Acupuncture and massage therapy

Cancer treatment can present its own physical and mental challenges. At Aurora, you have access to a range of integrative medicine therapies designed to nurture your mind and body. Integrative therapies are made available to help manage your fatigue, stress, pain, nausea and support wellbeing.

A variety of integrative therapies are offered at these select Aurora Cancer Care locations throughout the week at low or no cost*. Availability varies by location, but combining any of these therapies can create an empowering, personalized experience that can enhance your body’s ability to heal, build resilience and manage treatment side effects. Our team’s integrative approach aims not only to provide support but to bring balance to your life as well.

* Your support for integrative therapies for cancer patients keeps these services accessible. Donate to Aurora Cancer Care Integrative Therapies Fund now through the Aurora Health Care Foundation.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help manage the side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments. This ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine focuses on restoring natural energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), along pathways in the body called meridians. It has been used for over 4,000 years by billions of people to naturally treat a variety of medical conditions. Current research reveals that Acupuncture activates the pathway between the nervous (nerve) system and endocrine (gland) system.

Within Aurora Cancer Care clinics all acupuncture treatments are provided by Wisconsin certified acupuncturists whose extensive training ensures they provide quality care to Aurora patients.

Benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients and survivors

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends the use of acupuncture for patients with cancer, but it should not be used as a substitute for standard cancer treatment. Extensive research during the past 15 years has shown that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation and experiencing side effects to that treatment report acupuncture is effective in treating:

• Pain after surgery: Acupuncture before and after surgery can reduce the intensity of pain that patients experience. As a result, patients may need less pain medication, recover more quickly, and experience fewer side effects.
• Immune function: Several studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in enhancing blood platelet count after radiation or chemotherapy. The body’s natural killer cell activity also was increased greatly after a series of acupuncture treatments, which may mean patients recover more quickly.
• Chemotherapy- and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting: Studies show adding acupuncture to anti-nausea medication works better than medication alone for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
• Hot flashes: Acupuncture not only reduces hot flashes in menopausal women, it has also been shown to reduce hot flashes in patients being treated for breast and prostate cancers.

How is acupuncture delivered?

As part of the process, very fine acupuncture needles may be inserted into the upper and lower extremities and/or ears to stimulate the release of hormones that are associated with reducing pain, nausea, and fatigue; and for boosting the immune system. Due to the extreme fineness of the needles, patients generally feel very little discomfort. In fact, most patients find acupuncture sessions relaxing. All treatments in Aurora cancer clinics are provided in group settings with 3-4 patients seated comfortably together. There is no need to disrobe.

How much does acupuncture cost?

Due to generous donations to the Aurora Health Care Foundation, Aurora Cancer Care patients treated by Aurora Cancer Care providers receive their first treatment free. If they wish to continue to receive the benefits of acupuncture after that first treatment, the cost is only $40.00 per follow-up treatment.

Click here to access Aurora Cancer Care acupuncture locations or learn more about our other acupuncture services here.

Aromatherapy

Research has shown that aromatherapy – the use of natural essential oils to promote healing – may ease the side effects associated with conventional cancer care. Aromatherapy can help create a calm mood, a sense of relaxation or a renewal in spirit.

The essential oils used in aromatherapy are obtained through the steam distillation or pressing of flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, roots and the peels of fruits. The oils can then be used safely as a form of self-care to promote comfort and wellbeing. The best oils to use are therapeutic grade oils as they are free from toxic chemicals.

Benefits of aromatherapy for cancer patients and survivors

Aromatherapy can help mitigate some side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatment, including:

• Stress
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Pain

Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical care, but it may help you.

Select essential oils are available for use during appointments at Aurora Cancer Care clinics.

Talk to your oncology nurse, massage therapist, acupuncturist or physician about appropriate use.

Integrative health and wellness coaching

Aurora's Integrative Health and Wellness Coaches offer cancer patients guidance on integrative approaches, promote coping strategies, and provide the space, time, and tools you need to prioritize yourself throughout your treatment, recovery and in survivorship. Our coaches have advanced training in integrative, whole-person health approaches that make them supportive partners who take the time to listen, educate, provide resources and ask powerful questions to help you identify obstacles and inner resources.

Benefits of integrative health and wellness coaching for cancer patients and survivors

A coach helps you formulate your personalized back-to-health plan and works with you one-on-one to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, guide you toward transformation and renewal, and enhance your quality of life.

Flexible, affordable integrative health coaching sessions

Coaching sessions are available for early morning, midday or evening. Sessions can either be by phone, or video visit whichever is most convenient for you.

Your initial package includes three visits with a coach.

