Complementary therapies are therapies which are not considered standard medical therapies. Many people find that they are helpful in coping with their treatment and recovery from disease. There are many different types of complementary therapies.
These include practicing mindfulness and yoga, exercise, meditation, prayer, acupuncture, relaxation and herbal and vitamin supplements.
Complementary therapies should “complement” or assist with recommended medical treatment. They are not recommended as an alternative to medical treatment. It is important to realise that no complementary or alternative treatment alone has proven to be effective against cancer.
It is also important to let your doctor or nurse know if you are using any complementary or alternative therapies in case they interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy or other treatments you may be having.