Conditions We Treat

Healing Strategies for Cancer

Decrease the side effects of conventional cancer treatment.

Create strategies to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Learn new ways to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Duke Integrative Medicine offers a wide array of therapies and services that can complement your cancer treatment and enhance your outcomes. Our services are based on the latest research that demonstrates the proven effects of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and the powerful connection between body and mind.

Our expert physicians, clinicians, and therapists will help you learn how stress reduction techniques--meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis--can reduce pain and anxiety, and can enhance the effects of treatment; how acupuncture can alleviate side effects of conventional treatment and of cancer itself (nausea, pain, tissue inflammation, fatigue, etc.); how massage can reduce swelling, pain, and anxiety; and much more.

Learn more about Healing Strategies for Cancer

The Evidence

Extensive research demonstrates the powerful benefits of integrative medicine for cancer patients. Here is a sample:

• Complementary therapies, used as adjuncts to mainstream cancer care, are supportive measures that help control side effects, enhance well-being, and improve immune function. 1

• Mind-body techniques—meditation, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavior therapy, guided imagery—can reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and mood swings in cancer patients, and can enhance their coping skills. 2

• Acupuncture and acupressure help decrease nausea and vomiting sometimes associated with chemotherapy.3

• Herbs and other dietary supplements may have a role in managing aspects of cancer support and prevention.4

• For cancer patients, massage therapy has been recommended as part of a multiple-treatment approach to reduce pain and anxiety.5

Choose Your Experience

Select from one of these services to support you throughout your life.

Classes
Enjoy a personalized mind-body session (guided imagery, hypnosis--with a personalized CD for your ongoing use--or relaxation training), an acupuncture session, massage, individual yoga therapy, or one of our many experiential classes to enhance your overall health.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course This proven method of using meditation and yoga to cultivate awareness and reduce stress is taught in an eight week/eight session course by trained experts. In addition to the sessions, you receive a workbook containing handouts, reading lists, support materials, and a set of guided meditation and yoga practices on CD.

Day Package
Choose one or two therapeutic treatments, participate in a class, enjoy lunch, and relax in our healing environment including mediation spaces, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, walking labyrinth, and library.

Health Packages and Membership
We offer customized health experiences tailored to your specific needs.

The Health Immersion Experience
This in-depth three day experience--working closely with our integrative physicians and practitioners, integrative health coaches, and teachers--is the optimal way to jump-start your journey to increased joy in your life.

Annual Membership
Over the course of a year, partner with a personal integrative health care team. We work with your caridologist and other providers and guide you through treatments that ensure you have the greatest opportunity to reduce stress and toobtain your optimal health.

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