Complementary Therapies

As a patient of Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care, complementary therapies are available to you and your caregivers. 

Acupuncture

A form of holistic medicine that involves placing fine needles at specific points of the body to help encourage healing and promote wellness. Community referrals are available. 

Aromatherapy

Essential oils may provide comfort by assisting in the relief of symptoms such as stress, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, headache, or decreased appetite due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Available by appointment.

Guided Imagery and Reiki

Research has shown that guided imagery can help reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and lessen pain or anxiety. This technique may be helpful to many who find it difficult to relax and meditate. 

Reiki is an ancient form of energy healing in which hands are placed just off the body or lightly touching the body. Reiki can also be done "long-distance," with the Reiki practitioner channeling (transmitting) energy to a recipient. This energy transfer may be felt as a sense of warmth, visualization of colors, or comfort and calm. The intention is to create deep relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing. Guided imagery and Reiki by phone sessions are available to cancer patients and their caregivers by appointment. 

Reiki focuses on seven main energy centers, called chakras, in your body. The energy should flow freely through your chakras in order for you to be spiritually, physically, and mentally healthy. Practitioners believe that if energy paths are blocked, you may feel ill or weak or have pain.

Reiki may help ease tension, stress, and anxiety while eliciting a relaxation response to help reduce pain, distress, and unease. A Reiki practitioner puts his or her hands over or on your body at certain chakras. Complimentary Reiki treatment sessions are available to cancer patients and their caregivers by appointment.