Integrative Care
Can we do more?
This question has driven the Program in Women's Oncology to do new, different, better things for patients. The energy has been contagious. The effort has drawn the attention of the community and beyond. Similarly-interested people now come to us with their new ideas. One idea spawns another. It is in this "special environment" that each of us continues to learn and to be truly creative in multi-disciplinary ways.
Several of the programs which have evolved from this "special chemistry" are encompassed by our Integrative Care program. Integrative Care, officially begun in 1994, thoughtfully integrates artistic/supportive concepts with our conventional cancer care. The total experience has changed the sense of caring perceived/received by our patients and profoundly affects the way we, the clinical staff, view our work and our lives.
Paradoxically, it is the “little things”...a poem, music, pets, massage...offered simply in hopes of improving the moment, which make an enormous difference. Open to that possibility, wonderful people, artists, writers, and others, have embraced the philosophy of Women’s Oncology. They brought along their creativity and, in small steps, formed our unique and nationally recognized Integrative Care Program. Included in this program are animal companionship, chiropractic services, meditation, nutrition and wellness programs, reflexology, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture.
While alternative therapies are not a substitute for proven cancer treatments, they can improve the quality of life for some patients and their families. In addition to regular patient care, Women & Infants’ Program in Women’s Oncology offers patients currently undergoing cancer treatment, as well as those patients receiving follow-up care, convenient, confidential access to, and education about, thoughtfully selected supportive therapies.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture was developed from Chinese medicine to treat a variety of symptoms and disease states. Modern acupuncture is used in the Program in Women’s Oncology in conjunction with conventional medications for the treatment of the infrequent symptoms of nausea and vomiting for relaxation, anxiety, and pain. A recent National Institutes of Health consensus panel found convincing evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in these areas. The needles are the size of a hair, and rarely cause any discomfort. Treatments are administered in a quiet, private setting.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Animal Companion Program
Animals provide companionship as well as valuable contact to patients confined for treatment. In addition, animals are known to improve morale by relieving depression and decreasing anxiety and stress. Animals are carefully chosen for their friendly disposition. Optionally, patients may choose to bring their own animal. (Overall, at the discretion of the patient, animals are restricted to those areas where patients wish their company.)
Patients who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call us at 401-453-7520 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday for more information. There is no charge for this therapy.
Chiropractic Care
Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) assess and manage patients with neuromusculosketal disorders and related clinical conditions including, but not limited to, back pain, neck pain, and headaches. When addressing patients’ needs, DCs utilize appropriate diagnostic procedures and conservative therapeutic interventions, with a primary focus on spinal manipulation. As with other health care disciplines, chiropractic is committed to accountability and predictability in obtaining measurable outcomes. These would include, but are not limited to, pain, physical function, and patient satisfaction.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Expressive Arts / Guided Imagery
This workshop allows participants to experience guided meditation, a process that relaxes and calms the mind while providing symbolic images that often can lead participants to new levels of self-discovery and personal growth. Participants will experience working with a variety of art materials, as they explore and experiment with their personal imagery. No experience with visual arts is necessary.
For more information, please contact Sandra Salzillo-Shields, LMHC, at 401-274-1122, extension 7104.
Hypnotherapy
Our hypnotherapist uses relaxation and visualization techniques to help implement beneficial suggestions attending to patient/person’s specific concerns. Many have found hypnosis reduces levels of pain, hot flashes, discomfort, anxiety, even sadness (So it can increase levels of well-being, confidence and sense of calmness and relaxation). Hypnotherapy is available by appointment and last approximately 45-60 minutes.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Meditation
Meditation and spiritual insight work are believed by many to be opportunities to connect with whom we really are in order to move through and resolve life's traumas. Through spiritual insight work, individuals learn to combine breathwork, visualization and intuition to enhance the healing of mind, body and spirit.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Massage
Therapeutic Massage
A therapeutic full-body massage can improve circulation, relieve tensions, stress, and relax tired muscles. Massage brings a deep sense of emotional and physical well-being, and is described by most as a wholly pleasurable experience.
Reflexology/ Foot Massage
Essential oils of lavender and chamomile are applied to feet with soothing massage movement. This therapy helps relieve stress and tension producing, in most, a deep feeling of relaxation and comfort.
Aromatherapy Massage
Therapeutic essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, woods, and barks are used along with massage techniques to restore a sense of harmony and balance, energizing the body.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Nutrition & Wellness
USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
Nutrition & Wellness takes a holistic approach to mind and body wellness. Individuals learn how foods can effect mood, energy level and overall sense of well-being. A healthier diet is developed which is customized to meet the individual’s needs. Complimentary herbal and vitamin therapy can be explored under the guidance of our registered dietitian, a nutrition expert.
Patients who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call us at 401-453-7520 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday for more information.
Poetry Project
People of all ages and all stages of life find comfort and wisdom in the words of those who have faced physical, emotional or spiritual difficulties. Individuals working in the poetry project are encouraged to share their thoughts, a poem they have written, an enlightening moment or something they have read or heard that helped them. These written and spoken dialogues are collected and made accessible to all our patients.
Click here to read poetry written by Heidi Brenneke-Nunes, a uterine & breast cancer survivor.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Reiki
Reiki (Japanese rei, "universal," and ki, "life force energy") is an ancient form of hands-on healing system based on channeling universal life force energy. Reiki teaches that a life force energy is present in all living things and that a shortage or blockage of this energy results in physical and mental imbalance and illness. Balance can be restored by tapping into the universal source of life force energy. Reiki treatment sessions generally last 45-60 minutes, during which time the practitioners transmit universal life energy by placing their hands at specific positions on or slightly above the recipient's body. Advocates believe Reiki therapy generally results in overall relaxation response. Although Reiki do not claim that Reiki can cure specific illnesses, they believe that it promotes the body's ability to heal itself and that it supports other treatment programs.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the application of pressure, strech, and movement to the feet and hands to affect corresponding parts of the body. Reflexologists view the feet and hands as a mirror image of the body. By applying a soothing massage technique, a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body. This therapy provides a deep feeling of relaxation and comfort.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
Yoga
Yoga is a 6,000 year old prescribed method of movements, postures and breathing which improves body, mind and spirit. In the beginning, yoga was practiced by an aristocratic society of philosophers, scholars and warriors. They noticed that as man became more civilized by his evolutionary and cultural progression, he was removing himself from nature. They observed the animals’ instinctual behavior governing eating, relaxing, resting, and stretching. They copied the animals’ ways and observed the working of their own bodies to develop this system of movements.
Patients or caregivers who wish to participate in this type of integrative therapy should call Kristin Dalbec at 401-274-1122, ext. 8756 for more information.
