During the past few years, there has been increasing interest in integrative therapies, which go beyond the traditional form of Western-style medicine. For some cancer patients, interest in integrative therapies comes from a desire to improve overall health and quality of life while finding opportunities to play a more active role in one's own health care.

Integrative therapy is a term used to describe the combination of conventional and complimentary therapies to stimulate the body's natural healing process. It seeks to combine those modalities and treatments - including the science and technology of conventional cancer medicine and the holistic approach of complementary medicine - to meet a patient's unique needs.

"Because the use of complimentary therapies is not measurable, modern medicine has been slow to accept its value," said Donald McDonah, MD, board certified in Family Practice and Palliative Care, "but patients who use some form of integrated therapy do feel better. It gives them that extra boost mentally, physically and spiritually to fight their illness."

Integrated medicine has a wide range of therapeutic options including mind/body interventions, Reiki, massage therapy, yoga, nutrition, music therapy and acupuncture.

One of the most popular forms of integrated therapies at St. Joseph Hospital is Reiki. An ancient healing art that promotes the body's natural ability to heal, Reiki also reduces stress, enhances relaxation and eases pain.

Monday through Friday, Reiki II practitioners from The New England Reiki Center visit the floors and the Infusion Suite to offer patients their services. "Reiki works in concert with the medicines and treatments a patient receives for illness," said Linda Cloutier, one of the Reiki practitioners. "It's another dimension to the healing process."

"During a Reiki treatment, through light touch, an energy transference occurs," Patti Marchowich, RN, BSSN, and Director of the New England Reiki Center. This energy is deeply relaxing and enables the patient to release their anxieties and increase their level of relaxation. When we are relaxed we do our greatest healing work."

Marilyn Morin, another Reiki practitioner adds that Reiki is a powerful enhancement to any medial treatment. "As we deliver Reiki we see the patient relax and become more comfortable."

Tim Ivers, a chemotherapy patient at the Infusion Suite, was a believer of Reiki after his first treatment. "I started using Reiki on my very first visit to the Infusion Suite and it has been wonderful. It works so well. It puts me at ease and I am very relaxed during my whole session."

Kim Machado, also a chemotherapy patient at the Infusion Suite, readily agrees. "I first learned about Reiki during my first Breast Cancer Support Group. I went to a private facility and received my first Reiki treatment. Then I discovered Reiki was a service offered at the Infusion Suite. Now I receive Reiki every time I go."

Many patients say they will try anything to help them feel better. Mr. Ivers also uses diet, exercise and prayer meditation to help his body beat cancer. "It's all part of getting better. I want to have control over the cancer, and being strong physically, mentally and spiritually is part of that. But above all attitude is most important."

Because every patient is unique physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, an integrated treatment that is effective for one patient may work differently for another patient with the same condition. A patient's overall health and well-being are vital components in his or her battle with cancer. As part of the cancer journey, therefore, The Oncology Center at St. Joseph Hospital encourages patients to listen to their bodies, learn about the therapies that may be of interest to them and communicate their needs to those involved in their care.

For more information about Integrative Therapies, contact Kim Leets, RN, Clinical Nurse Director of Oncology Services at St. Joseph Hospital, at 882-3000 ext. 63401.