Integrative Therapies
Complementary therapy fact sheet
Complementary and alternative and medicines (CAM) are those practices used for preventing and treating disease that have been used in other countries for centuries that are not taught widely in medical schools in the United States. Complementary therapies may include exercise, prayer, good nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, Chi Kung, massage, chiropractic care and others.
What is involved?
Public interest is increasing in complementary medicines and therapies, which include homeopathy, acupuncture, Chi Kung (Qigong), naturopathy and chiropractic care. Some people look to complementary therapies to ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life while undergoing standard treatment.
Western medicine has only recently begun to recognize the value of some forms of complementary therapy before, during and after conventional cancer treatment as a viable treatment for symptom management and quality of life.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) within the National Institutes of Health has developed an international presence in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. It oversees many research projects in the United States. Its mission is to explore CAM healing practices by evaluating them carefully and educating the public about CAM therapies and scientific findings.
The National Cancer Institute’s office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) coordinates all CAM activities for the National Cancer Institute.
Because most practices are unregulated, it is difficult to know which complementary therapy will be helpful in your treatment plan. Information about a variety of complementary therapies is available through the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Food and Drug, etc.
Our staff can provide appropriate advice to help you distinguish between the various forms of complementary medicine.
What do complementary therapies cost?
Most complementary therapies usually are not paid for by insurance. Some insurances will cover acupuncture and chiropractic services. Reimbursement by third-party insurance carriers varies by state. Most complementary therapies are reasonably priced.
Special points to remember
- Anyone who practices complementary medicine should be licensed or certified.
- A conversation is strongly suggested with your doctor about the methods you are
For further information and services offered through the Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies at Dana-Farber, please call (617) 632-5570.
