Join Dr. Michelle Loy for a 7-week series on living well during and after cancer. The program will include multiple sessions and cover various topics.

Session 1: Overview/Introduction

This session will introduce the major areas of integrative medicine and how each can help support you through all stages of cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention. Learn the latest evidence-based medicine about the role of integrative medicine in optimizing outcomes from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, endocrine therapy, and immunotherapy, and in reducing the risk of recurrence. We'll also discuss practical tips for improving quality of life. 

Session 2: Medicinal Mushrooms, Medical Cannabis, and TCM Herbs

Learn about safe and effective food-based botanical herb formulas such as MaZiRenWan (hemp seed pill) with clinical evidence for improving colonic transit and reducing constipation. Add delicious immune-boosting and fatigue-reducing broths using Astralagus to your culinary repertoire. Explore various edible mushrooms and mushroom supplements including reishi, coriolus, cordyceps, Lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, and agaricus. Learn which mushroom is best for fatigue, brain fog, immune strengthening, cancer, or hyperglycemia. This session will also cover medical cannabis and its potential benefits in managing symptoms related to cancer. 

Session 3: Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Emotional Freedom Tapping

Acupuncture medicine is a complementary therapy system used in the treatment of symptoms and conditions associated with cancer. In this session, you will learn about acupuncture's role in oncology. Practical hands-on information will be offered, including some of the acupuncture points used to address issues such as fatigue, chronic pain, insomnia, neuropathy, hot flashes, joint pains, and other symptoms.

Session 4: Narrative Medicine and Nature Medicine

Participants will find surprising insights into themselves—including the fact that all of us are poets. Using a creative approach of telling/drawing our story, participants will learn a process of accessing deeply held but rarely conscious beliefs and emotions--how do I see myself, how do others see me, who have I been, who am I becoming? We will use a non-analytical approach to metaphor and imagery to explore life before and after diagnosis, who we are, and what gives us meaning, joy, and wholeness. We will also explore the benefits of nature to physical and mental health.

Session 5: Culinary Herbs, Botanicals, Vitamins, and Supplements

This session will cover common herbs, supplements, and botanicals that can be useful in managing common cancer-related symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, brain fog, insomnia, and pain. Learn about vitamin D, melatonin, and curcumin, as well as common culinary herbs and teas that can be potentially beneficial to your overall wellness. 

Session 6: Yoga for Cancer & Qi Gong

We will share a variety of breathing techniques and mindful movements that can help reduce stress. The session will include a blended approach of easy-to-use tools from the world of meditation, yoga, and somatic therapy. Yoga is a safe and low-impact fitness practice that strengthens muscles of the legs and core muscles, builds bone density, and promotes pelvic stability. This class is a great option for people interested in trying yoga who need a gentle activity as they recover from surgery and treatment. Learn about yoga nidra for restorative sleep. Explore postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to help reduce treatment symptoms. 

Session 7: Food as Medicine/Q&A

Hippocrates had it right: "Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food." Nutrition can play an important part in symptom management and survivorship. In this session, we'll discuss improving your diet with an emphasis on fiber-rich plant foods and spices. How we eat is just as important as what we eat; we'll also discuss how we can honor our bodies through mindful eating practices. 

We accept most insurances. Your insurance may cover the 1-hour group session, However, you might be responsible for a specialist copayment per session. You will also be responsible if you have a deductible or co-insurance.