Integrative Oncology
What is integrative oncology?
Integrative oncology combines alternative medicine practices with conventional medicine – treating your mind, body and spirit.
Integrative oncology services are available to all cancer patients receiving treatment at MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center. These complementary services are provided through the support of the MercyOne Des Moines Foundation at no additional expense to patients.
Integrative oncology therapies
Touch therapies
- Acupuncture - Meet with a licensed acupuncturist to help devise and carry out a treatment plan that emphasizes safe, effective and sustainable approaches to minimizing treatment side effects and cancer symptoms and enhancing overall wellness proactively.
- Chiropractic care - Chiropractic care can be a very effective treatment for pain management and to improve flexibility, mobility and muscle strength. You will find it helps to reduce stress and helps your body function more efficiently during and after treatment. Providers will work with you to come up with an individual treatment plan.
- Massage therapy - Licensed massage therapists will apply pressure to the soft tissues of your body to stimulate nerves and increase blood flow. Massage can relieve symptoms related to cancer, as well as side effects from treatments, such as nausea, fatigue and pain. Massages are tailored to your individual needs.
- Reflexology - Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy of the hands and/or feet that works alongside conventional medical care to relax your body, improving healing and well-being.
- Reiki - Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It can help reduce pain, improve sleep and general well-being.
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine *billed service - OMM is used to treat many forms of bodily dysfunction including pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion caused by illness or injury.
- Physical therapy *billed service - Physical therapists create treatment plans that use physical activity to help manage side effects of treatment and cancer-related problems, improve health and function and return to work and other activities.
Art therapy
Art as therapy helps patients express emotions, reduce side effects and enhance relaxation through the use of painting, drawing, sculpting and other visual media. No previous artistic training or experience is necessary.
Music therapy
Music as therapy is the use of music activities such as singing, songwriting, instrument playing and listening to music to support therapeutic goals during or after cancer treatment. No music experience or confidence is required to participate.
What counseling services are available?
Patient and family counseling
Counseling sessions are provided to cancer patients and their family members who might be having difficulty coping with a cancer diagnosis, treatments, or life after cancer.
Caregiver and grief counseling
Cancer can present challenges to the caregiver’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Our counselor focuses on helping families maintain the emotional well-being needed to cope with the stress of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Nutrition counseling
Registered dietitians provide counseling to patients and their families before, during and after their cancer treatments. Common topics include: managing treatment side effects through diet, eating well for a healthy immune system, and dietary patterns to decrease risk of cancer recurrence or secondary cancers.
Social work and resource counseling
The social worker acts as the patient advocate by assisting with financial concerns, applying for government programs, obtaining basic needs and connecting with mental health resources. They also assist the patient with social and personal aspects that impact their health care.
Genetic counseling *This is a billed service.
The genetic counselor reviews personal and family cancer history to help determine the likelihood of a hereditary cancer predisposition, discuss how a hereditary cancer syndrome could affect the patient and family, and coordinate genetic testing if desired.
Patient support services
Patient navigation
Nurse Navigators are patient advocates who assist patients and their oncologists with cancer care coordination and support.
Survivorship program
The Survivorship Coordinator develops cancer care plans and serves as a resource to patients and families following treatment.
Palliative care *This is a billed service.
The palliative care team provides supportive care to patients diagnosed with serious illnesses. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
Living with Cancer support group
Support group for those in active treatment or chronically living with cancer.
Mindfulness based stress reduction
Mindfulness practice is focused on the here and now. Come learn simple practices to ground yourself in the moment and reset.
Pet therapy
Therapy dogs can provide affection and comfort to people that are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. You can always find hope in the eyes of a dog.
Sexual intimacy resources
Sexual health during and after treatment often gets overlooked and is difficult to talk about, but it can change people’s intimacy and relationships forever. Let us help provide resources to start the conversation and find solutions.
Research and clinical trials
You may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Talk to your physician to determine if one is right for you.
Wig and Head Coverings
A variety of affordable, synthetic wigs and head covering options are available.
Spiritual Care
Spiritual care is an aspect of healthcare that supports the inner person (spirit/soul) to help deal with the health challenges that you or your loved one is facing. This may include concerns or questions about personal meaning, purpose, legacy, hope and faith.
