1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer

What is complementary medicine?

By , About.com Guide

Created: August 03, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: What is complementary medicine?
Answer: Complementary medicine is often used to relieve side effects of treatment. It is sometimes called complementary treatment or therapy, also.

Complementary medicine is always used in conjunction with a traditional therapy like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

For example, a patient may have acupuncture performed on them to aid in lessening the nausea caused by chemotherapy. Other examples include aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, and acupressure.
More Cancer Q&A
Explore Cancer
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer
  4. Treatment of Cancer
  5. Alternative/Complementary
  6. Complementary Therapy For Cancer

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.