Integrative oncology

Acupuncture offers many benefits to cancer patients. When added to your treatment plan, acupuncture can enhance general quality of life by reducing the side effects of cancer treatments and help promote an overall sense of balance and well-being.

Acupuncture should not be used as a sole treatment for cancer; however, clinical studies have found it may help relieve many of the symptoms and side effects caused by cancer treatments. Acupuncture is very safe and does not interact with cancer therapies. The most common side effects is mild pain associated with needling and bruising.

Art therapy is the creative use of art materials for self-expression and reflection. At the core of art therapy is the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life enhancing. The artwork becomes the visual representation of a patient, caregiver or family member’s experiences.

Engaging in artistic expression encourages an ongoing awareness of personal wellness, while providing emotional and psychological support for the patient and family. Prior experience with art materials or artistic technique is not necessary.

Any patient, regardless of age or diagnosis can benefit from the positive aspects of artistic expression. Sessions are tailored to the individual needs of the patient, caregiver, or family member, and typically range in duration from 30 to 60 minutes.

Patients, caregivers and survivors are invited to join an hour-long class that promotes rebuilding strength and stamina, regaining mobility and flexibility and reducing fatigue. Physical activity is one of the best methods to prevent and treat physical side effects of cancer treatment, as well as achieve long-term health and wellness goals.

Movements in this class target certain areas of the body including abs, legs, lower back, thighs and glutes. The focus of these exercises is to boost energy levels, stamina and bone density without jumping and running, which can put strain on the joints.

Massage is a hands-on therapy using light or rigorous touch, strokes, stretching, tapping, deep circular movements, vibrations or application of pressure. The intensity and application of the techniques are adjusted to meet your needs and preferences, and to keep you safe and comfortable.

All massage sessions are adjusted to avoid possible contraindication or harm; you should speak with your practitioner about conditions or issues you may be experiencing that could impact the complementary therapy.

Massage therapy is performed by qualified practitioners at no charge. To make an appointment, talk to the nursing staff on the unit. Sessions last from 10 to 60 minutes.

The Penn Program for Mindfulness is a mindfulness-based stress management program that teaches you how to use meditation as the primary tool for long-term stress management. Mindfulness meditation is taught in a completely practical way as a powerful tool to manage the physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of stress and as a proven means of supporting inner balance, growth and quality of life.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction includes simple, clinically-proven methods for relaxing the body and mind. The techniques are simple to learn and are uniquely effective in coping with the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

The dedicated mission of the Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology Program’s Quality of Life Program is to improve patients’ overall well-being through integrative medicine—an evolving discipline that incorporates various modalities of the healing arts into treatment plans. Offerings include reiki, dance movement therapy and yoga.

During major life changes, it helps to have the support of someone who has gone through a similar experience and can understand how you’re feeling. In Penn Radiation Oncology, we offer the Patient Pairs Program, a patient-to-patient program to help patients new to radiation treatment build meaningful connections and get the support you need. While not all cancer experiences are the same, we will do our best to match you with someone who had a diagnosis and treatment plan as close to yours as possible.

The Radiation Oncology Patient Pairs Program consists of “alumni” patients who have undergone radiation treatment and can talk to you about their experience, offer advice and comfort throughout the radiation treatment process. Welcoming patients to stay connected with the Penn Radiation Oncology community of faculty, staff and other patients.

As an alumni member, you can receive quarterly newsletters, continue to participate in the Quality of Life Programs, and join the Patient Pairs and the Alumni and Patient Gatherings from the viewpoint of a patient who has completed radiation therapy.

Any patients who are interested in being paired can email radoncpatientengagement@uphs.upenn.edu for more information.

Reiki is a gentle, completely non-invasive practice that promotes balance and well-being. Reiki involves light touch of the practitioner’s hands on or slightly above your body. It has no contraindications; it is regarded as a completely safe and gentle practice. Sessions are natural and holistic; there is no physical manipulation, nothing is ingested and nothing is applied to the skin.

Patients and caregivers are invited to try yoga to support the mind, body and spirit during and after treatment. This free class is open to people on all levels, from first time beginners to advanced practitioners, and is a very gentle and therapeutic yoga practice.

Yoga is an ancient practice of linking breathing to movement to create an overall sense of well-being and balance. Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages in any physical condition. One of the oldest known mind-body practices, yoga dates back 5,000 years originating in India. It has been reported that yoga promotes relaxation and has been shown to lower stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Yoga classes are now available virtually. Traditional and chair-based classes are available.