Smilow Integrative Medicine Program

Integrative medicine focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and seeks to complement cancer therapy with appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches to achieve optimal health and healing. Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Program provides evidence-based guidance about a wide range of complementary therapies commonly used by cancer patients and survivors.

Our program aims to address the serious physical and emotional symptoms often experienced by patients before, during, and after cancer therapy. Our team has expertise in the practice and evaluation of complementary medicine, and can guide patients to make effective decisions on integrative therapies throughout their treatment program and beyond. We collaborate closely with each patient’s oncology care team to provide safe and effective care.

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Our Services

Integrative medicine consultations

Integrative medicine clinical consultations provide guidance for the safe use of dietary supplements/natural products, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and other complementary therapies.

Massage

Experienced and licensed therapists are trained in oncology massage, focusing on mitigating side effects from cancer and its treatment. Research has shown that massage therapy may reduce pain, promote relaxation, and boost mood in cancer patients. Appointments may be made by calling 203-200-6129. We accept debit or credit cards for payment.

$70 per 60-minute appointment
$40 per 30-minute appointment

Reiki

Reiki is a complementary health approach in which practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above a person, with the goal of facilitating the person’s own healing response. This is to promote relaxation and produce stress-reduction effects. Appointments may be made by calling 203-200-6129. We accept debit or credit cards for payment.

$70 per 60-minute appointment
$40 per 30-minute appointment

Nutrition Consultation

The Integrative Medicine team offers guidance from our Oncology-certified Registered Dietitian to help individuals reach specific goals during or after completion of their treatment. Integrative Medicine Nutrition also supports the Supplement Clinic, where vitamins and supplements may be discussed to ensure they are safe and effective. They may also provide guidance on how to optimize their diet and obtain nutrients from foods whenever possible.

Group Sessions

Gentle yoga

Group classes incorporate breathing techniques, physical postures, meditation, and relaxation, adapted to patient needs and limitations.

T’ai Chi/Qigong

T’ai Chi/Qigong is a centuries-old martial art and energy practice that uses gentle movement through postures to help promote mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. Students are taught the fundamentals of breath work, movement, and postures that develop into the T’ai-Chi form. The benefits are improved strength, mobility, alignment, pain control, and overall physical and mental rejuvenation.

Meditation

Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Patients can receive instruction from a trained practitioner or from guided meditation CDs that are available in our Patient and Family Resource Center.

Chair-Based Exercise

This mind/body modality is based on the spinal alignment and efficient joint and muscle movement to promote strength and flexibility. It allows for seated and standing movements in and out of a chair, and the use of a chair as needed. Participants will range from those with balance issues who may need the assistance of a chair to those able to move about freely.