Overview
No alternative or complementary medical treatments have been proven to cure leukemia. Some of these therapies, however, can be helpful in dealing with side effects of cancer and its treatment.
Many doctors say that some complementary treatments can relieve nausea, improve the quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and alleviate feelings of helplessness.
If you are considering complementary therapy:
- Talk with your doctor. Some therapies are outright harmful, or will not mix well with conventional treatments. Antioxidants, for example, may interfere with radiation therapy. Some herbs can be toxic.
- Ask your doctor for a referral. Many hospitals now have complementary medicine departments, with certified practitioners on staff.
- Ask a state or national licensing organization or a patient advocacy organization for a referral.
- Ask your insurance company for a referral. Some now reimburse for therapies such as acupuncture and maintain lists of approved practitioners.
- Interview the practitioner before beginning treatment. Ask about professional training and how much experience he/she has with your particular problem. Ask if he/she will consult with your doctors. If you think the practitioner will not work with your doctor, find another practitioner.
- Listed in the following sections are some complementary therapies that might be useful.
Guided Imagery/Relaxation
Guided imagery uses the mind to conjure up pleasant images, in order to relieve stress and pain and increase relaxation. Many people use this to relax during chemotherapy sessions. Look for prerecorded tapes that lead you through imagery exercises.
Support Groups
Many people find support groups quite helpful in dealing with the emotional aspects of illness. Support groups might even have some physical benefits.
Massage
Studies have shown that massage increases relaxation and feelings of well-being in cancer patients. It may also be useful for pain control.
Acupuncture
Many scientists believe acupuncture is effective in treating nausea due to anesthesia or chemotherapy and can also help in pain control.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis helps some people to relax during treatments and to control pain.
Acupressure
Acupressure points on the body can sometimes be manipulated to help control mild nausea. Wristbands with attached buttons that put pressure on the inside of the wrist are sold for this purpose in many drugstores and marine supply stores.
