PROVIDENCE – The Miriam Hospital has integrated a complementary medicine program into its cancer treatment center, aiming to reduce side effects and thereby enhance patients’ tolerance to treatment.
The center’s offerings include reiki, as well as pet therapy and art therapy.
Reiki is a technique that moves energy through the body, promoting balance and providing deep relaxation. It is thought by some to accelerate healing, and to help reduce the physical and emotional exhaustion associated with cancer treatment.
Miriam has expanded the pet therapy program available in the rest of the hospital into its cancer treatment center, and also has incorporated art therapy projects into cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, at Landmark Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Center of Rhode Island, the Healing Choices alternative medicine group has begun offering far-infrared sauna therapy, used to treat chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and other problems. The treatment is coupled with massage, chiropractic and other therapies, and is overseen by Dr. Keith Rafal.
