth has been an essential component of military and space technology development. Over time, the technology became more accessible to health care professionals as a useful tool to provide patient care globally.

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SOUND THERAPY
Complementary Medicine
The Sound Solution

The ancient practice of sound therapy, or gong meditation, has long been a tool in East and Southeast Asia. Now, practitioners and researchers across the globe are embracing its benefits, too.

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CHILDHOOD CANCER ART THERAPY
(Y)our Stories
Sweet Child of Mine

For children dealing with a world of uncertainty, art can be a useful and comforting way to induce mindfulness and joy.

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CANCER AND ACCUPUNCTURE
Complementary Medicine
Stick it to Cancer

Although acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a number of medical ailments, it has only recently crossed over to the Western medical world, including for cancer patients.

Read More »
QUEEN OF GREEN
Complementary Medicine
The Queen of Green

Priscilla Vilchis uses her experience working in the health care industry to provide medical marijuana products to those who need it most.

Read More »
COPING WITH CANCER
Complementary Medicine
The Courage to Explore

The key to answering life’s greatest questions resides within yourself, but you must first learn how to access this internal well.

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ALTERNATIVE CANCER TREATMENT
(Y)our Stories
Desperately Seeking Treatment

Alternative treatment centers in Tijuana, Mexico, claim miracle cures for cancer, but therapies on offer—ranging from zany to dangerous—often do more harm than good.

Read More »
CANCER YOGA
(Y)our Stories
The Choice is Yours

You can’t control a cancer diagnosis, but you can control how you react to it. In her latest column, Jessica Walker talks about how to focus on the aspects of your life you can control amidst the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.

Read More »
ASHLEY SURIN
Complementary Medicine
The Right Medicine

When 13-year-old Ashley Surin switched from prescription medicine to medical marijuana, her family had to rewrite the law to allow it on school grounds.

Read More »
EDDIE GOLDBERG PERLIS
Complementary Medicine
The Healing Power of Touch

Eddie Goldberg Perlis, LMT, CMLDT, founder of Massage 4 Inner Peace, has been practicing oncology massage for almost a decade—even before receiving her own ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Read More »
LALBAGH GLASSHOUSE
Complementary Medicine
Stay and Play in … Bengaluru, India

Bengaluru, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is a teeming metropolis with a friendly soul, featuring good food, stunning cultural delights, and high-tech hospitals, making it an attractive medical tourism destination.

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PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
Complementary Medicine
Let There Be Light

Photodynamic therapy, previously only used for esophogeal and lung cancer, offers new treatment options for aggressive cancers in new trials.

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REIKI
Complementary Medicine
Good Vibes Only

By directing and balancing energy flow, reiki masters use their holistic practice to soothe the harsh side effects of cancer treatment.

Read More »
DRS CHOI
Complementary Medicine
A Family Affair

Drs. Jennifer and Jaehyuk Choi together run a first-of-its-kind oncodermatology department and lab, revolutionizing the fast-developing field, while still making time to raise their three daughters in Chicago’s North Shore.

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PLASTIC SURGERY
Clean Beauty
Under the Knife

The Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery and the Med Spa sets itself apart from plastic surgery clinics by offering reconstructive surgeries for those in treatment or recovering from cancer. 

Read More »
MISTLETOE
Complementary Medicine
The Miracle of Mistletoe

Naturopathic healers have used European mistletoe to shrink tumors and treat cancer for years. Now, researchers at Johns Hopkins are putting this plant to the test.

Read More »
TRUE NORTH MEDITATION
Complementary Medicine
Finding True North

In her new column, artist and holistic teacher Liz Tuckwell shares her secrets for releasing pent-up energy.

Read More »
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Complementary Medicine
Alternative Medicine: Marijuana

Once considered one of the most controversial drugs by the U.S. government, marijuana and its byproducts have found mainstream appeal for cancer patients and non-cancer patients alike. But will the Trump administration stop advancements in legalization before it can reach those who need it most?

Read More »
DR JASON LUKE
Ask the Doctor
Holding the Key to the Cure

Meet Dr. Jason Luke, immunotherapy’s “man of the moment” and our cover star. Luke believes immunotherapy is the future of cancer-care treatment. Is he right?

Read More »
IMMUNOTHERAPY
Complementary Medicine
A Little Immuno History

Immunotherapy didn’t develop overnight. The treatment, which capitalizes on the body’s natural defenses on a cellular level, has been in use or development since the late-19th century.

Read More »