Integrative Therapy at the Cancer Center is designed to support each patient as a whole individual, integrating the healing of body with mind and spirit. It has been shown that practices such as Reiki, Reflexology and Meditation can alleviate stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage physical and emotional symptoms, enhance quality of life and often provide better outcomes. Leading hospitals across the country including Memorial Sloan Kettering are now offering these therapies to their patients with wonderful results.
Reflexology and Reiki
Reflexology is a form of complementary therapy based on the theory that reflex points in the feet or hands correspond to organs of the body. When these reflex points are stimulated it is said to relieve problems and improve functioning of the corresponding organs. Energy is released from the feet and travel to the spine spreading to the rest of the body, it is said to release endorphins and natural pain killers. Reflexology can help relieve some symptoms seen in cancer patients such as nausea, fatigue, insomnia, no appetite and improve mood. Reiki is also a form of complementary therapy based on the Japanese theory of "universal life energy"; spiritual energy can be release from the practitioner and transferred to the patient to heal the patient's spirits. Blocked energy paths within the body are said to cause illness, weakness, or pain. Reiki can open these paths allowing energy to flow and relieve muscle tension, decrease pain, speed healing and overall body function. Reiki helps the patient to relax, decreases stress and anxiety and rejuvenates the body allowing the body to heal faster. Reflexology and Reiki has been shown to improve individual's overall well-being specifically in cancer patients.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a 2,000-year-old form of Chinese medicine, can help with many ailments endured by cancer patients. It works over time to ease nausea, pain from neuropathy, chronic headaches, anxiety and many more side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Acupuncture helps energy flow freely throughout the body and releases blockages that cause pain and discomfort. Hospitals, including Memorial Sloan Kettering, support the use of acupuncture along with Reiki, reflexology and various integrative therapies in conjunction with cancer treatment.
Meditation
Meditation is a form of complementary therapy to allow the mind and body to relax, based on the theory that the mind and the body are connected. Meditating can help relieve stress and anxiety by clearing our minds. Meditation can help cancer patients with some symptoms such as insomnia, improve mood, and improve ability to focus, reduce depression and boost immune system.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a way of expressing emotions through creativity facilitating the healing process. Expressing emotions through art can help people deal with conflicting emotions, express unspoken concerns about illness and life, and increase self-awareness. Expressing emotions through art can help relieve stress, fear, and anxiety emotions experienced by cancer patients.
Yoga
Yoga at the Cancer Center offers a unique opportunity for the clients to connect with themselves and to each other each week; to find breath, movement and space in the physical sense but also to relish in relaxation and ease. Whether currently undergoing treatment or living strong as a survivor, we welcome all clients to join our yoga class. Private yoga and restorative sessions are available for certain cases as well.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is increasingly being viewed as a highly effective way to improve the quality and length of life of cancer patients. Regardless of whether an individual has just been diagnosed, is undergoing treatment, or is in remission, the Cancer Center offers a number of weekly and monthly fitness classes, including yoga, a stretching class, strength training and “Zumba light.” Studies with breast cancer survivors have unequivocally concluded that physical exercise extends the length of life. Our classes all promote physical strength, balance and of course, energy!
Music Therapy
Here at the Cancer Center we offer our clients opportunities to heal the mind, body and soul with the latest up-and-coming techniques. Music therapy is a powerful yet non-invasive way to assist cancer patients in managing pain and depression. We also offer music lessons to clients who are interested in taking up a new instrument. Music therapy at home is offered for clients who are homebound. Music therapy complements traditional forms of medicine and helps our clients feel at ease during hard times.
Reflexology and Reiki
Reflexology is a form of complementary therapy based on the theory that reflex points in the feet or hands correspond to organs of the body. When these reflex points are stimulated it is said to relieve problems and improve functioning of the corresponding organs. Energy is released from the feet and travel to the spine spreading to the rest of the body, it is said to release endorphins and natural pain killers. Reflexology can help relieve some symptoms seen in cancer patients such as nausea, fatigue, insomnia, no appetite and improve mood. Reiki is also a form of complementary therapy based on the Japanese theory of "universal life energy"; spiritual energy can be release from the practitioner and transferred to the patient to heal the patient's spirits. Blocked energy paths within the body are said to cause illness, weakness, or pain. Reiki can open these paths allowing energy to flow and relieve muscle tension, decrease pain, speed healing and overall body function. Reiki helps the patient to relax, decreases stress and anxiety and rejuvenates the body allowing the body to heal faster. Reflexology and Reiki has been shown to improve individual's overall well-being specifically in cancer patients.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a 2,000-year-old form of Chinese medicine, can help with many ailments endured by cancer patients. It works over time to ease nausea, pain from neuropathy, chronic headaches, anxiety and many more side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Acupuncture helps energy flow freely throughout the body and releases blockages that cause pain and discomfort. Hospitals, including Memorial Sloan Kettering, support the use of acupuncture along with Reiki, reflexology and various integrative therapies in conjunction with cancer treatment.
Meditation
Meditation is a form of complementary therapy to allow the mind and body to relax, based on the theory that the mind and the body are connected. Meditating can help relieve stress and anxiety by clearing our minds. Meditation can help cancer patients with some symptoms such as insomnia, improve mood, and improve ability to focus, reduce depression and boost immune system.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a way of expressing emotions through creativity facilitating the healing process. Expressing emotions through art can help people deal with conflicting emotions, express unspoken concerns about illness and life, and increase self-awareness. Expressing emotions through art can help relieve stress, fear, and anxiety emotions experienced by cancer patients.
Yoga
Yoga at the Cancer Center offers a unique opportunity for the clients to connect with themselves and to each other each week; to find breath, movement and space in the physical sense but also to relish in relaxation and ease. Whether currently undergoing treatment or living strong as a survivor, we welcome all clients to join our yoga class. Private yoga and restorative sessions are available for certain cases as well.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is increasingly being viewed as a highly effective way to improve the quality and length of life of cancer patients. Regardless of whether an individual has just been diagnosed, is undergoing treatment, or is in remission, the Cancer Center offers a number of weekly and monthly fitness classes, including yoga, a stretching class, strength training and “Zumba light.” Studies with breast cancer survivors have unequivocally concluded that physical exercise extends the length of life. Our classes all promote physical strength, balance and of course, energy!
Music Therapy
Here at the Cancer Center we offer our clients opportunities to heal the mind, body and soul with the latest up-and-coming techniques. Music therapy is a powerful yet non-invasive way to assist cancer patients in managing pain and depression. We also offer music lessons to clients who are interested in taking up a new instrument. Music therapy at home is offered for clients who are homebound. Music therapy complements traditional forms of medicine and helps our clients feel at ease during hard times.