The cancer integrative medicine program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, has been designed to combine traditional cancer treatment methods with complementary therapies for cancer patients who have any of the following:

• Stress and anxiety, pain or fatigue
• Side effects of treatment
• A desire to play a more active role in enhancing their health

Qualified practitioners from Rush and the community work collaboratively with patients to address each patient’s unique needs in a gentle and compassionate manner. Care is provided either on the Rush campus or at other nearby locations.

The program includes several integrative and behavioral medicine methods of treatment, including:

• Acupuncture – A medical therapy developed in China that involves placing hair-thin disposable needles of varying lengths into the skin. Acupuncture is used for the management of various types of pain.

• Biofeedback – A mind and body process that uses monitoring equipment to provide visual or audible signs of activity in muscles and the part of the nervous system that controls heartbeat and breathing.

• Guided imagery – A form of relaxation therapy, which is based on the formation of meaningful images in the mind. Mental pictures are used to achieve relaxation, reduce heart rate and heal illness.

• Herbal counseling – Counseling with a doctor of pharmacy to identify interactions between traditional chemotherapy and herbal medicines that patients are interested in taking.

• Individual counseling – Counseling that addresses the relationship between mind and body to help identify the emotional aspects of being diagnosed and treated for cancer. May use a variety of therapeutic techniques including relaxation therapy.

• Massage therapy – The use of various manipulative techniques to move and relax the muscles and soft tissues of the body and produce important emotional and psychological benefits.

• Medical hypnosis – A state of focused attention or altered consciousness. During this period of restful alertness, distractions are blocked, allowing a person to concentrate on a particular subject, memory, sensation or problem.

• Nutritional counseling – A session with a nutritionist to discuss the use of dietary strategies to promote good health or treat illness

• Yoga – An ancient Eastern philosophy of health and well-being that combines movement and simple poses with deep breathing and meditation to unite the human soul with a universal spirit. Yoga’s goal is to produce a deep meditative state that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

In addition, patients, family members and caregivers will have access to support and educational groups to help manage the emotional aspects of being diagnosed and treated for cancer.

To make an appointment, arrange an educational event or get more information, please call the Cancer Integrative Medicine Program at (312) 563-2531.

For information on other support services for cancer patients offered by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, go to the Cancer Support Programs home page.