Cancer care

When combined with conventional cancer treatments, integrative therapies can contribute to your quality of life. Several types of integrative therapies are shown to help with the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments, such as fatigue, stress, pain, nausea and immune system functioning.

Our hospitals and clinics offer a variety of integrative therapies. These treatments can build your resilience and support your body’s ability to heal. Availability is different at each location.

Integrative medicine treatments should be used in addition to – not as replacements for – conventional cancer treatments.

Acupuncture for cancer care

Acupuncture helps manage side effects of conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your practitioner will insert very thin sterile needles into different parts of your body to cause the release of hormones associated with lessening fatigue, nausea and pain. Most people experience very little discomfort and many find acupuncture sessions relaxing.

Benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients and survivors

Recent research shows that cancer patients who’ve experienced side effects from cancer treatments say that acupuncture has helped with treating:

• Pain after surgery: Acupuncture before and after surgery can reduce the intensity of pain. As a result, patients may need less pain medication and recover more quickly.
• Immune function: Acupuncture is effective in enhancing blood platelet count after radiation or chemotherapy. The body’s natural killer cell activity also was increased greatly after a series of acupuncture treatments, which may mean patients recover more quickly.
• Chemotherapy- and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting: Studies show adding acupuncture to antinausea medication works better than medication alone for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
• Hot flashes: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce hot flashes in patients being treated for breast and prostate cancers.

Aromatherapy for cancer care

The use of natural essential oils to promote healing may ease the side effects associated with conventional cancer care. Aromatherapy can help create a calm mood, a sense of relaxation or a renewal in spirit.

Essential oils from flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, roots and the peels of fruits are created using steam distillation or pressing. Essential oils can be used to promote comfort and well-being. It’s best to use therapeutic grade oils because they’re free from toxic chemicals.

Benefits of aromatherapy for cancer patients and survivors

Aromatherapy can reduce some of these side effects from cancer and cancer treatment:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Pain
• Stress

Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical care, but it may help you.

Select essential oils are available for use during appointments at Aurora Cancer Care clinics

Talk to members of your health care team about the appropriate use of aromatherapy and essential oils.

Massage therapy for cancer care

Massage therapy can help during cancer treatment and after treatment has ended. Those who’ve had it may experience an improved mood, a greater sense of well-being and reduced levels of stress, tension, muscle aches and pain.

Our massage therapists have thorough training to learn how to modify massage based on the specific needs of each person. Massage for people affected by cancer is not just about knowing what to do but also knowing what not to do.

Reiki for cancer care

Reiki (“ray-key”) is a Japanese word for universal life-force energy. Reiki is a simple yet powerful healing energy technique. Many people affected by cancer find Reiki is a relaxing addition to conventional cancer treatments.

A trained Reiki practitioner uses very light touching or placement of their hands near important energy areas of the patient’s body. Sessions help energy flow through your body. Reiki helps you relax, reduces stress and helps lessen side effects of pain, anxiety and sickness.