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Gerson therapy cure rate. Gerson Therapy for Melanoma: Impressive 5-Year Survival Rates Revealed in Retrospective Study

What are the 5-year survival rates for melanoma patients treated with Gerson therapy. How does Gerson therapy compare to conventional treatments for different stages of melanoma. What does the study reveal about the effectiveness of Gerson’s diet therapy for melanoma patients.

Understanding Gerson Therapy and Its Application in Melanoma Treatment

Gerson therapy is an alternative dietary approach that has gained attention for its potential benefits in cancer treatment, particularly for melanoma patients. This comprehensive therapy, developed by Dr. Max Gerson in the 1920s, focuses on detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system through a specific diet and supplementation regimen.

The core components of Gerson therapy include:

  • A lactovegetarian diet
  • Low sodium, fat, and (temporarily) protein intake
  • High potassium, fluid, and nutrient consumption
  • Hourly raw vegetable and fruit juices
  • Increased metabolism through thyroid supplementation
  • Limited calorie supply (2600-3200 calories per day)
  • Coffee enemas as needed for pain relief and appetite stimulation

Can Gerson therapy effectively treat melanoma? The retrospective study conducted by Hildenbrand et al. aimed to answer this question by comparing the 5-year survival rates of melanoma patients treated with Gerson therapy to those reported in medical literature for conventional treatments.

Study Design and Patient Demographics

The retrospective review was conducted at a hospital in Tijuana, Mexico, focusing on 153 white adult patients with superficial spreading and nodular melanoma. The study participants ranged in age from 25 to 72 years.

How was the study structured? The researchers divided the patients into different stages of melanoma:

  • Stages I and II (localized melanoma)
  • Stage IIIA (regionally metastasized melanoma)
  • Combined stages IIIA + IIIB (regionally metastasized melanoma)
  • Stage IVA (distant lymph, skin, and subcutaneous tissue metastases)
  • Stage IVB (visceral metastases)

The main outcome measure was the 5-year survival rate for each stage, which was then compared to rates reported in medical literature for conventional treatments.

Impressive Survival Rates for Early-Stage Melanoma

The study revealed remarkable results for patients with early-stage melanoma treated with Gerson therapy. For stages I and II (localized) melanoma, the 5-year survival rate was 100% for the 14 patients in the study. This surpassed the 79% survival rate reported by Balch for a much larger group of 15,798 patients treated with conventional methods.

Do these results suggest that Gerson therapy could be more effective than conventional treatments for early-stage melanoma? While the sample size in this study is relatively small, the perfect survival rate is certainly noteworthy and warrants further investigation.

Promising Outcomes for Regionally Metastasized Melanoma

The study also showed encouraging results for patients with more advanced stages of melanoma. For stage IIIA (regionally metastasized) melanoma, 82% of the 17 patients treated with Gerson therapy survived for 5 years. This is in stark contrast to the 39% survival rate reported by Fachklinik Hornheide for 103 patients treated conventionally.

When combining stages IIIA and IIIB, the survival rate remained impressive. Of the 33 patients in this category, 70% lived for 5 years following Gerson therapy. This is significantly higher than the 41% survival rate reported by Fachklinik Hornheide for 134 patients receiving standard treatments.

These results raise an important question: Could Gerson therapy provide a significant advantage over conventional treatments for patients with regionally metastasized melanoma?

Stage IVA Melanoma: A New Classification and Surprising Results

The researchers proposed a new stage division for advanced melanoma: Stage IVA, which includes distant lymph, skin, and subcutaneous tissue metastases. This distinction allows for a more nuanced understanding of survival rates in advanced cases.

For patients with stage IVA melanoma, the study reported a 39% 5-year survival rate among 18 patients treated with Gerson therapy. This is a dramatic improvement over the 6% survival rate reported by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group for 194 patients treated with conventional methods.

