Integrative medicine combines conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative treatments that have been researched and proven to be safe and effective in healing. Integrative oncology uses integrative medicine as part of standard cancer care.

"Integrative oncology is a practice where we use lifestyle medicine like dietary modifications, stress reduction, exercise, supplements and mind-body practices," says Stacy D'Andre, M.D., a Mayo Clinic medical and integrative oncologist. "We combine all of these practices to help our cancer patients improve quality of life and hopefully improve treatment outcomes, as well."

Integrative oncology can help people with cancer feel better by reducing the fatigue, nausea, pain, anxiety and other symptoms that can come with cancer and cancer treatment.

If you are living with cancer or caring for someone who is, here's an overview of how integrative oncology can ease the burden of cancer.

Read the rest of the article on the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center blog.

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Other Mayo Clinic medical research websites: 

• Research at Mayo Clinic
• Discovery’s Edge
• Advancing the Science
• Mayo Clinic Laboratories
• Forefront
• Center for Individualized Medicine
• Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics
• Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery

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For many cancer patients, the treatments can be hard on the body.

"They can cause nausea. They can cause pain. They can hurt your sleep pattern," says Dr. Brent Bauer, a Mayo Clinic integrative medicine specialist.

Dr. Bauer says there are options that don't require taking a pill to help those with cancer and the side effects of treatment.

"It's having a bigger toolkit, but the toolkit has to be filled with things that have good clinical science behind them," he says.

Acupuncture or aromatherapy to treat nausea, or tai chi or massage for pain are just a few of the integrative medicine options.

"We try it, and if it works, we continue it — always in collaboration with the primary team," Dr. Bauer says.

He says integrative medicine is meant to complement conventional medical care. And it's best to start with the basics of good nutrition and getting the proper amount of exercise to remain healthy.

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When you're sick, medication or even surgery, may be just what the doctor orders. Dr. Adam Perlman, an integrative health specialist at Mayo Clinic, asks an additional question.

"What else can we do to really improve our sense of well-being?"

That's where acupuncture, yoga or tai chi may be integrated into an overall plan of care. Dr. Perlman describes it as "helping people to go beyond the treatment of disease and pathophysiology, to a place where they are optimizing their vitality."

Evidence shows, for instance, acupuncture can help with chronic pain and may be recommended to those with cancer, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

Tai chi helps with balance and reduces falls in older adults. And yoga may reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate.

But, Dr. Perlman says, it's not just what you do with your body that's important.

"Other things that tend to impact our health and well-being are things like gratitude and relationships and how we address those, [and] a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives."

See your health care provider to find out if an integrative health plan is right for you.

Related posts:

• Home Remedies: Treating pain with integrative approaches
• Whole-person care at Integrative Medicine and Health practice
• Mayo Clinic Minute: Integrative medicine and pain

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A massage therapist's ability to have hands-on contact with a patient and potential for seeing patients for multiple sessions not only can relieve symptoms, but also aid diagnostic detection. Such was the case in a study where Mayo Clinic researchers observed a patient who underwent a partial small bowel resection and was being followed up with massage for persistent pain. The massage therapist detected tenderness upon palpating an area and alerted the patient’s care team. Subsequently, the team found an intestinal leak and infection in the abdominal cavity.

“We have done over two dozen studies on massage and acupuncture showing the benefits that both treatments have on patients. Skilled practitioners of integrative medicine are able to be a member of the care team and contribute their expertise, while also delivering care directly to patients,” says Brent Bauer, M.D., director of research for Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine Program, who is the lead author.

Acupuncture is another treatment that has been widely noted for its role in helping with chronic pain management. “Our experience with patients at Mayo Clinic confirms that we see a tremendous number of patients for which acupuncture is a central part in their pain management strategy,” says Dr. Bauer.

Along with pain relief, acupuncture also can play an important role in assessing underlying health issues. Another case study focusing on acupuncture treatment at Mayo Clinic revealed that a mass was identified on a patient who initially was referred for acute upper-back pain. The acupuncturist noted a small mass in the muscle and brought it to the attention of the primary doctor. Subsequently, an ultrasound of the area was ordered, which showed that the mass was positive for sarcoma.

As these case studies show, bringing acupuncture and massage into the clinical setting can have benefits that extend beyond therapeutic wellness. Acupuncturists and massage therapists can bring another level of healing and a second set of eyes to a patient’s overall treatment plan. As Dr. Bauer notes, “That is the definition of integrative medicine in a nutshell – combining the best of both worlds to optimize health and healing for our patients.”

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, comprehensive care to everyone who needs healing. Learn more about Mayo Clinic. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network.

Media contact:

• Emily Blahnik, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu
  

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According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a part of the National Institutes of Health, Americans spend about $30.2 billion yearly out of pocket on complementary health products and practices. Almost half consist of visits to practitioners, such as acupuncturists and massage therapists.

“There is increasing research on the value of complementary and integrative medicine. We know, for instance, that exercise, weight loss and limited alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the recurrence of cancer,” says Dr. Dawn Mussallem, medical director for the Integrative Medicine and Health practice at Mayo Clinic's Florida campus.

Dr. Mussallem is a cancer survivor herself. She knows all too well the chaos and fear that accompanies a cancer diagnosis and treatment, so she says she’s excited by the increasing interest in integrative medicine, which brings together services to support patients’ physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

Watch: Dr. Mussallem discusses Integrative Medicine and Health.

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“We want to cure disease and prolong survival, but we want our patients to have a good quality of life in the process. Integrative medicine combines evidence-based therapies – like chemotherapy or radiation – with other, alternative therapies, so we can care for the whole person — not just their cancer,” she explains.

Mayo’s Integrative Medicine and Health practice first began in Minnesota before expanding to Arizona and then piloting in Florida in 2017. Initially, the program was limited to patients of the Jacoby Center for Breast Health but will expand in 2018 to all oncology patients.

Acupuncture, massage, yoga, resilience training, stress management, animal-assisted therapy and nutrition counseling are among the offerings.

“Feedback to the program – and to having all the modalities available under one roof – has been fantastic,” says Dr. Mussallem.

A recent survey of patients showed those who incorporated integrative services and therapies into their care reported significant improvements before, during and after treatment.

“We also did a short study with hospitalized patients and found those who underwent massage therapy reported a 60 percent improvement in their pain after treatment,” says Dr. Mussallem.

Other patients report being able to better manage medication side effects, pain and even get back to activities sooner.

And having access to nutrition counseling and pharmaceutical experts can provide insight to help patients maximize their treatment. Dr. Mussallem says that many patients don’t realize that certain over-the-counter vitamins and supplements may reduce the effectiveness of certain cancer therapies.

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Whole person care makes breast cancer journey easier

Occupational therapist Jennifer Deaderick moved from California to England in 2014. So her family and friends say they weren’t surprised when two years later, she quit her job to explore Mexico, Central America and Asia.

“The world felt full of possibility,” Jennifer says, remembering the morning of her 40^th birthday. “My spirit felt free and my body invincible.”

But just after the New Year's Day 2017, Jennifer felt something on her right breast. She and her significant other, Phil, were in Costa Rica, and she wasn’t too concerned. “I thought it was from my new backpack since one of the straps lay directly across my chest," she says.

But, after a month without improvement, Jennifer and Phil hiked 4 miles roundtrip to a medical clinic. An ultrasound and biopsy were performed, and Jennifer was handed a report – in Spanish. She had breast cancer.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Jennifer learned of a breast cancer researcher who still worked at the Baltimore campus. Jennifer’s parents lived in Jacksonville, Florida. So when he recommended an oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Jennifer knew that’s where she was headed. One month after her initial appointment in Costa Rica, she arrived at the Jacoby Center for Breast Health.

“It was important to me to be in a place that not only had exceptional medical care, but was also open to my desire to integrate holistic, natural healing to my care. I was so thankful to learn Mayo Clinic had a new integrative medicine program that would address me as a person — and not just treat my breast,” says Jennifer.

With a dedicated team of physicians, she made a treatment plan: bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, radiation and, eventually, reconstructive surgery. And, through it all, Jennifer would embrace mindfulness and an array of complimentary modalities.“I have practiced yoga for years, and it has been one of the greatest gifts for helping with post surgical recovery, mental health and chemotherapy side effects,” she adds. Acupuncture also helped with chemotherapy-related nausea and insomnia, while medical massage eased pain and aided in Jennifer regaining range of motion in her shoulders.

