Complementary and alternative hospice therapy helps us address your unique needs
Every person is unique and so are their care needs. That’s why Keystone Hospice offers holistic care with an array of complementary and alternative hospice therapies. Based on our medical assessment, your preferences and family interest we provide you with the following services:
Massage Therapy is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate and tone the body. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on boosting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. We offer massage to patients experiencing anxiety, arthritis, muscle aches, depression insomnia, high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions.
Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. Acupuncture is the technique of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body for the relief of pain and other purposes. This ancient method can be used to treat anxiety, arthritis, constipation, diarrhea, headache, muscle spasms, nausea, sleep disorders and other ailments. Acupuncture is performed by a licensed acupuncturist upon patient request.
Acupressure, much like acupuncture, is part of a holistic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupressure is a type of bodywork that involves applying pressure—using hands, elbows or devices—to specific points on the surface of the body. These points stimulate the meridian system to provide relief from symptoms while promoting a sense of well being and comfort.
Acutonics is a therapeutic system that applies vibrational sound healing via the acupuncture meridians. Tuning forks—specifically tuned to planetary frequencies—are applied directly to acupuncture points to help restore balance and harmony to the body’s systems. Acutonics can be applied alone or combined with acupuncture.
Aromatherapy can help promote relaxation and enhance an individual’s physical or emotional state. It also boosts the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems while creating a soothing environment. We administer aromatherapy through scented oils in a vaporizer, an electric diffuser, with bath oils and by performing massage with aromatherapy oils added to the lotion.
Reiki is administered by the touch of the hands and is based on the idea that a “life force energy” flows through each of us. The goal of Reiki is to increase this energy through touch to bring about deep relaxation, destroy energy blockages, detoxify the system and provide vitality. Reiki also helps relieve muscle pain and tension, irritability, headaches and other symptoms you or your loved one may be experiencing.
Craniosacral Therapy is a relaxing technique that uses gentle pressure applied to the bones of the head, face and lower spine to encourage body rebalancing. This occurs through the restoration of the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and other subtle body relationships. Besides relieving pain, numbness, weakness and tingling, craniosacral therapy also helps reduce swelling, increase energy, improve vision, cognition, organ function and breathing and promotes restful sleep with relaxation.
Reflexology—the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands to affect corresponding parts of the body. By applying this technique, one can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body. Our reflexologists treat nausea, back pain arthritis, sleep disorders and digestive conditions while promoting relaxation.
Music-Thanatology is a clinical music practice that provides comfort and support for both hospice patients and loved ones. Combining the gentle sounds of harp and voice, live “prescriptive music” is tailored to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the moment. Music-thanatology helps to create a space of peace, beauty and reverence where interior processing and release of tensions can occur. Difficulties with pain, breathing, restlessness and anxiety often respond to this method.
We continue to explore and add new complementary and alternative hospice therapies. Please do not hesitate to speak with a Keystone Hospice team member about your special therapy request or suggestion.
