Conditions We Treat

Preparing for Surgery Success

Reduce your anxiety about upcoming surgery.

Decrease post-surgical pain and potential complications.

Enhance your recovery.

Duke Integrative Medicine offers special pre- and post-surgery services to reduce anxiety about upcoming surgery and to enhance your ability to heal and recover.

Our services are based on the latest research that demonstrates the powerful connection between body and mind. Experience the proven effects of activities such as guided imagery, acupuncture, relaxation training, and massage to relieve pain, lower anxiety, and help optimize your recovery after surgery.

Learn more about Preparing for Surgery Success

The Evidence

An extensive body of research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrative medicine strategies to enhance surgery outcomes. Here is a sample:

• A lower lever of stress and anxiety is associated with improved surgery outcomes, including fewer complications and faster recovery. 1

• Mind-body techniques such as guided imagery and hypnosis have been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, reduce pain, lessen the amounts of medication required, and even reduce blood loss during surgery--all of which may result in a shorter hospital stay. 2, 3

• Acupuncture calms the nervous system, eases muscle tension, and can release pain-reducing endorphins. 4

• Patients who had acupuncture therapy before their operations had decreased post-operative pain and nausea and needed 50 percent less supplemental morphine; additionally, the levels of the body's stress hormones were reduced 30 to 50 percent. 5, 6

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 to obtain your optimal health.

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