For more information regarding integrative medicine in Northwest Ohio, contact Mercy Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine Department. One-on-One services are available for any cancer patient or non-cancer patient at a reduced cost. All group classes are available for cancer patients and one guest free-of-charge.

The following is a list of outpatient integrative therapies offered by the Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne. See Symptom Management for inpatient Integrative Medicine Services.

One-On-One Service

• Massage - A soft tissue manipulation that improves nutrition and circulation to the tissues while promoting a sense of well-being. Massage may be helpful in managing the symptoms of nausea, anxiety, pain, shortness of breath and sleeplessness. All of our massage therapists employed by Mercy Cancer Centers are licensed under the State of Ohio Medical Board and have received a certificate in advanced study of "Massage for People Living with Cancer."
  
  
• Reflexology - Reflexology works on the whole body system by applying gentle pressure to points on the feet. These reflex zones correspond with organs and areas of the body that need support or have become depleted. Reflexology may be beneficial in reducing stress, improving circulation, reducing pain and anxiety.
  
  
• Facial - The effects of cancer treatment can be stressful to the skin. Facials consist of gentle exfoliation, hydration and massage to stimulate healthy skin and to restore moisture and vitality back into the skin.
  
  
• Manual Lymph Drainage - A very light type of massage that is administered with a gentle, rhythmic touch. Manual Lymph Drainage aids in relieving chronic pain and inflammation, reduces swelling (edema, and stimulates the immune system while promoting deep relaxation.
  
  

• Meditation - Meditation is similar to guided imagery, but also uses the breath to focus and calm the mind, creating a state of deeper awareness and inner peace. This is also a powerful tool to use throughout the day to help calm and restore your personal power. The breath is always with us to help redirect stressful thoughts. One-on-one or group classes are available.
  
  
• Guided Imagery Search Calendar
  Directed visualization that harnesses the power of the mind to help heal and alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, sleeplessness and anxiety. The mind can be a very powerful ally in the fight against cancer and this Guided Imagery workshop teaches you how to tap into this untapped potential.
  
  
• Yoga Search Calendar
  Yoga consists of gentle exercises or postures, breathing practices, meditation and sometimes the use of sound to help promote relaxation, inner peace and strength. Yoga can be done by anyone; you do not have to be "flexible" to enjoy the benefits of yoga.
  
  
• Healing Circle Yoga Search Calendar
  All are welcome for our monthly prayer and healing circle. Bring any prayer requests, or worries you would like to release, or just bring yourself and a friend!
  
  
• Harp and Music Therapy - Throughout history harp music has been valued as an aid to healing. Music therapy stops you where you are and speaks personally to your inner being. A session of harp therapy offers you respite from all worries and takes you to a peaceful place where your burdens seem lighter.
  
  
• Partner/Caregiver Massage Search Calendar
  This class is designed for patients and a partner or caregiver to experience relaxation, nurturing and connection. Join our massage therapist in a relaxing and fun workshop while learning basic massage strokes that you can give to each other. Massage has been known to enhance your relationships!
  
  
• Nutrition - Proper nutrition is important throughout cancer care to maintain adequate energy and tolerance of cancer treatments. Learn how you can help your body maintain sufficient nutrition while going through cancer treatment. We will also present a nutrution workshop for wellness beyond cancer care.
  
  
• Journaling - A person's cancer journey can be a time of deep reflection, a time for peacemaking and a time to express fears, hopes, and dreams. Often by merely writing about feelings, a person can attain a sense of perspective and inner peace. Journaling is a very private experience where you are safe to write about whatever you are feeling. There are no rules other than you shouldn't worry about the rules of formal writing. "Proper" spelling, punctuation and grammar should not be the focus of your writing. Think of journaling as sharing your feelings with your dearest friend who will never judge you. Download a Personal Journal form.
  
  
• Labyrinth Walk Search Calendar
  The Labyrinth Walk is a circular path that is walked meditatively. There is no wrong or right way to walk a Labyrinth, and there is just one way in and one way out. Participants walk a path that leads to a center circle, and once they reach that circle, they spend a few moments releasing any stress, prayers, or requests that they have. Then they retrace their steps back out.
  
  

• Aromatherapy - The use of essential oils extracted from plants to alleviate physical and emotional symptoms, usually through massage or inhalation. Aromatherapy may help calm the nervous system, which in turn can help manage other symptoms.
  
  
• Chanting - A phrase or slogan repeatedly and rhythmically spoken, often with a simple singsong intonation, especially in unison by a group. The repetition and rhythm of the sounds, syllables and words can result in deep relaxation, clarity, and vitality.
  
  
• Drumming Circle - A spiritual or therapeutic music experience in which participants join together in a circle with drums, various percussion instruments and voices. These circles are used to reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure, to increase immune system function, and to create a sense of community.
  
  
• Attitude of Gratitude - An attitude of gratitude helps us to see what we have in our lives to be grateful for despite the challenges and trials that cancer may bring. Gratitude can lift the spirits and bring lightness to any situation.
  
  
• Preparation for Surgery - Surgery is a stressful event in one's life both physically and emotionally. This workshop helps the patient become ready for surgery on the physical and emotional levels, so they feel more comfortable, confident and relaxed prior to surgery.
  
  
• Life After Cancer - Now that your cancer treatment is over, what's next? Learn some coping and wellness skills to bring peace, healing and vitality to your life.
  
  
• Palliative Care - Palliative care is a service to help with any serious, life threatening illness. This workshop will cover issues related to living with a serious illness such as, treatment options, advance directives, healthcare surrogates and management of symptoms.
  
  
• Financial and Legal Issues - Practical advice about financial and legal issues that can affect people diagnosed with cancer, their families and friends. This workshop attempts to "de-stress" these issues and to provide solutions and helpful resources.
  
  
• Ohio's Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare - This workshop will offer advice and instruction on this important piece of a patient's medical care. It will explain your rights under Ohio law about how you can make personal decisions regarding your own medical care.
  See Your Rights as a Patient
  
  
• Partner Yoga - This workshop is designed to be enjoyed by couples: this can include patients and a friend, roommate, caregiver, partner or spouse. Please feel free to come to this workshop whether you have experenced yoga or not. It is fun, relaxing and energizing!