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In alternative
therapy, illness is seen as a sign of disharmony within the whole
person - body, mind and spirit. This form of complementary medicine
works to restore harmony and balance, thus enabling the body's natural
healing mechanisms to work more efficiently. Alternative therapy
and modern medical science can be joined together to create a system
of healing that offers the best of both worlds.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be beneficial physically and emotionally. On
the physical side, it can enhance and promote healing by improving
circulation, increasing oxygenation and removing metabolic wastes.
It can be very helpful for relaxation of sore muscles due to surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation or stress; it can also help relieve or minimize
the formation of scar tissue following surgery. On the emotional
side, massage therapy provides a safe and trusting context for compassionate
touch. Check with your physician before getting any massage therapy.
Breast cancer can involve lymph nodes, and if the cancer is active,
massage can increase the flow of lymphatic fluid.
Referral Resource:
AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION
820 Davis Street, Suite 100
Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-0123
847-864-1178 Fax
Web address:
www.amtamassage.org
(Members must pass a certified exam or graduate from a massage therapy
program approved or accredited by an ATMA commission of massage
therapy.)
INTERNATIONAL MASSAGE ASSOCIATION
Web address:
www.internationalmassage.com
Naturopathy
Naturopathy treats health conditions by utilizing the body's inherent
ability to heal.
Referral Resources:
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS
2366 East Lake Avenue, Suite 322
Seattle, WA 98102
206-298-0126
Web address: www.naturopathic.org
(Can provide referrals to Naturopaths and publishes a quarterly
newsletter.)
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
11231 Southeast Market Street
Portland, OR 97216
503-499-4343
Web address: www.ncnm.edu
(Offers a degree in Naturopathic medicine and provides referrals.)
Physical
therapy
Physical therapists provide the positive motivation, individual
attention, and advanced training techniques that help turn physical
challenges into triumphs.
Physical therapy treatments can be particularly beneficial for women
following mastectomy and/or reconstructive surgery. In addition
to assisting the rehabilitation of arm, shoulder, and other areas
affected by surgery, physical therapy can help relieve lymphedema.
Call your local hospital or look in the yellow pages of your phone
book under "Physical Therapists".
* American
Physical Therapy Association
* Physical
Therapy - peer-reviewed physical therapy journal and
the official journal of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists can help one deal with the fear, anxiety, grief,
stress and search for meaning created by the disease. For many,
this may also be an opportune time to address pre-existing issues
that are magnified by the experience of having cancer.
Referral Resources:
CAPITAL AREA PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Information and Referral Service
512-451-4983
THERAPIST REFERRAL NETWORK
512-327-3463
(Call 800-THER-APIST for help in locating a local therapist in your
insurance network.)
Web address: www.therapy.referral.com
Spiritual
/Prayer Therapy
This approach offers spiritual direction to patient and family.
Holistic touch on a one-to-one basis may be provided.
Local Resources:
THE AUSTIN LIFE CENTER FOR ATTITUDINAL HEALING
3201 Manchaca Road
Autin, TX 78704
512-327-1961
Web address: www.citysearch.com/aus/attitudinal
SETON COVE
512-451-0272
www.goodhealth.com
Yoga
The practice of yoga consists of three components: posture, breathing,
and meditation. Its purpose is to strengthen and relax the body.
There are many different techniques.
Web address for Texas:
www.io.com/eds/yoga
Referral Resource:
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF YOGA THERAPISTS
109 Hillside Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
707-928-9898
(Will provide a local referral.)
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