Some people explore complementary therapies outside of mainstream medicine to support their well-being.
Many of these alternative therapies are well known and can be helpful, but some can be expensive and offer unproven or doubtful benefits. Always check a therapist’s qualifications and professional registration before using their services.
Be very wary of unusual (possibly illegal) and often costly therapies advertised in the media such as online or in newspaper adverts. If you are in any doubt, speak to your GP or hospital team about whether it is safe for you and may be of any particular benefit.
Cancer Research UK often has news articles about alternative treatments whose benefits are not clear, including cannabis oil. Trust information from such reputable sources and be wary of links shared on social networks claiming miracle cures.
Before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor, hospital or pharmacist to make sure they are safe to take along with your other medications.
Types of Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of a system of Chinese medicine that depends on the balanced functioning of the body’s energies. It involves very fine needles being inserted at specific points on the body’s surface and can create long lasting pain relief.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses massage and inhalations combined with essential plant oils, to promote health and healing of the body. Some people with cancer have found aromatherapy can improve quality of life, reduce stress and anxiety, and help with the management of some symptoms including pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Bowen technique
This type of complementary therapy aims to reduce pain and increase motor function. The Bowen technique, or Bowen therapy is a light tissue manipulation thought to help balance the body’s energies. It sees the thumb and fingers used to gently stretch areas of the body and stimulate nerve pathways.
Hypnotherapy
Some people with lung cancer use hypnotherapy to help with cope with the stress and anxiety of their diagnosis. Performed by a trained hypnotherapist, hypnotherapy places you in a trance-like state. Your body is deeply relaxed but your mind remains active. Hypnotherapy is also used to help people quit smoking.
Massage
Massage can help you relax and unwind. It uses gentle to vigorous contact to stimulate the blood flow around the body, helping a person to relax, reduce stress and anxiety and ease pain. Massage can also help to lift your mood and improve sleep.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of ancient Chinese medicine. A reflexologist will applies gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, or sometimes the hands. Reflexology may help alleviate some symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, and fatigue.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese healing art and means universal energy. A reiki practitioner will place their hands on or near your clothed body with the aim to change and balance the ‘energy fields’ in and around your body to relax you, ease any stress and tension and help with your general well being.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a type of Chinese martial art which is practiced across the world for its health benefits, including blood pressure, pain, improving the and immune system. It involves slow movements, posture, meditation, and breathing. Tai chi is a low impact exercise which can help improve balance, agility, strength, flexibility, stamina, muscle tone, and coordination.