774-408-8477
Free-of-charge integrative wellness therapies and support for anyone in our community facing cancer.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Benefits of integrative therapies for people facing cancer
Our goal is to help you feel better. Integrative therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease.
Below is some information on some of our most common/requested therapies – and their benefits for people in active cancer treatment.
Currently, we offer the following therapies / services:
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Acupuncture
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Art & Music Therapy
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Chiropractic
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Craniosacral Therapy
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Energy Work
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Lymphatic Massage
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Massage
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Meditation
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Nutrition
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Pilates
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Reflexology
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Reiki
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Routine Foot Care
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Yoga
Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China more than 4,000 years ago. The practice entails stimulating certain points on the body, most often with a needle penetrating the skin, to alleviate pain or to help treat various health conditions. Acupuncture needles are very thin. Many people say that they experience a deep state of relaxation and renewal during and after an acupuncture treatment.
Benefits:
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Reduced nausea, vomiting
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Reduced anxiety
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Reduced pain from cancer-related neuropathy or surgery
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Increased energy
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Improved digestion
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Improved circulation
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a type of treatment in which a trained and certified medical professional manipulates the soft tissues of your body using varying degrees of pressure and movement.
Massage has been shown to help reduce the side effects caused by conventional cancer treatment, and improve quality of life and wellbeing.
Benefits:
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Promotes relaxation and positive feelings
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Reduced pain
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Reduced anxiety and/or depression
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Improved sleep
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Improved health of scar tissue
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Greater mental clarity
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Increased range of motion
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (specialized massage)
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a massage technique that promotes lymph to drain out of a limb into an area that drains normally. This can reduce swelling caused by fluid build up after cancer treatment.
Some of our vetted massage practitioners offer this specialized type of massage; it will be listed under their name on the massage practitioner page.
Yoga
The practice of yoga is grounded in ancient Indian philosophy, with a goal of quieting the mind and developing a balance of both strength and stillness - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some of the less physically challenging styles of yoga (Hatha, Yin) are often more appropriate for people who are coping with cancer-related health challenges.
Benefits:
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Improved mood and emotional well-being
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Improved sleep / reduced fatigue
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Improved cognitive functioning
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Reduced stress/anxiety
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Reduced gastrointestinal issues
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Pain relief
Our Wellness Moves program is an approachable, low cost way for people facing cancer to be able to participate in group yoga classes. CWC provides vouchers that can be used at participating local yoga studios, along with a $5 drop in fee.
Meditation
Mindfulness-based meditation originates from ancient Eastern religious traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a mental exercise that involves relaxation, focus, and awareness. Meditation may be helpful in relieving some of the emotional distress a cancer diagnosis can cause in patients and their caregivers.
Benefits:
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Reduced stress
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Reduced incidents of cancer-related depression
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Reduced intensity of pain
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Reduced cachexia (muscle loss due to underlying illness)
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Improved energy
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Improved quality of sleep
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Improved immune response
Routine Foot Care
Registered Nurses who are certified to perform foot care can ease your concerns about finding the foot care services you need while undergoing cancer treatments. These nurse specialists have a holistic approach to helping you through your treatments. Pain, weakness, and fatigue from surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are added complications that place a barrier on foot care. Trimming toenails and reducing calluses and/or corns is elevated to an advanced level of care with nursing knowledge, skills, and values. Foot care nurses can provide home visits if you are unable to leave your home, or office visits and senior center visits for those who prefer to go out.
Benefits:
Pain relief
Reduced risk of injury
Reduced risk of infection
Reduced risk of falls
Increased sense of well being