Other resources – health practices

Cancer patients often benefit from incorporating other health practices into their lives, based on discussions with their doctors about the type of treatment they’re going through, their physical capabilities, and other physical conditions.  Many of these health practices can also help alleviate stress experienced by family members and caregivers as they care for their loved one who is undergoing treatment. Explore some of the other health practices that might provide benefits for you and your support network.

Acupuncture
National Cancer Institute – questions and answers about acupuncture and cancer

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture – article by Dr. Eugene Mak “Acupuncture in Cancer Treatment”

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center – information for patients & caregivers about how acupuncture works, its uses, possible side effects, and who should be cautious about acupuncture

Dana Farber Cancer Institute – article by Richard Saltus “Can Acupuncture Ease Cancer Symptoms?”

Very Well – “Acupuncture for Cancer Patients”

Reiki
International Association of Reiki Professionals – “How Reiki Helps Cancer Patients”

BeatCancer.org – “Reiki Healing and Cancer”

Dr. Josh Axe – “What is Reiki and Can it Really Help Cancer Patients?”

Massage
MD Anderson Center – “The Benefits of Oncology Massage”

MD Anderson Center – “Massage for Cancer Patients : 4 Tips to Find a Qualified Therapist”

Society for Oncology Massage – “Client & Patient FAQ”

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center – “Power of Touch : How Specialized Massage Helps Cancer Patients”

Cancer Council – “Types of Massage and Touch Therapies”

Very Well – “Massage Therapy for People With Cancer”

Yoga
Yoga Journal – “Facing Cancer with Courage” (benefits and personal experiences shared by people who practiced yoga to help deal with the stresses of fighting cancer)

The Guardian – “How yoga could ease cancer patients’ pain and fatigue”

Psychology Today – “Yoga and quality of life for cancer patients”

National Geographic – “New study shows yoga has healing powers”

Very Well – “Benefits of yoga for cancer patients”

Tai Chi
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – “Tai Chi”

CancerActive – “Tai Chi : the energy within”

Ying Yang House – “Tai Chi found to reduce fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy”

Reflexology
Dana Farber Cancer Institute - “How can reflexology help cancer patients?”

Susan G. Komen Foundation - “Reflexology”

Lymphoma News Today - “Reflexology: Lymphoma”

Mindfulness
MD Anderson Center - “How mindfulness can help cancer patients find happiness”
Cancer Network - “Mindfulness Meditation”

Cancer Research UK - “Meditation”

Positive Psychology - “MSBR: 25 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Exercises and Courses”