Integrative Therapies

Offering integrative therapies.

Sharp HospiceCare offers integrative therapies to support people with a life-limiting illness that have decided, with the support of their physician and family members, to forego further curative treatment in favor of comfort measures. The integrative therapies offered — aromatherapy, gentle reflexology, Healing Touch and music therapy — are designed to ease the systems related to the patient's disease or condition and are preformed by specially trained and certified staff. These services are applicable to any hospice patient and are provided upon the patient's request or referral from one of the patient's hospice care team members.  

Integrative therapies include:

  • Aromatherapy
    Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy that utilizes naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.

  • Gentle Reflexology
    Gentle hand and foot reflexology offers comfort and support designed to enhance the quality of life, reduce pain and anxiety. It addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Gentle reflexology is the physical act of applying specific relaxers and pressures to the feet and or hands using thumb, finger and hand techniques. 

  • Healing Touch
    Healing Touch is a gentle noninvasive energy therapy appropriate for use in the care of hospice patients. It has been shown to be useful in reducing pain, anxiety, depression and side effects from medications. Healing Touch promotes relaxation, restful sleep and enhances the quality of life. Despite the name, Healing Touch does not require physical touch: The techniques can be used within a few inches above the body or directly touching the body.

  • Music Therapy
    Music therapy involves the use of music to accomplish personalized goals, enhance quality of life, reduce anxiety and depression. Music is usually played on a variety of instruments, depending on a patient’s needs and preferences; and is provided by a trained and board-certified professional.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp HospiceCare, call 619-667-1900. 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. To find general information about hospice care, read the Home Care and Hospice News archive.