The University of Vermont Medical Center > Departments & Programs > Cancer Center > Cancer Support Services > Integrative Therapies

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Your financial support will help The UVM Cancer Center to offer health and wellness-enhancing integrative therapies in conjunction with traditional cancer care for cancer patients and survivors in Vermont and upstate New York.

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Integrative Therapies at the UVM Cancer Center

Cancer and its treatment often come with significant challenges that require additional support beyond traditional medical approaches. Integrative therapies at The UVM Cancer Center provides acupuncture, yoga, massage, mindfulness and other alternative therapies to cancer patients and survivors. These therapies have a proven track record for controlling pain, fatigue and other side effects while improving psychological outlook and quality of life.

Integrative Oncology: What You Need to Know

Integrative oncology refers to the use of complementary therapies in collaboration with conventional cancer treatment to enhance wellness, improve quality of life, and relieve symptoms and side effects of conventional treatments.

Download the description of services.

Integrative Therapies at the UVM Medical Center

Along with conventional cancer treatment, many cancer patients benefit from integrative medicine such as:

  • Massage
    What it is: Massage used to address muscle stiffness and pain, and to promote relaxation.
    When & Where: Mondays & Fridays, 11am-2pm, Hematology/Oncology Infusion
    Wednesdays, 11am-2pm, Inpatient Hematology/Oncology
    How to Access: Tell your nurse if you are interested in receiving massage during your treatment
  • Acupuncture
    What it is: Thin needles placed at specific points in the body to treat pain, nausea/vomiting, hotflashes, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
    When & Where: Wednesdays 10am-2pm, Hematology/Oncology Infusion
    How to Access: Tell your nurse if you are interested in receiving acupuncture during your treatment
  • Reiki
    What it is: A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into thepatient by means of touch to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physicaland emotional well-being.
    When & Where: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11am-2pm, Hematology/Oncology Infusion
    How to Access: Tell your nurse if you are interested in receiving Reiki during your treatment
  • Healing Touch
    What it is: An energy therapy in which practitioners use their hands in a heart-centered and intentionalway to enhance, support and facilitate the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and self-healing.
    When & Where: By appointment, Radiation Oncology
    How to Access: Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker for a referral
  • Yoga
    What it is: A mind-body practice used for increasing mobility, balance, and strength, and decreasing stress,anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
    Location: Outpatient Rehabilitation, Fanny Allen Campus, Medical Office Building
    How to Access: Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker for a list of events.
  • Mindfulness
    What it is: 8 week class that teaches mindfulness meditation and relaxation tools to reduce stressand anxiety, relieve symptoms, and encourage wellbeing for patients and caregivers.
    When & Where: Varies, contact for information
    How to Access: Email donna [dot] smithatmed [dot] uvm [dot] edu or call (828) 450-4250
  • Steps to Wellness Oncology Rehabilitation
    What it is: 12 week medically based, supervised exercise program (cardio and strength training).Through this program you will regain strength and stamina and decrease fatigue.
    When: 2 days/week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) for 12 weeks
    Where: 62 Tilley Drive, South Burlington
    Cost: Program is free, but your insurance will be billed for the initial evaluations. You will not becharged for any portion of the evaluation that your insurance does not cover. You will be responsible for theco-pay associated with your plan.
    How to Access: Call (802) 847-9852 or ask your doctor for a referral
    More Information: www.uvmhealth.org/STW
  • Healthy Eating
    What it is: Meet with a health coach to discuss recommendations for healthy eating during and aftertreatment.
    When & Where: By appointment, Hematology/Oncology Clinic or by phone
    How to Access: Email kristie [dot] groveratuvmhealth [dot] org
  • Weight Loss
    What it is: 12 week class to promote weight loss and to learn tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Includes individualized calorie goals and feedback from a registered dietician.
    When & Where: Varies, contact for information
    How to Access: Email kristie [dot] groveratuvmhealth [dot] org

Patient Resources

Download our Free Mindfulness Booklet (PDF)

 

Services and Events

Dragon Boat Festival Partner

Thank you Dragonheart VT, for choosing Integrative Therapies at UVM Cancer Center as the 2018 Dragon Boat Festival Pledge Partner. Integrative Therapies at the UVM Cancer Center received $55,000 from this year's Festival; proceeds will pay for patients and families to receive yoga, acupuncture, massage and culinary medicine at the UVM Medical Center. www.ridethedragon.org. 

For More Information

For questions or to find out more information, please contact us at 802-847-9935 or cara [dot] feldman-huntatmed [dot] uvm [dot] edu (email us).