There isn’t much evidence about complementary therapies, and they don’t work for everyone. But they may be useful in helping you manage some symptoms and side effects such as anxiety, pain or fatigue (extreme tiredness). They can also be something to look forward to.
Complementary therapies should be used alongside your medical treatments – don’t stop any cancer treatments. Always speak to your doctor before trying any complementary therapies, as some may affect your cancer treatment. And tell your complementary therapist about your cancer treatment.
“Complementary therapy made my days and pain more bearable. It gave me a positive focus amidst a day packed with tests.”
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves putting very fine needles into different parts of the body. The needles are so fine that they shouldn’t hurt, although you may feel a tingle or dull ache as they go in. Some research has shown that acupuncture can reduce pain in people with cancer. It may help when used alongside prescribed painkillers. There is some evidence that acupuncture helps with fatigue.
The British Acupuncture Council has more information and a list of qualified acupuncturists.
Massage
Some people find massage calming and relaxing. It may help to reduce pain and anxiety, and help you feel better generally.
You should not have a massage in the area of your cancer. So avoid the tummy area and upper back. People with advanced cancer who have problems with bleeding should avoid deep tissue massage. Your massage therapist should be qualified to treat people with cancer.
“ When my partner started to get referred pain into his shoulder, what he said helped was me massaging his shoulder. He would often fall asleep straight after as the pain subsided for a while.”
Reflexology is a type of massage that involves putting pressure on parts of the hands or feet. This may help to relieve pain in other parts of the body.
Reiki is a gentler type of massage where the therapist’s hands gently brush over the body, or a few inches above the body. This may be useful for people who can’t have regular massage.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, such as lavender oil, to massage the body. If you are having treatment for cancer, check with your doctor before having aromatherapy. Look for a massage therapist with experience of working with people with cancer.
“ We used a specialist cancer masseur and it really helped, he slept very well after each session. Especially in the early stages.”
“One of the things my daughter absolutely loved was having her feet massaged with lavender oil and lovely smelling creams. This really seemed to help relax her and I think helped with easing pain and discomfort.”
Relaxation therapies
Relaxation therapies, such as meditation, mindfulness or hypnotherapy, may help you to manage pain and fatigue. They may also help to reduce stress.
Meditation involves concentrating to calm your mind and relax your body. It can help you manage your thoughts and cope with your feelings.
Mindfulness uses breathing and meditation to change the way you think and feel about a situation. There are lots of books, websites and mobile phone apps that can help you try mindfulness.
Hypnotherapy is a type of deep relaxation that can help you change the way you think about symptoms like fatigue and pain. It can also help you feel more able to cope with symptoms. You can get details of hypnotherapists from the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
Visualisation
Visualisation or imagery can help to distract you from pain. A therapist will help you to think about pleasant or positive situations. For example, you may remember the sights and smells of a favourite place. Or you may imagine yourself feeling stronger. A therapist can also teach you how to try visualisation at home.
Art and music therapies
With the support of a therapist, art and music therapies can help you to express your feelings in creative ways. These therapies may help you cope with pain, and help to reduce anxiety.
Pet therapy
Pet therapy uses animals, usually dogs, which have been trained to be calm and comforting to people. Therapy dogs and their handlers usually visit people for ten to 15 minutes at a time. Pet therapy may be available in hospital, hospices or care homes. Some people find that pet therapy can improve their mood, which may help with their pain.
Updated April 2025
Review date April 2028