Complementary Medicine
April 10, 2023
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.
Creating a single test to detect multiple cancer types is one goal of President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, but how close are we to making this dream a reality?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
MyUzima Health & Wellness works to improve health outcomes for Black communities.
Jeeva Informatics is widening access to adult and pediatric clinical trials through the screen.
A recent clinical trial using an immunotherapeutic “checkpoint inhibitor” completely eradicated colorectal cancer in all 18 participants.
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.
When going through cancer treatment, catching some Z’s is more important than ever—but it’s not always easy.
Rick Bartlett, prostate cancer thriver, hopes revolutionary advancements in cancer care will encourage more men to take their health seriously.
These oncologists are contributing to the ever-evolving cancer care space.
An unlikely pathway for potentially evolving cancer care has come to light: the blockchain.
Side effects aren’t always minor. Familiarizing yourself with your medications and symptoms can be a lifesaver in serious situations.
Cancer screenings can save your life—but that doesn’t mean they’re pleasant to sit through. These less invasive options for men are changing the game.
From mental health management to palliative care assessment, augmented intelligence is helping shape the future of cancer care.
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.
From reiki and facials to massages and meditation, Sole + Luna offers an array of holistic wellness services for warriors.
Through physical therapy treatments and educational videos, cancer rehabilitation specialist Dr. Leslie Waltke, PT, DPT helps individuals at all phases of recovery.
Gryt Health demystifies integrative oncology so warriors can reap the rewards of a mind-body approach toward cancer treatment.
Through its Breathe Now Wellness Retreats, Dear Jack Foundation helps bring couples closer together after cancer treatment.
Heather Matt, a four-year colorectal cancer warrior, describes her cancer experience at just 35 years old and how the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s new screening guidelines can save even more lives.
Confronting cachexia, the “wasting syndrome” seen in many cancer cases, may become easier with promising new drug development.
If you’re looking for something beyond a simple sugar high, cannabis confections have you covered.
Could gemstones and crystals be gleaming with the potential to enhance your health?
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.
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.
Can a dose of gardening help your recovery? Horticultural therapists think so. Here’s the dirt on the power of plants.
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.
Feelings aren’t always black and white. There’s an entire emotional vocabulary to be discovered by opening your heart and your mind.
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.
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.
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.
After a difficult breast cancer journey, Lesley Nygaard turned pain into passion by creating a holistic nutritional resource for other warriors.
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.
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.
Psychedelics are entering the mainstream with potent potential to ease cancer side effects of the existential variety.
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.
Memoirist Liza Marshall recalls how she reclaimed her intimacy and self-esteem after body-altering surgery and treatment.
As integrative medicine becomes increasingly popular, practitioners like Dr. Shelly Smekens at Raden Wellness are ensuring patients encounter safe and smart whole-person healing.
By learning to fully follow her intuition and listen to her body, yogi Hilaire Lockwood was able to find peace amid chaos.
Thergy, a “cancer care solutions” brand, has revolutionized radiation and chemotherapy treatment with the introduction of ARC, their skin-saving solution.
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.
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.
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.
Sometimes what scares us most has the greatest reward. For Liz Tuckwell, a rediscovered keepsake shifted her perspective on transparency.
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.
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.
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.
Popular with celebrities and athletes alike, cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures to heal and treat a variety of ailments, from sore muscles to cancer.
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.
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.
For children dealing with a world of uncertainty, art can be a useful and comforting way to induce mindfulness and joy.
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.
Meet Elizabeth Tuckwell, our resident complementary medicine columnist and resident meditation guide.
Priscilla Vilchis uses her experience working in the health care industry to provide medical marijuana products to those who need it most.
The key to answering life’s greatest questions resides within yourself, but you must first learn how to access this internal well.
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.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois in 2020. We’ve gathered answers for your lingering questions and show you how to get product for yourself.
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.
A stronger relationship with your health care provider can lead to better treatment outcomes.
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.
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.
This guided meditation, created by Shanna Shrum, invites you to only accept loving thoughts about yourself and the world around you.
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.
Find out how some cancer patients trade the chemo clinic for a day at the beach.
Photodynamic therapy, previously only used for esophogeal and lung cancer, offers new treatment options for aggressive cancers in new trials.
From sleepless nights to persistent body aches, there’s a healing tea for whatever cancer symptom ails you.
By directing and balancing energy flow, reiki masters use their holistic practice to soothe the harsh side effects of cancer treatment.
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.
The HHI offers classes, spa sessions, and holistic treatments—plus a little bit of magic—to heal the body from the inside out.
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.
Nurture the mind-body connection this winter through easy, healing practices that detoxify and enrich.
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.
In her new column, artist and holistic teacher Liz Tuckwell shares her secrets for releasing pent-up energy.
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?
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?
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.