So what is “integrative oncology?” It depends on who you ask. When you google “integrative oncology,” chances are, the modalities under discussion will usually focus primarily on various dietary changes and lifestyle interventions, such as exercise. You will also find that some will refer to it as quackademic medicine.

What does is mean to The Farber Center? It means we use and coordinate the best evidence-based treatments (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) with complimentary modalities (i.e. acupuncture, massage, stress reduction, herbal/botanicals, etc.) with the goal of treating your cancer, preventing recurrence and reducing side effects and symptoms. We do all of this in an environment that soothes and nurtures you.

No matter what kind of treatment a cancer patient receives, the fight against cancer is more than a physical challenge. It impacts everything from emotional well-being to financial stability. We believe that caring for a patient is caring for a person. We realize that people exist within a matrix of family, friends, jobs, homes, neighborhoods, geographical areas, and psychological and cultural environments, all of which can influence health and disease. Our mission is to develop a treatment plan that is right for our patient and their loved ones in an environment that supports and nurtures them.

Going to a physician who believes in integrative oncology won’t change your diagnosis, but it will put your body in a better place to get healthy. Integrative Oncology encourages living a healthy lifestyle to help the body in its’ innate abilities to fight and prevent cancer. This can be accomplished by learning strategies to reduce stress, increasing physical activity and eating healthfully (“anti-cancer diet & nutrition.”) Practicing these lifestyle changes creates a place where the healthy cells in your immune system can flourish and do their best work.

And when your cancer treatment is over The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology has joined forces with Urban Zen’s integrative therapy program (UZIT) and created OHE (optimal healing environment) classes to create a place/space where you can explore the issues that brought you treatment and to do what you can to prevent you or your loved ones from going through it again.

The 4-week integrative program is targeted to EMPOWER the cancer patent to get the best treatment of mind, body and sprit.

Program:
Initial consultation: with one of our physicians to review the overall scope of the program, the concept of functional medicine, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, “knowing your numbers,” and introduction of “Daily Health Log.” There are no out of pocket expenses for Farber Center patients.

Week 1: Nutrition/Zen*
Discuss various dietary options and specific guidelines for CA patients, esp related to preventing recurrences. Dieting,Supplements, Juicing, Fiber, etc.

Week 2: Movement/Zen*
Explore physical activity with emphasis on yoga

Week 3: Mind/Body/Zen*
Tools for stress reduction and empowerment

Week 4: Guest Lectures/Zen*
Nutrition, Stress Reduction, Adrenal Fatigue,Inflammation, Immunity,

*Zen: each week will include guided meditation and yoga practice with therapist from the Urban Zen integrative therapy program. The UZIT program is a 12 month program that includes training in yoga therapy, essential oil therapy, Reiki, nutrition, and contemplative care giving to addresses the key patient symptoms of PANIC- pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and exhaustion.

To find out more about the program please contact The Farber Center at 212 300-0663

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