Using complementary therapies to help you cope with chemotherapy

Complementary therapies can help to improve quality of life and wellbeing and can sometimes help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Many people find that complementary therapies or practices can help them to feel stronger and more confident in dealing with chemotherapy. These therapies can be used alongside conventional treatments and medicines.

Cancerbackup has a section on complementary therapies, with descriptions of some relaxation and visualisation exercises.

Some complementary therapies, such as meditation or visualisation can be done by the person with cancer themselves and can reduce anxiety. Other therapies such as gentle massage can be carried out by relatives or carers and can help them to support the person.

Physical contact and touch can be among the most powerful forms of support for people who are faced with uncertainty, fear or pain, whether emotional or physical. Touching someone gently can express how much you care about them.

Some hospitals offer complementary therapies alongside conventional care. These may include:

• aromatherapy
• colour and sound therapy
• massage
• relaxation, visualisation or guided imagery techniques
• acupuncture.

Relaxation

Deep relaxation is a skill that can be learned. It can be used to:

• release muscle tension
• relieve stress
• reduce tiredness and pain
• improve sleep and peace of mind
• regain control of emotions.

Relaxation is not simply 'taking it easy', but is used to create a time when problems can be examined and, hopefully, develop a positive mental outlook.

There are several different relaxation techniques that can be learnt from books or tapes. You can get these from your local library, bookshop and some chemists. Therapists and groups throughout the country also teach particular relaxation methods.