Cancer patients are increasingly looking for ways to expand and enhance their conventional treatment, and our experience shows that many are finding the benefits of complementary therapies through Integrative Medicine.
Patients at NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Centers at Evanston and Highland Park Hospital now have access to dedicated Integrative Medicine practitioners in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Healing Touch energy work and Hawaiian Energetics. Services will be available at Glenbrook Hospital Kellogg Cancer Center in the near future.
Integrative Medicine practitioners discuss therapeutic treatment options.
A variety of integrative therapies are used to help patients both during and after completing cancer treatments. Treatment can positively impact a range of quality of life issues including increased energy, strength, appetite, pain relief, better digestive functioning and restful sleep.
Our integrative team works collaboratively with NorthShore oncologists and other specialists, with seamless communication through our shared Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cancer Treatment
A growing number of patients are choosing to integrate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine into their conventional cancer care to help offset the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy as well as the anxiety of a cancer diagnosis.
Acupuncture
Calling her integrative medicine consultation and laser acupuncture treatment a “life changing course of action,” breast cancer survivor and lymphedema patient Fran Abramson found tremendous relief and compassion in NorthShore acupuncturist Patricia Piant.
“What I appreciate most about Patricia is that she approaches her work with great passion and expertise. She has a real foundation in the clinical science and she engaged me as a partner." ~Fran Abramson
Acupuncture has been shown to relive pain and neuropathies, relieve nausea and constipation, boost immunity and appetite and help promote a sense of calm and well-being. Patients routinely report looking forward to their complementary treatments for both the emotional and physical benefits.
General practitioners have received special training through Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for treating oncology patients and continue to work closely with NorthShore oncologists who are increasingly referring patients for complementary treatment.
Laser acupuncture is also available for cancer patients, particularly those dealing with lymphedema or other contra-indicators for needles. The low-level laser is a safe and effective, needle-less form of treatment, which offers similar benefits to traditional acupuncture.
Massage Therapy and Cancer Treatment
Massage promotes relaxation and stress reduction and is recognized as beneficial for cancer patients both physically and emotionally. Patients find a myriad of benefits from massage including reduced pain, headache relief, decreased fatigue and depression, insomnia relief and more positive body awareness. Through gentle, comforting touch many of the body's functions move toward more optimal functioning.
I sincerely feel that without a doubt, my visit was more than worth each and every dollar that was spent on my behalf today. Dr. Mendoza Temple not only gave me tools to help navigate through this cancer diagnosis, but those that will be of benefit for a lifetime... My sincerest thanks and appreciation. ~Nancy G.
Healing Touch Energy work
Healing Touch, an energy-based therapeutic approach uses touch to influence the energy system and encourage the body’s healing response.
Hawaiian Energetics
Hawaiian Energetics is an energy-based therapeutic approach that uses the energy of the elements to support one's journey to wellness.