What are complementary therapies?

The term complementary therapy covers a wide range of health related practices, which are used alongside conventional treatments. They are not given with the aim of curing disease but to support physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual recovery.

These therapies may help in a number of ways. They might help to:

• Ease pain and reduce physical tension and stiffness
• Relieve the side effects of treatments and assist with symptom control
• Provide time to relax, talk and share any worries in a safe environment.
• Promote relaxation and reduce the emotional stress, which can accompany a diagnosis.

They can also help you to:

• Regain control and feel more able to cope
• Increase your sense of wellbeing and improve quality of life
• Motivate you to move on