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Winchester Hospital Acupuncture Complements Oncology Treatments and Eases Medication Side Effects
Winchester, Mass. – After seven weeks of radiation and two chemotherapy sessions, Suellen DeVito of Woburn sought respite from the treatments’ side effects.
DeVito had successfully battled head and neck cancer for months, enduring the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatment, before she turned to Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute and the traditional Chinese therapy of acupuncture for relief.
“I was at a point in my life where I was so uncomfortable, and I had gone through so many procedures, I’d do anything for relief,” DeVito said.
Recently, an increasing number of oncology patients like DeVito have turned to acupuncture to complement their traditional cancer treatments and medications. Oncology patients report that acupuncture helps relieve pain, nausea and fatigue, while aiding sleeping habits and boosting one’s immune system.
Joe Kelliher, licensed acupuncturist at the Winchester Hospital Community Health Institute, said acupuncture is a great complement to traditional oncology treatments, as it helps diminish treatment and cancer discomforts and boosts energy. Kelliher also said most patients find acupuncture relaxing and enjoyable. Acupuncture is particularly helpful for oncology patients, he said, since the therapy has no side effects and there is no risk of drug interactions.
The value of adding acupuncture to DeVito’s treatment schedule was immediately apparent. After the first visit, DeVito was sleeping better, and by the third, most of her pain had subsided. The heat from her radiation treatments had caused discomfort, but the acupuncture helped balance the hot and cool sensations in her body.
DeVito first learned of the Community Health Institute’s integrative therapies, which includes acupuncture, through Melinda Taranto-Garnis, Winchester Hospital’s oncology/Breast Care Center social worker.Taranto-Garnis said that both she and DeVito’s oncologist encouraged her to try CHI’s integrative therapies.
“We are very blessed as a small, community hospital to have a resource like the Community Health Institute and its integrative therapies,” Taranto-Garnis said. “These therapies truly enhance the effectiveness of our oncology program.”
Despite the benefits, Taranto-Garnis said many oncology patients do not take advantage of the therapies because it means scheduling yet another office visit.
“The benefits of acupuncture far outweigh the inconvenience of additional office time,” said DeVito. “I am so glad I pushed myself to go to the appointments. Acupuncture put me on the path to relief.”
About the Winchester Hospital Community Health Institute
Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute is committed to helping community members take responsibility for their health and well-being by offering the education and resources that change lives. Established in 1996, the Community Health Institute now offers more than 30 programs and services throughout the year with offerings in disease management, childbirth, integrative therapies, fitness, yoga, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, CPR and first aid, weight management, career services and support groups. The institute is also home to two retail services; A Caring Place, which features wigs, bras, prostheses and head coverings for women living with cancer; and the Lactation Center Boutique, which offers the highest-quality breastfeeding supplies and support. Unless otherwise indicated within the program’s description, for more information or to register, please call the Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4700 or visit www.winchesterhospital.org. |
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