Is Gerson therapy particularly effective for stage IVA melanoma patients? The significant difference in survival rates suggests that this alternative approach may offer hope for patients with advanced melanoma who have limited options with conventional treatments.

Gender Differences in Survival Rates

An interesting finding from the study was the similarity in survival rates between male and female patients for stages I-IIIB. However, a notable difference emerged in stage IVA, where women showed a strong survival advantage over men.

Why do women with stage IVA melanoma respond better to Gerson therapy? This gender-based difference in treatment efficacy could be due to various factors, including hormonal influences, genetic predispositions, or differences in metabolism. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind this observation.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

While the results of this retrospective study are promising, it’s important to consider its limitations:

  • Relatively small sample size, especially when divided into different stages
  • Lack of a direct control group within the same study
  • Potential selection bias in patients choosing Gerson therapy
  • Retrospective nature of the study, which may introduce other biases

To further validate these findings, what types of studies should be conducted? Future research directions could include:

  1. Larger, prospective randomized controlled trials comparing Gerson therapy to standard treatments
  2. Studies investigating the mechanisms of action behind Gerson therapy’s potential effectiveness
  3. Research into potential synergies between Gerson therapy and conventional treatments
  4. Exploration of the therapy’s effects on quality of life and immune function in melanoma patients

Implications for Melanoma Treatment and Patient Care

The significantly higher 5-year survival rates reported in this study for Gerson therapy compared to conventional treatments raise important questions about the potential role of dietary interventions in melanoma care. While these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the study’s limitations, they suggest that Gerson therapy may offer benefits worth exploring further.

How might these findings impact melanoma treatment strategies? Several possibilities emerge:

  • Integration of Gerson therapy principles into conventional treatment plans
  • Increased focus on nutritional support and detoxification in cancer care
  • Development of personalized dietary interventions based on individual patient needs
  • Greater emphasis on lifestyle factors in melanoma prevention and treatment

It’s important to note that while these results are encouraging, patients should always consult with their healthcare providers before making any changes to their treatment plans. Gerson therapy should be viewed as a potential complementary approach rather than a replacement for evidence-based conventional treatments.

The Role of Diet in Cancer Treatment

The impressive results of this study highlight the potential importance of diet in cancer treatment. While the exact mechanisms by which Gerson therapy may influence melanoma outcomes are not fully understood, several theories have been proposed:

  • Enhanced detoxification through the high intake of fruits and vegetables
  • Improved immune function due to the nutrient-dense, plant-based diet
  • Reduction of inflammation through the elimination of processed foods
  • Potential anti-cancer effects of specific phytonutrients found in the prescribed juices

Could dietary interventions like Gerson therapy play a more significant role in mainstream cancer treatment? As research in this area continues to evolve, it’s possible that nutritional approaches may become an increasingly important component of comprehensive cancer care.

Patient Empowerment and Quality of Life

One aspect of Gerson therapy that shouldn’t be overlooked is its potential impact on patient empowerment and quality of life. By actively participating in their treatment through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, patients may experience a greater sense of control over their health outcomes.

How might this sense of empowerment affect patient outcomes? Some potential benefits include:

  • Improved adherence to treatment protocols
  • Reduced stress and anxiety related to the cancer diagnosis
  • Enhanced overall well-being and energy levels
  • Greater motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle long-term

These factors, while difficult to quantify, may contribute to the impressive survival rates observed in the study. Future research should consider incorporating quality of life measures and patient-reported outcomes to better understand the holistic impact of Gerson therapy.

Challenges in Implementing Gerson Therapy

Despite the promising results, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges associated with implementing Gerson therapy. The strict dietary regimen, frequent juicing, and use of coffee enemas can be demanding for patients, especially those dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.

What are some of the main obstacles patients might face when following Gerson therapy?

