Naturopath or Chinese Medicine?

localgirl · December 2010

Hello all-

I am 37 with DCIS Grade 2 and just finished my re-excision surgery after a first lumpectomy. I'll be starting radiation soon, but am very committed to going forward in the most natural way possible (don't want tamoxifen). I've been reading a lot of authors and Drs that people have recommended but where I'm running into a problem is whether to go to a naturopath or to a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice? I've read good things about both but maybe don't understand enough about them to decide which way to go. I would like to do it before I start rads in January so I can give my body some support while going through it. Thanks in advance for any advice!

judy88 · December 2010

I'm a traditional naturopathic by training and since I'm not practicing currently, I can tell you my side of the story!

As naturopaths, we are trained to use a holistic approach using basic modalites like food and lifestyle changes. But from there, everyone can become more specialized. Naturopaths usually work in healing modalities like herbs, enzymes, vitamins, along with therapies. It's very individualized.

Chinese medicine usually means people trained in using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and foods. They are excellent to use for pain and inflammation, although most people in Chinese medicine also specialize in helping certain conditions.

What it sounds like you're looking for is someone who can set up a good strong wellness program. Naturopaths, in my opinion, tend to be more specialized in this area.

Anonymous · December 2010

Thank you, Judy. Please keep posting . It's nice to know more how naturopaths make assessments. Kiss

calamtykel · December 2010

Not sure if this will help -- I'm currently seeing a clinical nutritionist (who is also a chiropractor/naturopath) who does "nutritional response testing" or "muscle testing". The results for my kids have been remarkable - we have been able to eliminate allergins and also he's gotten rid of my lyme disease.

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with BC in June. Throughout my chemo, I saw him and he adjusted my supplements as necessary. I believe I was able to avoid some of the more common SE's of chemo because my body was getting the supplements it needed. These are the kinds of things he works with: Right now I'm on two homeopathic detoxes - one for chemicals (the chemo) and one for radiation (don't have to tell you why I'm on that one!) I'm on a cardio supplement with cardio pmg, and some different B's, a liver supplement, a multi-enzyme, a green food, and Tuna oil, as well as a Ganoderma-Shiitake mushroom blend. These supplements change has he tests and finds different needs. Last week, I had an ionizing foot bath in his office that pulls toxins out. I didn't want to do that until I was done with chemo.

I'm not sure if there is a network of doctors who do nutritional response testing- but maybe Google it for your area? A good way to start is just by word of mouth-- if you have any friends who are into natural methods or nutrition, maybe begin by asking for recommendations.

tryburzynski · December 2010

I know this is just one response on one website, but I am trying to get the word out about a clinic in Houston that is AMAZING and the man that started it is brilliant. Like everything, you will find criticisms of him out there, by people that haven't been treated by him, but the testimonial from patients are incredible. The clinic is called The Burzyski Institute and you can find them online. He has been successfully treating cancer since the 70's but has been persecuted by the FDA for decades. It is only recently that the FDA has finally given him recognition and the opportunity to do a clinical trial on his treatment. He is now beginning the third stage of these trials on brain cancer of some sort. Anyway, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer back in August. He too, like you, was very leary of doing the mainstream options...especially radiation. He decided to be treated by Burzynski instead, and was put on a combination of an oral compound that he designed, as well as some chemo, but not the kind that is bound with the very toxic sinthetics. Well, after two months of treatment, with the worst symptom being some hairloss, my dad had a clear PET scan on December 1st. You have to understand, he had mulitiple tumors in his neck, and it was in his lymph system as well. I believe that Burzynski has the cure that everyone has been looking for, but no one knows about. He has cured 50 different malignancies. Suzanne Sommers was healed by him from her breast cancer. If you call his clinic, they will tell you if they think they can help you. I hope you make the call. I am so thankful that my dad did...

ElaineM · January 2011

You can find a licensed naturopathic physician by going to the website of the American Naturopathic Association online. I don't know the website address,but if you do a search on google or yahoo it should be easy to find the website. Once there you put in your location and a list of the naturopaths nearest you will come up. Naturopaths are not licensed in every state and country. Hopefully they are licensed in your state or country.

Some naturopaths are also licensed in Chinese (TCM) medicine and/or acupuncture (LaC) as well as other specialties, but not all of them are. There may also be a few M.D.s who are trained in naturopathic medicine, but not many.

If you are not able to find a naturopath in your area a good dietician/and or nutritionist trained in oncology might be able to help provide informationa about foods and/or supplements which are helpful to cancer patients.

Good luck. Peace, health and joy to you in 2011

Cydz · January 2011

I have been seeing Chinese Medicine doctors, along with an oncologist, since my dx 4/09. Acupuncture has helped me tremendously with the SE of chemo, including nausea and neurapathy and anxiety! I continue to have acupuncture treatments weekly for immune system building and assist in the healing of my subsequent reconstruction, implant exchange and most recently my hysterctomy. I have also been taking several Chinese herbs. My acupuncturist has also taught me several Qi Gong movements that are also known to be helpful during cancer treatments. I swear by this and know I have never been healthier in my life! The way I look at it is, every culture has cancer, and deals with it differently. Why not throw what ever I can at this? Also my insurance covers 12 appts. per year at 50%. It's not much, but it is something.

Naturopath or Chinese Medicine?

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