Your individualized treatment plan combines the following
seven approaches into a comprehensive program for body, mind and
spirit
v
The foundation of
the naturopathic cancer care is nutrition. It is important
to note that two causes of cancer mortality - malnutrition and
infection - are directly related to nutritional status. Simply put,
food is medicine that you take three times a day. Individualized
diet, digestive herbal tonics, plant enzymes, and nutritional
supplements are treatments used to build and maintain nutritional
health. Nutritional counseling includes both shopping and cooking
programs.
v
To support the
inherent cancer fighting mechanisms of the body and to prevent
infection, it is essential to strengthen the immune
system. Herbal medicines, natural supplements, acupuncture,
dietary counseling, visualization, and hydrotherapy are used in this
aspect of healing.
v
Naturopathic
medicine is based on health enhancement, rather than disease
reduction, and looks to support mind as well as the body. An
important goal of cancer care is to optimize health by improving
energy and sleep. Education, counseling, and lifestyle modifications
can have profound effects on overall well-being. Health optimization
is important during and after conventional treatment.
v
Different
individuals have different risk factors for cancer – these include
genetics, lifestyle, diet, environmental factors, and personal
health history. Therefore, it is important to minimize
individual risk factors. Treatments include herbs and nutrients and herbs that
support the liver and kidney function, supplements for hormonal
balancing, and lifestyle modification.
v
To attack the tumor,
it may be necessary to utilize specific anti-cancer
protocols. These therapies may include hormonal regulation,
enzyme therapy, traditional anti-cancer herbs and foods, and natural
supplements.
v
Most of our
patients integrate conventional treatments with complementary
treatments.
Therefore, another focus of
cancer care is to reduce adverse effects of
surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Hydrotherapy, homeopathy,
acupuncture, and herbs are used to reduce nausea and fatigue,
decrease post-surgical complications, improve absorption of
nutrients, and restore the blood cell counts.
v
For many cancer
patients, spiritual development can be a fundamental aspect of healing. Dr. Weizer
is dedicated to helping individuals develop practical skills of
survivorship within a community setting. Discovering and utilizing
our fighting spirit can change the process of having cancer from one
of despair and fear, to one of strength and transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between conventional and complementary medical treatments?
The difference between conventional and complementary medicine is not only in their approach, but also in their treatments. While conventional medicine focuses on reducing disease, complementary medicine focuses on expanding health. For example, your oncologist may prescribe surgery, drugs or radiation, while your Naturopathic physician would add an individualized plan of herbs, nutritional supplements, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, exercise, dietary changes, and mind/body medicine. These two medical approaches - conventional and complementary - can be integrated in the treatment of cancer.
How do you combine conventional and complementary approaches?
Our health care practitioners work under the premise that conventional and complementary cancer care are both necessary in the treatment of cancer. Our clinic's physicians are trained to work with oncologists, and do not discourage or discontinue any conventional therapies.
Dr. Weizer, Medical Director
Ken Weizer ND is a cancer survivor, educator and Naturopathic physician. As Medical Director of the Down to Earth Medicine LLC, he is dedicated to providing cancer patients with a medical plan that combines the best of traditional healing treatments with state-of-the-art research.
Dr. Weizer is also Director of the Nike Cancer Education and Resource Program, an innovative corporate wellness plan that provides education, counseling and Naturopathic cancer care to Nike employees and their families.
Dr. Weizer believes that knowledge and hope are fundamental to the recovery process. To educate his patients and the general community, Dr. Weizer conducts numerous workshops on cancer and Naturopathic medicine, and speaks at local cancer support groups. In addition, Dr. Weizer is an adjunct faculty member of National College of Naturopathic Medicine and Marylhurst University, where he teaches classes on oncology, healing, stress reduction, and communication.
For more information, contact Dr. Ken Weizer at:
Down to Earth Medicine LLC
6501 SE King Road
Portland, Oregon 97222
Phone: (503) 771-0805
Fax: (503) 788-8020
E-Mail: DrWeizer@aol.com
