I don't have cancer, but a very dear friend of mine died of it a long time ago. Would holistic medicine have helped? I remember he tried a little. Any recommendations for non western medicine?

Many post-op and post radiation breast cancer survivors use alternative supplements such as Chinese herbs in addition to preventative medications prescribed by their docs. Do they work? I suppose it's difficult to separate out the effectiveness as they don't do clinical trials. But if it gives them peace of mind or relieves symptoms, then I'm all for it.

I'm definitely a big fan of holistic medicine. Sometimes people are taken aback when I say that I've never been prescribed for any medication in my life, save amoxicillin (the last time more than ten years ago) in my entire life. I'm always amazed by how many people my age (mid-20s) take prescription medications regularly it's definitely a concern. You can all check out some of the training articles on alternative medicine in the NursingLink medical library.

Yeti RN you are right on there. I think people have a big misconception of what holistic medicine is all about. Nursing is nothing but holistic. There is a major difference between holistic medicine/treatment and the quacks that are out there that put themselves under the label of "alternative medicine."

You know, like TomCat said, there are no clinical tests and such, so there is no proven, (documented) results, but if someone feels like it's helping then and putting them in a comfort zone that relaxes them, then more power to them!!!
everybody use some form of holistic medicine. For example: when someone has a stomach ache, a cup of tea will generally ease the pain. I'm very opened minded when it comes to alternate types of healing... i think the some forms of holistic medicine actually work. put it this way, if you don't try it, you'll never know if it works.

Has anyone tried acupuncture? I am quite curious to hear someone's personal experience rather then just reading medical articles about it...

yes, i tried ear coning, acupuncture, herbal teas and concoction, aromatheraphy and oils. i just could not believe before that emotional problems starts from some of our organs having difficulties with secreting toxins. if you are stressed out or a worrier, your joints will suffer.if you have anger problems, your liver needs some detox. i feeol more relaxed, if i am stressed out it does not last long anymore. I Love It because it actually reduce some of my pains and worries. This actually is Godsent. Remember that in the bible they use oils for healing? some of the herbs also are in the bible and they were no synthetics back then.