Holistic health practitioners Bonnie Berk, Camille Baughman and Gigi Jantos will offer a morning workshop on how complementary therapies can help heal mind, body and spirit for people dealing with cancer, November 5, at the Carlisle Regional Medical Center. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and Chair Yoga begins at 8 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast.

Participants will learn how beliefs and attitudes affect their health and acquire everyday practices to support well-being, as well as strategies for finding your ‘new normal’ as a cancer survivor.  This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning about wellness options surrounding the cancer experience and will conclude at 12 p.m. The fee is $10 and pre-registration is required.

Studies continue to confirm the healing benefits of complementary therapies for cancer patients. Consistent practice of a gentle yoga program helped breast cancer survivors reduce fatigue and improve mood and quality of life in a pilot study recently published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society, “A 2005 review of research reported that massage therapy has been shown to reduce pain and anxiety in randomized controlled trials.” They also state: “A review of 46 studies that were conducted from 1966 to 1998 suggested that guided imagery may be helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and depression and in lowering blood pressure, reducing pain and reducing some side effects of chemotherapy.”

This Cancer Wellness Program is provided through a patient contribution from the Partners in Wellness Program, offered through YWCA Carlisle and partially funded through the Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation. Carlisle Regional Medical Center is a sponsor.

For more information and to register, call the YWCA Carlisle at 717-243-3818.