Integrative Therapies

Integrative Therapies Department at Lightways

The Integrative Therapies Department consists of distinct disciplines to help meet our patients’ emotional, physical, and mental health needs. The department includes:

Aromatherapy

The use of aromatherapy ignites the limbic system in the brain responsible for memory and emotions. It is a wonderful way to aid the body naturally. Lightways is fortunate to have a Certified Aromatherapist on staff to support our patients and families.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues to enhance a person’s health and well-being. The massage therapists at Lightways are skilled in many different bodywork techniques to best suit the patient’s needs. Some of the techniques used are:

Acupressure
Acupressure uses precise finger placement and pressure over specific points along the body. A patient experiencing nausea, headaches, or anxiety may benefit from acupressure.

Reflexology
The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the feet, hands, or ears correspond to organs and systems of the body. Reflexology allows the therapist to “massage” the entire body by only touching the hands, feet, or ears. Patients experiencing constipation, depression, or high levels of stress may benefit from reflexology.

Geriatric Massage
Designed to be used specifically for the elderly, geriatric massage uses gentle, light massage techniques that may include passive stretching. Patients with restricted joint mobility, arthritic pain, constipation, or are touch deprived may benefit from geriatric massage.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Lightways offers this support by Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapists (MLDT). This is a unique, gentle technique that improves lymphatic circulation and blood flow. Patients who have had surgery (especially cancer treatments that require lymph node removal), autoimmune conditions, or congestive heart failure may experience swelling of the arms and legs. MLD therapy reduces swelling, bringing relief for this painful condition.

Music Therapy

In hospice, music therapy can help address many different symptoms including pain, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, respiratory distress, and sensory deficits. In addition to alleviating physical symptoms, music therapists can provide emotional support to help patients address anxiety, isolation and loneliness, depression, and anticipatory grief.

Patients who receive music therapy do not need to have any musical experience or background. The board-certified music therapists at Lightways individualize music therapy interventions to address the patient and family’s needs, and each visit is unique to what is occurring in the moment.