Mind-body therapies are based on the belief that what we think

Mind-body therapies are based on the belief that what we think and feel can affect our well-being.

Below are some of the most popular mind-body complementary therapies used by people with cancer in the UK.

• Relaxation can help reduce anxiety and stress.
• Visualisation may help to improve mood or reduce symptoms and side effects.
• Meditation can help reduce feelings of fear, pain, anxiety and depression.
• Hypnotherapy may help you to make positive lifestyle changes and encourage positive emotions, such as calmness and relaxation.
• Art therapy helps you become more aware of, and let go of, difficult feelings.
• Music therapy can help you to express your feelings and may help to relieve symptoms of pain.

You can practice these therapies at home, as part of a group or one-to-one with a therapist. Many conventional cancer treatment centres provide mind-body therapies.