Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy involves sequential tensing and relaxation of major skeletal muscle groups and aims to reduce feelings of tension, to lower perceived stress, and to induce relaxation. PMR is purported to decrease the arousal of the autonomic and central nervous system and to increase parasympathetic activity. Two systematic reviews (SRs) published since 2019 are included in this summary. One included 12 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 1147 participants and assessed a range of outcomes, the other one investigated PMR for preventing and alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and included six RCTs with 288 participants. An additional 25 randomised and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs and CCTs) were also reviewed for this summary.

The macrobiotic diet is essentially a specific vegetarian form of nutrition and life-style. A typical macrobiotic diet would consist mainly of whole grains, cereals and cooked vegetables. Some types of fish are allowed but only in moderation. Popularised in the 1970s by Michio Kushi, it is now often promoted for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Reflexology is a supportive treatment modality employing manual pressure to specific areas of the body, usually the feet (occasionally the hands), which are thought to correspond to internal organs. Reflexologists suggest that by palpating the feet they can influence specific organ functions, reduce stress, eliminate toxins, rebalance the body’s energy, improve circulation, or promote metabolic homoeostasis.

Autogenic therapy refers to a particular technique of mental exercises involving relaxation and autosuggestion, which aims to teach individuals to switch off the fight/flight/fight stress response at will.

Ukrain is a drug based on the extract of the plant Chelidonium majus L (greater chelandine). It is claimed to be effective against a range of cancers.

Essiac is a herbal mixture usually administered as tea. It is promoted mostly via the internet as an alternative cancer cure.

The Simonton Method focuses on interactions between the mind and the body and how the mind can affect health, the course of disease, and  overall wellbeing. The Simonton Method of counselling for cancer patients is based on a combination of mind-body modalities: cognitive-behavioural (based on belief work: approach of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy), relaxation exercises, guided imagery and mindfulness-based meditation practice. According to its advocates, the Simonton Method is aimed at prolonging survival time and improving quality of life of cancer patients.

The Gerson Therapy™ uses a special plant-based diet, supplements and also coffee enemas to detoxify and stimulate the body’s metabolism. Proponents of the Gerson Therapy™ have made claims that it is an effective treatment for cancer and other illnesses, through balancing the levels of potassium and sodium in the body, removal of toxins and regeneration of liver function as well as improving overall nutritional status.

The Budwig diet consists of a special lacto-vegetarian regimen that focuses on a particular blend of oil and protein, i.e. flaxseed oil and cottage cheese or quark. The general guidelines of the diet emphasise foods in their natural state, plenty of fat in the form of cold-pressed flaxseed oil and a spreadable fat based on flaxseed oil, and protein in the form of quark or cottage cheese. Freshly pressed juices and herbal teas are also an integral part. Dr Johanna Budwig (1908-2003), a licensed pharmacist, stated that consuming processed fats was the primary cause of the majority of diseases, most notably cancer. According to her theory, combining polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from flaxseed with sulfhydryl-containing proteins from cottage cheese or quark has an effect on the growth and progression of malignant tumours.

Spirulina refers to various species of blue-green algae found naturally in lakes and grown commercially. It is used as a food colouring and is taken orally as a nutritional supplement in tablet, capsule or dried powder form. It is claimed to have immune-stimulating effects and to be beneficial in a wide range of diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, viral infections and cancer.