CHICAGO, March 1 (UPI) -- Acupuncture, massage and other alternative
therapies have a place in cancer care, a U.S. doctor says.
Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Julian Schink of Chicago's Northwestern Memorial
Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern
University says offering integrative oncology services as well as counseling and
stress management are part of their larger aim of providing for cancer patients'
needs from every angle.
"When a patient is diagnosed with cancer many of them want to fully participate
in their recovery, but don't know where to begin. This program gives them
control over their treatment," Schink says in a statement.
Integrative oncology services -- offered by Northwestern Memorial Physicians
Group's Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness include acupuncture,
massage, energy healing and naturopathic medicine.
"Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just their illness," Dr. Melinda
Ring, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness,
says. "Research suggests that a holistic approach can alleviate stress and
anxiety, as well as the physical pain and discomfort patients often experience
while undergoing cancer treatments by activating the body's innate healing
process."
Schink points out integrative oncology services help manage the side effects
associated with conventional therapies that would otherwise cause patients to
end or curtail treatments prematurely.
Source : United Press International
