Mindfulness

Efficacy
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): The available evidence suggests that MBSR is effective for emotional wellbeing.  One SR (n=8) found that MBSR has a positive effect on emotional wellbeing.

Safety
Mindfulness-based approaches are generally considered safe in supportive cancer care. However, no rigorous assessment of the safety of mindfulness-based approaches in cancer patients is available.

Read the full version of the Mindfulness summary.

Music intervention

Efficacy
The available evidence suggests that music interventions are effective for wellbeing. Two SRs evaluated music therapy. One SR (n=19 mixed study designs) evaluated studies among children and found music therapy increased wellbeing. The second SR (n=30 mixed study designs) found significant effects of music therapy on psychological wellbeing.

Safety
Generally considered safe with no safety issues on record. Caution is advised for acutely distressed and/or emotionally fragile patients, particularly in patients with serious and life-threatening cancers.

Read the full version of the Music interventions summary.

Yoga

Efficacy
The evidence suggests yoga to be effective for wellbeing. Two SR (n=12 RCTs, n=13 RCTs) found significant short-term effect, and small effects on functional wellbeing. Both SR are older, and no recent studies have been conducted.

Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Few adverse events are reported in clinical trials, and serious adverse effects appear to be rare. Overall, injury rates are comparable to other exercise types.

Read the full version of the Yoga summary.
 

Aromatherapy

Efficacy
Few trial data are available on the effect of aromatherapy on wellbeing. A SR including two RCTs evaluating wellbeing showed a positive effect of aromatherapy on wellbeing.

Safety
Generally safe and only associated with minimal adverse effects when used in appropriate dilutions. 
Allergic reactions can occur with all oils. Should not be used undiluted.

Read the full version of the Aromatherapy summary. 

Homeopathy

Efficacy
The evidence for the effect of homeopathy on wellbeing is inconclusive as few data are available. One pragmatic RCT (n=410) showed that homeopathy had a positive effect on wellbeing but the study was assessed as being at high risk of bias.  

Safety
Generally safe, and there are no serious direct risks associated with homeopathy. There are indirect risks if homeopathic preparations are used in place of conventional cancer treatment.

Read the full version of the Homeopathy summary.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Efficacy
The evidence for the effect of PMR on wellbeing is inconclusive as few data are available. One non-randomized controlled trial (n=148) found improvement in mental wellbeing.

Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Some concerns have been raised about the use of relaxation therapy interventions among individuals who have a history of psychiatric disorders.

Read the full version of the Progressive Muscle Relaxation summary.

Reiki

Efficacy
The evidence for effects of reiki on wellbeing is inconclusive as few data are available. One RCT (n=189) found that patients receiving reiki or sham reiki reported better wellbeing.

Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner.  

Read the full version of the Reiki summary.
 

At the time of assessment, the available evidence did not suggest no effects for any of treatments evaluated by CAM Cancer for this symptom.