Mind-body therapies

Mind-body therapies are based on the belief that what we think and feel can affect how our bodies function. They have no effect on the cancer, but they may be used to help support people with cancer. They may help a person feel relaxed and improve their sense of well-being.

The mind-body therapies used by people with cancer in the UK include:

• relaxation techniques
• meditation
• mindfulness
• hypnotherapy
• sophrology
• creative therapies such as art therapy, creative writing and music therapy
• movement therapies, such as tai chi and yoga.

Mind-body therapies may help you feel less anxious, improve your mood and help you sleep. They may also help with symptoms such as pain, or help you cope with side effects caused by cancer treatment.

You may need to practise mind-body techniques regularly over a period of time to get the best results. You may find it helpful to attend a group to do the techniques. You can encourage each other to keep practising and see the progress you are making.

Mind-body therapies may be available:

• in some cancer treatment centres
• in some cancer support centres
• through a cancer support group.

You can ask your healthcare team how to access them.

Meditation has been practised for many years in different parts of the world. It usually involves being still and focusing your mind. This can help relax the mind and help you feel calm. Over time, this can help reduce stress levels. During meditation you become aware of your feelings, thoughts, and the sensations in your body. You are encouraged to allow your thoughts to come and go.

Benefits of meditation can include:

• feeling relaxed
• feeling less anxious or depressed
• feeling less stressed
• helping to manage chronic pain
• having an improved sense of well-being.

There are different types of meditation techniques. Meditation is sometimes related to faith or religion, such as Buddhist meditation.

You can read more about how to meditate on the NHS Better Health website.

A common type of meditation is mindfulness. This type of meditation can help people manage problems such as anxiety, stress or chronic pain.

Mindfulness helps you bring your attention back to the present moment. It helps you to become aware of your physical sensations, thoughts and feelings. It encourages you to think about these with a kind and curious awareness, and without making judgements. This can help you spend less time worrying about the future or going back over the past.

There are different types of mindfulness, including:

Mindfulness classes may be available through your hospital, GP or a cancer support charity. There are also organisations that can help you find meditation classes or mindfulness courses. You can search online for meditation classes or mindfulness courses near you.

There are apps, CDs and online resources you can use to meditate at home. Some people find it helpful to meditate in a group until they are familiar with the technique.

Meditation and mindfulness are generally suitable for anyone. But people who have a mental health issue should check with their doctor before trying meditation. Not everyone finds meditation helpful. In a few people, it can make symptoms such as stress or anxiety worse.

You can read more about meditation and mindfulness on the NHS website.

Sophrology uses a combination of gentle body movements, relaxation, breathing and visualisation. The aim is to restore balance between your mind and body. This may help in:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• managing pain
• improving sleep
• managing difficult or challenging situations.

You can read more about sophrology at the Sophrology Academy. It has a directory of sophrologists in the UK.

Movement therapies work directly on your body. They use movement, breathing exercises and a type of meditation or relaxation.

Yoga uses a combination of techniques. It generally uses different physical postures, and often combines these with breathing and relaxation techniques, and meditation. There are different types of yoga. Some use very gentle movement. Others may involve more energetic movement.

It is important to tell your yoga teacher that you have cancer. Yoga is generally safe, but people with some types of cancer may need to change some of the positions to make them easier to do. Yoga may help you cope with cancer and feel better generally. It may help to reduce sleep problems and fatigue, and may also help reduce depression and anxiety.

Most research has looked at the use of yoga in people with breast cancer. There is some evidence that for people with breast cancer, short-term use of yoga may:

• improve quality of life
• reduce fatigue and sleep problems.

Tai chi and qigong (sometimes spelt chi kung) come from Chinese medical traditions.

Both tai chi and qigong use slow, fluid movements together with meditation and deep breathing. These exercises can help build strength and improve balance and flexibility. They are suitable for most people. Tai chi and qigong may help you feel better generally and also reduce tiredness.