External Applications in Cancer Therapy

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The Center for Integrative Oncology (CIO) treats cancer patients in all stages of the disease. It is important to us to treat the whole person, body, soul, and spirit, and to value the uniqueness of each individual.

Methods of modern oncology are applied within an integrative concept that includes anthroposophic medicine as well as proven processes of complementary medicine.

Nonetheless, oncological therapy is a stressful process for the body, and it therefore requires support and relief. External applications such as wraps and compresses as well as rhythmical embrocation are processes in body care that are integrated into the treatment concept of CIO. These processes improve perfusion, help fight pain, loosen tensions, foster rhythmical processes such as respiration and elimination, and lead to improvements in wellbeing.

External applications already played an important role in traditional folk medicine and are also successfully implemented in anthroposophic medicine. Rhythmical embrocation was developed as a part of the therapeutic concept of anthroposophic medicine by physicians Dr. lta Wegman and Dr. Margarete Hauschka in the last century.

Wraps and compresses

The effect of the prescribed substance, whether it be tea, salve, or oil, specifically supports various symptoms such as tiredness, tension, pain, restlessness, and others. Following application, patients feel refreshed and recovered.

With the aid of towels, substances are applied to the skin and fastened there. The enveloping wrap creates a kind of second skin that provides a barrier and support. The unique affiliation of warmth and heat or cooling and cold creates a climatic cocoon in which the effects of substances such as chamomile or yarrow can unfold.

Rhythmical embrocation

The gentle touch of rhythmical embrocation according to principles by Wegman/Hauschka stimulate a weakened body. They support patients in self-awareness and increase vitality. The result is an improvement in wellbeing, warming and
vitalization of tissues, and the relaxation of tensions. Rhythmical processes like respiration and elimination are stimulated and strengthened.

In this treatment method, the quality of touch is based on rhythmical principles. With careful, finely attuned movements, medical oils and salves are applied either on the whole body or parts of the body. A short rest after application
fosters the effects of this form of therapy.

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