Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester believes that providing care for the “whole” patient is an essential feature of hospice. The mind-body connection is a well-documented physical relationship that has been shown to respond beneficially to complementary therapies at the end of life.
Our patients and their Team decide together which therapy might best alleviate pain, anxiety, discomfort, and stress. In addition, these therapies can promote equilibrium, increase well-being, and improve quality of life. We are pleased to be able to offer patients, free of charge, a limited number of sessions. All of our therapists are licensed or certified practitioners who have experience serving hospice patients.
These complementary therapies are available:
- Massage Therapy
It is widely accepted that touch can relieve pain and decrease stress. Massage is a form of structured therapeutic touch, which can relax, relieve muscle tension, reduce anxiety levels, reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system and moisturize the skin. We offer massage that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Undressing is not necessary.
- Acupuncture
Probably the most widely known of complementary therapies, acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture is a means of regulating “life force” that is thought to flow through the body by insertion of fine needles into carefully selected points. It can be used to relieve a wide variety of symptoms.
- Art Therapy
Art therapy can bridge the physical and emotional world by engaging the patient in active use of art materials to help them come to terms with the dying process. Art provides a vehicle for expression that may be preferential to some patients who may be uncomfortable with conventional counseling or who find verbal expression challenging. Studies have shown that art therapy can reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to pain and anxiety.
- Music Therapy
The music practitioner, a Harpist, uses the intrinsic healing elements of live music to provide a healing environment for patients and their families. These sessions are effective throughout the living/dying process and do not require the patient to play or sing along.
The music practitioner is a graduate of The Music for Healing and Transition Program ™.
- Reflexology
This therapy is based on the belief that different areas on the feet and hands correspond with different parts of the body. Gentle stimulation of these areas with the thumbs and fingers relieves stress and tension, improves circulation, promotes normal body function and results in feelings of deep relaxation.
- Reiki
This is a therapy that has its roots in some of the ancient healing methods of Tibet. These methods were discovered by Dr. Michel Usui who took them back to his native Japan. Reiki means universal life energy. The energy can be found all around us and Reiki therapists have been trained to focus on this energy and to concentrate on it flowing through their hands.
A person who is receiving Reiki remains fully clothed. The therapist gently places his/her hands on the individual, starting at the head and covering most of the body. Although this therapy seems very simple, people who receive it often find it very relaxing and comforting.
