Integrative Services

“I consider the Healing Garden an invaluable and rich resource for my breast cancer patients. The support and nurturing they receive at the Garden is able to go far beyond what most cancer centers are able to provide”.

Jon S. Du Bois, M.D.
Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology
Chair, Cancer Committee, The Bethke Cancer Center
Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA

This page will keep you informed about the professional services we provide. For a full list of special programs and educational workshops taking place at the Healing Garden please go to the programs page.

Our complementary therapies are healing modalities that are integrated with prescribed medical treatment for breast cancer. These services often alleviate side effects of cancer treatment as well as contribute positively to one’s energy level, sense of well-being and quality of life.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is ancient Chinese medical treatment. It considers chi or qi as the central energy source of the body’s activities. Chi circulates in pathways called meridians, each linked to a particular organ network. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners recognize twelve meridians that pass close to the skin in “points,” which are considered gateways to chi itself. Insertion of needles at these points strengthens deficient chi. Acupuncture is a highly respected therapy and has been proven remarkably effective for nausea and pain from cancer treatments. The therapist will treat you after a thorough history is taken. You will lie down, usually fully clothed ,and she will insert a few needles in specific areas. This is not painful, although you may feel a tingle when the chi is released. Then she will leave you in the treatment room, needles inserted, warmed by a heat-lamp, listening to music – a great time to practice meditating – for about 30 minutes. Each visit is assessed for improvement before another is scheduled.

Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique that measures skin temperature, muscle tension, breathing and heart-rate. This information allows you to learn different techniques to achieve a relaxed state. You gain awareness of the physiological changes that occur with relaxation, and can learn what it takes to produce these changes. By resorting balance to the body and mind, biofeedback helps with stress, anxiety, headaches and many other health problems.

Art
Art workshops are designed to help you access your own creative energies to enliven the healing process. The hands-on process of creating fiber art and paintings, in the context of a supportive group, encourages participants to move through stages of healing by exploring their own feelings and creative spirits. Visual connections to nature are deepened, promoting personal understanding about relationships and cycles in the natural world.

Clinical Hypnosis
Clinical Hypnosis is practiced in hospital, medical and psychotherapeutic settings. Used to treat medical and mental health issues, clinical hypnosis is a mind-body approach that addresses anxiety, physical pain, problem habits, and stress related health issues. It also is used for preparation for surgery and procedures. Hypnosis is a highly relaxed state in which the conscious and subconscious minds are focused and receptive to therapeutic suggestion. The relaxation experienced is pleasant and refreshing, and helps to increase confidence and coping skills.

Counseling
Our psychotherapists offer cognitive therapy, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, stress reduction, bereavement support and expressive therapies as tools to help people cope with the emotional impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Medical insurance may be used to cover certain counseling if the client wishes. All our psychotherapists are licensed professionals.

Counseling is offered to help you adjust to the emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment. It is a short-term intervention pertaining to the issues surrounding your cancer experience. On occasion, more long-standing issues may require an outside referral for more thorough attention.

Educational Workshops
Many of our therapists offer workshops and programs in their area of specialty. Workshops include meditation training, nutrition/supplements, stress reduction, spirituality, yoga, and others. Many of these workshops are open to the general public. Please go to programs for more updated information.

The Healing Garden also has a library with many books on breast cancer, stress reduction, gardening, other topics of interest that can be signed out. We have a computer available for research on pertinent websites.

Facial Massage
We offer a relaxing facial designed to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin. This treatment leaves the skin revitalized and improves the overall condition. It is a soothing, stress reducing experience that includes a head, neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage. We generally use these massages for newly diagnosed clients, as an introduction to using gentle touch and massage for stress relief.

Focusing
Focusing is a technique that helps identify bodily feelings that are connected to one’s current stresses. Through a guided discussion, one explores thoughts associated with particular body sensations. This mind-body process helps people who are overwhelmed, confused or stressed take compassionate actions with their concerns.

Integrative Imagery
Integrative Imagery is a natural, powerful process that engages the senses to harness the imagination to positively impact mind and body. Clinical research indicates imagery can activate physiological processes and thereby influence thoughts and behavior. This therapeutic process facilitates a connection to the innate healing potential within each of us. Guided by a trained practitioner, an individual relaxes and focuses internally to access his/her own inner resources, strengths and wisdom. These resources are available to address an issue or concern. The healing powers of integrative imagery impacts all levels of a person: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The technique is helpful in relieving anxiety and decreasing pain.

Exercise: the Lebed Method
Lebed Method is a unique exercise and movement program structured on sound physical therapy practices, with the freeing aspects of gentle movement, and the spirit of eclectic music. These workshops also emphasize information and education through a supportive group format. Using the entire body, you may improve range of motion, circulation, musculature, core strength and energy. Clients have experienced reduction of lymph edema, loosening of scar restriction, and weight stabilization.

