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Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Complementary & Alternative Medicine



Complimentary medicine and alternative medicine use treatments and therapies that are different from standard medical treatment or conventional treatment. Complimentary medicine means that it is used along with standard medical treatment. Alternative medicine means it is used instead of standard medical treatment.

We advise you to discuss the use of complementary and alternative medicine with your child's oncology doctor before commencing your child on any such treatment. This is because some chemotherapy and herbal medicines can interact. Your child's doctor needs to know if your child is having complimentary or alternative medicine. Please talk about other therapies with your child's doctor. If you need more information about conventional treatment and other therapies, please ask your medical team.

Examples of complementary and alternative medicine (in no specific order):
  • Treatments that are established in other countries, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and Ayurvedic medicine in India.
  • Treatments, such as magnet therapy, crystals.
  • Mind-body medicine- therapies and techniques that use the mind to help heal the body, hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery and biofeedback.
  • Lifestyle changes such as nutrition, social support, relaxation, stretching and exercise to balance the body and calm the mind.
  • Other therapies such as massage, osteopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine and homeopathy.
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