There are not any approved alternative methods or any herbal and natural remedies. However, many patients ask about alternative treatment and they want to follow those and some does not want to follow the mainstream treatment. Up to now none of the alternative treatment has been proven to be beneficial or effective in treating myelodysplastic syndrome. But it may reduce the symptoms, improve quality of life and give you a sense of control. The decision to follow the alternative treatment or mainstream treatment is purely yours, before starting any treatment speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of each treatment and decide which treatment will benefit you the most, some of the alternative treatment can be dangerous.
Are There Any Alternative Ways To Treat Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) it is an eastern ancient Chinese medical practice that is used for many diseases. It has been used for disease for about 2000 years. TCM contains Chinese herbals with antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulating properties. The main principle of TCM is to boost your immune system thereby, strengthen your body and increase the natural healing mechanisms in your body. It also relieves pain, fatigue and most of the other symptoms, relaxes your body and mind. They believe that the key to a healthy life is the balance between mind, body, and spirit.(1)
Aromatherapy– Essential oils have many properties such as pain relief, promotes sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, balances the emotional health, and increase energy these are some of the properties. These can reduce some of the symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome such as pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue that is associated with mainstream treatment. Some essential oils boost up your immunity as well. Aromatherapy can be done on your own by using an essential oil diffuser or you can do it by going to a practitioner.(2)
Hypnosis– If you are experiencing pain, stress and anxiety hypnosis might help you. It is a deep state of concentration and it helps you to relax your mind and body and thereby, reduce pain and anxiety. It should be done by a licensed and certified practitioner.(3)
Other alternative treatment methods
- Massage
- Meditation
- Music therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Exercises
Along with these alternative treatments a healthy diet with food rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants should be consumed. Acupuncture is not suitable for myelodysplastic syndrome patients as many patients have low blood counts.
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous malignancy of the bone marrow. It affects the stem cells which are the precursors of all blood cells, when stem cells are abnormal and dysplastic normal healthy blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) will not be formed. Most patients asymptomatic until the blood counts drop to a significant level and symptoms manifest only at that time. Myelodysplastic syndrome occurs most commonly in elderly males (common in the seventh decade of life) and the incidence of myelodysplastic syndrome is about 3.3-4.5 cases per 100,000 and the incidence is increasing each year.
The only potential cure for myelodysplastic syndrome is allogeneic stem cell transplantation but most patients are not suitable candidates for transplantation considering their age and other co-morbidities. So, most patients are managed with chemotherapy drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, immunomodulating drugs, blood transfusions, blood cell growth factors, and other supportive care.
Conclusion
There are alternative treatment methods for myelodysplastic syndrome but none of these methods are proven to be beneficial or effective in treating myelodysplastic syndrome. Most of these treatments can relieve some of the symptoms, boost up the immune system, promote natural healing mechanisms in the body, relax the mind and body and reduce stress and anxiety. Alternative treatment methods are traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, hypnosis, massage, meditation, relaxation techniques, and exercises. It is best you discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of different treatment methods including medical treatment. You can decide what is the best treatment method/s that would benefit you the most. The decision is purely yours.
Also Read:
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes or MDS: Treatment for Side Effects, Children with MDS
- Coping with Myelodysplastic Syndromes & its Follow-Up Care
- How Do Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients Die?
- How Long Can You Live With Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
- Recovery Period For Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- What Are Early Signs Of Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
- What To Eat & Avoid When You Have A Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
