Complementary and Alternative Medicine
To cure- sometimes, to relieve- often, to comfort- always.
-Ancient French Proverb
The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Unit of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department provides a large variety of therapies that focus on health and healing rather than the disease and treatment. CAM therapies view the patient as a whole and dimensions of mind, spirit and body are essential parts of diagnosis and treatments. Research shows that the consultation process and holistic approach adopted by practitioners of CAM makes patients feel more in control of their illness.
The multiple options of CAM therapies range from sensible and worthwhile to ridiculous and even dangerous. We offer supervised guidance to the patient to navigate through the confusing maze of therapeutic options.
The extensive percentage of the Israeli population using CAM Therapies, and the growing number of research validating those therapies by conventional scientific instruments (such as Double-Blind, Controlled Trials, etc.) are the foundation on which our model of integrative medicine was built to benefit the well being of the children. Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine in a way that incorporates elements of CAM alongside orthodox methods of diagnosis and treatments. The goal of this model is to enhance options of reduction of chemotherapy's side effects (fever, nausea, leukopenia, gastrointestinal reactions, xerostomia), to offer Pain Control, and Stress Management.
We offer a number of CAM therapies by professional therapists
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Naturopathic Medicine - A holistic approach consisting, mainly, of Herbal Therapy and Nutrition. The philosophical guideline is the recognition of the body's own healing power which should be enhanced as adjunctive to invasive healing therapies.
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Chinese Medicine - Treatments include Acupuncture - insertion of hair-thin needles into different locations throughout the body, afflicting no pain and no bleeding.
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Acupressure and Shiatsu - Hand manipulation of acupuncture points and of different areas of the body.
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Reflexology - A method of manual manipulation of various areas of the feet. According to this CAM Therapy, all organs and internal systems reflect through the feet. Direct pressure on the relevant areas (according to the different symptoms) will improve the overall feeling and improve symptoms.
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Reiki and Healing - Methods of natural healing based on the application of universal life force energy. These two forms of healing ("Reiki", "Healing") use the same energies with different techniques of application. The treatment includes placing the practitioners' hands upon the patient and letting the energy flow through its natural path in order to heal.
To achieve maximum effectiveness in all methods of CAM, it is advisable (although not obligatory) to receive a series of treatments rather than just one.
