Complementary therapies
Some people find complementary therapies helpful. They can offer
emotional as well as physical benefits and are sometimes available on
the NHS. Ask your doctors, nurses or cancer information staff to establish if
there are any near you.
There
are many types of complementary therapies including: acupuncture,
aromatherapy, healing, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage,
meditation, reflexology, relaxation, shiatsu and yoga.
Choosing a complementary therapy: key points
- If you decide to try complementary therapies, you should find a qualified practitioner and, if you can, someone who has worked with people with cancer.
- It is important to tell your doctors and nurses before you start using complementary therapies.
- Some complementary therapies or remedies may be harmful when mixed with other medication or used during or after certain cancer treatments.
Link:British Acupuncture Council
Produced by:The British Acupuncture Council
The British Acupuncture Council is a professional association for acupuncture practitioners. They can provide a free list of local practitioners by post, email or fax or you can look on the website.
Link:British Homeopathic Association
Produced by:The British Homeopathic Association
The British Homeopathic Association is an organisation for homeopaths. It encourages the understanding and use of homeopathy by the public and health professions. They can also provide a list of homeopathic doctors and information on NHS homeopathic services.
Link:Cancer and complementary therapies
Produced by:Macmillan Cancer Support
This section gives information about the complementary therapies most often used by people with cancer. Many people use complementary therapies to help support themselves through cancer and its treatment.
Link:Complementary and alternative therapies
Produced by:CancerHelp UK
This section of CancerHelp UK gives information about complementary and alternative therapies in cancer care - including what these therapies are, how they are used, current research in this area, individual therapies and how to find a therapist.
Link:Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM)
Produced by:Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM)
The institute for complementary medicine provides information on complementary medicine and information about registered practitioners.
Link:Maggie's centres: where to find us
Produced by:Maggie's
Maggie’s Centres offer free, comprehensive support for people with cancer, their families and friends
Find out more about where our centres are located and what they offer.
Link:Penny Brohn cancer centre
Produced by:Penny Brohn Cancer Centre
The Penny Brohn centre offers advice and information concentrating on the Bristol programme - a combination of complementary therapies and self help techniques designed to work alongside conventional medical treatment.
Page last edited: 24 October 2011
