Integrative Medicine and Holistic Therapies

How do holistic therapies treat the whole person?

Integrative medicine and holistic therapies are healing services that have been shown to support recovery and reduce symptoms such as pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue and depression. Also known as functional medicine, these services are designed to treat the whole person and complement other medical treatments.

Holistic therapies that Main Line Health provides, or can help you find in the community, include:

• Acupressure – A massage focused on specific pressure points in the body to balance energy flow
  • Can help control symptoms such as pain or nausea and vomiting
• Acupuncture – Using hair-thin needles inserted gently into the skin at specific points to rebalance physical and psychological energy
  • Can help control symptoms such as pain or nausea and vomiting
• Aromatherapy – Applying essential oils from plants to enhance physical and psychological well-being
  • Can help improve quality of life and reduce stress, anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting
• Art therapy – Using creative expression, like painting and journaling, to support healing and mental well-being
• Drumming – Incorporating rhythm to help decrease stress
• Horticulture therapy – Using activities like planting seeds, watering or repotting plants, and pressing flowers to improve mental and physical health
• Massage therapy – Applying therapeutic touch to support the muscles and soft tissues of the body
  • Can help reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea and stress
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction and meditation – A mind-body practice to relax the body and soothe the mind
  • Can help relieve pain and stress
• Music therapy – Using the sounds and rhythms of music to improve physical and mental well-being
• Nutrition therapy – Using food and nutrition principles to manage symptoms and support health and well-being
• Pet therapy – Using animals to help decrease stress and lift spirits
• Qigong – A mind-body exercise that combines physical movement, mental awareness and breath for various health benefits
• Reiki – Applying hands-on healing energy to help reduce pain and anxiety and improve overall sense of well-being
• Tai chi – Using movement, meditation and breathing to improve health and well-being
  • Can help improve strength and balance
• Yoga – Combining physical poses, breathing techniques and meditation to connect the mind, body and spirit
  • Can help reduce pain and create peace and tranquility

Are integrative therapies safe?

Studies have shown that integrative and complementary therapies can promote healing, support side effects and improve well-being during and after cancer care. Our Main Line Health cancer care team can answer questions and recommend integrative services that are right for you, and that will work with your other medical treatment.