Just received a note on this study from MPN Hub. Very interesting look at potential benefits from the use of Integrative medicine in managing the symptom burden associated with MPNs. I have experienced some very clear benefits regarding quality of life from some of the complimentary health interventions such as Curcumin, diet, nutrition, massage, and QI Gong. It is nice to see some data to support the benefits I have experienced.
I would suggest giving it s try again. Maybe a short 30 min session at first. Massage therapy is a key part of my pain management and stress relief. Especially important for the spinal deterioration, osteoarthritis and systemic inflammation issues.
Thanks. From my own experience, Integrative Medicine does go hand in hand with conventional medical practices. It is nice to see some data to support it.
Maybe it will open eyes for some. My docs have been open and supportive of the complimentary health interventions I have done. I do always keep them in the loop. Anything that is biologically active enough to help you can also hurt you (or interact with things).
There are not a whole lot of them here in the USA either. I did get lucky to have one close by. My PCP, who is a great doc, just flat out told me he did not know about interactions with many supplements. Most docs don't. They will often say "no" to something due to their own lack of knowledge + defensive medicine. Sadly, it is understandable, but not helpful. My Integrative Med doc is great both at alternatives to conventional medicine and how these interventions interact.
I found one by searching on the Internet. My PCP also referred me to the same doc. You will find that some will refer to "Integrative Medicine" while others will refer to it as "Functional Medicine" - some use both references.
Hi Hunter, I'm really looking forward to reading this. Since you told me how curcumin helped with your pain I began taking it again & I've seen a huge benefit. Would you mind reminding me of the other things you take along with it? I couldn't find the original reply.
In terms of diet, I have cut all diary completely since Sept & this has had a hugely positive benefit on reducing inflammation. My pain is much more manageable these days.
Massage and acupuncture are things I also find really beneficial for easing pain. If you've not come across it, the herbals within Mōdere muscle rub (containing lentil, willow bark, arnica Montana flower, ginseng root, peppermint oil & capsicum) is amazingly soothing.
It's great to have data to support alternative pain management.
The other two anti-inflammatory agents I am taking are SPM Active (a fish oil derivative) and L-Glutathione. I was going to take N-Acetylcysteine based on research by Dr. Fleischman, but my Integrative medicine doc suggested that L-Glutathione may be more effective. That is what the NAC increases in the body that helps with inflammation. Be sure to check out potential interactions, particularly with any blood thinners. Integrative Medicine docs usually know more about supplement interactions than other docs.
I also use massage therapy (which is amazingly helpful) and practice Qi Gong. I also started using acupuncture several months ago for another purpose. May try it for some pain relief too.
Thanks for the tip on the Mōdere muscle rub. I will look into it.
Hi Hunter, thanks for this. Like you I take Curcumin (turmeric) and also NAC (easier for me to get hold of than Glutathione) and strongly believe these have had a beneficial effect on my blood counts. I have been on Hydroxycarbamide (Hydrea) since around June 2020 (was diagnosed with PV in Feb 2020) but the hydrea didn't seem to be having much effect on the blood counts but I started taking the supplements and blood counts started reducing steadily - it could be coincidence and sadly the medics dismiss these things. As you may have picked up I am also banging the drum for cold showers as per Wim Hof as my pruritus was getting very annoying in the evenings even on hydrea but more or less vanished immediately after I started the cold shower routine. Recently I avoided it for 4 days (too cold!) and the itching returned so I'm convinced the showers are working for me. I do think some of the medics in the US such as Ruben Mesa, Angela Fleischman, Robyn Scherber and Carolyn Katzin are further down the path of diet and inflammation than here in the UK at the moment. As you always recommend I have kept the medics in the loop with what I'm doing.
Keep up the good work with all your very well-informed and explanatory posts. Paul
Ginger, curcumin/turmeric, and omega 3 have been a part of my daily regimen for the past few months. I was considering adding NAC (based on Dr. Fleischman’s research also) but want to wait until I can consult with an integrative medicine doctor to understand if its anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties would potentiate the anti-clotting effect of aspirin therapy. Thank you for shedding light on this integrative medicine study.
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