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My Health Interests

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About This Story

Mary, a breast cancer survivor, talks about how healing touch helped her cope with the stress and grief of a mastectomy. Now an active participant in her own healthcare, she believes that support and spirituality played key roles in her recovery from cancer.

For more information on integrative medicine and cancer, visit the Office of Complementary & Alternative Medicine at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

About the Common Therapies List

The therapies listed in the orange sidebar are not necessarily meant to treat conditions directly. Often they are used to reduce stress, therefore increasing a person’s ability to cope and/or heal.

Integrative Therapies for Cancer

John Sacco, M.D., Radiation Oncologist, Oncology and Hematology Care, Inc.
And physician acupuncturist at Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine

It has been estimated that 80% of all cancer patients in the U.S. use some sort of alternative medicine. However, the majority of people do not share this information with their oncologists, which can be dangerous. There are potential drug-to-herb and drug-to-supplement interactions – and some herbal products can even increase the side effects of traditional cancer treatments. There are many false claims being made about this disease.

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Pyramid at Dahshour.

Time	27th Century BCE
Title	Ancient Egyptian physicians address mind, body, & soul in healing practices
Event	Hesyre, “Chief of Dentists and Physicians,” attends to Egyptian royalty during the third dynasty (2700 - 2625 BCE). Peseshet, “Lady Overseer of the Lady Physicians,” is the earliest known female physician, and practices slightly later (during the 4th dynasty). Most physicians believe that disease can stem from either spiritual, physical, or mind/heart causes.

Egyptians believe that feelings and thoughts originate in the heart, and physicians recognize multiple diseases of the heart/mind. For instance, depression is described as: “fever in the heart”, “dryness of the heart”, “falling of the heart”, “debility of the heart” and “kneeling of the mind”.

Physical diseases are treated with a variety of therapies, including herbs, minerals, sun therapy, massage and minor surgery. Women’s medical contributions are valued, particularly in the area of midwifery.

Most Egyptians think illness is caused by “evil forces.” Healing methods usually involve worship and spirituality. Medicine, religion and magic are all intertwined.

My Health Interests

My Health Interests

AGING

HEALTHY LIVING

MENTAL HEALTH

DISEASES & CONDITIONS

PAIN

WOMEN'S HEALTH

OTHER

About This Story

About the Common Therapies List

Integrative Therapies for Cancer