Complementary therapies
- What is a complementary therapy?
- How might a complementary therapy assist me?
- What types of therapies can complement my medical treatment for cancer?
- Does Cancer Council WA offer any complementary therapies?
- What touch-based therapy programs (reiki, reflexology, massage, hand and foot massage) are available?
- What websites have information about complementary therapies?
What is a complementary therapy?
Complementary therapies are supportive therapies that can be used along side conventional treatment. They aim to improve general wellbeing and quality of life and can help people to cope with the side effects of cancer. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments and are increasingly considered an important part of supportive care, that helps people address a wide range of challenges beyond medical treatment or cancer.
Complementary therapists usually focus on you as a whole person, both your physical and emotional health – not just the part of your body that is affected by cancer. Complementary therapies are generally safe to use in combination with your medical treatment for cancer.
It is important to understand the difference between a complementary therapy and an alternative therapy. See the frequently asked questions on our making decisions about cancer treatment page.
How might complementary therapies assist me?
- improve your quality of life and improve your general feeling of wellbeing
- alleviate some of the symptoms associated with your cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment
What types of therapies may be complementary to my medical treatment?
- Mind-body techniques – relaxation and meditation, counselling, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, art therapy, music therapy, support groups, spirituality
- Body based practices – massages, reflexology, reiki, accupuncture, yoga, tai chi, qi gong
- Biological based therapies – Naturopathic nutrition, Western herbal medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic herbal medicine.
Inform your doctor if you are considering taking herbal remedies or supplements as some herbs can interact with chemotherapy of have other side effects.
Does the Cancer Council WA offer any complementary therapies?
The Cancer Council WA offers a range of free complementary therapies to cancer patients and their families.
Programs and choice of therapies offered are guided by the Cancer Council WA. Complementary and Integrative Therapy Advisory Group (CITAG) whose membership includes health professionals, complementary therapists and cancer patients. CITAG guides the development of safe protocols for therapists and information sheets for cancer patients wishing to use a particular therapy.
For information on meditation, yoga and exercise groups on offer please go to the Life Now Page.
What touch–based complementary therapy programs are available?
Touch based body-therapies are provided by well qualified therapists who volunteer their time to the Cancer Council WA. The therapies are provided to improve your wellbeing when you are undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from cancer. Many people receiving palliative care also get benefit from our touch based therapies.
Passive Body Work Techniques
Reflexology
Evidence: Clinical trials have shown that reflexology reduces pain and anxiety and helps improve quality of life, particularly for those recieving palliative care.
Massage
Evidence: Many scientific studies have shown that massage can reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and nasuea, particularly in patients with cancer who have had chemotherapy and surgery.
Energy Therapies
Reiki
Evidence: Clinical research has not verified the concept of an energy field within or surronding the body, but anecdotal evidence from patients is that energy therapies provide a deep sense of calm and relaxation, often helping people to relief perceptions of pain, reduce stiffness and improve posture.
For contact details for all cancer support coordinators in the table below, please see our Rural Services page.
| Geraldton | Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Hand and Foot Massage – by appointment. Please call the Cancer Support Coordinator Geraldton (08) 9956 2408. |
| Hills Regions Perth | Reiki, Reflexology for an appointment please call the Cancer Support Coordinator Guildford (08) 6278 1048. |
| Kalgoorlie | Reiki - For an appointment please call the Cancer Support Coordinator Kalgoorlie (08) 9080 8200. |
| Mandurah | Reiki, Reflexology, Hand & Foot Massage for an appointment please call the Cancer Support Coordinator on (08) 9581 4059. |
| Northam | Reflexology, Reiki by appointment. Please call the Cancer Support Coordinator Northam (08) 9690 1603 |
| Rockingham | Reiki, Reflexology, Hand & Foot Massage for an appointment please call the Cancer Support Coordinator (08) 9581 4059 |
| Toodyay | Reflexology by appointment please call the Cancer Support Coordinator Northam (08) 9690 1603. |
SolarisCare also provide a range of free complementary therapies for cancer patients living in Perth.
What websites have information about complementary therapies?
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Evidence Online (CAMEOL) database
- US National Cancer Institute Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources (CIMER)
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journals and Databases
- Medline Plus – Herbs and Supplements
- Integrative Medicine Gateway
- Macmillian Cancer Support
The views expressed on these websites are not necessarily endorsed by Cancer Council WA.
