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Complementary Therapies
Shiatsu
Bodywork Massage |
 The Joan Karnell Cancer Center has been offering
shiatsu as a supportive care service for
more than five years. It is a popular complementary
therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy
and radiation therapy, for patients regaining
strength and functioning after completing
cancer treatment, and for patients experiencing
extended illness. Shiatsu is also popular
with caregivers and family members.
Shiatsu is a therapy based in traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM). The three major
branches of TCM are Asian bodywork therapies
(ABT), acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
Similar to acupuncture, shiatsu focuses
on treating the patient's bio-energetic
system by applying finger and hand pressure
to the body's energy channels (meridians)
and the acupoints. The goal of treatment
is to shift the imbalances within that
bio-energetic system back into a state
of balance, which enhances the ability
of the body, mind and spirit to care
for itself.
Aside from being a pleasant experience,
the benefits of shiatsu include:
- stimulation of the body's natural
healing capacity
- strengthening the immune system
- decreasing stress, anxiety, fear, frustration,
depression and anger
- easing symptoms such as nausea/vomiting,
aches/pains, and fatigue
- reestablishing a positive and healthy
relationship with one's body
A session begins with questions about
a patient's health history, illness and
symptoms. A Chinese medicine assessment
reveals the condition of the patient's
energy system and guides the shiatsu treatment.
Most treatments are given in a massage
chair, unless a patient's limitations or
comfort level requires otherwise. Patients
always remain clothed during a shiatsu
treatment. For more information or to schedule
a shiatsu treatment at call 1-800-789-PENN
(7366). |
Music
Therapy |
Music Therapy is the planned
use of music experiences to address a range
of issues related to illness and treatment,
such as pain, nausea, depression, and stress.
There are currently a variety of experiences
available, including music and relaxation
and guided imagery and music. These experiences
can help patients cope with their diagnosis
and treatment, as well as promote overall
well-being.
 Through
the use of relaxation exercises, patients
can reduce their stress, anxiety and
fear. Our music therapist can help patients
to develop stress management techniques
for use in the hospital as well as at
home. Through music therapy sessions,
patients can reduce perceived pain and
can learn to develop pain reduction techniques.
In addition, music therapy addresses
psychological issues related to illness
and treatment.
Music therapy is oriented toward supporting
the experiences of the person as a whole,
and helping each person to find solutions
to their own problems, creatively. In general,
the music therapist works with patients
to address one or more of the following
areas:
- exploring and working through emotions
experienced during diagnosis and treatment
- finding meaning in the cancer experience
- reviewing one's life
- developing individualized stress management
techniques
- developing music that can be used at
home to promote calm
Everyone can benefit from music therapy.
There are no specific criteria for receiving
this therapy. Patients do not need to have
previous music training or skills. Sessions
are tailored to the individual needs of
patients and can address multiple issues.
These sessions usually last from 30 to
60 minutes and are available in the patient's
treatment area.
Music therapy is provided for patients
of the Karnell Cancer Center by a board
certified music therapist and licensed
professional counselor. For more information
or to schedule a music therapy session,
call
1-800-789-PENN (7366). |
Art
Therapy |
 Art
therapy is the creative use of art materials
for self-expression and reflection. The
artwork becomes the visual representation
of a patient, caregiver, or family member's
experiences. At the core of art therapy
is the belief that the creative process
involved in the making of art is healing
and life enhancing.
When words are
not enough, art therapy allows patients
and caregivers the opportunity to creatively
deal with the impact of a cancer diagnosis.
Patients, caregivers, and family members
may choose to cultivate an ongoing project
with a particular final product in mind,
or may opt to use the process of working
with the materials to communicate their
emotional and psychological experiences.
Addressing
issues related to illness, treatment, and
emotional well-being, art therapy techniques
can be tailored to meet the needs of patients
during treatment at the Joan Karnell Cancer
Center, or during an individually scheduled
session. Through art therapy, patients
can be supported in addressing issues which
may include:
- changes in body image due
to treatment
- the
management of pain and other physical
symptoms
- the emotional release of anxiety
- the
loss of a sense of well-being
- coming
to terms with feelings of loss and isolation
- the ability to cope with illness
Fundamentally,
engaging in artistic expression encourages
an ongoing awareness of personal wellness,
while providing emotional and psychological
support for the patient and family. Additionally,
prior experience with art materials or
artistic technique is not necessary.
Any
patient, regardless of age or diagnosis
can benefit from the positive aspects of
artistic expression. Sessions are
tailored to the individual needs of the
patient, caregiver, or family member, and
typically range in duration from 30 to
60 minutes.
For more information, call 1-800-789-PENN
(7366). |
Nutrition
Counseling - Herbal Therapies |
For more information about
Herbal Therapies, please read about our Professional
Support Services. |
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