Many people with cancer are interested in trying anything that may help them, including alternative cancer treatments. But many alternative cancer treatments are not proven, and some may even be dangerous.
Alternative medicine is a term that's commonly used to describe methods that healthcare professionals don't usually offer. As researchers study these treatments, and the evidence for these alternative methods grows, healthcare professionals are including them in treatment plans along with standard treatments. It's an approach that health professionals sometimes call integrative medicine.
Here are some safe and potentially effective integrative cancer treatments that may help you or a loved one live better when you have cancer.
How can integrative medicine help people with cancer?
Integrative medicine treatments are meant to be used along with your cancer treatments. Integrative treatments generally aren't powerful enough to replace standard treatments. They may help you cope with symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatments, such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, problems sleeping, and stress. Talk about your options with your healthcare team to help find the right balance.
| If you're experiencing: | Then consider trying: |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Meditation, mindfulness-based interventions, music therapy, relaxation techniques |
| Fatigue | Exercise, massage, mindfulness-based interventions, relaxation techniques, tai chi, yoga |
| Nausea and vomiting | Acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy |
| Pain | Acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, mindfulness-based interventions, music therapy |
| Sleep problems | Acupuncture, exercise, mindfulness-based interventions, relaxation techniques, yoga |
| Stress | Exercise, massage, meditation, mindfulness-based interventions, music therapy, tai chi, yoga |
Which treatments may be worth trying?
Talk to your healthcare professional if you're interested in trying any of these integrative treatments.
Accupuncture. During acupuncture treatment, an acupuncture specialist inserts tiny needles into your skin at precise points. Studies show acupuncture may be helpful in improving sleep and reducing nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture also may help relieve certain types of pain in people with cancer. It may help with hot flashes in those with breast cancer who are taking medicines that may affect hormone levels.
Acupuncture is usually safe if it's performed by a trained professional using sterile needles. Ask your healthcare professional for names of trusted professionals. Acupuncture isn't always safe if you're taking blood thinners or if you have low blood counts, so check with your healthcare team first.
Acupressure is a related technique in which mild pressure is applied to certain areas, such as the wrist, to help relieve nausea.
Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses fragrant oils to provide a calming sensation. Oils infused with scents such as lavender can be applied to your skin during a massage. You also can add the oils to bath water. Fragrant oils can be heated to release their scents into the air. Aromatherapy may be helpful in relieving nausea.
While there are trained professionals who offer aromatherapy, you also may use aromatherapy on your own. Aromatherapy is safe, although oils applied to the skin can cause allergic reactions. People with cancer that is sensitive to the effects of estrogen, such as some breast cancers, may want to avoid applying large amounts of lavender oil or tea tree oil to the skin. These oils may have effects similar to hormones if you apply too much.
Exercise. Exercise may help you manage symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Gentle exercise may help relieve fatigue and stress and help you sleep better. Many studies show that an exercise program may help people with cancer live longer and improve their overall quality of life.
If you haven't been exercising often, check with your healthcare team before you begin an exercise program. Specialists in physical therapy and occupational therapy and lymphedema therapists can assess your needs and make a safe plan. Start slowly, adding more exercise as you go. Aim to work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of deep concentration. During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist may hypnotize you by talking in a gentle voice and helping you relax. The therapist helps you focus on goals, such as less pain.
Hypnosis may be helpful for people with cancer who are having pain and stress. It may be most helpful for people having surgery or procedures to help treat their cancer. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.
Massage. During a massage, a trained professional kneads your skin, muscles and tendons to try to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Several massage methods exist. Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure.
Studies have found that massage can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer. It also may help relieve fatigue and stress.
Massage can be safe if you work with a professional massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff. Your healthcare professional may refer you to a massage therapist who often works with people who have cancer.
Avoid getting a massage if your blood counts are very low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or have other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure rather than deep massage.
Meditation. Meditation is a state of deep concentration when you focus your mind on one image, sound or idea, such as a positive thought. When meditating, you also might do deep-breathing or relaxation exercises. Meditation may help people with cancer by relieving anxiety and stress and improving mood.
Meditation is generally safe. You can meditate on your own for a few minutes once or twice a day. You also can take a class with an instructor. There also are many online courses and apps available for guided meditations.
Mindfulness-based interventions. Mindfulness is a technique that requires you to focus on your body and thoughts in the present moment. During a mindfulness session, you may perform a body scan where you breathe deeply while focusing on sensations from your head to your toes. Examples could include noticing the rise and fall of your chest when breathing or noting a breeze across your skin. Other mindfulness exercises may involve movement, such as walking or even eating.
Mindfulness interventions are designed to help you live in the moment without worry or judgment. These interventions may improve sleep and may help lower anxiety, stress, pain and fatigue during cancer treatments.
You can perform mindfulness interventions alone or with an instructor. If mindfulness practices involve movement, you may wish to tell your instructor if you have any restrictions. But mindfulness interventions are generally safe to perform.
Music therapy. During music therapy sessions, you might listen to music, play instruments, sing songs or write lyrics. A trained music therapist may lead you through activities designed to meet your specific needs, or you may take part in music therapy in a group setting. Music therapy may help relieve pain and help you deal with anxiety and stress.
Music therapy is safe, and participation doesn't require any musical talent or training. Many medical centers have certified music therapists on staff.
Relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques are ways of focusing your attention on calming your mind and relaxing your muscles. Relaxation techniques might include activities such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
Relaxation techniques may be helpful in relieving anxiety and fatigue. They also may help people with cancer sleep better.
Relaxation techniques are safe. Typically, a therapist leads you through these exercises. With practice, you may be able to do them on your own or with the help of guided relaxation recordings.
Tai chi. Tai chi is a form of exercise that includes gentle movements and deep breathing. Tai chi can be led by an instructor, or you can learn tai chi on your own following books or videos. Practicing tai chi may help relieve stress and lower fatigue.
Tai chi is generally safe. The slow movements of tai chi don't require great physical strength, and you can usually adapt the exercises to fit how well you move. Still, talk to a member of your healthcare team before beginning tai chi. Avoid doing any tai chi moves that cause pain.
Yoga. Yoga combines stretching exercises with deep breathing. During a yoga session, you position your body in various poses that require bending, twisting and stretching. There are many types of yoga, each with its own movements.
Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
Before beginning a yoga class, ask your healthcare professional to suggest an instructor who regularly works with people with health concerns, such as cancer. Avoid yoga poses that cause pain. A good instructor can give you options that are safe for you.
