Integrative Therapies

Complementary Medicine for Comfort and Wellness

Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital offers integrative therapies for patients to assist with their care and comfort. Patients may speak with their clinician about acupuncture, therapeutic massage, reiki, yoga, or exercise to help healing or to relieve stress and better manage side-effects associated with their treatment. Integrative Therapies may be used in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic treatments.

Benefits:

  • Relaxation and stress relief
  • Relieves muscle and joint tension and stiffness
  • Reduces anxiety and fosters a feeling of well-being
  • Promotes restful sleep

 

  • Reduces nausea
  • Promotes deeper and easier breathing
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Strengthens the immune system

Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes, such as in aiding and hastening recovery from side-effects of various cancer treatments.

Reiki is a gentle, hands-on relaxation technique to help patients feel calmer and more comfortable. It is an ancient healing technique used for relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki promotes healing by stimulating the immune system, and can help to relieve physical and emotional symptoms. Reiki is safe, non-invasive and can be administered to people of all ages. The practitioner can improve how “life force energy” flows through the energy pathways of the body.

Exercise addresses functionality, strength, and range of motion for individuals of all levels. Includes endurance training, resistance work, stretching, and energy conservation techniques.

Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body. It has many benefits, such as reduction of pain and swelling, and increased relaxation and circulation. Massage therapy for patients is gentle and is based on the patient's medical and physical status.

Yoga is designed to provide relaxation and gentle total-body stretching to decrease anxiety and improve well-being. All skill levels are welcome. For more information call 781-624-4786.

Learn ways to improve flexibility, decrease pain and stiffness, and improve self-esteem by participating in warm water exercise.  Designed for all women, including those who have had a mastectomy.  Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:45-7:30 p.m.  Cost is $50.  Call 781-624-8177 for information.