Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Natural Therapies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

As a lymphatic drainage therapist, I work with many cancer patients in varying phases of their cancer recovery.

It seems like we've been seeing more Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) recently and I thought it would be a good idea to provide some recommendation for natural treatments and natural therapies for these individuals to consider in their communities.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) causes a slow increase in white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancer cells spread through the blood and bone marrow, and can also affect the lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver and spleen. CLL eventually causes the bone marrow to fail.

For our clients with CLL- the symptoms were often present for years prior to diagnosis.  Symptoms usually develop slowly over time. Too many of our clients have had to push for extra blood tests when they didn't feel like things were improving or intuitively felt something was wrong with them.
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Symptoms that can occur include:
  • Abnormal bruising (occurs late in the disease)
  • Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
  • Excessive sweating, night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Infections that keep coming back (recur)
  • Loss of appetite or becoming full too quickly (early satiety)
  • Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue is imperative to address. In my practice, I dually work on supporting the adrenals and boosting immunity.  Both naturally enhance the body's ability to manage internal stress and it helps to lower the impact of physiological stress placed on the body from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Lymphatic congestion and swollen and enlarged lymph nodes as well as spleen congestion/ spleen swelling is necessary to address by promoting lymphatic flow.

Investing in weekly lymphatic drainage massage or lymphatic therapy, a relaxing treatment that is proactive and supportive, is most helpful in .  I use a tool that uses electro-sound technology to decongest in an effortless and pain-free, manual-free way.  The frequency-specific signals stimulate the lymphatic system increasing circulation, proper elimination, detoxification, cell nourishment and immunity--- all necessary elements in managing and treating CLL.

Cooking, drinking and enhancing a diet with Ginger is another recommendation we offer our clients.  Ginger is an amazing lymph motivator and it helps to decongest an inflamed lymphatic system.

Similarly, dry skin brushing is a necessary daily practice.  Sometimes, dry brushing every 2-4 hours is helpful in cases where swelling and minor lymphedema are problematic for CLL patients.

For more natural leukemia therapies, visit our website for more information or follow our blog for daily health tips. If you have CLL and would like to schedule a consultation (in person or on the phone) please feel free to book online or call of office.

~Melissa Gallagher is a leading lymphatic drainage therapy specialist who founded Healthy Being Wellness Center, a natural healing center in St. Petersburg.  Healthy Being Wellness Center specializes in natural cancer therapies, detoxification programs and wellness oriented services that internally and externally treat and promote the health of their clientele.  The center also offers oncology facials, oncology massage, hypnotherapy services, acupuncture, herbal and nutrition counseling. 
 
Healthy Being Wellness Center
7005 4th St N. Suite 3
St. Petersburg, Fl 33702
727-502-3464
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