Teal Center at Virginia Hospital
Massage And Acupuncture for Oncology Patients
The Teal Center at Virginia Hospital Center is particularly committed to supporting the oncology community through excellent therapist training and high standards of oncology-specific massage therapy and acupuncture care. Many of our therapists are members of the Society for Oncology Massage and are active members of the oncology massage community in the DC Metro area and our acupuncturists bring passion and training for working with this unique population.
Oncology Massage
Cancer and cancer treatment affect every person differently. All of the body's systems are involved in fighting the disease and in making the most of the various courses of treatment. The therapists at The Teal Center’s hospital location are trained in oncology massage which means they have a working knowledge of cancer and its effects on the body, what treatments are available, how those treatments can affect an individual and the ways in which massage and other hands-on modalities can be employed to mitigate symptoms, lessen pain and improve mood, energy, perspective and strength. Our therapists can work with surgical scars to return range of motion and lessen swelling to decrease and even reverse the effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Clients have found relief and support from our services at all stages of treatment from diagnosis through surgery and chemo and into recovery. Many of our therapists are also trained to provide Manual Lymphatic Drainage (see below) which can be helpful in preventing and managing lymphedema.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique that is performed by a trained lymphatic therapist (often a specially trained massage therapist) to stimulate the flow of lymph. Lymph is the fluid that carries waste material through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a series of delicate vessels which run throughout the body and are responsible for removing metabolic waste, detoxifying our cells, regenerating tissues, and filtering out toxins. The lymphatic system is integral in maintaining a healthy immune system. This technique is useful both in the possible prevention of lymphedema for patients who are at risk and also for patients who are currently being treated for lymphedema. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be an important part of the maintenance aspect of comprehensive lymphedema treatment and management.
Reiki
Reiki is a 10,000-year-old system of energy healing in which the practitioner places his/her hands gently and lightly in different positions on a person's clothed body. The Reiki practitioner is the vehicle through which healing universal life force energy is accessed and transmitted to the receiver to accelerate natural healing and balance of the body, mind, and spirit. Reiki can heighten energy, relieve emotional or physical pain or stress, and facilitating deep relaxation, personal growth, and enhancement of spiritual awareness.