The Hassenfeld care team believes that a patient and his or her family should participate in the decisions about what treatment is best for them.
With so much information about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), we want to make sure our families and patients understand about the safe uses of these therapies.
The term CAM is used to refer to nontraditional methods of diagnosing, preventing, or treating cancer.
CAM may be used to help relieve symptoms of cancer, to relieve side effects of treatment, or to improve the patient’s sense of well being.
We strongly encourage all patients and families to talk to their Hassenfeld doctor about their ideas and feelings about complementary and alternative therapies.
Here at Hassenfeld we currently offer complementary and adjunct therapies including guided imagery/self hypnosis, pet therapy, art therapy, music therapy, Reiki and yoga.
We hope to offer massage and nutrition in the near future, so please stay tuned. These therapies are aimed at minimizing side effects and promoting a healthy balance.
We will be holding workshops for patients and families interested in using these therapies along with their cancer treatment.
If you are thinking about trying an additional complementary therapy, gather all your information and your questions for your Hassenfeld doctor. He or she can research whether the treatment is safe and medically sound.
Together you can plan how to safely add complementary therapies into your cancer treatment.
Mind, Body and Spirit
Guided Imagery
Patients, parents, or family members can work with a trained Hassenfeld staff member who can coach them into creating calm, peaceful images in their mind
Pet Therapy
Visiting with a trained pet therapy dog helps children and adults alike relax, feel calmer, and express their feelings.
Creative Arts Therapies
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.
Music Therapy
By using music as a tool, patients often find an easy way to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
Diet and Nutrition
Nutrition
During treatment many patients have nutrition challenges such as loss of appetite, taste changes, nausea, additional calorie needs, and immune system challenges that limit certain food choices.
Energy Therapies
Reiki
The goal of Reiki is to improve the flow of energy inside and outside a person's body to bring back internal harmony and health.
Touch or Movement Therapies
Massage
Massage is a complementary touch therapy that reduces muscular tension, stimulates circulation, and helps people relax and feel calmer.
Yoga
Yoga is a complementary therapy that combines breathing, meditation, and non-aerobic exercises to help people improve their physical and emotional health
Self-Education
Web Sites to Trust
Online resources for you and your child, pre-screened by the Hassenfeld team.
