8 Complementary Therapies That Benefit Cancer Patients

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Erin Azuse, RN on August 1, 2021
  • senior woman meditation in yoga class
    Is a complementary therapy right for you?
    Many cancer patients utilize complementary therapies as part of their treatment plan. Just like the name implies, these therapies “complement,” or are used along with, standard medical treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy. Complementary medicine is aimed at improving patients’ quality of life in a wide variety of ways: improving disease symptoms, providing pain relief, decreasing treatment side effects, relieving stress, and more. Hundreds of complementary therapies exist, but some appear to be especially beneficial for cancer patients. Talk to your doctor if you would like to incorporate any of the following therapies into your cancer treatment.
  • Acupuncturist applying needles
    1. Acupuncture
    Stemming from ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves placing thin needles into specific points on your skin. They are put in the outermost layer of skin, so insertion of the needles is generally not considered painful. It’s believed this causes a physical response in your body that helps improve many ailments. As a cancer patient, acupuncture may help nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, anxiety or depression. Acupuncture may also boost your immune system. This is especially desirable if you’re receiving chemotherapy which weakens it. 
  • woman-meditation
    2. Meditation
    The goal of meditation is to calm the mind and the body. You can learn how to meditate on your own, using a book, CD or app, or with the help of an instructor. Once in a comfortable position, meditation allows you to focus your mind on something specific, such as your breath, the feelings in your body, or specific word or phrase, called a “mantra”.  Regular meditation may help reduce stress, improve moods, and decrease fatigue.
  • Woman getting neck massage
    3. Massage Therapy
    For those looking for something more hands-on, massage can provide numerous benefits. By manipulating the muscles and soft tissues, a massage therapist can help manage your pain symptoms and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that receiving a massage increases levels of dopamine, a chemical in your brain that creates feeling of happiness, as well as white blood cells that help your immune system fight off harmful viruses or bacteria. You can find massage therapists who are specially trained to work with cancer patients.
  • man-in-yoga-class
    4. Yoga
    Yoga uses specific postures and movements to increase your body’s strength and flexibility, but also incorporates elements of meditation, challenging you to focus your mind during the process. There are many different kinds of yoga, ranging from slower-moving classes to those that will make your heart rate rise, but all will place emphasis on your breathing as you work through different poses. Yoga can improve your physical well-being, while also reducing stress and fatigue. It is important to listen to your body though; you want to be challenged, but you don’t want to overdo it.
  • doctor-with-diabetes-devices
    5. Nutrition Counseling
    Cancer patients may find working with a registered dietician helpful. Learning how to properly fuel your body can keep you strong throughout treatment and may also allow you to minimize side effects such as nausea. It’s important to discuss any herbs or supplements you are taking with a dietician or your doctor. Even though they may be “natural”, certain herbs and supplements can interfere with other medications or chemotherapy.
  • Letting the melody wash over her
    6. Music Therapy
    Have you ever heard a song that made you feel happy or sad? Music is often tied to emotion. Music therapy works on that notion by using music to promote relaxation and relieve discomfort. A trained music therapist can guide you through sessions of listening to music, playing music, or talking about music. Patients have reported less pain, less stress, and decreased anxiety after music therapy.
  • hand with electrodes
    7. Biofeedback
    Biofeedback allows you to gain control of some of your automatic body processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. In an office setting, you will be connected to monitors that allow you to see changes in these body processes, like your heart rate increasing. A biofeedback therapist will guide you through different relaxation techniques and allow you to recognize how to slow your body processes down. The goal is that you will eventually be able to do this without any equipment. Those who are successful with biofeedback often experience less pain, anxiety, and stress.
  • Mint oil
    8. Aromatherapy
    The use of essential oils from various plants is becoming increasingly popular. These concentrated, scented oils can be inhaled or diffused into the air. They can also be diluted and rubbed into the body. The scents may act on the parts of the brain that control emotions and mood.  Certain oils are associated with specific benefits. For example, peppermint is good for headaches and nausea, lavender promotes relaxation, and eucalyptus can be used for muscle tension.
  • Young female doctor comforting patient in clinic
    Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine.
    Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices are often lumped together, but it’s important to recognize that there is a difference. As stated previously, complementary medicine is always used in addition to standard medical care. Alternative medicine substitutes treatments that are used instead of the typical treatments for cancer. Also, not all complementary or alternative cancer treatments have been well-studied, so make sure to work collaboratively with your doctor if you would like to explore more.
8 Complementary Therapies for Cancer Patients
  1. Can I Safely Use an Alternative or Complementary Therapy? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/complementary-and-alternative-methods-and-cancer/using-cam-safely.html
  2. Topics in Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies (PDQ®)–Patient Version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cam-topics-pdq
  3. Types of Complementary Therapies. American Society of Clinical Oncology. http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/integrative-medicine/types-complemen...
  4. Which Alternative Cancer Treatments are Worth Trying? Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20047246?pg=2
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Last Review Date: 2021 Aug 1
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