Center for Healthcare Integration
Contact: Amy Dunion, R.N., L.M.T., Program Coordinator
Phone: (860) 889-8331, ext. 2483
Click here to view the Chi Fall 2008 Cancer Series.
Click here for a complete listing of Chi Summer 2008 Programs.
Recognizing that healing involves the mind, body and spirit, The William W. Backus Hospital has created an integrative hea
lthcare program offering services and education to meet the growing interest in therapies that complement and enhance the medical care we currently provide.
Acupuncture Based on rebalancing the body's vital energy (chi), acupuncture is used to treat pain, disease and a wide range of conditions; both chronic and acute; physical and emotional. Blocked, excessive or deficient chi is encouraged to realign, with insertion of fine sterile needles into specific acupoints or meridians/channels that hold this energy.
Beginning and Continuing Yoga combines stretching, deep relaxation, and focused attention to the breath, to help clear the mind, improve flexibility, and restore a sense of inner calm. Yoga postures are modified to accommodate all ages and body types, as well as physical limitations. The six-week classes are suitable for beginners as well as continuing students.
Continuing Yoga incorporate postures and stretches that relax, strengthen and energize. Yoga meditation is included each week. Previous yoga experience is requested; basics will not be emphasized.
Energy Therapies work to enhance the body’s own ability to bring its energy to balance. The pilot volunteer program offers 15-20 minute comfort care sessions free of charge to inpatients on designated units. These gentle light touch techniques provide stress reduction and relaxation, as well as promote healing. The techniques being used are Healing Touch, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. Energy Therapy sessions are also offered at the CHI Center for the community by appointment.
Lighten Up! Win at Losing is a dynamic six-week weight loss program that helps to end yo-yo dieting, cravings, and exercise resistance using a unique blend of hypnosis and coaching. Hypnosis engages the subconscious mind where willpower resides and coaching engages the thinking mind where goals and choices are made. The program utilizes a healthy food plan based on blood types for optimal weight loss and well being.
Massage Therapy provides support to patients to assist in recovery, relaxation, and stress management. The therapist provides gentle massage of the soft tissues of the body to stimulate circulation, promote relaxation, and provide co
mfort from stress-induced muscle tension. Massage is offered in 15-20 minute comfort care sessions free of charge to inpatients on designated units. Massage Therapy sessions are offered at the CHI Center for the community by appointment.
Meditation for Everyone is a six-week series that focuses on quieting the mind and experiencing stillness and peace. A variety of techniques are explored; progressive relaxation, breath meditations, walking meditations, visualization, mantras, and guided mediations.
Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster is a program using relaxation and guided imagery, a practice of visualizing positive outcomes to an event (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy) to lessen anxiety and promote pain relief. This process can enhance the body’s immune system and promote quicker healing. The patients receive a book and tape and attend a one-hour class, which is ideally taken 2-3 weeks prior to surgery.
Reflexology An ancient therapeutic practice of applying pressure and gentle stimulation to sensor reflexes on the feet and/or hands. There are more then 7,000 sensory nerve endings in each foot that correspond to organs, glands and vital systems of the body. Reflexology induces a natural state of relaxation that helps to improve the flow of energy and promote the healing process. Reflexology is available on patient units and at the Center.
Reiki Training (ray key) is a gentle Japanese hands-on energy technique. Practitioners learn to balance the body’s energy system reducing stress, bringing relaxation, and promoting healing. Learning this simple technique is appropriate for healthcare practitioners, caregivers, and self-healing. Level I and II and advanced training classes are available for anyone who is interested in becoming a Reiki practitioner.
Tai Chi is best described as meditation in motion. It focuses on breathing and gentle movements, which are relaxing, centering and empowering. In addition to the on-going eight-week classes, which will resume in September, a summer series is being offered for people with special health issues, including pain, diabetes, cancer and other life-altering conditions. Specific movements known to benefit particular co
nditions are utilized.
The Therapeutic Pet Program involves volunteer “pet teams,” comprised of handlers and their dogs that have been trained to bring their unique therapeutic healing presence to hospital patients. Each team is trained and certified through a national certifying agency. Pet teams visit patients on designated hospital units weekly.
Thin's In is an acclaimed weight reduction program that will give you the tools you need to lose and maintain a healthy weight. You will learn to eat the right amount of healthy foods. Thin's In combines balanced eating and behaviour modications, which will leave you feeling satisfied and healthy.