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Complementary and Alternative Medicine
In patients with cancer, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) generally focuses on improving cancer-associated symptoms such as anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, stress, as well as sleep and mood disturbances.1
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Beyond the Physical
In addition to helping control symptoms, CAM may also address the emotional, spiritual, and mental needs of patients, allowing them to cope better with their diagnosis. This may ultimately lead to an improved quality of life.2,3
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Energy Therapy
Energy therapies are based on the manipulation of “bioenergy fields” through light touch or bioelectromagnetic approaches and have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. However, limited evidence exists to support their use in treating cancer-related side effects.2
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Alternative Medical Systems: Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, and radiation-induced xerostomia.2
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Body-Based Manipulative Practices: Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been found to be effective in reducing distress, fatigue, anxiety and pain.2 When focusing on manual lymphatic drainage, massage therapy has also been found to be effective in reducing limb volume in patients with breast cancer–associated lymphedema.1
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Evidence Supporting Yoga
Various controlled trials in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy have shown that practicing yoga may yield favorable outcomes, such as decreased frequency of nausea, anxiety, depression and overall improved quality of life.2
