Cancer Services
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 and healing touch energy work.
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 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.
Acupuncturist Patricia Piant has received special training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for treating oncology patients and continues 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. As muscles are massaged, blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases, lymph circulation is stimulated and overall circulation is improved. Patients find a myriad of benefits from massage including reduced pain, headache relief, decreased fatigue and depression, insomnia relief and more positive body awareness.
Healing touch, an energy-based therapeutic approach using touch to influence the energy system and encourage the body’s healing response.