Integrative Therapies
Supportive Therapies to Help You Feel Better
Sometimes called integrative or complementary therapies, these supportive practices have been used around the world for centuries. They are designed to work alongside your medical treatment—not replace it—and may help you manage side effects and feel more in control of your well-being.
Common Supportive Therapies
Massage
Aromatherapy
Acupuncture
Reflexology
Reiki
Meditation and Mindfulness
Creative Therapies
How Can These Therapies Help?
Supportive therapies are becoming more widely used among people with cancer. When used safely, they may help reduce treatment-related symptoms and improve overall quality of life—especially during chemotherapy or radiation.
Because some therapies are not regulated, it’s not always easy to know what will be helpful or safe. Always talk with your care team before adding anything new to your treatment plan.
Massage and Aromatherapy
Scent and touch can play a role in easing tension and supporting comfort. Learn what these options may feel like and when they’re typically used.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help ease tension and support comfort by using very thin needles at specific points on the body. Learn what a session typically feels like and when acupuncture is commonly used.
Reflexology and Reiki
Some people look for quiet, low-touch ways to relax and reset. Here, you’ll find what these sessions involve and how they’re commonly used.
Meditation and Creative Therapies
Not all support is verbal. Some people turn to stillness or creative expression as a way to process what they’re going through—this section explores those outlets.
