Complementary and alternative theraphy methods used in the management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Patients with cancer apply for complementary medicine methods for the ineliminable symptoms such as nauseavomiting. Complementary and alternative medicine methods administered by patients in whom chemotherapy induced nausea vomiting developed were explained in this study. The primary complementary and alternative medicine methods that cancer patients frequently use were herbal products, relaxation, hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, meditation, massage, music, reflexology, cryotherapy, and aromatherapy. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about these practices in order to achieve their goal, prevent harmful effects, and abuse of patients. Nurses were expected to develop their practice regarding the use of complementary therapies, determine effective strategies, guide patient to use complementary methods based on evidence, and direct patients/healthy individuals to apply complementary therapies effectively and correctly.