Your oncologist has your best interest at heart and only wants to protect you from potentially harmful interactions. In many cases, your doctor will give their approval to take herbal remedies after you complete treatment. You can also inquire about joining a clinical trial that is investigating an herb in combination with cancer treatment.

These trials are not common, but they do closely monitor patients for harmful interactions. They take the precautions necessary to prevent unwanted side effects such as testing herbs for contaminants before administration. Many natural substances, such as arsenic and tobacco, are poisonous and carcinogenic.

The effects of herbs can range from mild to potent depending on the person taking them and the medications they are using. It is wise to thoroughly research the herbs you want to try and take your research to your oncologist.

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Aim to work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Hypnosis is a deep state of concentration.

During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist may hypnotize you by talking in a gentle voice and helping you relax. The therapist will then help you focus on goals, such as controlling your pain and reducing your stress. Hypnosis may be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain and stress.

It may also help prevent anticipatory nausea and vomiting that can occur if chemotherapy has made you sick in the past. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness. During a massage, your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation.

Several massage methods exist. Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure. Studies have found that massage can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer.

It may also help relieve anxiety, fatigue and stress. Massage can be safe if you work with a knowledgeable massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your provider can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.

Don't have a massage if your blood counts are very low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure, rather than deep massage.

Meditation is a state of deep concentration when you focus your mind on one image, sound or idea, such as a positive thought. When meditating, you might also do deep-breathing or relaxation exercises. Meditation may help people with cancer by relieving anxiety and stress and improving mood.

Meditation is generally safe. You can meditate on your own for a few minutes once or twice a day or you can take a class with an instructor. There are also many online courses and apps available for guided meditations. Music therapy. During music therapy sessions, you might listen to music, play instruments, sing songs or write lyrics.

A trained music therapist may lead you through activities designed to meet your specific needs, or you may participate in music therapy in a group setting.

Music therapy may help relieve pain, control nausea and vomiting, and deal with anxiety and stress. Music therapy is safe and doesn't require any musical talent to participate. Many medical centers have certified music therapists on staff. Relaxation techniques.

Relaxation techniques are ways of focusing your attention on calming your mind and relaxing your muscles. Relaxation techniques might include activities such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.

Relaxation techniques may be helpful in relieving anxiety and fatigue. They may also help people with cancer sleep better. Relaxation techniques are safe. Typically a therapist leads you through these exercises and eventually you may be able to do them on your own or with the help of guided relaxation recordings.

Tai chi. Tai chi is a form of exercise that incorporates gentle movements and deep breathing. Tai chi can be led by an instructor, or you can learn tai chi on your own following books or videos.

Practicing tai chi may help relieve stress. Tai chi is generally safe. The slow movements of tai chi don't require great physical strength, and the exercises can be easily adapted to your own abilities. Still, talk to your provider before beginning tai chi. Don't do any tai chi moves that cause pain.

Yoga combines stretching exercises with deep breathing. During a yoga session, you position your body in various poses that require bending, twisting and stretching. There are many types of yoga, each with its own variations.

Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue. Before beginning a yoga class, ask your provider to recommend an instructor who regularly works with people with health concerns, such as cancer. Avoid yoga poses that cause pain.

A good instructor can give you alternative poses that are safe for you. You may find some treatments work well together. For instance, deep breathing during a massage may provide further stress relief.

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Show references Deng GE, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology: Complementary therapies and botanicals. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Deng GE, et al.

Complementary therapies and integrative medicine in lung cancer: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines 3rd edition. Aromatherapy with essential oils PDQ. National Cancer Institute. Accessed Nov. Massage therapy: What you need to know.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Adult cancer pain. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Accessed Sept. Cancer-related fatigue. Mayo Clinic;