Integrative Therapies
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital offers patients Integrative Therapies to assist with their care and comfort. Patients may request 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.
Therapeutic Massage
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 patients’ medical and physical status.
Reiki
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.
Acupuncture
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 the side effects of the various cancer treatments.
Yoga
Yoga is designed to provide relaxation and gentle total-body stretching to decrease anxiety and improve well-being. All skill levels are welcome.
Exercise
Exercise addresses functionality, strength, and range of motion for individuals of all levels. Includes endurance training, resistance work, stretching, and energy conservation techniques.
Benefits of Integrative Therapies
- Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
- Helps relieve muscle and joint tension and stiffness
- Reduces anxiety and fosters feelings of well-being
- Promotes restful sleep
- May help to reduce nausea
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
- Reduces blood pressure
- Strengthens the immune system
For more information call 781-624-4786.
