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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile 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 and help ease fatigue, 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 beep or flash 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.
References
- Rajkumar SV, et al. Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/145977116-5/856340478/1709/160.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50114-7_4940. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Konrad CN, et al. Multiple myeloma: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2008;78:853.
- Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for patients with high risk multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for symptomatic multiple myeloma in patients who are not candidates for transplantation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Treatment of the complications of multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Detailed guide: Multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy and other drugs. American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Multiple myeloma: Moving on after treatment. American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Richardson PG, et al. Management strategies for relapsed multiple myeloma: Therapy in practice. American Journal of Cancer. 2006;5:393.
- Detailed guide: Multiple myeloma. What are the risk factors for multiple myeloma? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Multiple myeloma: What are some questions I can ask my doctor? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Integrative medicine & complementary and alternative therapies as part of blood cancer care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1150734030.pdf. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Complementary and alternative methods for cancer management. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_1_Introduction.asp. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Rajkumar SV (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2008.
