Sometimes also known as alternative therapies, they may help to control your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Complementary therapies may be used alongside conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. They possibly work by using the healing power of nature and stimulating the body's natural healing ability. They aim to treat the whole person including the physical, spiritual and social being.

 

However, it is important to stress that although you may find complementary therapies very helpful in reducing symptoms such as pain, there is no conclusive scientific evidence which proves that such treatments can cure cancer.

 

There are a huge variety of complementary therapies advertised on the open market, many are well known and have been proven to be helpful. However, there are also some therapies that are expensive and have doubtful benefits. Be very wary of unusual and often costly therapies advertised in the media such as the internet, or newspaper adverts. If you are in any doubt discuss with your GP or yoour Nurse Specialist whether it may be of any particular benefit to you. You may find that your hospital or GP has an alternative therapy service available.

 

It is important to also check with your doctor before starting any complementary therapy as it may interfere with some treatments or other medication you may be taking.

 

The following link goes to the Royal College of Radiologists and gives advice for people receiving chemotherapy and wishing to consider complimentary medicines www.rcr.ac.uk/docs/general/worddocs/HerbalSupplementsFINALVERSION.doc

Could you explain how complementary therapies work?

 

Aromatherapy Uses massage and inhalations combined with essential plant oils, and may help to promote health and healing of the whole body.