Alphonso has also visited a holistic wellness centre in Malaysia several times since her diagnosis. Its Cancer Battle programme includes therapies such as hyperthermia (where the body is exposed to high temperatures to damage cancer cells), enemas (where fluid is introduced into the rectum to detox the body), and lymphatic massages.
She also goes for craniosacral therapy, which she started shortly after surgery, and revealed that it still helps with the pulling in the scar tissue, which can cause discomfort for years after surgery.
“Part of this therapy has the ‘patient’ speaking their feelings and this, along with the manual therapy, is extremely restful, calming and balancing. You get to explore and discover your deepest self,” she told CNA Women.
Alphonso has also tried hypnotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (which pumps oxygen into the cells to help them work more efficiently) and contrast therapy that uses both saunas and ice baths. She even forked out around S$4,000 to install a cold plunge system in her home, which she uses between three and five times a week.
“Non-physical therapies are key because stress and mindset are huge factors in why disease arises in a person,” said Alphonso, who also works as an editor at a local bank.
SOUND THERAPY TO CALM BODY AND MIND
Michele Chong is the founder of The Sirius Sound, which offers sound therapy treatments. She revealed that around 70 per cent of her clientele are breast cancer patients or survivors.
Chong said that sound therapy helps breast cancer patients and survivors to get back their motivation so they can go back to a normal life. The individual sessions also calm their mind and body, as well as help with sleep.