  • Time and effort required for juice preparation and frequent consumption
  • Potential difficulty in adhering to the strict dietary guidelines
  • Financial considerations, as the therapy may not be covered by insurance
  • Lack of support from some healthcare providers unfamiliar with the approach
  • Potential side effects or complications from the therapy

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for any future large-scale implementation of Gerson therapy or similar dietary interventions in cancer care. Support systems, education, and potential modifications to make the therapy more accessible could help overcome some of these obstacles.

The Need for Integrative Approaches in Cancer Care

The results of this study underscore the potential value of integrative approaches in cancer treatment. By combining the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies, patients may benefit from a more comprehensive and personalized approach to care.

How might an integrative approach incorporating elements of Gerson therapy look in practice?

  • Customized nutritional plans based on individual patient needs and preferences
  • Incorporation of specific aspects of Gerson therapy (e.g., juicing) alongside conventional treatments
  • Regular monitoring of nutritional status and adjustment of dietary interventions as needed
  • Collaboration between oncologists, nutritionists, and other healthcare providers
  • Ongoing research to identify the most effective components of dietary interventions

As the field of integrative oncology continues to evolve, studies like this one provide valuable insights into the potential of complementary approaches to improve cancer outcomes.

Future Perspectives: Personalized Nutrition in Cancer Care

Looking ahead, the findings of this study may contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of personalized nutrition in cancer care. As our understanding of the complex interactions between diet, genetics, and cancer biology improves, it may become possible to tailor dietary interventions to individual patients based on their unique characteristics and needs.

What factors might influence the development of personalized nutritional approaches for cancer patients?

  • Genetic profiling to identify individual nutrient needs and metabolic tendencies
  • Analysis of the gut microbiome to optimize dietary interventions
  • Integration of biomarker data to track the impact of nutritional therapies
  • Consideration of lifestyle factors, cultural preferences, and personal goals
  • Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of nutritional plans throughout the course of treatment

As research in this area progresses, it’s possible that highly individualized dietary protocols, potentially incorporating elements of Gerson therapy and other nutritional approaches, could become a standard part of cancer treatment plans.

The Importance of Rigorous Scientific Evaluation

While the results of this retrospective study are intriguing, it’s crucial to emphasize the need for rigorous scientific evaluation of Gerson therapy and other alternative cancer treatments. The impressive survival rates reported here should serve as a catalyst for further research rather than a definitive endorsement of the therapy.

What steps should be taken to thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of Gerson therapy?

  • Conduct large-scale, randomized controlled trials comparing Gerson therapy to standard treatments
  • Investigate the biological mechanisms underlying any observed benefits
  • Assess the therapy’s impact on various biomarkers and immune function
  • Evaluate potential interactions with conventional cancer treatments
  • Explore the therapy’s effects on different types and stages of cancer

By subjecting Gerson therapy to the same rigorous standards applied to conventional treatments, researchers can provide patients and healthcare providers with the information needed to make informed decisions about its use in cancer care.

In conclusion, the retrospective study on Gerson therapy for melanoma patients presents intriguing results that warrant further investigation. The significantly higher 5-year survival rates observed across various stages of melanoma suggest that this dietary approach may offer benefits beyond conventional treatments. However, it’s important to interpret these findings cautiously and recognize the need for more comprehensive, controlled studies to validate these results.

As research in the field of integrative oncology continues to evolve, studies like this one contribute to our understanding of the potential role of dietary interventions in cancer care. Whether Gerson therapy ultimately proves to be a game-changer in melanoma treatment or not, it highlights the importance of exploring diverse approaches to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The journey towards more effective and personalized cancer treatments is ongoing, and insights gained from alternative approaches like Gerson therapy may play a valuable role in shaping the future of oncology. As we move forward, it’s crucial to maintain an open yet critical mindset, embracing promising new ideas while adhering to the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Five-year survival rates of melanoma patients treated by diet therapy after the manner of Gerson: a retrospective review

Comparative Study

. 1995 Sep;1(4):29-37.

