Mind, Body and Relaxation Services

Newton-Wellesley Hospital's Integrative Support Services offers mind, body and relaxation services to our patients. We use Yoga, Massage and Reiki techniques designed to reduce stress, increase physical healing and promote good emotional health.  

Yoga
We offer two weekly "Yoga for Cancer Patients" classes for individuals in active cancer treatment (including the time between series of chemotherapy and radiation therapy).  Registration is required.

Morning Class
When: 11:00 am every Wednesday
Where: Therapeutic Treatment Room at the Vernon Cancer Center
Cost: First session is free; each additional session is $5
More Information: 617-219-1230
Instructor: Ann Knocke, PT, MS

Afternoon Class
When: 3:00 pm every Thursday
Where: Therapeutic Treatment Room at the Vernon Cancer Center
Cost: First session is free; each additional session is $5
More Information: 617-219-1230
Instructor: Sonia Smith, OTR, RYT

Classes include practice in movement, relaxation, imagery, breathing, meditation and integrating yoga into daily life. Our experienced clinical instructor specializes in yoga for cancer patients. All fitness levels are welcome.

Benefits of yoga for cancer patients include:

• Increased energy and ability to perform activities of daily living
• Increased confidence and elevation of mood
• Decreased pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and nausea
• Decreased sleep disturbances and sense of isolation

Therapeutic Massage
When: Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment: 617-219-1230
Where: Therapeutic Treatment Room at the Vernon Cancer Center
Cost: First 30 minute session is free; additional massages are $30 (½ hour) and $50 (1 hour)

Massage eases muscular tension, improves blood and lymph circulation and promotes rest and deep relaxation. It can also be an effective way to reduce tension, stimulate energy, improve sleep and enhance self image. Appointments are available for patients and friends/family members involved in their care.

Our Licensed Massage Therapist is Barbara Harris, MA, LMT, who is trained in Oncology Massage.

Reiki
When: Thursdays by appointment: 617-219-1230
Where: Therapeutic Treatment Room at the Vernon Cancer Center
Cost: First 30 minute session is free; additional sessions are $30 (½ hour) and $50 (1 hour)
Instructor: Wendy Caves, RN, Reiki Master

What is Reiki? 

• Reiki is a technique involving the non-invasive placement of hands on the body to promote relaxation, decrease pain and nausea, reduce stress, and increase healing.
• Benefits also include diminished side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, pain control and increased ability to sleep.
• Pronounced: ray’ key.
• Rei - universal knowledge or spiritual intelligence.
• Ki - life force energy.
• Life energy is in and around all things.
• Reiki connects the universal energy with the body’s innate powers of healing.

How does Reiki work?

• Energy flows through pathways called chakras and meridians.
• Reiki practitioner is the conduit for which energy flows.
• When energy flows are blocked due to life stresses, the body experiences symptoms.
• When this energy is transferred to the client, it enhances his/her body’s natural ability to heal itself.