Healing Therapies
Many of our patients find healing therapies beneficial as a complement to traditional cancer care, helping to combat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
What are some healing therapies?
Guided imagery
Guided imagery uses the power of your mind to create a sense of peace and relaxation. Special images that you focus on, along with breathing exercises, help you become very calm. Guided imagery can lower blood pressure, decrease pain and headaches, and boost your immune system. You may also sleep better and become less stressed, anxious and depressed.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice for relaxing your body and calming your mind. As a result, you may feel more aware of your surroundings. Meditation can help you control the flow of your feelings and thoughts in your mind. This can help your mind and emotions feel more balanced.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a state when your mind is very open to positive ideas or suggestions. In this state, you can access automatic thoughts, feelings and behaviors that affect your daily life. These automatic thoughts, feelings and behaviors are called habits. Under hypnosis, you focus and direct your energy, which can help you make changes and achieve goals. You may also learn new information and insights about yourself. Hypnosis can be used for reducing stress and removing blocks to progress.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture
Chinese medicine is made up of treatment methods for your body to get healthy and stay healthy. The methods return the flow of blood and energy in the targeted area back to its proper state. Then your body can begin to heal itself. One method is using acupuncture, which uses very thin needles of varying lengths. A skilled acupuncturist inserts the needles at specific locations, called acupoints. The needles stay in place for about 30 to 45 minutes. Research shows that acupuncture eases nausea and pain. It also may help with withdrawal from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Other uses include, but are not limited to, reducing the pain from headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, lower back, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma.
Massage therapy
Massage helps your body's muscles and soft tissue. A massage therapist manipulates, rubs and/or kneads targeted areas of your body. Studies show that massage can help you feel less stressed, anxious or depressed. It also has positive effects on your body. You may sleep better at night and be more alert during the day. It also helps reduce pain and increases your ability to move with greater ease.
Healing touch
Healing touch is a non-invasive treatment that focuses on your body's energy. It restores and balances your body's energy flow. Practitioners use their hands to deliver light or near-body touch. The treatment helps clear, balance and energize the human energy system. This promotes healing for the mind, body and spirit. Healing touch also helps to decrease pain and anxiety.
Reiki
Reiki treatment works with the energy field thought to surround your body. It promotes balance and healing. During a reiki session, the practitioner will place his or her hands on or slightly above various parts of your clothed body. The practitioner then channels (redirects) and balances energy within and around your body. The practitioner also tries to remove anything that is disturbing or blocking the energy patterns. This helps heal your body and refreshes your spirit. Reiki can be good for chronic pain, acute illness and stress reduction.
Essential oils
Essential oils are extracts from plants. They are used to restore balance to your body, mainly through the sense of smell. The chemical aspect of the essential oil triggers the limbic system of your brain. This affects mood, emotions, memory and learning. Essential oils are used for many purposes, including reducing nausea, anxiety, insomnia and pain. They also promote calmness and well-being.
How can I learn more?
If you have questions or would like more information about local providers of these healing therapies, call Annette Schmocker at 262-928-2491.