Integrative and Complementary Medicine Programs

Sharp HealthCare's integrative and complementary medicine programs are used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment to help alleviate stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage symptoms and promote well being and balance.

• Acupuncture
  Acupuncture focuses on correcting imbalances of energy flow caused by trauma, medication, stress or other conditions — a healing method based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. Acupuncture uses the insertion of ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body to restore health and improve overall function and well being.
  
  
• Arts for Healing Program
  This program is designed to improve the emotional and spiritual health of patients by using life-enhancing activities (such as art projects, music therapy and more) in a healing and compassionate environment. A team of trained volunteers work with patients and their loved ones to create a balance between physical and emotional healing.
  
  
• Clinical Aromatherapy
  Clinical aromatherapy uses essential herbal oils to stimulate the sense of smell, which produces a calming effect on patients and helps to relax. This therapy is often used prior to MRIs and during a patient's hospital stay.
  
  
• Guided Imagery
  This alternative therapy is a natural thought process that focuses on senses to evoke a feeling of well being and relaxation through a therapeutic imagery session in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
  
  
• Healing Touch
  Healing Touch therapy relies on gentle, noninvasive touch to influence and support the human energy system, which helps to restore balance, alleviate pain and expedite the healing process. It can also help with pain control, anxiety reduction, wound healing, depression and immune system enhancement.
  
  
• Holistic Healing
  Holistic Healing focuses on using energy maps of the body as techniques for healing and relaxing and to enhance immune function and well being.
  
  
• Massage Therapy
  Massage therapy promotes health and well being, enhances the body's own restorative powers and can be beneficial for stress relief, headaches, muscle strain and in dealing with other chronic conditions. This therapy is provided for inpatients, outpatients and the general public.
  
  
• Qigong
  Qigong is the art of developing energy and promotes good health, vitality, longevity, mind expansion and spiritual cultivation. Regular practice is believed to restore energy, reduce stress and help maintain healthy and active lifestyles.
  
  
• Reflexology
  Reflexology is a natural healing art that increases circulation and optimizes the health and function of corresponding organs and glands in the body by applying pressure to reflex areas on the feet.
  
  
• Yoga
  Yoga uses physical practices and poses, including gentle stretches and breathing techniques, to encourage progressive, deep relaxation for both body and mind. Sharp offers several yoga classes. To register, visit Classes and Events.

Find a San Diego Doctor
To find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Integrative and Complementary Medicine Information
To learn more about Sharp's alternative medicine services, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about radiology, visit Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Adult Health or read the Alternative Medicine News archive.