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Complementary therapies are clinically proven, restorative techniques which rebalance and re-energize physical, mental, emotional and spiritual systems. These therapies address underlying causes of disease, recognizing that thoughts, feelings and beliefs are major contributors to both illness and recovery.

In September of 2000, St. Peter’s Health Care Services in Albany, New York implemented a Complementary Therapy Program to bring a holistic healing approach to hospitalized patients. Nursing staff are routinely trained in mind-body relaxation techniques. Patients are taught Focused Breathing, Guided Imagery, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Mindfulness Meditation. They may receive Reiki or massage therapy treatments before and after surgery, as well as during their hospital stays. Healing multi-media presentations are accessible 24-hours-a-day on the CARECHANNEL television, available for no extra charge in all patient rooms.

In a 2002-2003 study of 860 St. Peter’s Health Care Services patient sessions using relaxation techniques and Reiki, 52 percent of patients reported reduced pain, while 60 percent reported reduced anxiety.

Another 2005-2006 study of 625 patient sessions where massage therapy was offered showed that 70 percent of patients reported less pain and 53 percent reported less anxiety. Heart rate, respiration and blood pressure were also reduced up to 65 percent in these patients.

Patient satisfaction surveys indicated that a great majority of patients considered complementary therapies to be “very beneficial,” with 100 percent of patients saying they would recommend these therapies to other patients.

Written by Alicia Recore, who holds a Ph.D. in Energy Medicine, as well as an MBA. Her background includes clinical research, community education, and health and human services’ program development, implementation, evaluation and administration. Dr. Recore is also a Reiki Practitioner, trained in Bach Flower Therapy and Energy Psychology techniques, such as Thought Field Therapy. Dr. Recore has overseen the Complementary Therapy program at St. Peter’s Health Care Services since its inception in 2000. For more information call 518-525-1174.