There is an increased risk of developing depression alongside cancer since, as stated by A Paturel, “Elevated levels of immune cytokines… have been linked to learning difficulties and emotional problems, so it makes sense that triggering the body’s natural immune response to cancer increases the risk of developing depression alongside the disease.” Many people with cancer can also face an increased risk of anxiety as stress levels rise and trigger feelings of fear. Many natural approaches can complement traditional cancer treatment – including the adoption of The Budwig Diet, with its emphasis on consuming foods that truly nourish. Additionally, the emotional freedom technique (EFT) can be used to lower stress, and therefore decrease the risk and severity of mental conditions such as stress, PTSD, and depression.
What Is The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)?
EFT targets the emotional stress and trauma that can arise alongside cancer. Also known as ‘tapping,’ EFT employs a gentle self-touch technique in which the person uses their fingers to ‘tap’ along specific acupressure points along the upper body and face. It can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine, but it incorporates other methods. These include positive psychology thinking and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
EFT And Other Novel Approaches To Cancer
As reported in a study by D Bach and colleagues (2019), EFT has over 100 studies showing its efficacy in various realms. These include improved symptoms of anxiety and depression, declines in the levels of stress hormone (cortisol), and the regulation of six genes associated with inflammation and immunity (including genes related to the suppression of cancer tumors). The epigenetic effects of EFT were discovered in a study on patients with PTSD. In fact, modern psychiatry is embracing this and other novel approaches as a way to boost relaxation. These approaches are also used to process trauma and increase neuroplasticity. Interestingly, some of these novel approaches do not work if a person is on antidepressants because SSRIs block the effects that they can have on serotonin.
EFT Can Help Battle Various Symptoms Linked To Cancer
D Bach and colleagues found that EFT boosted participant scores for happiness, depression, PTSD, pain, and cravings in their research. The findings also showed that “a downward trend was observed for HRV and an upward trend for HC suggesting an improvement in cardiovascular health and autonomic nervous system function.” The scientists concluded that there is solid evidence for the use of EFT as an effective mental health intervention, in that “it improves a broad range of health markers across multiple physiological systems.”
Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can impose significant mental stress and affect various bodily systems. Researchers have found that EFT can help reduce factors such as pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD – all of which can accompany cancer. Modern psychiatry is embracing natural and novel methods of approaching the mental effects of cancer to reduce distress and pain and boost happiness and calm during a challenging time in life.
Treat Your Body and Your Mind
At the Budwig Center, we incorporate several effective treatments in our programs, including the Emotional Freedom Technique. Our whole-body approach takes into consideration the emotional aspects of a person’s condition. Additionally, we have designed our clinic in a way that makes all patients (and their carers) feel comfortable and at home. We have found that when someone is in a “safe” environment, they can more easily focus on their healing and fully embrace all the treatments they are receiving. To learn more, head to our testimonials page, where our past patients share their experiences and feelings.
Additionally, if you need support, please do not hesitate to contact us. Whether you have cancer or need help with balancing your emotional state, our team of specialists is ready to assist you.
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