Individual therapies
People practise meditation to help their minds and bodies become calm and relaxed.
Summary
Meditation has been practised for thousands of years in different traditions around the world.
Regular meditation can give clarity, insight and peace of mind.
You don't have to be religious to meditate - with patience and time, anyone can learn to do it.
There are many different types of meditation. Most involve being still and quiet. Some involve movement, such as tai chi, chi gong or walking meditation.
Meditation is a way of connecting with a natural state of mind that is spacious and clear. It is not eliminating thoughts, but noticing when our mind is busy or racing. Meditation can help you connect with the breath and bring calmness to the mind.
There are many different types of meditation.
Studies have looked at meditation as a way of reducing stress in both the mind and body. Most of the research has focused on mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR).
Some studies have shown that MBSR can help to relieve particular symptoms and improve quality of life for people with cancer. It might:
improve mood
improve concentration
reduce depression and anxiety
reduce symptoms and side effects, such as feeling sick (nausea)
boost the immune system
The studies have generally been small so far, and often have very different study designs which can make it difficult to compare results. So larger studies are needed.
There is no evidence that meditation can help to prevent, treat or cure cancer or any other disease.
Anyone can call themselves a meditation teacher. But there are specific courses to train people to become experts in guided meditation, visualisation and relaxation techniques.
It is important to make sure you use a qualified meditation teacher. Your doctor or nurse may be able to recommend a reputable one.
Last reviewed: 31 Aug 2022
Next review due: 31 Aug 2025
Find detailed information and research into some of the many different complementary and alternative therapies used by people with cancer.
A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment.
This section has information about the safety of complementary cancer therapies and alternative cancer therapies.
Find organisations, support groups, books, websites and other resources about complementary and alternative therapies.
Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about.
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What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
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