Integrating complementary and alternative therapies into your treatment plan

Many studies have shown there is a positive benefit to integrating complementary therapies with conventional cancer treatments. Because Seattle CyberKnife Center is part of the Swedish Cancer institute, our patients have access to multiple complementary therapies, such as naturopathic services, meditation, and art, music and massage therapy. The institute also offers cancer rehabilitation services and nutrition care, as well as psycho-oncology services to help cope with the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. At Swedish we believe in caring for the mind, body and spirit of our patients through diagnosis to treatment, and beyond. That is why we say: We care for people - We treat their cancer.

Integrated Cancer Care brochure

Art Therapy (206-386-3200)

Art therapy allows patients to express emotions, reduce side effects of treatments and increase relaxation through the use of visual media, including painting, drawing and sculpting. This service is free and previous artistic training or experience is not necessary.
Learn more about Art Therapy

Cancer Rehabilitation (206-215-6333)

The main goal of cancer rehabilitation is to teach basic exercise skills to help patients maintain energy and strength. Cancer rehabilitation may include physical and occupational therapy, as well as supervised and personalized fitness programs. Cancer rehabilitation helps patients return to their highest levels of functioning.

 Learn more about Cancer Rehabilitation

Massage Therapy (206-215-3007)

Massage has been found to relieve symptoms related to cancer, as well as side effects from treatments, such as nausea, fatigue and pain. Licensed massage therapists apply pressure to the soft tissues of the body to stimulate nerves and increase blood flow. All massages are tailored to the each patient's needs.
Learn more about Massage Therapy

Meditation (206-386-3200)

Mindful meditation is a free class designed to help patients better manage their stress and physical symptoms related to their cancer. The class offers group instruction in relaxation and meditation, along with stretching exercises to enhance mobility.

 Learn more about Meditation

Music Therapy (206-386-3200)

Music therapy uses music to improve emotional, physical, physiological and spiritual well-being. A typical session consists of talking with a counselor followed by an activity that involves music and sound. Some techniques used include drumming, singing, chanting and songwriting. This service is free and no musical experience is necessary.
Learn more about Music Therapy

Naturopathic Care (206-386-3015)

The goal of naturopathic care is to complement conventional oncology treatments by supporting the patient's immune system and reducing the side effects of treatment. Treatments include clinical nutrition, herbal medicines and mind-body therapies. All treatments are coordinated directly with the patient's oncologist.

Learn more about Naturopathic Care

The Nutrition Care Clinic (206-781-6228 for appointments; 206-386-3200 for class information)

The Nutrition Care Clinic offers individualized nutritional counseling by certified dieticians to help patients make the best dietary decisions during their cancer treatment. Free group classes are also available, including a "Cooking 101" session and classes focusing on other dietary issues for cancer patients.
Learn more about The Nutrition Care Clinic

Psycho-Oncology (206-540-0477)

Cancer can lead to countless difficulties for patients' social, emotional and physical functioning. Psycho-oncology focuses on helping patients and their families maintain the emotional well-being needed to cope with the stress of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. The Psycho-Oncology Program offers:

• Emotional support around distress, anxiety and depression
• Assessment and care coordination in the areas of insurance, financial and legal concerns; assistance with practical concerns such as housing, employment, child care and transportation; and help with long-term care planning, ranging from home care to respite care to hospice care
• Support groups for patients and caregivers that focus on a variety of topics, including breast cancer, gynecological cancers and advanced cancers

Learn more about Psycho Oncology

Coping, support and resources for patients and families

Patient Education / Survirship Newsletter

Plugged-In To Your Health: Cancer Podcasts

Navigator Links Patients with Resources

CaringBridge - Connecting Family and Friends