Integrative Medicine & Complementary and Alternative Therapies as Part of Blood Cancer Care
Excerpt
When used in addition to other standard cancer treatments, certain CAM therapies can play an important role in enhancing the quality of a person's overall care and peace of mind. Some studies have shown that using CAM therapies can help patients to better manage disease and treatment side effects. CAM users often say they feel less limited or defined by their cancer when using CAM in addition to conventional treatments. Many of these therapies are gentle, relaxing and minimally invasive and provide ways for patients to develop an appreciation of themselves and an awareness of their inner strength. Some techniques are "passive," requiring limited participation (for example, massage and Reiki), while others are "active" (yoga, tai chi, support groups).
