Complementary Therapies in Sonoma

These methods have been shown to reduce the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and interferon.  A consensus panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 concluded there is clear evidence that needle acupuncture treatment is effective in relieving postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture and herbs are also known to help reduce stress, boost the immune system and provide a general sense of balance and well-being.

Known as the Science of Life, Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of health care in the world. Its approach encompasses diet and lifestyle, herbs and yoga with an emphasis on prevention, and on bringing about and maintaining harmony in the body. Ayurveda considers physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of wellness to maintain optimal health. It asserts we are beings within Nature, affected by natural rhythms and seasons.  Ayurveda treats not just the disease but the whole person, with an emphasis on prevention rather than cure of symptoms.

A naturopathic consultation applies in-depth knowledge of nutrition, herbal medicine and supplements. It will help you avoid redundancy and contraindications with other herbs, supplements and western medications that can happen when individuals self-prescribe. All the  medications, herbs and supplements you are currently taking will be reviewed to come up with an effective, supportive regime to help you through your treatment and recovery process.

Oncology massage is the modification of massage techniques in order to safely work with the effects of cancer and cancer treatment. It benefits people in active treatment, those in recovery or survivorship as well as those at the end of life. Clinical research supports the use of oncology massage in reducing pain and anxiety. Clients have also reported the many benefits of massage which include improved sleep, decreased sense of isolation, enhanced body image and increased feelings of well-being.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a healing art focused on supporting the health of the whole person. It is grounded in the belief that Health is a deep and abiding part of our essential nature. We use educated gentle, non-invasive touch to engage the expressions of health in the human system. BCST supports the nervous system regulation and allows the resolution of conditions resulting from stress and trauma. Clients report feeling more energy, resilience, mental clarity and calm. Areas of pain and discomfort often find ease. 

Defined as the mobilization of soft tissue, therapeutic massage restores normal systemic and functional use of both muscle and body fluids. It can be used to assist in the treatment of most musculo-skeletal and associated problems. Regular Therapeutic Massage Therapy results in improved circulatory, lymphatic and neurological functioning. It relieves stress, can be  stimulating or soothing, and helps to create inner balance and harmony.

Using warm healing oils, pressure is applied on specific parts of your feet, hands and ears to provide relief from discomfort, pain, neuropathy, stress, insomnia and other issues related to cancer.  Ayurveda Reflexology improves circulation, removes toxins, and organs and glands have improved function. When the principles of Ayurveda are brought together with contemporary Western reflexology, we have a powerful marriage of knowledge, and a new, dynamic approach to wellness.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is translated as the “Art of the Creator through the person of compassion.” This gentle form of Japanese acupressure  seeks to restore balance to the body’s natural energy flow patterns.  Illness, injury and stress can cause energy to become disrupted causing a wide variety of symptoms and ailments.

By gently applying hands on different areas of the body in a specialized pattern, energy is stimulated to reawaken and move harmoniously through the energy pathways. Jin Shin Jyutsu  can be helpful in decreasing side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

In these sessions we use Integrative Psychotherapy which refers to the bringing together of the emotional/mental, physical and spiritual systems within an individual. This work, which can be short-term or in-depth, includes the use of guided imagery, mindfulness-based stress reduction (meditation) and other forms of psychotherapy.

Through dialogue and understanding, individual counseling helps individuals, their families and caregivers around living with illness, loss and chronic pain.

For those living with cancer: This support group offers a comfortable place to talk about your experiences with others living with cancer. Group members can share feelings and experiences that may seem too awkward or too difficult to share with family and friends. 

Groups meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month, 9:30 - 11:00 am at The Vintage House.

Anyone living with a diagnosis of cancer, at any stage of diagnosis and treatment, is invited to attend. Join us in a supportive environment to talk about your experiences with others living with cancer.

Cost: free to Vintage House members; $5 to non-members.

Hosted by Natalie Compagni Portis, MFT, PsyD.

Dr. Natalie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California; she also has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Sign Up For Support Group Here