Cancer treatment can be an incredibly taxing journey, both physically and emotionally. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery have been the backbone of cancer care for decades, there is growing interest in complementary therapies to support patients during this challenging process. At Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness, we recognize the importance of integrative approaches in cancer care, offering therapies like high-dose Vitamin C, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and Mistletoe Therapy to naturally and effectively support the body during treatment. All of our complementary therapies are supervised by trained medical professionals, ensuring you receive competent care throughout the entire process.
These adjunct therapies are designed to work alongside traditional cancer treatments, not as a replacement, but to enhance their efficacy, reduce side effects, and promote overall well-being. Let’s explore how each of these therapies can be an ally in the cancer-fighting arsenal.
Vitamin C is widely known for its immune-boosting properties, but in high doses, it takes on a new role—acting as a pro-oxidant rather than an antioxidant. This shift in function is pivotal in the context of cancer therapy.
In high concentrations, Vitamin C generates hydrogen peroxide in the body, a substance that can be toxic to cancer cells. The increased oxidative stress creates an environment that is less conducive to cancer cell survival. Meanwhile, healthy cells remain largely unaffected due to their superior ability to neutralize oxidative stress. This dual action is what makes high-dose Vitamin C therapy such a powerful adjunct in cancer care.
In addition to directly impacting cancer cells, high-dose Vitamin C therapy can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Studies have shown that it may help increase the cancer-killing effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, allowing for potentially lower doses of these drugs and a reduction in side effects. Patients often report that they feel more energetic and experience less fatigue when supplementing their cancer treatment with high-dose Vitamin C. Moreover, it can help manage the inflammation that often accompanies cancer progression, creating a more balanced environment in the body.
Cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments. This hypoxia not only promotes tumor growth but also contributes to the resistance of cancer cells to treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) offers a way to disrupt this environment by delivering high levels of oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
During an HBOT session, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more readily into the bloodstream, reaching areas that may be starved of this vital element. The hyper-oxygenation of tissues can help inhibit cancer cell growth and enhance the body’s natural ability to repair and regenerate healthy tissues.
For cancer patients, HBOT has several potential benefits. First, it can improve the efficacy of certain treatments. For example, studies have found that oxygen-rich environments can make tumor cells more susceptible to radiation therapy, enhancing its cancer-killing effects. Second, HBOT can accelerate wound healing and tissue recovery, especially in patients undergoing surgeries or suffering from radiation-induced tissue damage. By promoting the repair of healthy tissue, HBOT can help reduce some of the side effects of cancer treatments, contributing to an improved quality of life for patients.
Mistletoe Therapy is one of the most widely used integrative treatments in cancer care across Europe. Derived from the Viscum album plant, mistletoe extract has been studied for its immunomodulatory properties, which are crucial in the fight against cancer. One of cancer’s most insidious characteristics is its ability to evade the immune system, allowing it to grow unchecked. Mistletoe Therapy aims to change this dynamic.
When administered, mistletoe extract works by stimulating the body’s immune response. It encourages the activation of white blood cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for identifying and attacking cancer cells. By enhancing the body’s natural immune surveillance, mistletoe helps the immune system recognize and target cancer cells more effectively.
Furthermore, Mistletoe Therapy has been found to improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Many patients experience a reduction in symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and pain. Mistletoe’s potential anti-inflammatory effects can also help mitigate some of the chronic inflammation associated with cancer, creating a more balanced internal environment that supports healing.
At Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness, we use Mistletoe Therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to care, working closely with patients and their oncologists to tailor treatment plans. By integrating this natural therapy into conventional cancer treatments, we aim to enhance the body’s innate ability to fight the disease and improve patients’ overall well-being.
Integrating therapies like high-dose Vitamin C, HBOT, and Mistletoe Therapy into cancer care reflects our commitment to a holistic, patient-centered approach. Conventional cancer treatments are often necessary for targeting and reducing tumors, but they can take a toll on the body. Adjunct therapies serve to bolster the body’s resilience, promote healing, and improve quality of life during this strenuous journey.
At Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness, we believe in addressing the body as a whole. Each therapy we offer is supported by scientific research and tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients. By combining these natural therapies with conventional treatments, we aim to help patients not just survive but thrive throughout their cancer journey.
If you or a loved one is navigating the complexities of cancer treatment and seeking a more integrative approach to care, contact Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness. Our Aspen+ team of experienced professionals is here to guide and support you every step of the way
CALL | TEXT 719.256.0272 to schedule your consultation today!
This was my first ever chemical peel, and Kelly was great! She is so educational and helpful in explaining the process and all of the following steps + skincare. I can’t wait to see my results and follow up with her again!