Pathways Integrative Therapies

What Are Integrative Therapies?

Integrative therapies include a variety of different physical, emotional, and spiritual modalities, including complementary and alternative therapies such as massage, energy work, and guided imagery in addition to more conventional Western medicine.

Pathways Hospice is integrating selected complementary and alternative therapies into its services to support hospice patients and their families in all their needs.

What Therapies Are Available?

Pathways is continually working to enhance our integrative therapy offerings to better support patients and their families. We offer a variety of therapies, including:

• Relaxation methods which include guided imagery and biofeedback to reduce stress and anxiety, and to aid in pain management.
• Energy work, a hands-on bio-energy technique that may aid in managing pain and help both patients and family members relax.
• Comfort touch massage to help provide a sense of well-being by reducing physical tension and discomfort.
• Aromatherapy, using scented oils in an effort to ease such conditions as anxiety, depression, and nausea.
• Animal-assisted activities, (sometimes called pet therapy) in which screened, trained animals and their handlers visit patients to enhance their quality of life.
• Music sessions enhance feelings of well-being through relaxation, reminiscence and distraction.
• Acutonics involves the use of tuning forks placed on acupressure points to promote balance through sound and vibration.
• Creative expression entails using artwork, story telling, journal writing or movement to express thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Availability of therapies may vary by location. Please contact Pathways to learn more about the Integrative Therapies available in your area.

Who Provides the Therapy?

Many Pathways’ professionals are trained in one or more of these techniques, and we have licensed and certified staff and volunteer practitioners to help patients and families as available. Please call us if you have questions or would like more information about Integrative Therapies.

Integrative Therapy Related Downloads

• Pathways Integrative Therapies Program - Brochure
• Acupressure: Simple Points for Pain and Symptom Management
• Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils for Comfort Care
• Using Relaxation Skills for Comfort Care
• Guided Relaxation Audio CD - MP3 format (right click and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As")
• Click here to preview the Guided Relaxation Audio Session

Integrative Therapy in the News

• Medical Aromatherapy - SF Examiner - Pathways Interview