Esophageal Cancer Treatment – Mind-Body Medicine
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Mind-Body Medicine for Esophageal Cancer
The Mind-Body Medicine program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) helps people with esophageal cancer, and members of their families, explore the healing power of the mind and the relationship between the body, mind and spirit. In concert with conventional esophageal cancer treatments, this program offers a range of individual and group learning opportunities to help facilitate healing at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
Mind-body medicine is a natural extension of our whole-patient approach to esophageal cancer treatment. Our goal is not only to empower you to participate fully in your cancer care team and in decisions about your esophageal cancer treatment, but also to provide a wide range of alternative therapies to strengthen you in your fight against cancer. At CTCA, your esophageal cancer treatment is broadly defined to include excellent medical care—including conventional cancer treatment—as well as attention to your emotional needs, cognitive thoughts, and spiritual and relationship issues.
Defining Psychoneuroimmunology
Mind-body medicine is based on a relatively new area of care called Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). "Psycho" refers to your thinking, emotions and mood states. "Neuro" refers to the neurological and neuroendocrine systems in your body. "Immunology" refers to your cellular structures and immune system. PNI explores the relationship between the mind and the body, and how your mind can directly influence your body and immune system. Using a variety of techniques, mind-body medicine helps you direct your energies toward healing and health throughout your esophageal cancer treatment.
CTCA offers esophageal cancer patients and their caregivers and families the following innovative PNI therapies:
- Stress management
- Relaxation and imagery training
- Spiritual meditation
- Support groups
- Individual, couple and family counseling
- Psychoeducational groups
- Educational resources
- Humor therapy
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