Mind–body therapies 

These combine mental focus, breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. Some examples are

• meditation: focused breathing or repetition of words or phrases to quiet the mind and lessen stressful thoughts and feelings.

• biofeedback: using special machines, the patient learns how to control certain body functions that are normally out of one's awareness (such as heart rate and blood pressure).

• hypnosis: a trance-like state in which a person becomes more aware and focused on certain feelings, thoughts, images, sensations or behaviors. A person may feel more calm and open to suggestion in order to aid in healing.

• yoga: ancient system of practices used to balance the mind and body through stretches and poses, meditation, and controlled breathing

• tai chi: a form of gentle exercise and meditation that uses slow sets of body movements and controlled breathing

• imagery: focusing on positive images in the mind, such as imagining scenes, pictures, or experiences to help the body heal

• creative outlets: interests such as art, music, or dance

 

Biologically based practices

This type of CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) uses things found in nature. Some examples are

• Vitamins: nutrients the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy

• Dietary supplements: products added to the diet that may contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and Herbs, to name a few

• Botanicals: plants or parts of plants. One type is cannabis*

  • herbs and spices such as turmeric or cinnamon (See Herbs at a Glance)

• special foods or diets

 

Manipulative and body-based practices

These are based on working with one or more parts of the body. Some examples are

• massage therapy: a therapy where the soft tissues of the body are kneaded, rubbed, tapped, and stroked

• chiropractic therapy: a type of manipulation of the spine, joints, and skeletal system

• reflexology: a type of massage in which pressure is applied to specific points on the feet or hands, which are believed to match up with certain parts of the body

Energy healing

Energy healing is based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the body. The goal is to balance the energy flow in the patient. There's not enough evidence to support the existence of energy fields. However, there are no harmful effects in using these approaches. Some examples are

• reiki: placing hands lightly on or just above the person with the goal of guiding energy to help a person's own healing response

• therapeutic touch: moving hands over energy fields of the body or gently touching a person's body

 

Whole medical systems

Trial Tests Acupuncture for Pain in Cancer Survivors

Modest pain improvements were seen, although a placebo effect could not be ruled out.

These are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world. Some examples are

• Ayurvedic medicine: a system from India in which the goal is to cleanse the body and restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It uses diet, herbal medicines, exercise, meditation, breathing, physical therapy, and other methods.

• Traditional Chinese medicine: based on the belief that qi (the body’s vital energy) flows along meridians (channels) in the body and keeps a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance. It aims to restore the body’s balance between two forces called yin and yang.

  • Acupuncture is a common practice in Chinese medicine that involves stimulating certain points on the body to promote health, or to lessen disease symptoms and treatment side effects.

• Naturopathic medicine: a system that avoids drugs and surgery. It is based on the use of natural agents such as air, water, light, heat and massage to help the body heal itself. It may also use herbal products, nutrition, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam