INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES: How Complementary or Alternative Medicine Can Help You Heal

Integrative Therapies

From massage to meditation, integrative medicine — which uses evidence-based, complementary practices in combination with conventional medicine — can help cancer patients and survivors regain health and build a lifestyle focused on wellness.

Types of integrative medicine found to be beneficial for cancer survivors include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Meditation
  • Music therapy
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Stress management
  • Tai Chi
  • Yoga
  • Art Therapy
 
City of Hope offers several treatments to help cancer survivors regain their health. For more information about our classes and group offerings, please call us at 626-218-2273 or see our Support Services Calendar.
 

Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body exercise that incorporates physical poses, stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques to improve health and wellbeing. Studies show yoga can reduce anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue in cancer survivors, while improving sleep and overall quality of life.

City of Hope’s Gentle Yoga: Mind, Body, and Meditation for Patients and Caregivers class teaches hatha yoga postures, relaxation techniques including guided meditation and deep breathing, as well as tips to develop a daily home practice.
 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses small needles, heat, pressure or electricity to alleviate a variety of physical, mental or emotional conditions.  

Research shows this treatment can help cancer survivors with different side effects including anxiety, stress, depression, mood disorders, fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, bladder issues and hot flashes.

If you’re interested, talk with your City of Hope doctor or nurse practitioner.
 

Community Resources for Acupuncture Treatment

Eagle Rock Community Acupuncture
This group’s services are provided by licensed acupuncturists in community or common room;
private rooms are available at an additional cost.
2042 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
rcaclinic.com
ercaclinic@gmail.com
323-255-2700

Long Beach Community Acupuncture
301 Atlantic Ave., Suite D
Long Beach CA, 90802
Phone: 562-477-5045
http://www.longbeachcommunityacupuncture.com
infolongbeachca@gmail.com

Center Point Community Acupuncture
This group offers treatments on sliding scale fee of $20 to $40 with an initial consultation fee of
$15 for new patients.
6324 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
North Hollywood CA, 91606
cpacupuncture.com
cpcafrondesk@gmail.com
818-358-2178 (Spanish speaking)

Blue Heart Acupuncture
This group offers treatments on a sliding scale of $20 to 50, where patrons choose what they can afford.
1912 North Batavia St., Suite J
Orange CA, 92865
info@blueheartacu.com
714-798-4325

Robert Chu Acupuncture/Herbal Therapy
Robert Chu, Ph.D., L.Ac.
1028 N. Lake Ave., Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91104
acuchu.com
chusauli@gmail.com
626-345-0441 (Clinic)
 

Meditation

10 Minute Guided Imagery Meditation

Meditation refers to a variety of techniques that incorporate focusing attention and regulating breathing to increase inner calmness, relaxation and mindfulness.  

Studies show that meditation can help to improve overall quality of life for cancer survivors and has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and mood disorders.

Our City of Hope Breathing and Meditation Class teaches simple meditation and breathing techniques to relieve stress and anxiety, enhance health and wellbeing, and promote a good night’s sleep.

No previous experience is required; patients and caregivers are welcome.

Watch more City of Hope breathing and meditation videos on YouTube.
 

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been shown to boost confidence and body image, ease pain and promote a sleep while relieving stress, anxiety and depression.  

Although massage is commonly used as integrative therapy, cancer patients should first consult with their doctor and make sure to only go to a qualified massage therapist for treatment.

Department Of Supportive Care Medicine

City of Hope's Department of Supportive Care Medicine has specialized staff and further resources to provide City of Hope patients and their families with an integrated, interdisciplinary array of services to address the many issues that can arise during and after treatment.

Integrated Therapies in the Community

Magnolia House Patient Support Tower Cancer Research Foundation
8767 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 401
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
towercancer.org/magnolia-house-2
infolongbeachca@gmail.com
310-299-8470
The patient support division of Tower Cancer Research Foundation, Magnolia House, is an integrative wellness program with blended model of both in-person and online mind and body classes, workshops, and individual services. Includes support groups, education classes on nutrition and mindfulness. At no cost to cancer patients and survivors, Magnolia House empowers those with a cancer diagnosis to develop a physical and emotional toolkit to overcome the disease’s challenges by turning survivors into thrivers.
 
Cancer Support Community — Pasadena
200 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 118
Pasadena, CA 91105
cscpasadena.org
626-796-1083
Offering meditation, Foldenkrais Method, walking for wellness,  watercolor painting and more. Call for up-to-date information.

Cancer Support Community — Benjamin Center
1990 S. Bundy Drive, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90025
cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org
310-314-2555
Offering Pilates, Zumba, yoga, meditation, mindfulness and more. Call for up-to-date information.

Cancer Support Community — Redondo Beach
109 W. Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
cancersupportredondobeach.org
310-376-3550
Offering meditation, mindfulness, yoga and more. Call for up-to-date information.
 
Cancer Support Community
530 Hampshire Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
CancerSupportVvsb.org
805-379-4777
Offering meditation, watercolor painting and more. Call for up-to-date information.