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Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Mind-Body Methods

Aromatherapy, yoga, and other methods used to in cancer care improve the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptom.

On this page:

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

  • Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ®)
    [ patient ] 1 [ health professional ] 2
    Expert-reviewed information summary about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Hypnosis

Self-Hypnosis Beneficial for Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy 3
A clinical trial found that women who used self-hypnosis during a type of core needle breast biopsy experienced anxiety relief and reduced pain when compared with standard care.

Hypnosis May Reduce Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors 4
A clinical trial found that women who received hypnosis had a reduction in self-reported hot flash frequency/severity and experienced  fewer hot flashes per day. They also had significant improvements in self-reported anxiety, depression, interference with daily activities, and sleep.

Spirituality in Cancer Care

  • Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®)
    [ patient ] 5 [ health professional ] 6
    Expert-reviewed information summary about the influence of spirituality and religion on individuals who have cancer. Various approaches for management and intervention are discussed.

Yoga

Yoga for Health: An Introduction 7
Yoga is a mind-body practice in CAM with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. 

Clinical Trials for Mind-Body Methods

The list below shows the type of mind-body methods currently in U.S. clinical trials from NCI’s list of cancer clinical trials that are now enrolling participants. The list of trials can be further narrowed by location, drug, intervention, and other criteria.

Related Pages

  • OCCAM 11
    The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) was established to coordinate and enhance the activities of the NCI in the arena of complementary and alternative medicine.
  • NCCAM 12
    NCCAM, at the National Institutes of Health, is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers, and disseminating authoritative information.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/aromatherapy/patient
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/aromatherapy/healthprofessional
3http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/122606.htm
4http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/102308.htm
5http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/spirituality/Patient
6http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/spirituality/HealthProfes
sional
7http://nccam.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm
8http://www.cancer.gov/search/clinicaltrialslink?id=441095&idtype=5&form
at=1&cn=1
9http://www.cancer.gov/search/clinicaltrialslink?id=470289&idtype=5&form
at=1&cn=1
10http://www.cancer.gov/search/clinicaltrialslink?id=526236&idtype=5&form
at=1&cn=1
11http://www.cancer.gov/cam
12http://nccam.nih.gov