Overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with other therapies. It usually serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without standard treatment. The 12 Most Common Approaches to Complementary Cancer Therapy Biofeedback for Cancer Biofeedback is a technique used to train your mind to control the way your body works. It does not appear to affect cancer cells, but it has helped patients reduce severity and occurrence of headaches and chronic pain. Dietary and Herbal Supplements for Cancer No dietary changes have been found to cure cancer, but good nutrition is an essential part of your treatment plan. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before trying any dietary supplements. Art Therapy, Dance Therapy, Music Therapy, and Imagery Art, dance, music—all are examples of mind-body therapy. Although these therapies do not cure cancer, they provide an outlet for emotions and can improve mental and physical well-being. Distraction as Alternative Therapy for Cancer Distraction does not cure cancer, but it helps push patients’ minds away from unpleasant thoughts, procedures, and pain. Yoga as Alternative Therapy for Cancer Yoga means "union"—a union of the mind, body, and spirit—and uses slow movement, precise posture, meditation, and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation. Physical Exercise for Cancer Exercise is an effective activity for many people with cancer. Scientists are still learning about how physical activity helps cancer patients and what impact it has on the immune system.