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STRESS RELIEF Stress is a common source of pain. When we worry, we clench muscles in the jaw, shoulders, neck, and back unconsciously, or we hold ourselves in awkward positions. Stress results in "unbalanced and unnatural postures and movements that our bodies take on unconsciously," says Dr. Yao. Various therapies help reduce stress, relax tight muscles, and increase body awareness so patients realize when they are adopting unhealthy postures or clenching muscles, and can alter their behavior. Therapeutic massage and Reiki (a type of massage that generates heat to help relax muscles and restore the body) can reduce anxiety and relieve pain. "In my opinion, massage is a key component to improving how the body feels," says Dr. Yao. "Massage, Reiki, and acupuncture can all help mitigate pain and improve energy flow throughout the body." Acupuncture, yoga, and meditation also help relieve pain. Yoga increases flexibility and strength and improves body awareness, while meditation can reduce worry and negative thinking, lessening anxiety that results in unhealthy movements and postures. PREPARING FOR SURGERY, FACILITATING RECOVERY When surgery is required, patients can use integrative medicine techniques to prepare their bodies and minds to promote a successful recovery. Many patients feel anxious before surgery, which can impede healing. "Stress and anxiety have a direct negative impact on how the body functions," says Dr. Yao. Meditation, yoga, and massage can all help to reduce those effects in preparation for surgery. Guided meditation classes can be accessed in person or online. The center also offers a 15-minute recording in both English and Spanish, accessible on its website, that can help patients relax before their procedure. After surgery, meditation and massage can help reduce pain and facilitate recovery. "Meditation directly helps one reduce perceived stress and brings the body and mind back into a resting state, which is the optimal condition for healing," says Dr. Yao. "Thanks to generous donors, we have many meditation opportunities available both in person and virtually," says Dr. Scheller. "The Rodgers Family Meditation Program offers meditation for stress, anxiety, and depression; prenatal moms; children and families; and a weekly meditation program in Spanish. There's something for everyone." Many sessions are available on the Graf Center's Facebook page. OVERALL WELL-BEING To promote overall well-being, Dr. Scheller offers one-on-one consultations, during which she reviews health and medical history—including pain and stress levels, eating and digestion habits, sleep patterns, social support, current medications, and overall lifestyle—to develop a collaborative holistic treatment plan. Dr. Yao notes that one of the Graf Center's advantages is that it is fully part of Englewood Health, located on the main hospital campus. "It's part of the medical center, so each patient has access to traditional medical therapy, as well as alternative treatments," he says. "That's the definition of integrated medicine." As integrative medicine becomes more widely embraced by the medical community, insurance carriers are also expanding coverage. The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine accepts most insurances for acupuncture, consultations with a dietitian, and integrative medicine consults. For more information, visit englewoodhealth.org/graf. V U E N J .C O M 45

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