Integrative Medicine Center Clinical Services
Clinical services at the Integrative Medicine Center are designed to help our patients deal with the stress and anxiety of cancer treatment and improve their sense of well being. Our services also encourage patients to adopt lifestyle changes that can minimize the impact of the disease and may reduce the chance of recurrence.
Integrative oncology physician consultation
Integrative medicine is an evidence-based approach to providing healthcare. It combines conventional medicine with complementary health approaches. Complementary health approaches include nutrition and dietary supplements and mind/body practices such as meditation, yoga, massage and acupuncture.
These complementary approaches do not replace standard treatments such as surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Instead, they work with these treatments to improve patients’ health and quality of life.
What is integrative oncology?
Integrative oncology applies integrative medicine to people affected by cancer. At MD Anderson, patients interested in integrative medicine should start with an integrative oncology physician consultation.
These consultations are available to inpatients and outpatients through the Integrative Medicine Center.
During the consultation, the physician will develop a personalized integrative care plan for you. This may include a discussion on the benefits and risks of herbs and supplements, along with referrals to work with other members of our clinical team. These services include health psychology, nutrition counseling, exercise counseling provided by physical therapists, yoga therapy, acupuncture and oncology massage.
Who performs integrative oncology physician consultations?
Consultations are performed by MD Anderson faculty physicians with expertise in integrative medicine and complementary health approaches.
Meet our Integrative Medicine Center physicians.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted in the skin at specific points in the body to treat multiple health conditions.
It has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. It is a safe, gentle, evidence-based medical treatment.
Many hospitals now offer acupuncture. It can be used on its own or with other therapies to relieve the negative side effects of cancer treatments, manage cancer symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
What are the potential benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture does not treat cancer directly. Instead, it can be used alongside conventional care to help provide relief from cancer and cancer treatment-related side effects.
Acupuncture can help with:
- Anxiety
- Cancer-related pain
- Chemotherapy-induced and post-operative nausea and vomiting
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Slowing/stopping of the gastrointestinal tract after surgery
Who performs acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatments should only be provided by a qualified, state-licensed acupuncturist. In Texas, acupuncturists are required to sit for national board exams given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
NCCAOM requires that all acupuncturists complete a minimum four-year graduate-level program from an accredited acupuncture school. All acupuncturists complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification.
Exercise and physical activity consultations
Exercise can help cancer patients suffering from fatigue, poor balance, depression/anxiety, loss of appetite and other symptoms. It may also help prevent new or recurring cancers. But what exercise is right and safe for you? Our physical therapists can evaluate your fitness level and develop an exercise plan just for you.
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Health psychology
Cancer can take a huge emotion toll on patients. Meeting with one of our licensed clinical psychologists can help. Starting with an evaluation, our psychologist will develop a treatment plan that will help you deal with symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Interventions may include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and other mind-body practices.
Learn more about health psychology.
Music therapy
Music therapy uses interactive music-based activities to improve patients’ health and well-being. These exercises are led by a board-certified music therapist. They may include the therapist and patient playing music and singing together, a discussion about song lyrics or a music-assisted relaxation exercise.
Patients do not need background in music to participate in and benefit from music therapy.
What are the benefits of music therapy?
Research shows that targeted music interventions can reduce pain, anxiety and fatigue.
Music therapy can also help patients manage the emotional impacts of cancer. This includes coping with anger, depression, role changes and increased stress. It can also help patients who are struggling with feelings of helplessness and a lack of resilience.
Music therapy may also include exercises that promote increased communication between patients and their loved ones through personalized music therapy techniques.
Who provides music therapy?
Music therapists are board-certified health care professionals who are trained to use music to address the physiological and/or psychological challenges of cancer and cancer-related treatment.
Your music therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique health and wellness needs and goals.
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Nutrition counseling
Though cancer and its treatments can make it hard to eat, good nutrition is important for patients. Eating right reduces fatigue and improves quality of life. By keeping up your weight and muscle mass, you’ll also recover more quickly once treatment is over.
The Integrative Medicine Center offers nutrition counseling from a dietitian certified in oncology nutrition. During these sessions, you’ll get a nutrition plan for treatment recovery along with advice for managing your weight. You’ll also learn how to change your eating habits and get information on topics like organics, “super foods” and special diets.
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Oncology massage
Oncology massage provides personalized massage therapy to people dealing with short- or long-term symptoms of cancer or cancer treatments.
Massage sessions are modified to each patient’s condition. Modifications could involve the treatment site; the pressure, techniques and pace of the massage; and the patient’s position during the session. The length and frequency of treatments can also change.
Patients should consult with their care team prior to the massage and discuss any concerns with the massage therapist at the beginning of each massage session.
Some patients are not eligible for massage therapy due to risks such as infection, bleeding/bruising, lymphedema and other complications.
What are the benefits of oncology massage?
Research shows that oncology massage is safe and effective.
It can help patients in active treatment, survivorship or near the end of life. Benefits include reductions in pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Research also suggests that massage can help manage symptoms associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Who provides oncology massage?
Oncology massage should only be performed by a licensed massage therapist. Therapists should also be trained to understand cancer and its associated symptoms, as well as to modify massage treatments to the patient’s unique situation. Prior to each session, the massage therapist should review and understand each patient’s medical records and health conditions.
At the Integrative Medicine Center, oncology massage therapists review the patient’s medical and surgical history, medications, recent blood test results and imaging exams. This helps them determine whether massage is appropriate and if so, what modifications are needed.
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Yoga Therapy
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines movement, controlled breathing, and meditation.
Yoga therapy uses yoga teachings and practices of yoga to relieve the patient’s symptoms and improve their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It can also help improve symptoms and overall quality of life. Yoga may help cancer patients and is recommended as part of cancer care guidelines.
What are the benefits of yoga therapy?
Research also shows that yoga can help improve many aspects of cancer patient’s physical and mental health and overall quality of life. Benefits of yoga include:
- Improved sleep
- Decreased treatment side effects such as fatigue and nausea
- Improved physical function, such as better balance and flexibility
- Improved regulation of stress hormones
- Reduced anxiety and depression
There are many different types of yoga. There is no evidence that one style is more helpful than another. Patients should find a trained yoga therapist, class and style that matches their individual needs and physical abilities.
Yoga Therapy Consultations
Yoga therapy is offered to patients through the Integrative Medicine Center (IMC). The IMC offers individual consultations and group classes for patients and caregivers.
Consultations are led by a yoga therapist and are one-on-one. You will need a referral from your IMC healthcare team to meet with a yoga therapist.
After you get a referral, you can schedule your first appointment. During this visit, the yoga therapist will review the reason for your referral, medical history, treatment and symptoms. Your yoga treatment plan may include several sessions with goals to lower anxiety and fatigue. Based on your needs, these techniques may be recommended:
- Gentle stretching
- Focused breathing
- Meditation and relaxation
- Yoga poses
The therapist can introduce yoga to beginners or change it for those with experience. Caregivers and spouses or partners are welcome to join sessions. Check your MyChart account for the time and location of your session. There is a fee for this consultation.
Patients who have physical limitations should also consult with their primary medical care team before starting an exercise routine.
Who provides yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy at the Integrative Medicine Center is provided by certified yoga therapist. They have specialized expertise in the use of mind-body practices to treat patients in a healthcare setting.
request an appointment online.
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