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 that they experience a deep state of relaxation and renewal during and after an acupuncture treatment.

Benefits:

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• Reduced nausea, vomiting

• Reduced anxiety

• Reduced pain from cancer-related neuropathy or surgery

• Increased energy

• Improved digestion

• 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.

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​Benefits:

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• Promotes relaxation and positive feelings

• Reduced pain

• Reduced anxiety and/or depression

• Improved sleep

• Improved health of scar tissue

• Greater mental clarity

• Increased range of motion

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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. 

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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.

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Benefits:

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• Improved mood and emotional well-being

• Improved sleep / reduced fatigue

• Improved cognitive functioning

• Reduced stress/anxiety

• Reduced gastrointestinal issues

• Pain relief

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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.

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Benefits:

• Reduced stress

• Reduced incidents of cancer-related depression

• Reduced intensity of pain

• Reduced cachexia (muscle loss due to underlying illness)

• Improved energy

• Improved quality of sleep

• Improved immune response