Lung cancer can be a difficult disease to diagnose especially given its multi-faceted nature. Often, traditional forms of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation cannot be accepted by the patient continually because of their strong side effects. Suppression of the immune system is one of the main after-effects of chemo along with the risk of a possible flare-up of the disease. This is why we need to look at alternative methods of treating lung cancer that combine holistic and integrated therapies that focus on improving the body’s defense and kill the cancerous cells.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese method of treatment, is based on applying pressure at certain specific points on the body with thin needles. This treatment aims at restoring the natural flow of energy in the body. Acupuncture is very effective in managing pain after surgery and also to manage the symptoms of nausea and vomiting that are associated with chemotherapy.
• Aromatherapy: This treatment is based on the use of essential oils to stimulate the brain. A research study showed that some essential oils have the capability of killing cancer cells and hence, this method is also recommended as a natural treatment for lung cancer.
• Herbal supplements: Common herbal supplements such as asparagus root, fu ling, licorice root, American silver top root, etc. have been used to reduce various symptoms associated with lung cancer as well as to boost immunity.

Apart from the above, there have been cases wherein patients of lung cancer have shown improvement with the use of medical marijuana or with regular meditation and yoga. While it is true that alternative or natural medicines can be effective, the fact remains that it is best to use these treatment methods in combination with standard therapies to curtail the prognosis of the disease.