7 Complementary Therapies to Help Manage MBC Treatment Side Effects

To help ease these uncomfortable side effects, many people with MBC turn to complementary treatments. “The primary purpose of complementary therapies in breast cancer care is to optimize quality of life, alleviate treatment-related side effects, and mitigate psychological distress,” says Naoki Umeda, MD, an integrative oncologist at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

“By addressing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — integrative oncology helps patients maintain physical resilience and emotional stability, empowering them to adhere more effectively to their conventional cancer treatment regimens,” Dr. Umeda says.

1. Acupuncture

“Among integrative therapies, acupuncture has one of the strongest bodies of evidence in cancer care,” says Richard T. Lee, MD, medical director of supportive and integrative medicine at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California.

Umeda notes that acupuncture works by stimulating the central nervous system, triggering the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals and modulating neurotransmitters to alter pain perception and improve blood flow.

“Not every patient experiences the same benefit, but many find it becomes a valuable part of their overall symptom-management plan,” Dr. Lee says.

2. Mindfulness Meditation and Relaxation Techniques

Cancer affects much more than the body. “Many patients are coping with uncertainty, stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep while navigating treatment and everyday life,” Lee says.

Mind-body interventions like mindfulness meditation (the practice of intentionally drawing your attention to the present moment without judgement), guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation can help individuals develop practical tools for managing stress, improving sleep, and coping with difficult emotions, he says.

“These therapies carry virtually no physical harm and are exceptionally safe for metastatic breast cancer patients to pursue,” Umeda says.

3. Mind-Body Exercises

Examples include:

• Yoga An ancient practice originating in India, yoga involves a series of physical poses, combined with breathing techniques and meditation.

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• Tai Chi This ancient form of exercise rooted in martial arts concentrates on gentle, coordinated movements along with deep breathing designed to energize and balance the body.

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• Qigong An ancient Chinese practice, Qigong involves gentle movements, slow and deep breathing patterns, and meditation.

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“Many patients tell me they want to stay active but don't always have the energy or physical capacity they once had,” Lee says. The key, he notes, is finding the right program and modifying it to meet individual needs and abilities. Talk to your healthcare team about mind-body exercise programs in your area to find the right fit for you.

4. Reiki

“Some patients report benefits in relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being,” Lee says, adding that Reiki does not come with any negative side effects so there’s no harm in trying it if you’re interested.

5. Reflexology

Like Reiki, there is limited evidence that reflexology has benefits for breast cancer treatment side effects, Lee says. But speaking of both practices, he says, “I don't view these therapies as treatments for cancer itself, but if a patient finds them helpful and they're being used safely alongside conventional care, they may play a supportive role in quality of life.”

6. Massage Therapy

“When performed by a therapist trained in oncology massage, it may help ease muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and discomfort while promoting relaxation,” Lee says.

Ask your doctor or visit the Society of Oncology Massage’s website to find a practitioner near you.

7. Supplements (Proceed With Caution)

One of the most common questions that Lee's patients ask is whether supplements can help with breast cancer treatment symptoms.

“Some supplements may play a supportive role in managing symptoms such as nausea or sleep disturbances,” he says. “For example, ginger has been studied for nausea, and some patients use melatonin to help with sleep.”

However, the evidence varies considerably from product to product, and some supplements may interact with cancer treatments or other medications.

“From a strict clinical and oncological standpoint, all herbal remedies are contraindicated [not recommended] during active systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and molecular targeted agents,” Umeda says. “The primary risk is unpredictable drug-drug interactions.”

Always speak to your doctor before introducing any supplement into your routine, and note that supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In general, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before beginning any complementary therapies during your cancer treatment.