G L Hildenbrand 
1
, L C Hildenbrand, K Bradford, S W Cavin

Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Gerson Research Organization, San Diego, Calif., USA.
  • PMID:

    9359807

Comparative Study

G L Hildenbrand et al.

Altern Ther Health Med.

1995 Sep.

. 1995 Sep;1(4):29-37.

Authors

G L Hildenbrand 
1
, L C Hildenbrand, K Bradford, S W Cavin

Affiliation

  • 1 Gerson Research Organization, San Diego, Calif. , USA.
  • PMID:

    9359807

Abstract


Objective:

Compare 5-year melanoma survival rates to rates in medical literature.


Design:

Retrospective.


Setting:

Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico.


Patients:

White adult patients (N = 153) with superficial spreading and nodular melanoma, aged 25-72 years.


Intervention:

Gerson’s diet therapy: lactovegetarian; low sodium, fat and (temporarily) protein; high potassium, fluid, and nutrients (hourly raw vegetable/fruit juices). Metabolism increased by thyroid; calorie supply limited to 2600-3200 calories per day. Coffee enemas as needed for pain and appetite.


Main outcome measure:

5-year survival rates by stage at admission.


Results:

Of 14 patients with stages I and II (localized) melanoma, 100% survived for 5 years, compared with 79% of 15,798 reported by Balch. Of 17 with stage IIIA (regionally metastasized) melanoma, 82% were alive at 5 years, in contrast to 39% of 103 from Fachklinik Hornheide. Of 33 with combined stages IIIA + IIIB (regionally metastasized) melanoma, 70% lived 5 years, compared with 41% of 134 from Fachklinik Hornheide. We propose a new stage division: IVA (distant lymph, skin, and subcutaneous tissue metastases), and IVB (visceral metastases). Of 18 with stage IVA melanoma, 39% were alive at 5 years, compared with only 6% of 194 from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Survival impact was not assessed for stage IVB. Male and female survival rates were identical for stages I-IIIB, but stage IVA women had a strong survival advantage.


Conclusions:

The 5-year survival rates reported here are considerably higher than those reported elsewhere. Stage IIIA/B males had exceptionally high survival rates compared with those reported by other centers.

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Publication types

MeSH terms

Gerson therapy | Complementary and alternative therapy

Gerson therapy involves a specific organic vegetarian diet with nutritional supplements and enemas. There is no scientific evidence to use it as a treatment for cancer.

Summary

  • Gerson therapy uses a specific organic vegetarian diet, nutritional supplements and enemas to treat cancer
  • There is no scientific evidence that it can treat cancer or its symptoms
  • Gerson therapy can have severe side effects

What is Gerson therapy?

A German doctor called Max Gerson developed Gerson therapy in the 1920s and 30s. He claimed that it helped cure his migraine headaches. So, he went on to use it to treat other diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer.

You might also hear Gerson therapy called the:

  • Gerson diet
  • Gerson regimen
  • Gerson method

Followers believe that changes to diet and nutrient intake can help to treat cancer. They also think that cancer is a symptom of disease of the whole body. 

It aims to rid the body of toxins and strengthen the body’s immune system. This way supporters say it can bring the body back to its normal metabolic state, and the body can heal itself.

The Gerson regime has 3 main parts:

  • a strict organic vegetarian diet made up of fruit and vegetables high in potassium and low in sodium
  • vitamin and mineral supplements, and specific enzymes
  • coffee or castor oil enemas

Gerson therapists believe that people with cancer have too much salt (sodium) in their bodies. This is compared to the amount of potassium.

People following the therapy only eat organic, vegetarian food. This includes up to 13 glasses of fresh juices a day. It is believed that by doing so, it will restore the right balance. And that it will cleanse the liver. 

Up to 5 coffee enemas a day are also given. It is believed that coffee enemas further help to excrete toxins from the liver and colon. And that taking certain supplements and enzymes help the body to get rid of cancer cells.

Scientific research does not support any of these claims.

