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Types of therapies used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer care, such as mind-body methods like meditation and yoga, or biologically-based like herbs and vitamins. Massage, reiki, acupuncture, and traditional medical systems are included. Also mentioned are talking to your doctor about CAM and the safety of CAM.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as massage, acupuncture, tai chi, and drinking green tea. Credit: iStock Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care. People with cancer may use CAM tohelp cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatiguecomfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related stressfeel that they are doing something to help with their own caretry to treat or cure their cancerIntegrative medicine is an approach to medical care that combines conventional medicine with CAM practices that have shown through science to be safe and effective. This approach often stresses the patient's preferences, and it attempts to address the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of health.Conventional medicine is a system in which health professionals who hold an M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degree treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. It is also practiced by other health professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and therapists. It may also be called allopathic medicine, biomedicine, Western, mainstream, or orthodox medicine. Some conventional medical care practitioners are also practitioners of CAM.Standard medical care is treatment that is accepted by medical experts as a proper treatment for a certain type of disease and that is widely used by healthcare professionals. Also called best practice, standard of care, and standard therapy.Complementary medicine is used along with standard medical treatment but is not considered by itself to be standard treatment. One example is using acupuncture to help lessen some side effects of cancer treatment. Less research has been done for most types of complementary medicine.Alternative medicine is used instead of standard medical treatment. One example is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of cancer drugs that are prescribed by an oncologist. Less research has been done for most types of alternative medicine. Types of Complementary and Alternative MedicineScientists learn about CAM therapies every day, but there is still more to learn. This list is meant to be an introduction to what types of CAM are practiced, not an endorsement. Some of the therapies listed below still need more research to prove that they can be helpful. If you have cancer, you should discuss your thoughts about using CAM with your health care provider before using the therapies listed below. People may use the term "natural," "holistic," "home remedy," or "Eastern Medicine" to refer to CAM. However, experts often use five categories to describe it. These are listed below with examples for each. Mind–body therapiesThese combine mental focus, breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. Some examples aremeditation: 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 breathingtai chi: a form of gentle exercise and meditation that uses slow sets of body movements and controlled breathingimagery: focusing on positive images in the mind, such as imagining scenes, pictures, or experiences to help the body healcreative outlets: interests such as art, music, or danceBiologically based practicesThis type of CAM uses things found in nature. Some examples arevitamins: nutrients the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthydietary supplements: products added to the diet that may contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, to name a fewbotanicals: 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 dietsManipulative and body-based practicesThese are based on working with one or more parts of the body. Some examples aremassage therapy: a therapy where the soft tissues of the body are kneaded, rubbed, tapped, and strokedchiropractic therapy: a type of manipulation of the spine, joints, and skeletal systemreflexology: 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 bodyEnergy healingEnergy 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 enoug...

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)