Mission
We are a hospital-based complementary care center dedicated to offering integrative practices that promote optimal wellness. The center's goal is to enhance quality of life by promoting wellness, supporting recovery, encouraging resilience and building strengths, in concert with traditional care through each stage of an adult's life.
Complementary health care
Complementary health care is an approach to health and well-being that uses methods not considered part of traditional Western medical practices. As the name implies, complementary health care should be used with, not in place of, the medical care provided by your physician.
Complementary care covers a wide range of approaches, including various philosophies of healing and many types of therapies. They are often referred to as holistic, meaning that good health involves the well-being of all aspects of a person including emotional, physical and spiritual (mind, body and spirit). These methods stem from the belief that health can be improved if all aspects of a person's life are addressed. Many of these therapies are termed preventive, meaning that the complementary care provider educates and provides the tools to keep health problems from arising.
Benefits
A person who uses complementary therapy often benefits from a sense of empowerment. In seeking care in addition to conventional medicine, one is taking a more active role in his or her health care. Science has shown that one's emotional state can affect health. Many people respond well to complementary treatments because they induce a sense of well-being while often relieving symptoms of the medical condition itself.
Examples of Mind-body Interventions
These are designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. These therapies can bring clarity of mind, build the immune system, and promote strength, endurance, flexibility and balance.
Some mind-body practices include:
- Meditation and guided imagery
- Qigong and tai chi
- Wellness coaching
- Expressive therapies (art, dance and music)
- Yoga and pilates
- Stress Management
Manipulative and Body-based Methods
These methods focus on the musculoskeletal system. Massage therapy is the most ancient of all healing practices. The benefits of massage therapy include pain reduction, increased relaxation and reduced muscle tension. Massage can be beneficial in easing pain and lessening nausea and fatigue. Massage promotes better sleep, improves concentration, reduces anxiety and creates an overall sense of well-being.
Some manipulative and body-based practices include:
- Swedish massage
- Reflexology
- Deep-tissue massage
- Craniosacral therapy
Energy Therapies
These techniques affect one on the energetic level. Some of the benefits people experience includes stress reduction, relaxation, and pain reduction.
Some energy therapies include:
- Reiki
- Acupuncture
- Qigong
- Polarity
A number of the modalities mentioned above are currently being offered at the center either by appointment or as scheduled classes. In addition, a variety of fitness and nutrition classes are also being offered. Contact the center for current offerings and additional information. Massage and reiki are also offered in the Simonds-Sinon Cancer Center.
Insurance
Some insurance companies offer discounts for therapies such as acupuncture and massage. In addition, your plan may offer a wellness program or flexible spending account that may help offset the cost of complementary therapy services. Please call your health insurance provider or your employer's human resources representative to find out what your plan covers.
Vision
To be a caring, welcoming and holistic environment that empowers the community through both innovative and established practices aimed at health promotion, prevention, and overall well-being.
Contact
Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center
HealthAlliance Hospital - Burbank Campus
275 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01453
978-665-5800