Why people with cancer use it

They hope it will control or cure their cancer

Your doctor may have told you that conventional treatments cannot cure your cancer. This can be tough to accept.

In this situation, many people look for alternative therapies, including diets such as Gerson. But there is no scientific evidence that the Gerson diet works. It may cause serious health problems and make you feel worse.

The Gerson Research Organisation published a study in 1995. It looked at people with melanoma skin cancer who were doing the Gerson regime. It found that people on the diet had higher survival rates. This was when compared to rates that were published in other scientific studies.  

But a review study in 2014 found that the 1995 research was not accurate. It also did not use a single classification of tumour staging. Tumour staging means the size of a cancer and how far it has spread. The researchers said that they couldn’t say whether the Gerson regime worked.

Gerson therapy is popular with many people who have advanced cancer. But we need more scientific research before it can be used as a treatment for cancer.

Diet may play an essential role in helping to prevent cancer. But there is no current evidence to say that drastic diet changes will kill cancer cells.

Talk to your doctor before making any decisions about following an alternative diet.

To feel more in control

Some people use alternative or complementary therapy to feel more in control of their cancer and its treatment.

To boost the immune system

Some people believe that Gerson therapy boosts their immune system. By doing so, it helps to fight their cancer.

There is no scientific evidence to prove this, partly because of lack of research. We, need more research to have proof. Only then can we say with certainty that Gerson therapy affects the immune system.

How you have it

The Gerson diet is a strict low salt, organic fruit and vegetable diet.

Each day you will need to:

  • drink 20 pounds (about 9 kilos) of crushed fruit and vegetables (one glass of juice hourly, 13 times each day)
  • have up to 5 coffee enemas and perhaps also castor oil enemas
  • take potassium and other supplements, including vitamin B12, pancreatic enzymes and thyroid supplements

You can have Gerson therapy by staying in a clinic, or you can do it yourself at home.

The Gerson Institute refers people to clinics licensed by them. Their most popular one is in Mexico and there is also one in Hungary.

Gerson therapists advertise their clinics as very safe, relaxing and caring. But it is worth finding out if they have the medical facilities needed if any emergencies arise.

People who go to these clinics sometimes say that they feel better psychologically. These places might be very relaxing and caring places to be. But the possible side effects of Gerson therapy are a cause of concern.

You might stay at the clinic for a couple of weeks and then go home to continue the treatment. Or you can order a home therapy deal on the internet.

Treatment can continue for a few months to a few years. Having this therapy at home takes a great deal of time, energy and commitment. It can be almost a full-time job.

Side effects

In some situations, the Gerson diet can cause severe side effects. Some are potentially harmful. Speak to your doctor first if you are thinking of using the Gerson diet.

Coffee enemas remove a lot of potassium from your body and have been known to cause:

  • infections
  • dehydration
  • fits
  • salt and other mineral imbalances in the body
  • heart and lung problems, even death
  • constipation and inflammation of the bowel (colitis) from regular, long term use of enemas which can weaken the bowel muscle

Other reported side effects include:

  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhoea and sickness
  • abdominal cramps
  • aching, fever and sweating
  • cold sores
  • dizziness and weakness

Research into Gerson therapy for cancer

There is no evidence to prove that Gerson therapy works as a cure for cancer. We need more research to compare it with accepted and proven treatments within properly organised clinical trials.

The National Cancer Institute in the USA did a review in 2010. They found no evidence that it helped people with cancer.

Researchers in the UK did a study of 6 patients in 2007. They found that this type of therapy seemed to help people feel better emotionally. It also reduced their need for painkillers. But this number of patients is very small, so these findings are not reliable. The researchers suggested that a clinical trial is necessary. This way it will be possible to see if Gerson therapy works as a cancer treatment.

A review study in 2014 looked at 13 different cancer diets. The researchers looked at all the previous research on Gerson therapy. They found that none of the previous reports on Gerson therapy proved that it was effective.

