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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

Living With Cancer

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While no alternative therapies have been specifically approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma, the following approaches have been found useful for cancer-related problems:

  • Relaxation techniques. These approaches refocus your attention to something calming to soothe your mind and relax your body. Practices such as meditation, yoga and tai chi may help you reduce stress and ease the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its symptoms.
  • Massage therapy. Massage may reduce pain, stress and depression, help ease fatigue and anxiety, and reduce nausea related to cancer and its treatments.
  • Acupuncture. Studies have found that acupuncture may relieve nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy treatment, and may also reduce pain from surgery. This therapy also may improve fatigue related to cancer treatment.
  • Biofeedback. This mind-body therapy uses monitoring devices that signal when your body is sending cues that pain is on the way. As you recognize these cues, you can train your body to respond differently and decrease the sensation of cancer-related pain.
  • Aromatherapy. Fragrant oils may improve mood and help relieve stress and nausea.

Talk with your doctor before trying any of these techniques to make sure they don't pose any risks for you.

Coping and support Lifestyle and home remedies
References
  1. Rajkumar SV, et al. Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50114-7&isbn=978-0-443-06694-8&uniqId=265138448-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50114-7--cesec26. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  2. Mercier LR. Bone tumor, primary malignant.In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-056106&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  3. Rajkumar SV. Clinical features, laboratory manifestations, and diagnosis of multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  4. Kyle RA, et al. Multiple myeloma. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-0986-5..C2009-0-38984-9--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-0986-5&about=true&uniqId=236797353-5. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  5. Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for patients with high risk multiple myeloma.http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  6. Thalidomide. National Cancer Insitute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/thalidomide. Accessed July 9, 2011
  7. Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for symptomatic multiple myeloma in patients who are not candidates for transplantation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  8. Rajkumar SV. Treatment of the complications of multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  9. Multiple myeloma: Lifestyle changes to consider during and after treatment. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/MultipleMyeloma/DetailedGuide/multiple-myeloma-after-lifestyle-changes. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  10. Multiple myeloma: How about your emotional health? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/MultipleMyeloma/DetailedGuide/multiple-myeloma-after-emotional-health. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  11. Complementary and alternative methods for cancer management. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/complementary-and-alternative-methods-for-cancer-management. Accessed July 9, 2011.
  12. Lu Weidong, et al. The value of acupuncture in cancer care. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America. 2008;22:631.
  13. Rajkumar SV (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 25, 2011.
DS00415 Aug. 16, 2011

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