Holistic Cancer Programs in Mexico

When one thinks about cancer care usually Mexico is not the first thing they think of. Mexico, especially these days, is associated with drug cartels and violence - not cancer care. However, that may be changing soon. Holistic programs offer cancer treatments that are outside what are now considered the conventional methods of treating cancer. These types of programs have become more and more popular in Mexico because Mexico has looser regulatory standards than the U.S. These types of programs while not "conventional" have begun to attract more and more patients each year. Here is a list of the types of holistic cancer programs available in Mexico.

Chelation Therapy

This method has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning but not for the treatment of cancer. However, it is often used in Mexico as a holistic cancer treatment. If it is done incorrectly it can lead to poisoning and death.

Issels Treatment

This method was developed by Dr. Josef Issels. It basically involves "discovering" what caused the cancer in the first place and then strengthening the immune system in that particular area. Often it is accompanied with surgery or chemotherapy. The immune system is strengthened by adhering to a strict diet and taking vitamins.

Gerson Therapy

This method is similar to Issels Treatment but without the surgery or chemotherapy. The patient is restricted to a specific diet and vitamins with the aim of strengthening the immune system to overcome the cancer. There is little to no scientific research to support this therapy.

Laetrile

This method involves the injection or ingestion of a synthetic material called amygdalin which is found in raw nuts and the seeds of many fruits. There is no scientific evidence that this helped in the healing of cancer. In fact, the opposite is true and it has been banned in the U.S. and the European Union.

Hyperthermia

This method involves heating the body to higher than normal temperatures in an effort to kill cancerous cells. In the U.S. it is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation treatments. However, as a holistic approach it is used solely or in conjunction with other holistic methods. The main concern here is controlling the temperature. If the temperature is not controlled correctly the patient can easily die.

Other holistic methods offered in Mexico include oxygen therapies, vitamin mixes, water therapies, diet therapies and more. And while none of these approaches may seem that promising or reliable but more than anything what these holistic cancer programs in Mexico are offering is hope. And a lot can be said about the positive effects of hope, especially when talking about cancer.

Sources:

Gerson Institute www.gerson.org

The Cancer Cure Foundation www.cancure.org/directory_mexican_clinics.htm

The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

Alternative Cancer Treatment in Mexico www.cancertreatmentmx.com