Radiotherapy and complementary therapies

Complementary therapies| can help to improve your quality of life and wellbeing and can sometimes help to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy. Many people find that complementary therapies or practices can help them to feel stronger and more confident in dealing with radiotherapy. These therapies can be used alongside conventional treatments and medicines.

Some complementary therapies, such as meditation or visualisation, can be done by the person with cancer themselves and can help to reduce anxiety. Other therapies, such as gentle massage, can be carried out by relatives or carers and can help them to support the person with cancer.

Physical contact and touch can be among the most powerful forms of support for people who are faced with uncertainty, fear or pain, whether emotional or physical. Touching someone gently can express how much you care about them.

Some hospitals offer complementary therapies alongside conventional care. These may include:

• aromatherapy
• art therapy
• colour and sound therapy
• massage
• reflexology
• relaxation, visualisation or guided imagery techniques
• acupuncture.

Relaxation

Deep relaxation| is a skill which can be learned. It can be used to help:

• release muscle tension
• relieve stress
• reduce tiredness and pain
• improve sleep and peace of mind
• regain control of emotions.

Relaxation is not simply 'taking it easy', but involves making time to reflect on problems or anxieties and, hopefully, develop a positive mental outlook.

There are several different relaxation techniques which can be self-taught from books or tapes. You can get these from your local library, bookshop and some chemists. Therapists and groups throughout the country also teach particular relaxation methods.