Before chemotherapy infusions, Jennifer would recite a special mantra. Part of it said: “I am hopeful for the future. I am an indomitable spirit. I am cancer-free and will perservere, I am healing every day in every way.”

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On the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program, discusses how complementary techniques can enhance conventional medicine and shares the new Mayo Clinic book, Mayo Clinic: The Integrative Guide to Good Health. Also on the podcast, Dr. Michael Camilleri, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses a new study that found a prescription medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity is also an effective weight-loss therapy. And Dr. Adam Kase, a resident at Mayo Clinic, shares how his training in the Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center helped him save a life during jury duty.

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On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program and one of the authors of the book, will discuss how complementary techniques can enhance conventional medicine. Also on the program, Dr. Michael Camilleri, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses a new study that found a prescription medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity is also an effective weight-loss therapy. And Dr. Adam Kase, a resident at Mayo Clinic, will share how his training in the Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center helped him save a life during jury duty.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Integrative medicine and health appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program and one of the authors of the book, will discuss how complementary techniques can enhance conventional medicine. Also on the program, Dr. Michael Camilleri, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses a new study that found a prescription medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity is also an effective weight-loss therapy. And Dr. Adam Kase, a resident at Mayo Clinic, will share how his training in the Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center helped him save a life during jury duty.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Integrative health / stomach emptying and weight loss / jury duty lifesaver appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

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Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover even more healthy lifestyle topics at MayoClinic.org.

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“We are excited about taking wellness to the next level,” says Donald Hensrud, M.D., the program’s medical director. “Our expanded services embrace the idea of involving the entire body and mind. No matter your age or health needs, if you’re looking to better manage stress, lose weight, get active, or eat and cook healthfully, our program offers a diverse selection of wellness options for anyone seeking whole-body wellness.”

Healthy Weight Plan
Losing weight and making lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming. Mayo experts understand this challenge. The plan brings together the collective knowledge of weight management and behavior change experts. They have developed a two-day on-site session, along with engagement before and after the on-site program that breaks down barriers, dispels diet myths and guides guests on a weight-loss journey tailored specifically to their goals. The plan also offers ongoing support so guests stay motivated and the weight stays off for good.

“An important aspect of this program is that Mayo Clinic staff understand how challenging weight management can be and they offer a strong supportive environment while people meet these challenges,” says Dr. Hensrud. “Everyone has different obstacles to weight management, and we encourage guests to design their own individualized weight-loss program to address these obstacles.”

Our wellness specialists stay engaged as partners for a full year to help people meet their healthy weight goals, Dr. Hensrud adds.

Rejuvenate at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program

Mayo Clinic has long offered massage, acupuncture, meditation training and skin care services as key components of patient care in the hospital and clinical setting. It is now using that knowledge and expertise to offer spa services at Rejuvenate at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.

“We have created a true lifestyle-changing program that blends together evidenced-based health and spa therapies to support people’s wellness journey,” says Brent Bauer, M.D., medical director, Rejuvenate at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. “Rejuvenate emphasizes the ways that traditional spa services can enhance a person’s overall well-being through the renewal of mind, body and spirit.”

The therapies provided can be enjoyed on their own or complement a person’s wellness experience at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. Services offered include an array of massages, skin care (facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, injectables) and nail health such as manicures and pedicures (no gels or artificial nails).

For information on the new services and to contact or schedule an appointment, please visit the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program website: https://healthyliving.mayoclinic.org/.

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About Mayo Clinic
Recognizing 150 years of serving humanity in 2014, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit150years.mayoclinic.org, http://www.mayoclinic.org/ and newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.

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About the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program
The Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program is redefining healthy living. It’s a comprehensive, whole-body wellness experience guided by medical research and evidence-based medicine to offer guests trusted solutions to improve quality of life. The program is research-driven around diet, exercise, and resiliency; and when all of these are connected, they encompass the power needed to make sustainable changes. Wellness coaches work with individuals to design comprehensive, personalized wellness plans based on goals and expectations. Ongoing support is offered to ensure continued success and sustainability once guests return home. Cooking demonstrations, physical activities, resiliency experiences and spa services are available to guests, patients and family members through our à la carte menu. Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program is close to a local airport and is within an hour and fifteen-minute drive of Minneapolis.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelley Luckstein, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu. 

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