Integrative Medicine Services

Integrative Medicine Services

are provided throughout the week in the Cancer Center outpatient clinic.  Appointments can be made with the individual practitioner listed below each description. Charges for services vary, but are very affordable for most patients. Many times, practitioners can see you on the same day of your medical appointment. Sometimes they can see you while you receive chemotherapy. For general questions about the program, please contact Diane Cole at 434-243-6015 or 800-223-9173.

Basic Assessment:

You may know that you want to do something in addition to standard medical treatment, but may not be sure what that should include. A Health Education counselor will talk to you about your needs and lifestyle. You may also find Integrative Medicine resources and services that are best suited to you. For an appointment, contact Diane Cole at 434-243-6015.

Guided Imagery:

Imagery uses the imagination to create sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or other sensations to create a kind of daydream. It may help lower stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. It can also lower blood pressure and ease some of the side-effects of chemotherapy and help a person feel more in control. For an appointment, contact Dr. Lora Baum at 434-243-6444.

Hypnosis:

Hypnosis creates a state of relaxation where a person can become deeply focused on an aspect of their well-being and health. It may help lower fear and anxiety and is used to treat pain and insomnia. It may also help a person change health habits. For an appointment, contact Dr. Lora Baum at 434-243-6444.

Integrative Nutrition Counseling:

Good nutrition is essential to healing. Some patients may be taking herbs or supplements or considering special diets. Some regimens are completely safe when taken to improve health, but concerning when taken during cancer treatment. The nutritionist and pharmacist can help you learn the facts about what you are taking and what will give you the best chance for successful treatment and survivorship.  For an appointment, contact the Cancer Center nutritionist at 434-243-9627.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction:

Mindfulness is an age-old practice of present moment awareness that helps promote inner calm, clear thinking, and an awareness of choices. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs have been shown to address issues of chronic pain, anxiety, and stress. A list of available programs and more information can be found at uvamindfulnesscenter.org. To request a consultation, please call 434-924-1190.

Massage Therapy:

Massage Therapy involves therapeutic stroking, kneading, and stretching of muscles with long, flowing hand movements. This can relieve muscle tension, enhance circulation, and help you relax. For most people, massage calms the mind and brings a temporary feeling of well being and deep relaxation. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, nausea, and pain. It can also relieve joint pain and stiffness and increase a person's ability to move. Dinah Pehrson-Day, R.N. is our massage therapist. For an appointment, call the Cancer Center's front desk at 434-924-9333.

Music Therapy:

Music evoked imagery is a music therapy technique that can provide relaxation when listening to music.  The therapist plays specially selected music while leading the patient through a guided imagery session.  This technique can help reduce anxiety and stress, release tension, control pain and manage nausea, and increase energy.  Harmon Logan is our music therapist.  For an appointment, contact Diane Cole at 434-243-6015.

Spiritual Care and Guidance:

Use your spiritual gifts, faith, or religious upbringing to help you through your cancer journey. The chaplain will assist you, from your own faith tradition, to use your gifts and experiences to live as fully as possible during this most difficult time. Having a strong faith or belief can make this service even more valuable in your healing process. For an appointment, contact Chaplain Gordon Putnam at 434-942-2477.

Psychology and Social Work Counseling Services:

Individual counseling and psychotherapy are available for individuals and family members on an as-needed and appointment basis. Issues related to emotional distress, adjustment to illness, and coping with increased demands due to illness are frequent topics of these sessions. For an appointment, please call Anne Marie Clemente (434-924-2717) or Vikki Bravo (434-982-4091).

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points. Acupuncture can help relieve nausea, fatigue, and pain in cancer patients. It can also provide a feeling of general well-being. For more information on acupuncture services, contact Diane Cole at 434-243-6015.