Coaching packages:

• "Launch": $175.00 – includes one 60-minute visit, one 30-minute visit, and one 15-minute visit.
• "Make it Stick": (must complete “Launch” first): $75.00 – includes three 15-minute visits, but they can be combined into one or two sessions.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 414-219-5944

Learn more about our integrative health and wellness coaching.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy for people living with cancer involves adjusting the application of general massage techniques to deliver a safe and effective massage to people in all stages of cancer – from diagnosis through survivorship. A 2016 study by the American Academy of Pain Medicine describes the practice as "promising for reducing pain intensity/severity, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer populations."¹

"The massage therapy program at Aurora Cancer Care in Kenosha is the best! What a fantastic idea. I look forward to my visit every day."
Pete Archibold, Aurora Cancer Care patient

Benefits of massage therapy for cancer patients and survivors

Cancer patients receiving gentle massage therapy may experience improved mood; a greater sense of wellbeing; and reduced levels of stress, tension, muscle aches and pain. Aurora’s state-licensed massage therapists complete thorough training to understand the side effects of cancer and how to modify massage based on the specific needs of each patient. Oncology massage is not just about knowing what to do but also knowing what not to do.

How much does massage therapy cost?

Massage therapy is offered free of charge to patients during their appointments at select Aurora Cancer Care locations and can be provided during chemotherapy infusions, due to generous philanthropic donations to the Aurora Health Care Foundation. Patients remain clothed and most areas of the body can be addressed. Select Aurora Cancer Care sites offer private table massage at a reduced fee for Aurora Cancer Care patients.

Fees you can afford

• 30-minute massage $30.00
• 60-minute massage $60.00

Click here to access Aurora Cancer Care massage therapy locations or learn more about our other massage therapy services here.

¹ Boyd C, Crawford C, Paat CF, et al. The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations–a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: part II, cancer pain populations. Pain Med 2016; 17:1553–68.

Reiki

Reiki (“ray-key”) is a Japanese word for universal life-force energy and is a simple yet powerful healing energy technique that many cancer patients find to be a relaxing complement to conventional oncology treatments. A trained Reiki practitioner helps guide the flow of energy through the body with positive healing intent, helping a person come back into balance. It involves light touch or the placement of the practitioner’s hands near the receiver’s body at significant energetic areas.

Benefits of reiki for cancer patients and survivors

Reiki is nurturing and stimulates a relaxation response that can reduce stress. Although Reiki is not able to treat cancer, many people find the practice to be deeply calming. Patients undergoing cancer treatments report that Reiki helps lessen side effects of their treatments – pain, anxiety and sickness – and helps them cope better with their cancer and its treatment.

Complimentary reiki sessions are available to you at select Aurora Cancer Care locations and are provided by trained Aurora volunteers or massage therapists.

Learn more about our reiki services.

Surgical cancer care consultations

A one-hour consultation with an integrative medicine fellowship-trained health care provider is available to anyone currently under the care of an Aurora oncologist. These sessions offer personalized guidance and recommendations based on the guidelines of the Society of Integrative Oncology – whose mission is to advance evidence-based, comprehensive, integrative health care to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The aim is to empower people to become active participants before, during and beyond cancer treatment. Benefits are realized at any point in the cancer care continuum whether or not surgery is required.

Benefits of integrative medicine consultations for cancer patients and survivors

Consultations generate wellness plans that support and enhance your quality of life by incorporating self-care techniques that can help manage and mitigate the emotional and physiological effects related to a cancer diagnosis. These plans may also recommend the use of integrative therapies – acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, Reiki and other practices offered by Aurora Integrative Medicine – proven to be effective in enhancing your wellbeing and managing the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. These symptoms may include anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, neuropathy, nausea and vomiting.

The cost of these consultations is typically covered by insurance, although some policies may require a copay.

To schedule an appointment, call 414-385-2301 (Aurora St. Luke’s Breast Center) or 414-329-5627 (Aurora West Allis Comprehensive Breast Care Center).

Aurora Cancer Care locations with integrative therapies

*Services Available

Additional resources

Learn more about how integrative medicine techniques can enhance cancer care in these articles, blog posts and patient stories.

Denise’s story

Patient feedback highlights the effectiveness of integrative, multi-disciplinary cancer treatment. (story on page 2)

Learn more [PDF]

Harnessing the power of scent

How scent can make cancer treatment more effective and improve quality of life. (story on page 4)

Learn more [PDF]

Enhancing cancer care through integrative medicine

Research-based integrative medicine reduces side effects of conventional cancer care

Learn more [PDF]

Join people like you to stop cancer

The Cancer Knows No Borders campaign features people like you who chose Aurora for their care.

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Get a second opinion

Knowing all your options can make life's toughest decisions a little easier.

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