Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are non-traditional approaches to health care, but they are becoming more widely used in conjunction with traditional medical care. Some CAM therapies can help your child be more comfortable, but some can interfere with certain chemotherapies or radiation therapies, so be sure to check with your health care team before trying any CAM approaches.
Make sure you go to a reputable CAM practitioner. Check out the qualifications and experience of CAM practitioners, just as you would your doctor or nurse practitioner. Ask your health care team if they recommend certain practitioners. Some of these therapies may be provided in your hospital by nurse practitioners and doctors who have specialized training in CAM. Some CAM practitioners can come to your home. Examples of CAM include:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Art therapy
- Biofeedback
- Herbal therapies
- Hypnosis
- Massage
- Meditation and prayer
- Music therapy
- Pet therapy
- Play therapy
- Reflexology
- Relaxation and guided imagery
- Reiki
- Tai Chi
- Therapeutic touch