Choices in Healing

A Guide to Integrative Therapies

People with cancer may seek out techniques to help their body's healing abilities and/or help them cope with the side effects of their treatments.  These practices, also referred to as "holistic" or "mind/body" medicine, are becoming increasingly more popular in the United States, but there is still a lot to learn about their effectiveness.  

Getting Information

At times, it can be difficult to understand the terms that describe these therapies.  Understanding the terms can help you better decide your options.  Information about complementary and integrative therapies is available through the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Below are the terms used by many and what they mean:

Standard Medical Care:

Standard Medical Care is care that is based on scientific evidence.  For cancer, it includes chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy, and surgery.

Complementary Medicine:

Complementary Medicine is used along with standard medical treatments.  For example,  acupuncture can help with side effects of cancer treatment and nutrition can maximize health during treatment.

Alternative Medicine:

Alternative Medicine is used in place of standard medical treatment.  For example, Gerson therapy might be used instead of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Integrative Medicine:

Integrative Medicine is a total approach to care that involves the patient's mind, body, and spirit.  It combines standard medicine with complementary practices that have shown the most promise.  An example of integrative medicine is the use of relaxation as a way to reduce stress during chemotherapy.

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Categories of Complementary and Alternative Therapies

The NCCAM has defined 5 categories of complementary and alternative therapies:

Mind-Body Medicines: 

These are based on the belief that your mind is able to affect your body.  Some examples are meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, yoga, imagery, art, music, and dance.

Biologically Based Practices: 

This type of therapy uses things found in nature.  This includes dietary supplements and herbal products.  Some examples are  vitamins, herbs, food, and special diets.

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices: 

These are base on working with one or more parts of the body.  Examples include massage, chiropractic care, and reflexology.

Energy Medicine: 

Energy medicine involves the belief that the body has energy fields that can be used for healing and wellness.  Therapies use pressure or move the body by placing their hands in or through these fields.  Some examples are Tai Chi, Reiki, and therapeutic touch. 

Whole Medical Systems: 

These are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world.  Some examples are Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, Homeopathy, and Naturopathic medicine.

Some patients with cancer may wonder "What can I do to contribute to my own health and healing?" Some approaches could help; others, unfortunately, could harm. Because most practices are unregulated, it is difficult to know which complementary therapies would support your treatment plan. Some have been shown to reduce pain and nausea and improve quality of life. Some studies suggest that some may even prolong life when combined with standard therapies.

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Evaluating a Therapy

  • To help you evaluate a therapy, ask the following questions:
  • Can you determine if the therapy is harmless, dangerous, or helpful in some significant way?
  • Does the therapy operate according to known or believable principles?
  • Does any significant scientific literature support the theory?
  • Is all the information regarding the therapy available to the public? Is some information withheld?

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Evaluating a Practitioner

To help you evaluate a practitioner, you should ask the following question:

  • Is the practitioner willing to keep your oncologist informed and share in open, two-way communication? All practitioners should work together to help you in the healing process.
  • What is the practitioner's training?
  • Does he or she carry a professional license (MD, RN, etc)? A practitioner of complementary medicine should be licensed.
  • What is their reputation of the practitioner?
  • What do other complementary practitioners who have referred patients think of the practitioner?
  • What is the success rate of the practitioner, especially for patients with your type and stage of cancer?
  • Can you speak with those patients?
  • Are you comfortable talking with the practitioner and asking questions?
  • What does the therapy cost?

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