Complementary therapies during and after treatment

Below is information on some of the more popular complementary therapies available and some important notes regarding them.

Acupuncture

• Fine needles are inserted into pressure points in different parts of the body.
• It works on the principle that energy circulates through the body via channels called meridians, and when blocked we become unwell. Acupuncture aims to redress the balance.
• It is said to relieve pain or inflammation, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and improve mood.
• May also be used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.

Warning: acupuncture needles should not be placed in your arm or surrounding body area if you have had lymph gland surgery.

Aromatherapy

• Uses aromatic essential oils obtained from plants to treat various problems.
• Each oil has different properties and can be used for massage, added to the bath, or used inhaled from a burner.
• Oils can be used on their own or mixed.
• Massage oils are diluted into a base and only administered by a qualified therapist.
• Aromatherapy oils can help with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Warning: essential oils are very powerful so consult a trained aromatherapist before use. Remember to mention your medication and ensure massage is avoided on any areas being treated with radiotherapy.

Diet and nutrition

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that any diet can prevent cancer or cure it. However, you may find that changing your diet is a positive step to improve your overall health in the long term.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are natural oestrogens derived from plants such as cereals and beans that mimic the effect of oestrogen on the body. They can be taken in supplement form too.

It is still unclear exactly what effect phytoestrogens have on breast cells and breast cancer, and because of this it is important to talk to your specialist or dietitian before changing to a phytoestrogen-rich diet.

Herbal medicine

• Using herbs to promote healing and wellbeing.
• Practitioners look at the whole person, including medical history, lifestyle and symptoms.
• Given in different forms such as tea, tincture or capsules.
• In the UK the most commonly practised type of herbal medicine is Chinese herbalism, based on the yin and yang principle of balancing opposing forces.

Warning: some herbs, extracts and supplements can interfere with conventional treatments. For example, St John's wort and ginseng should not be taken with tamoxifen as it may reduce its effectiveness. It is essential to speak to your specialist or breast care nurse before taking herbal remedies.

Healing

• Channels energy to the whole body and to particular areas that need healing.
• Hands are used to transmit energy, generally without touching, while you remain fully clothed.
• Healing can help you to relax and encourage positive thoughts about your condition to aid your recovery.

Homeopathy

• Homeopathic remedies come from plant, mineral and animal sources.
• Remedies can be in powder, granule, tablet or liquid form.
• Works on the principle of treating 'like with like'.
• Tiny amounts of substances are administered which produce similar symptoms to the ailment.
• The aim is to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.
• Some homeopathic remedies can be bought over the counter, although these are generally weaker than those given by a homeopath.

Warning: it is essential to consult a qualified therapist as some remedies can cause adverse reactions.

Massage

• A hands-on therapeutic treatment that works on the soft tissue of the body.
• Uses stroking, holding, rubbing and kneading movements.
• Can improve blood and lymph circulation and restore energy flow through the body.
• Used for relaxation, stimulation, stress relief, ease of tension, pain, and to promote sense of wellbeing.
• Can have an emotional effect, enabling people to laugh, cry or talk openly about feelings.
• There are many different types of massage, using different types of pressure and different lotions or oils.
• Gentle massage is most suitable if you have cancer.

Warning: massage should be avoided around wounds, healing scars, broken skin or infected areas. If you are having radiotherapy, the area being treated should be not be massaged. Those who have had lymph nodes removed should avoid deep-tissue massage on that arm and surrounding area.

Shiatsu

• A Japanese massage working on pressure points similar to acupuncture.
• Therapist uses fingers instead of needles.
• Aims to restore energy flow to the body and promote self-healing.

Reflexology

• A massage of the feet or hands based on the principle that each area corresponds to a different part of the body.
• Pressure applied to these areas stimulates energy flow around the body, encouraging the body's ability to heal itself.

Relaxation, visualisation and meditation

• Used separately or together, aims to reduce stress and tension to relax body and mind.
• Regular use can promote wellbeing and eases stressful situations such as hospital appointments.
• May also help relieve pain, nausea and vomiting.
• All may become easier with practice, as your mind becomes more able to enter a state of relaxation at will.

Meditation

• Aims to assist people to quieten their minds to achieve deep sense of relaxation.
• Techniques include breathing awareness or visual imagery.
• Techniques can be learnt from a tape, book or class and practised at home.
• Gentle forms of exercise such as yoga and tai chi, which include relaxation and meditation techniques as well as physical exercise, can help.
• There are different types of yoga and different forms of tai chi, but all work to improve posture and breathing, and improve balance, strength and relaxation.