A study looked at the 5-year survival rate of 153 cancer patients. They found that there were higher survival rates in patients with melanoma, ovarian and colorectal cancer, who were undergoing Gerson therapy. This was compared to patients having other therapies. However, this study was done by the Gerson Research Organisation. The method they used is not reliable and flawed. A further review found the evidence and study unreliable. 

It is difficult to be sure if there is any benefit in using Gerson therapy from the research so far.

This is because:

  • record keeping during studies has been quite poor
  • it is a complex therapy that can go on over months or years
  • we can’t know what other factors might or might not affect the outcome during this time, including the environment or other treatments and diets
  • some promoters give only anecdotal evidence, meaning that they use an example of an occasional person getting better as evidence

How much it costs

Gerson therapy can be costly. Do consider the ongoing cost of the treatment before you start.

You will need to buy special equipment if you are thinking of having Gerson therapy at home. Buying organic fruit, vegetables, coffee and supplements will also be an ongoing cost.

You will have to pay for flights and accommodation if you are going to a special clinic in another country. This will be on top of the treatment. Depending on the treatments involved, the cost can be thousands of pounds.

A word of caution

Some elements of the Gerson diet are healthy. For example, eating low fat food and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

But it is not healthy if you are eating vast quantities of one food group in a certain way (juicing) without balancing it with other food groups. It can be harmful to people who are already weak and ill. There are also many possible side effects some of which can be severe.

Most Gerson therapists encourage people not to have chemotherapy while having their therapy. This is because they believe that chemotherapy damages immunity. They say that radiotherapy is more compatible with Gerson treatment.

It is up to you to decide whether you want to use any alternative therapy. Stopping your conventional cancer treatments and methods of symptom control can be harmful.

Talk to your specialist about any alternative or complementary therapies that you want to try. Find out all you can about the therapy before deciding to use it.

Many websites are advertising or promoting Gerson therapy. But reputable scientific cancer organisations do not support them. Do not believe information or pay for alternative cancer therapy over the internet.

  • Gerson regimen

    B Cassileth

    Oncology (Williston Park). February, 2010. Vol 24, (2):201.

  • Surviving Against All Odds: Analysis of 6 Case Studies of Patients With Cancer Who Followed the Gerson Therapy

    A Molassiotis and others

    Integrative Cancer Therapies, March, 2007. Vol 6, (1), 80-88.  

  • Counseling patients on cancer diets: a review of the literature and recommendations for clinical practice.

    J Huebner and others

    Anticancer Research. 2014 January; 34(1):39-48.

  • The information on this page is based on literature searches and specialist checking. We used many references and there are too many to list here. If you need additional references for this information please contact [email protected] with details of the particular issue you are interested in.

Last reviewed: 

11 Oct 2022

Next review due: 

11 Oct 2025


In accordance with the definitions of the Institute of Complementary Medicine (UK) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (USA), the concept of complementary medicine / therapy / care should be understood as various types of additional therapy that is not associated with any curative effect, surgical intervention and the use of medications . At the heart of the so-called. The complementary effect is the effective concentration, mobilization and redistribution of the internal reserves and capabilities of the patient’s body, which cannot be activated and used by traditional therapeutic agents. A complementary or complementary effect is achieved, as a rule, through the use of purely internal resources and capabilities of the body through the use of special technologies, techniques, practices or natural substances, products and substances that contribute to changing the nature of the interaction of the spirit-consciousness-body system.

The concept of complementary comes from the Latin complementum – addition. That is, an addition to something basic or more important.

In other words, the term complementary or complementary medicine/therapy is a broad field of activity that unites all those areas of ancillary medical practice that go beyond the so-called. official (allopathic) medicine and related treatment protocols.

