Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine
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Complementary Therapy


What is "complementary therapy?"

Reiki, Reflexology, Massage, and Yoga are all examples of "complementary therapies."  

Benefits of complementary therapy:

Many people report feeling better after practicing these therapies, which can help with the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, help reduce stress and anxiety, and help increase your overall sense of health and well being.  Many doctors, cancer nurses and researchers are interested in the idea that positive emotions can improve your health.


The Live Well Card

If you have been impacted by cancer, you are eligible for our FREE Live Well Card. Cancer 
Survivors (anyone who has ever had a cancer diagnosis) and their Caregiver can each their Live Well Card several times per year for FREE, individual,  complementary therapy sessions. They can choose sessions such as  Reiki, Oncology Massage, Therapeutic Yoga, Reflexology, Aroma Touch and more  - from a list of approved Wellness Providers  located in western Maine.  
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Get a Live Well Card.


Oncology Massage

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Oncology and relaxation massage are integrative therapy techniques often beneficial to patients coping with the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment.

This special gentle massage is defined by the specific needs of the cancer patient, to deliver relief and comfort to the client with care taken to avoid contraindicated areas of the body where cancer may be present.  The therapists who provide this service are specially trained in holistic oncology massage and relaxation.



Reflexology

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Reflexology is an alternative therapy involving application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. Patients may choose from a hand or foot session of gentle touch.




Reiki

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​Gentle, light touch, relaxing the body and mind, activating the para sympathetic nervous system. Reiki is a gentle touch that promotes relaxation; reduces stress; helps relieve pain; and may improve sleep. 

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Chair Yoga 

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​ Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done while sitting. Some poses can also be done standing using a chair for support. Chair yoga is one of the gentlest forms available and offers all of the benefits of other yoga classes, reducing stress while increasing strength, flexibility, range of motion & balance.


Yoga Nidra
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Yoga Nidra—known as yogic sleep—is a meditation and conscious relaxation practice that is intended to induce total physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Aside from being relaxing, restorative and restful, studies have shown that yoga nidra can also: ease insomnia, decrease anxiety, alleviate stress, and foster feelings of peace, calm, and clarity.

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Gentle Flow Yoga
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 Gentle Flow Yoga is geared specifically for those new to yoga or those who are interested in a gentle and slower practice. This class incorporates simple flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as slower paced movements focusing on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility.



Therapeutic Yoga & Yoga Therapy for Well-Being

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Yoga has many benefits for the whole body. Benefits include flexibility, strengthening, balance, stress reduction, and lubrication of joints just to name a few. Yoga poses and breath work will be tailored to the needs and ability of the patient. ​


Nutrition Consultation

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Having trouble with eating during your treatments? A certified nutrition instructor can help you figure out an eating plan that is tailored just for you. 


Ayurveda Consultation

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old science of holistic health built upon principles that are in Harmony with Nature.  Ayurveda recognizes  the interconnection to the mind/body/spirit complex and is often referred to as The Sister Science of Yoga. Science confirms that health and vibrancy can be maintained throughout one's life.  Adding  principles of Ayurveda and Yoga  into your daily routine will positively affect your life.   This is the heart of Ayurveda. Karen Vasil Busch is a Board Certified Ayurvedic Provider who can provide wellness, nutritional and lifestyle coaching sessions. Visit her website  www.karenvasilbusch.com or call her at (207) 336-2065 to use your Live Well Card  for a private virtual Ayurveda wellness session.​

Individual SomaSoul® Somatic Movement Therapy​ Session

This session will help you release physical, mental & emotional blocks and guide you toward their inherent ground, connection and power. Each one-hour session begins with a body scan to hone in on your unique needs and uses active listening & creative self-expression (drawing, writing & gesture or dance) to release blocks and find greater awareness and well-being. 

Kathryn Gardner is a registered  SomaSoul® Somatic Movement Teacher, massage therapist and yoga instructor who works with individuals and groups, facilitating wholeness & healing through movement, creativity and heartfelt connection. Email Kathryn Gardner or call her at (207) 890-7823 to make an appointment.

Individual Essential Somatic® Movement Therapy​ Session

A somatic movement practice is a fabulous way for cancer patients and survivors to manage their ability to move as freely and pain-free as possible. In somatic movement philosophy, an individual is seen as a “soma” whose physical, mental and emotional selves influence one another. A cancer survivor, for example, may experience chronic muscle tension (the physical self) as a result of an invasive surgery (physical) or because of the anxiety/fear triggered by the situation (the mental/emotional self). 

This chronic muscle tension, regardless of how it arises, impacts how freely anindividual can move their body. In a somatic movement practice, the physical selfis addressed with movement patterns that are gentle and safe. They are designed to help one notice where they hold tension and to begin to release it. The movements are also an effective way to gently activate muscles that have stopped working well, possibly due to a surgery or lack of movement. A somatic movement practice is accessible to all ages and abilities. The movement patterns can be done seated in a chair or lying down.


Erin Girzone is a registered Essential Somatics®  Movement Teacher, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant and ACE Certified Fitness Trainer & Behavior Change Specialist. She strongly believes that improving quality of life comes from addressing the tiny habits that make up our day to day lives. Erin or call her at (860) 235-3650 to make an appointment

Because No One Should Face Cancer Alone
                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                          

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Hours

The Cancer Resource Center is open on Thursdays from 9am-3pm and other days by appointment only.

Telephone

207-890-0329

Email

info@crcofwm.org
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Mission and Our Vision
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Our Services
    • Consultation & Support
    • Support Groups
    • Social and Creative Services
    • Complementary Therapy >
      • The Live Well Card
      • Find a Wellness Provider
    • Food & Travel Assistance
    • Comfort Items
    • Resources >
      • Jasper : A Smart Platform for Cancer Care & Support
      • Lending Library
      • Community Resources >
        • Association of Maine Cancer Support Centers
  • Classes
    • VIrtual Wellness Classes
    • Dempsey Center Class Telecasts
    • Chair Yoga at the CRCofWM
    • Chair Yoga in Bridgton
    • Public Workshops
  • CRCofWM Online
    • Recorded classes
  • Donate
    • Annual Fund
    • Independent Fundraising Events
  • Volunteer
  • Turkey Trot 4 Hope
  • 2022 Holiday Ornaments