Acupuncture

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention originated from the medical practices of the Chinese and other Asian cultures. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture to regulate the flow of “vital energy”. The technique consists of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture may provide relief from side effects of orchiectomy (removal of the testes). Studies also support the use of acupuncture to alleviate nausea associated with chemotherapy and for the pain that often occurs when cancer has spread beyond the prostate (particularly to the bones).

Ayurvedic medicine

Central to Ayurvedic philosophy is the notion that optimal health consists of physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of medicine from India that uses a constitutional model. Its aim is to provide guidance regarding food and lifestyle so that healthy people can stay healthy and folks with health challenges can improve their health. This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another to illness and treatment. Treatment may include dietary modification, herbal preparations, massage, yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is based on the importance of the role that the nervous system plays in both involuntary and voluntary bodily functions and the principle that proper spinal column position is necessary for optimal health. Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions with spinal manipulation. While some medical controversy surrounds this method, some patients report that chiropractic is useful for them.

Bioenergetics therapy

Bioenergetics therapy involves psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, and therapeutic touch to relieve muscle tension. It uses a combination of psychotherapy, gentle body movements, massage, deep breathing, and exercises. The technique may also incorporate aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition. There is no scientific evidence that bioenergetics therapy is effective to treat cancer. However, some patients report that bioenergetics therapy is useful as a relaxation method.

Biofeedback therapy

Biofeedback is a technique to improve health by learning to control consciously certain physiological bodily processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, perspiration, and skin temperature. Guided by a biofeedback therapist and the use of monitoring devices, a person can learn to lower his tension through relaxation techniques and mental exercises.

Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies

Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating current or direct current fields, to treat conditions such as asthma or cancer, or manage pain and migraine headaches. Magnetic fields are generated by the use of such items as magnetic pads, magnetic bandages, magnetic jewellery and magnetic mattresses. A pulsed magnetic field involves applying an appropriate electrical current to affect human body tissues. There has not been enough research to determine the effectiveness of these bioelectromagnetic-based therapies.

Exercise

Exercise is recommended regularly, especially aerobic, because it temporarily increases testosterone and also helps to maintain a healthy weight.

Massage

Massage represents the manipulation of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being. Massage can reduce stress and boost immune function, so it may help ease anxiety for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine trusts in the healing power of nature and uses a variety of approaches – oriental, physical, homeopathic, botanical, among others – to help the body heal itself. According to naturopathic philosophy, health is a composite of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Some patients report that naturopathy is useful for them.

Osteopathy

Osteopathic practice rests on the notion that the mechanical structure of the body is inherently linked to its function and is the most important factor in maintaining health. Manual manipulations are done to correct the structural problem. Several patients report that osteopathy is helpful.

Reflexology

The early Indians, Chinese and Egyptians were first to practice this art. It is believed that reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing by applying gentle pressure to the feet. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. Reflexology is said to relax a patient while stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. A foot massage and a massage of the whole hands with a massage roller twice per day, a few minutes for each foot and hand can be done.