Open AccessIntegrative Medicine Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Patients
Author(s) -
Gary Deng
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the cancer journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.825
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1540-336X
pISSN - 1528-9117
DOI - 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000399
Subject(s) - massage , acupuncture , medicine , meditation , music therapy , physical therapy , hypnosis , anxiety , alternative medicine , mindfulness , mood , randomized controlled trial , psychological intervention , integrative medicine , psychotherapist , psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , philosophy , theology , pathology
Pain management for cancer patients should include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Integrative medicine therapies, such as mind-body practice, acupuncture, massage therapy, and music therapy, have been studied for their roles in pain management. Data from randomized controlled trials support the effect of hypnosis, acupuncture, and music therapy in reduction of pain. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, qigong, and massage therapy, although may not reduce pain per se, can relieve anxiety and mood changes, which are commonly associated with pain. In clinical practice, one should also consider burdens and risks to patients, patient preference, and the presence or absence of better alternatives when making decisions on whether an integrative medicine therapy is of clinical value.