Over 40 new cancer drugs are being tested at the START Center as part of a groundbreaking US trial
we made a commitment to create an inte- grative oncology wellness centre that would address the whole patient.”
EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPIES All Inspiritas guests can receive free advice on wellness by attending monthly group classes on guided imagery, meditation, nutrition, beauty, massage instruction and cancer sup- port. However, there’s a fee for one on one services such as massage and acupuncture. Tere are counselling services for a host
of issues that guests face. Nurses trained in oncology can answer many questions that may worry these compromised individu- als; and an oncology-registered dietitian can give advice about healthy eating and nutrition for those with cancer. Or patients and caregivers might chose to
sit in the spa’s quiet room, with its beautiful, calming waterfall and meditate or relax. Sensitive to the issue of hair loss, Inspiri-
tas employs aestheticians who can fit patients with wigs and head coverings until hair growth returns; and there’s also assistance with makeup to help improve self-confidence. A retail area features organic creams and oils by Naturopathica and Sanitas. Cancer patients should avoid synthetic preservatives such as parabens which can increase hormonal action and are believed to cause cancer because of
SPA BUSINESS 2 2011 ©Cybertrek 2011
“Spas should immediately search out an oncology practice to partner with. Patients, physicians and spas would all have much to gain”
their carcinogenic properties. Te products are also hypoallergenic, as it’s important to avoid possible irritants on an immune system that is already compromised during chemo- therapy and radiation treatment. In short, the Inspiritas concept is an exam-
ple of integrative medicine at its best – it gives patients the benefit of both traditional western medicine, plus complementary therapies such as yoga, t’ai chi and qigong, acupuncture and reiki as well as massage and healing touch. But before we continue with the terrific work
of Lang and Kemmy, it is important to point out that the spa’s focus is not on ‘alternative medical treatments’ as that implies that these therapies should be used in place of sound western medical treatments. Instead, Lang and Kemmy have been very careful to only use evi- dence-based complementary modalities.
Acupuncture, for example, has been dem-
onstrated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US to reduce chemotherapy- associated nausea and vomiting. It controls pain associated with surgery and relieves dry mouth aſter radiation therapy. While yoga has been shown to improve cancer patients’ quality of life, sleep and sense of wellbeing. Mind body interventions such as guided
imagery and hypnosis have also been found by NIH to relax and diminish the feelings of fear and anger that comes with cancer. “By provid- ing guided imagery, patients are able to tap into their inner resources, which help them heal,” said Kemmy in the MD News article. “Research has shown that addressing these emotions can even help to improve the immune system.” Lang and Kemmy are quick to point out
that learning about self-care is considered equally as important as patient support and treatments at Inspiritas. Aſter all, integra- tive medicine is a paradigm shiſt for many patients and even their physicians. Tat’s why the complimentary group classes are offered each month to patients, their fami- lies, friends or carers. “New patients who are about to embark
on cancer treatment are facing a physical and emotional roller coaster. An integra- tive approach helps even out the ups and downs and brings a sense of control,” says
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