The concept of complementary medicine/therapy is closely intertwined and often replaced by the concept of alternative or alternative medicine/therapy, although this is far from the same thing. The main difference between complementary medicine and alternative medicine is that complementary medicine includes for the most part those areas and practices that are described and researched, have accumulated practical experience and traditions, and their effectiveness is confirmed by relevant clinical practice, while the concept of alternative medicine includes includes almost everything that goes beyond the scope of official medicine. Thus, the concept of complementary medicine is much narrower than the concept of alternative medicine.

If for the layman the concepts of alternative and complementary medicine are almost identical, then among practitioners the concept of complementary medicine is associated with very specific areas and practices that are most widely used in integrated approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.

The direction of complementary medicine is actively developing all over the world today and experts express hope that it will receive official recognition in the near future. The trend towards this is already clearly visible. Relatively recently, the definition of complementary medicine appeared in the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia.

About the specifics of the concept

In different countries of the world, the attitude towards the category of complementary medicine is different, which is largely due to the socio-economic, ethno-cultural and spiritual traditions of different peoples and cultures. Almost every nation in the world has its own traditions of using complementary and non-traditional practices. Among the most famous are: the traditions of Chinese and Tibetan medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, etc.

In many Western countries, certain branches of complementary medicine are regulated by the state, while the other part is outside the scope of state regulation (chiropractic, shamanism, etc. ). Of all the countries in the world, complementary medicine is currently the most developed in the United States and Great Britain. It is in the UK that the legislative framework regulating the use of both complementary medicine and integrative approaches to treatment is currently most developed.

In 2000, the House of Lords, in agreement with the Committee on Science and Technology, approved an official document – a protocol on the main provisions regarding alternative and complementary medicine.

How to use

Practical experience with the use of various complementary medicines in combination with traditional treatment convincingly indicates that with such a combined (integrated) approach, the overall range of available treatment or rehabilitation options is significantly expanded. At the same time, the patient himself with a complementary approach always seems to receive additional hope and the opportunity to achieve a greater result in treatment.

It is for this reason that the so-called. an integrative or integrated approach to the treatment of many serious diseases, including oncological ones, especially when the patient himself is involved in the treatment process.

Definition

In accordance with the definitions of the Institute of Complementary Medicine (UK) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (USA), the concept of complementary medicine / therapy / assistance today should be understood as various types of additional therapy that is not associated with any curative effect, surgical intervention and the use of medicines. At the heart of the so-called. complementary effect lies effective concentration , mobilization and redistribution of internal reserves and capabilities of the patient’s body , which cannot be activated and used by traditional therapeutic agents. A complementary or complementary effect is achieved, as a rule, through the use of purely internal resources and capabilities of the body through the use of special technologies, techniques, practices or natural substances, products and substances that contribute to changing the nature of the interaction of the spirit-consciousness-body system.

Complementary medicine in the world

Currently, complementary medicine is developing very actively. Research in this area is carried out by a number of major scientific centers, including the National Cancer Institute (USA), the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (USA), the MDAnderson Center, the Institute for Complementary Medicine (UK), etc.

Among the most famous foreign centers of complementary and integrative medicine, we can single out the MDAnderson Center (USA), where serious scientific research has been carried out for a long time on complementary methods in relation to aspects of treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care for cancer patients. The MDAnderson Center (USA) has an extensive scientific research program in almost all major areas of complementary medicine for their use in integrated approaches to working with patients.

General classification of complementary medicine areas

Alternative medical systems not included in existing medical systems

standards (traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy,

naturopathy, acupuncture, etc. )

Holistic (holistic) approaches to the regulation of the body-consciousness-spirit system (educational programs for patients, the use of hypnosis, meditation, art, dance, music therapy, etc.),

Therapies based on biological agents and methods (phytotherapy, biotherapy, diet therapy, etc.),

Body-oriented methods and practices (chiropractic, osteopractice, manual therapy, various types of massage and other manipulations),

Bio-energy therapies and practices (related to the use of energy inside and outside the body of the patient, such as: Reiki, yoga, qi-gong, qi gong, etc.),

Using Spirituality , spiritual approaches and systems.

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