From:  Practical non-pharmacological interventions to improve quality of life for cancer patients and caregivers

 Summary of non-pharmacological interventions in oncology care.

InterventionRecommendation statusNotes
Aromatherapy (lavender, citrus)RecommendedEffective for anxiety, nausea, and sleep; good safety profile
Massage therapyRecommendedStrong evidence for pain and emotional relief; needs trained staff
Mindfulness & guided imageryRecommendedEffective for stress, mood, and sleep; widely adaptable
Music therapyPromising, but inconclusiveEvidence supports mood benefits; more RCTs needed for symptom control
Art therapyPromising, but inconclusiveHelpful for expression and coping; outcomes vary
Sleep hygiene educationRecommendedEffective for insomnia and fatigue; easily teachable
Essential oils (topical use)Use with cautionPotential for skin irritation; dilution and quality control needed
Energy therapies (e.g., Reiki)Not currently supportedInsufficient clinical evidence; further studies needed

RCTs: randomized controlled trials.