English
Espanol
简体中文
Tagalog
հայերեն
한국인
Tiếng Việt
فارسی
русский
日本
عربي
Integrative oncology uses evidence-based, natural and cost-effective healing methods in cancer care with goals of increasing quality of life and enhancing cancer treatments by minimizing complications.
COVID-19 Update: Some of our integrative oncology services have been suspended for the safety of our patients, providers and the community. Check each service below to see if we have a virtual service offering at this time.
Call (626) 995-9001 to learn more about the Huntington Cancer Center and receive a physician referral.
Services at the Huntington Cancer Center
Acupuncture services are continuing in person. To reach Dr Kline for an appointment or for more information, please call 626-807-9168.
Acupuncture has been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 5,000 years and is used to treat many illnesses and ailments. Acupuncture for cancer patients is used to prevent and reduce complications from general anesthesia and surgeries, control pain and help patients minimize the side effects of patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
Suzie Kline, Ph. D., N.P. provides acupuncture therapy for breast cancer patients. Suzie is the manager of integrative oncology at the Huntington Hospital Cancer Center. Learn more about Dr. Kline.
To reach Dr. Kline for an appointment or for more information, please call 626-807-9168.
Scientific research demonstrates that acupuncture can reduce inflammation and promote and lymphatic flow and microcirculation, which help in reducing swelling and scar tissue. Acupuncture can also release endorphin hormones in the body to reduce pain naturally. Research has also shown that acupuncture can modulate brain signals, i.e. neurotransmitters, in the limbic system, resulting in a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia, all commonly seen in cancer patients.
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. Massage can include a variety of types of pressure and touch. When used as a complementary and alternative treatment in breast cancer patients, massage therapy has been associated with enhanced health and coping with treatment-related side effects.
Marina Hsiao, certified massage therapist, provides massage therapy services for breast cancer patients.
Studies have shown that massage seems to offer both physical and emotional benefits for women with breast cancer. Research studies have demonstrated increased levels of dopamine following massage therapy, which increases the sense of well-being. In addition, increased levels of natural killer cells have been found, suggesting it may help boost the immune system. There is no evidence that massage can cause an existing cancer to spread.
Virtual support. All programs are held online, free of charge and open to current and former cancer patients, as well members of their support system (spouse, partner, family member, etc). For class dates and registration please call (626) 484-8396 or email Pierre-Etienne Vannier.
What is Mind-Body Programs?
Mind-Body practice incorporates hypnotherapy, a form of psychotherapy which helps a person enter into a state of calm and alert awareness so he or she can more easily work on making personal changes.
Pierre-Etienne Vannier, provides hypnotherapy services for breast cancer patients for the Huntington Cancer Center. Learn more about Pierre-Etienne.
In 1995, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a consensus statement noting the scientific evidence in favor of the use of hypnosis for chronic pain, particularly pain associated with cancer. Hypnosis helps a person be more focused and block out distractions. It brings a state of deep relaxation, making it easier to observe anxieties, fears, pain, and other difficulties from a new perspective. There are no studies to show that hypnosis can affect outcomes after breast cancer specifically. However, hypnosis does appear to help with some of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of its treatment, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, stress, and anxiety.
What symptoms can it help with?
- Chemotherapy-associated nausea/vomiting
- Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia caused by Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors
- Bone/joint pain caused by Aromatase-Inhibitors
- Stress/anxiety/depression
- Fatigue
Mind-Body Programs
We offer a variety of programs to help patients manage stress and emotions that come with the cancer journey.
Group Meditation & Stress Management – Virtual
“That meditation program gave me tools that made it possible for me to feel like my life is normal again!” – Bill
Many people with cancer feel stressed, helpless and isolated. This free 6-week stress management group program teaches you to reclaim stress and safety, improve sleep, deal with your diagnosis and learn from challenges, and make the best decisions under stressful circumstances. You will connect and learn from others on the journey to recovery.
Sessions will boost your immunity and your energy levels, and foster physical healing by learning and practicing therapeutic meditation and guided imagery. After each session, you will be given a recording to practice at home and reinforce the benefits of each session.
Cancer patients, spouse, caregivers, family and members of their support system are welcome to attend at no cost.
Private stress management sessions available upon request.
Somatic Stress Release Program – Virtual
“It has allowed me to be happier and more forgiving of myself”
This is a free group program teaching those with cancer to learn to release stress and chronic tension using simple and gentle vibrations in the body (therapeutic tremors). Reported benefits of Somatic Stress Release include increased energy and stamina, improved sleep and immunity, greater mobility and better mood. The technique is easy to learn and movements will be tailored to your needs.
An Important Note about Hypnosis:
While hypnosis can help a person be more open to suggestion and changes at a subconscious level, a hypnotherapist cannot control you while you are under hypnosis. You must be open and receptive to the idea of hypnosis, which means a hypnotherapist is not able to force you to do anything you don’t want to do or hypnotize you against your will. While the safety of hypnosis has not been thoroughly studied, hypnosis has shown benefits in cancer patients. Because the practice can occasionally trigger deep and sometimes upsetting emotions it is important to always check with your doctor before starting hypnotherapy, particularly if you have a history of mental illness.
Free therapeutic yoga for cancer patients offered in-person at Yoga House in Pasadena.
Each class includes restorative yoga, gentle yoga, breath work, meditation and hands-on healing. These promote the body’s ability to heal itself and soothe stress associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Who: Therapeutic yoga is facilitated by Farzaneh Noori, a certified yoga instructor, or another qualified Yoga House instructor.
When: Wednesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Where: 11 West State Street, Pasadena, CA 91105
To register for the class, or for more information visit Yoga House or call (626) 403-3961.
Beat Cancer Thru Drumming is a Beat the Odds® drum circle program tailored for cancer patients and cancer survivors to cultivate emotional resilience and mental focus while having fun!
This free 5-week program uses various self-care and therapeutic techniques to increase energy, develop a sense of well-being and to reduce stress and anxiety. Beat the Odds drum circle program emphasizes the process not the performance.
Who: Beat Cancer Thru Drumming is facilitated by Sandi Chiu, LAc. and Suzie Kline, Ph.D., N.P., Manager of Integrative Oncology.
We only have 10 drums and space is limited.
Call Suzie Kline for more information at (626) 807-9168.