Therapies and Cancer
The following information highlights some of the complementary therapies that can be used in cancer care. Please click here for information about the safe use of complementary therapies. Links to other sources of information and websites are available on my Resources page.
I have divided the information into:
Touch Therapies: massage, aromatherapy & reflexology
Healing Therapies: reiki, spiritual healing & therapeutic touch
Energy Based Therapies: acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu
Homeopathy
Herbal Medicine
Self-Help Approaches: relaxation, meditation & visualisation
Yoga
Flower Essences (remedies)
Please scroll down for further information
Touch Therapies
Massage is one of the oldest therapies known to human kind. Indeed, prehistoric peoples would have rubbed their arm if they hurt it. Massage uses techniques of stroking, kneading, tapping and pressure to manipulate soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes such as relaxation. Massage is a wonderful way to communicate, providing relaxation and comfort not only to the patient but also to carers who can use gentle touch.
How does it work? It is thought that the application of massage helps to release endorphins – chemicals in the body that help with pain relief. Techniques used by practitioners range from gentle to vigorous depending on the type of massage for example Swedish and Thai, and the desired outcome.
There are contra-indications to massage and a practitioner will always assess for these prior to treatment.
What is the evidence? A review of evidence for aromatherapy massage (using essential oils in combination with massage) by Research Council for Complementary Medicine has suggested that it confers short term benefits on psychological wellbeing and that it may also help with physical symptoms. Whether the therapeutic benefits of massage are enhanced by the addition of essential oils is not proven. Further research is needed into this area as well as discovering if there are longer term benefits of massage. Qualitative studies identify patient perceived benefits of aromatherapy and/or massage.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.gcmt.org.uk
Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils which are found in the glands of flowers, fruit, seeds, leaves and bark plants and trees. An aromatherapy practitioner will choose a blend of oils taking account of their individual chemical properties, blending to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. They can be applied as a massage, creams, inhalations, added to bath water etc.
How does it work?It is possible that it works by a combination of processes. One is that the chemical makeup of the essential oils has a specific effect for example anti-inflammatory, on organs and functions of the body by being absorbed via the skin and into the bloodstream. Another mode of action is that the oils produce an emotional and physical reaction for example calming, because the brain interprets the smell of the oil after it is sent a message by the body’s smell receptors in the nose.
What is the evidence? Studies exist which claim to show benefits of aromatherapy but whether it enhances the affect of massage is not scientifically conclusive. Some evidence suggests that there may be short term benefits on psychological wellbeing of aromatherapy massage. Qualitative studies identify patient perceived benefits of aromatherapy and/or massage.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.aromatherapycouncil.co.uk
www.embodyforyou.com
Reflexology is the systematic application of pressure to reflex areas on feet/hands.
How does it work? These reflex areas are said to be connected to body systems and organs via energetic pathways similar to acupuncture. Tender areas may indicate an area of congestion or imbalance and palpation aims to release congestion, promote flow of energy and promote balance. People find it particularly helpful for low energy levels, fatigue, breathlessness, pain, constipation and improving sleep patterns.
What is the evidence? Studies have looked at whether it can positively affect quality of life and wellbeing and it is being researched as to whether it can help with pain, nausea and vomiting and anxiety
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.reflexologyforum.org
Healing Therapies
Depending on the ‘school’ of healing, practitioners believe the energy to be divine or universal. The concept of healing is about balance and harmony of mind, body and spirit not cure. Not all healing approaches require religious beliefs for example there is no religious connotation associated with Reiki.
How does it work? It is thought that there is that a divine or universal energy that exists and it is guided /channeled by practitioners/healers for the greatest good. Healing therapies are non-invasive with the client remaining fully clothed and the practitioner placing their hands gently on or above the client within their energy field/aura to channel energy. Some healing may be done as part of a group session or distant/absent healing where the practitioners channel energy to you at a distance. During a session you may be aware of heat/cold, tingling, light pressure etc although some people may not be aware of anything specific. You may also be aware of images, thoughts and feelings which can be emotive and if you feel able you can explore with your practitioner.
What is the evidence? There is no evidence that healing cures life limiting and terminal illness. Some studies infer a benefit but further research is needed. There are limited scientific research studies for the effectiveness of healing, although those that receive this approach attest to its benefits.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
Reiki
www.reikiregulation.org.uk
Spiritual Healing
www.nfsh.org.uk
Therapeutic Touch
www.ttouch.org.uk
Energy Based Therapies
Acupuncture developed in China more than 3000 years ago. The concept is of energy known as ki or chi, flowing freely through the body in meridians. When this energy becomes blocked we get congestion and imbalance resulting is dis-ease.
How does it work? Acupuncture involves inserting fine sterile needles into the skin and underlying tissues to affect energy points and help release the flow of energy restoring balance and harmony. Independently verified scientific studies have shown that during acupuncture, endorphins which are the body’s natural pain relieving chemicals are released.
How does it help? People with life limiting and terminal illnesses have found it helpful with nausea and vomiting, breathlessness, dry mouth hiccups, hot flushes and pain relief.
What is the evidence? The effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional symptom control is inconclusive and further studies are needed. However some studies appear to indicate positive benefit on: chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting and hot flushes from hormonal therapies.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.acupuncture.org.uk
www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk
Acupressure involves the application of pressure, using fingers and thumbs, at specified points and works on a similar principle to acupuncture.
What is the evidence ? Studies have shown that the application of pressure on an acupuncture position P6 on the wrist can help with nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy and surgery. Further studies are needed to determine whether it helps nausea and vomiting in other situations.