Massage Therapy
Massage is the ancient discipline of touch that combines art, intuition and science. Massage promotes deep relaxation, symptom relief and well-being through hands-on manipulation of the muscles and soft tissue of the body. Benefits include increased circulation and the release of endorphins that enhance the feelings of pleasure, acceptance and peace. Clients report that massage reduces pain, tension, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and nausea. Breath and energy are expanded in the body, thereby inducing a greater sense of calm. Sensitive touch helps to restore presence, while connecting body, mind and spirit.

Massage therapists at the Healing Garden are professionally trained to give a gentle and safe massage for those who have had or are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Every massage is tailored to the individual. Our therapist will ask some basic questions about diagnosis and the history of treatment, so that appropriate adjustments in treatment can be made. For example, questions about surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, lymph node removal, or risk of deep vein thrombosis will inform the therapist, and will result in the delivery of a safe and satisfying session. Our massage therapists are certified in a variety of healing modalities and can offer an integrative session that meets your needs.

Meditation
Mindfulness meditation practice is taught at the Healing Garden. Research shows benefits that include a lowering of stress, fear and anxiety, enhanced immune and cardiovascular function, and improved quality of life. Meditation slows the heart rate and breathing, conserves oxygen consumption, lowers blood lactate levels and increases alpha brain waves. Healing Garden therapist are trained to teach this easy-to-learn method that involves relaxing in a comfortable place and position while focusing on a symbol or phrase that allows the mind to begin to quiet. Individualized audiotapes may be given to you to reinforce the practice at home.

Music Therapy
Music therapy is an ancient practice that is now being recognized by modern medicine as an effective approach to relaxation and pain reduction. No music training or skills are necessary. In many ways you may already be using music to relax or to energize. When that is taken to another level, it is a wonderful complement to conventional cancer treatments. The music therapy sessions are personalized and portable so that you can benefit from them in your home or during treatments and surgical interventions.

Nutritional Counseling
Whether you are recovering from surgery, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy or have completed treatment, nutritional counseling may offer you helpful strategies that address specific recovery issues you are facing. At the Healing Garden, our therapists focus on individualized support that extends to not only what you eat but how you eat, by incorporating mind-body techniques into the nutrition workshops and counseling.

Prepare for Surgery
Using the highly acclaimed program developed by Peggy Huddleston, clients are guided to preparing emotionally, physically and spiritually for surgery. Using visualization and relaxation techniques, clients can gain more control and feel calmer. Ideally, this training takes place one to two weeks prior to surgery.

Reiki
Reiki, the Japanese word for “universal life force energy,” is a hands-on practice used to revitalize energy fields within and around the body. This gentle, non-invasive modality lends support to the immune system, promotes balance, and well-being. Clients report that they experience a calming of the mind and nervous system, bringing about greater inner spaciousness and peace. You lie fully-clothed on a massage table in a comfortable, calming environment while the practitioner gently places her hands in various patterns on your body.

Reflexology
Reflexology is a treatment that applies hand pressure to specific areas of the feet on specific reflex points or zones to bring about balance, stress reduction, improved circulation and vitality to the entire body. The practitioner will gently massage the feet, or apply pressure to reflex points on the soles. You may experiencing tingling sensations in areas of the body that correspond to the reflex point, but no pain.

Therapeutic Touch (TT)
Therapeutic Touch is an intentionally directed process of energy flow during which the practitioner uses the hands as a focus to facilitate the healing process.  Physical touching is not usually a part of the practice, unless requested.  The goal of the practice is to re-pattern the client's energy towards health and balance.  TT is beneficial for the reduction of pain and anxiety, promotion of relaxation, and the facilitation of the body's natural restorative processes.

Yoga
Yoga is a practice that originates from India. In ancient Sanskrit, the word yoga means “union.” Yoga can evoke improved health and energy, reduce stress and increase flexibility. The basic principle is focus of the body through correct posture and breathing, focus of the mind and emotions. It can tone all the muscles that balance the body, including internal organs, and is often used to treat chronic health issues, such as low back pain. It also benefits the nervous system. You wear loose clothing and go barefoot while practicing yoga.

Support Groups

We also offer separate support groups specific to clients’ needs: for those in treatment, those finished treatment, and those experiencing recurrence or advanced disease. We also offer a young women's support group, and a partners support group.

Cost of services

We wish to provide services to our clients with no financial barriers. Therefore, each therapist agrees to offer a sliding fee. Some services, such as counseling, may be reimbursed by medical insurance. All classes/workshops require advance registration. A workshop is a one-time event and is offered at no charge to clients. Classes meting regularly (such as exercise or yoga) are offered for a minimal fee, using a sliding scale if necessary. Some offerings are open to the public.

How to make an appointment

Please contact our Care Coordinator, Lana Heino Roman at 978-456-3532, Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or lana@healinggarden.net. She will answer questions and schedule an intake appointment for you. Your first visit to the Healing Garden includes a conversation with Lana. At that time you will provide us with your medical information so we can discuss which services might be best suited for you. You will learn about the Healing Garden and our programs. Anyone with breast cancer, no matter when diagnosed, is welcome to come to the Healing Garden for services.