Services
Acupuncture
M. D. Anderson inpatients and outpatients may receive acupuncture services upon written physician order. Acupuncture at Place … of wellness is fee-for-service. For details or to make an appointment, call 713-794-4700.
Acupuncture involves the placement of metal needles in the skin to stimulate specific areas of the body. Research has shown that acupuncture may stimulate the natural healing process to restore health and well-being. Some cancer patients find that it relieves fatigue, pain and nausea, and clear evidence supports the effectiveness of acupuncture to control chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medical methods used to treat patients for thousands of years in Asia. However, acupuncture wasn’t widely used in the United States until after President Nixon's visit to China in 1972. It soon became popular as more health care professionals learned about the technique. Today, Americans receive acupuncture therapy millions of times each year.
Massage Therapy
Place … of wellness offers full body massages and relaxation chair massages to M. D. Anderson patients and their family members. Full-body massage is fee-for-service. Call 713-794-4700 for details or to schedule an appointment.
Outpatients may self-refer for brief relaxation massage, but must obtain a physician release before scheduling a full-body massage.
Inpatients may self-refer to receive bedside brief relaxation massage services in their room.
Caregivers/family members may self-refer for chair massages or full body massages. Full-body massage is fee-for-service, but chair massages are free.
Certain criteria may prohibit patients from receiving massage therapy.
Patients with certain medical conditions must consult with their physician and the massage therapist prior to any massage session. Some patients are not eligible for massage therapy, but others may be eligible with appropriate restrictions on pressure, site and position.
Massage involves the stroking, kneading or stretching of muscle groups. Evidence shows that massage can benefit many cancer patients and caregivers, both physically and emotionally. Research suggests that stress-reduction programs tailored to the cancer setting, such as massage, may help patients cope with the side effects of treatment and improve quality of life after treatment. The use of massage therapy for cancer patients has become more common in recent years as a way to reduce pain, anxiety and nausea.
Massage is traced back to traditional Chinese medicine, but has been used throughout history in Japan, India, Native America, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Hippocrates even recommended the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven beneficial for relieving stress, tension and many chronic ailments.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages. The idea that music can improve health dates back to ancient Egypt, and current research indicates its positive effect on quality of life for children and adults with disabilities or illnesses such as cancer.
Music therapy can be designed to:
- Promote wellness
- Manage stress
- Alleviate pain
- Express feelings
- Enhance memory
- Improve communication
- Promote physical rehabilitation
M. D. Anderson's Place ... of wellness provides music therapy for children and adult inpatients, outpatients and their families. A board certified music therapist provides individual and group sessions, using passive listening or actively playing various musical instruments. No previous musical experience is required.
Music therapy is offered at no cost through the Place ... of wellness. Interested people can self-refer, or be referred by appropriate hospital staff. Call 713-794-4700.