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage and works by the application of pressure and stretching, using thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet along the energy meridians to stimulate circulation and hormones, release muscular tension and toxins.
How does it work? Similar to acupuncture is the concept that disruption of the energy flow can result in dis-ease. Practitioners believe that applying pressure releases the flow of ki to areas that are low and can help with wellbeing and symptoms.
You do not need to get undressed for a shiatsu treatment and a practitioner will perhaps begin by placing their hands over the abdomen to gain a sense of the flow of energy.
What is the evidence? Evidence does not exist to show that Shiatsu, like massage, can cure or prevent life limiting and terminal illness. However, evidence does exist to show that massage may confer short term psychological benefits on wellbeing and help with physical symptoms.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.generalshiatsucouncil.org
Homeopathy is based on the principle that ‘like cures like’. Remedies, which can cause symptoms similar to those of the condition being treated, are used in minute amounts to treat those symptoms. The remedies are made from plant, animal or mineral substances are diluted and shaken many times.
How does it work? Homeopaths believe that the original substance leaves a molecular blueprint in the water, which triggers the body to heal. They can be given in the form of tablets, creams and liquids. Homeopathy is available from some NHS hospitals and GP’s.
What does it helps with? Homeopathy is thought to help with treatment related symptoms, fatigue, stress and anxiety, depression, hot flushes and pain.
What is the evidence? Systematic reviews suggest evidence is limited and that further controlled trials are needed. Some people suggest that the effectiveness of homeopathy is placebo although others argue differently.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.homeopathy-soh.org
www.trusthomeopathy.org
Herbal Medicine uses active plant ingredients to restore balance enabling the body to heal itself.
How does it work? Unlike pharmacologically produced substances which extract single active constituents from plants for a therapeutic action Herbalists believe that there is a fine balance within the whole plant and will use a combination of parts of a plant for example leaves and berries in order to treat the whole person in mind, body and spirit. They may use tinctures, syrups, creams etc.
What does it help with? Patients have suggested it can help with a range of problems including side effects of conventional treatment regimes for example chemotherapy induced nausea and menopausal symptoms
What is the evidence? Clinical studies are inconclusive and further research needs to be undertaken for the benefits in life limiting and terminal illness.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.nimh.org.uk
www.ehpa.eu
Self-help approaches
Relaxation techniques primarily focus on relaxing the body aiming to: release muscular tension; assist with breathing problems; help manage symptoms associated with treatment regimes and illness; and promote sleep.
Relaxation is beneficial before you begin your meditation or visualisation as it helps you to a state of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. Some people find it helpful to follow a script initially. Also see relaxation script
Meditation primarily focuses on relaxing the mind aiming to deepen the state of relaxation helping to: promote inner harmony, peace and increased awareness; reduce stress and anxiety; alleviate fatigue; promote relaxation; improve sleep patterns; manage symptoms associated with treatment regimes and illness; enhance the immune system.
Techniques can involve focusing the mind on a particular object or activity for example the gentle rhythm of your breath.
How does it work? It is thought that various regions of the brain are active during meditation and have an effect on physiological activities.
What is the evidence? Limited evidence suggests that it may increase positive coping and help with some treatment related side-effects www.rccm.org.uk/cameol. Research using specialised imaging equipment has identified the regions of the brain that are active during meditation. One study demonstrated that the area of the brain associated with emotional states was more active during meditation. Research is continuing and more about mind-body medicine can be found a www.nccam.nih.gov
Visualisation uses the creative imagination to help: enhance the immune system; alleviate stress; manage symptoms of treatment and illness; reduce side-effects of treatments; cope with treatment regimes, for example chemotherapy; support wellbeing and quality of life. See also relaxation, meditation and visualisation section
How does it work? It is thought that our negative thoughts and feelings can have a detrimental effect on the body, which responds chemically as if the images were actual events. If we replace these thoughts with positive ones and introduce feelings of wellbeing, our body releases endorphins which help to strengthen the immune system.
What is the evidence? Research into the use of relaxation and visualisation in patients with bowel cancer having chemotherapy is evaluating whether there is a mind-body connection.
Research into the combined use of relaxation and guided imagery for those with locally advanced breast cancer showed benefit but it is not known whether it is the relaxation or guided imagery that was of benefit.
As to whether visualisation has a positive benefit on physical symptoms is still to be determined but evaluation of research studies has shown a possible positive effect on psychological wellbeing.
Yoga uses exercises based on stretching, awareness of breath, meditation and relaxation to bring about a balance and harmony of mind, body and spirit.
What is the evidence? As with other therapies evidence is limited however, some evidence suggests that it may help with sleep patterns, stress, chemotherapy toxicity, wellbeing and coping: www.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.bwy.org.uk
Flower essences (remedies) are extracts from flowers which are diluted – known as tinctures and taken by mouth, either by placing drops on or under the tongue or taken in water. It is also possible to buy creams and sprays. Flower essences are produced worldwide but perhaps the most commonly known in the UK is Bach Flower Remedies developed by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930’s. He used the remedies individually and in combination to help specific emotions believing that negative emotions cause illness.
How does it work? It is thought the remedies help to improve a persons’ emotional wellbeing and are particularly helpful with anxiety, low mood, panic and stress.
What is the evidence? So far research does not demonstrate scientifically that Flower remedies have any effect other than placebo – that is if the person believes they have taken something that will help them then they will feel better.
Further information and practitioner listings are available at
www.bachcentre.com
I will be adding more details about other therapies soon but in the meantime please have a look at my resources page for more information.
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