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Yoga Therapeutic Yoga: Support for the Cancer Journey Therapeutic Yoga is a gentle movement practice that focuses on reducing stress and promoting holistic health. Medical research has shown that the regular practice of yoga techniques positively affect the health of body and mind in a variety of ways. Originating in India, this approach integrates gentle movements, mindful stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques to promote overall wellness. Yoga will help activate your parasympathetic nervous system’s ability to support your healing process. You will make gains in strength, flexibility, immune function and stress reduction. No prior experience is needed. Our experienced instructors are registered graduates of a Yoga Alliance teacher-training program and can modify the practice to include all levels of fitness. We welcome and respect individual differences in age, culture, religion, occupation, mental and physical health. All are welcome. Come and learn how yoga can help you to create, stimulate, and maintain an optimum state of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Instructor Bio: Our certified instructors are members of the faculty of Wild Grace Arts / Center for Yoga & Dance. They have met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the national Yoga Alliance and have pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications of yoga. They are skilled at adapting yoga poses to meet the needs of any level of health and fitness and will support you in modifying your practice appropriately. We welcome and respect individual differences in age, culture, religion, occupation, mental and physical health. All with cancer, survivors and caregivers are welcome. Come and learn how yoga can help you to create, stimulate, and maintain an optimum state of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Class time: Wednesdays 2:00pm-3:30pm at Wild Grace Arts Yoga and Dance Studio and Thursdays 5:45pm-7:15pm at Providence St. Peter Hospital. There will be no classes on the following dates: July 30th & 31st, October 1st, December 24th & 25th, December 31st & January 1st. Location: Emilie Gamelin Pavilion, Providence St. Peter Hospital, Caritas Room, Third Floor - Wild Grace Arts Yoga and Dance Studio, 507 Cherry St SE, Olympia, WA 98501. Price: Eight class card for $80 (participants have 12 weeks to attend 8 classes). Yoga mats available for $15. To Register: Call 412-8951. Participants can register to start at any time in the currently running series. 2008 Yoga Schedule: Download PDF of Yoga Flyer

Nutrition Services The Power of Nutrition One of the first questions many people newly diagnosed with cancer ask is: "Are there certain foods I should eat or avoid?" There can be many nutritional challenges for the person with cancer ranging from surgical alterations in the digestive tract to side effect related issues such as loss of appetite, nausea, and alterations in taste. Come to this informational class free of charge to get a crash course in nutritional tips to get your system through this challenging time. This is a great class for family members and other caregivers to come to. Instructor Bio: Dixie Havlak, RD Dixie is a registered dietitian who has been in private practice in Olympia for 24 years. She has been working at WWO offering nutrition classes for over a year, and will help you find practical ways to stay well nourished while undergoing cancer treatment. In her practice she works with patients with a wide array of nutritional issues, from diabetes to allergies to obesity to underweight to heart disease. Because of her breadth of expertise, she can help you find ways to meet your nutritional needs when other health issues exist. Dixie has a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from The University of Texas. She is registered with the American Dietetic Association and is a Certified Dietitian for the state of Washington. Class Time: Second Monday of the month from 1:30-3pm and the Fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:00am-12:30pm. To Register: Call 754-3934, ext. 1083 Location: Conference Room of Providence Western Washington Oncology Cost: FREE All Services (PDF)

Oncology Massage Massage for people with cancer offers support to patients going through cancer treatment and recovery. Oncology massage is a non-invasive, nurturing gentle touch. Working with a trained therapist will provide a safe and effective modality to help relieve the many issues that may arise during treatment such as pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression. It is essential to work with a trained therapist who understands the medical contraindications of cancer massage. The therapeutic effects of massage and touch cannot go understated. Used for stress reduction, relaxation, or for specific treatment results. Therapist Bio: Alaya Griffith, BA, LMP has been in the healing profession for over 25 years and after walking her own mother through cancer she decided to put her focus into working with hospice patients and people with cancer. Alaya has not been without her own health challenges and found massage to be one of the best modalities to help heal the stress and anxiety that can come along with illness. She takes refuge in helping others find comfort and a sense of well being during some of the most challenging times of their life. She received her BA in Alternative Therapies from The Evergreen State College; has trained with Roshi Joan Halifax: Being With Dying; and Gayle MacDonald: Oncology Massage. Today in addition to her private practice, she is a massage therapist for Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice, Assured Home Health and Hospice and Sound Cancer Connections. Alaya, a wife, mother and grandmother, enjoys being at home on her small farm outside of Rochester, WA, working in her gardens, and spending time with her family. Time: Tuesdays, 9am-5pm Location: Providence Western Washington Oncology Price: $60 for one hour massage, $40 for 30 minute massage. Some insurance plans accepted. To Schedule: Call 360-754-3934, ext. 1083 to schedule a one-hour massage appointment. Massage Flyer: Download PDF of Oncology Massage Flyer

Acupuncture Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which utilizes the insertion of very thin needles, heat, pressure, and other treatments to certain locations (acupuncture points) on the body. These points on the body are connected to networks or pathways called meridians through which qi (vital energy) flows. TCM is a whole medical system, which has been in use for thousands of years to treat, prevent, and diagnose disease. Other forms of TCM include Qigong (which incorporates movement, breath, stretching), Chinese herbal medicine, massage and meditation. In Washington State, a practitioner who has passed a national certification process after completion of an accredited program (usually 4 years of post-graduate study) can become licensed as an acupuncturist (LAc). Medical Acupuncturists are Medical Doctors (M.D.s) or Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) who do acupuncture only. Acupuncture has been shown to help with nausea, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and stress. Therapist Bio: Dennis Clarin (MTCM, LAc, Dipl.Ac,) holds a Master's degree of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) from The Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM).  He is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the state of Washington and is certified as a Diplomat in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  Dennis runs a general practice with interest on treating patients looking for an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment.  His work is focused on stimulating and supporting the body's inherent healing mechanisms.  Dennis has studied and practiced complementary therapies including Taiji Chuan, Qigong, and meditation.  He sees patients of all ages for acute and chronic conditions as well as preventative medicine. Time: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8am-5pm Location: Providence Western Washington Oncology Price: $80 first visit, $65 repeat visits.  Most insurance plans accepted. To Schedule: Call 360-754-3934, ext. 1083 Acupuncture Flyer: Download PDF of Acupuncture Flyer

Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic medicine utilizes natural therapeutics, including both modern and traditional methods of treatment. Through diet and nutrition, exercise, vitamin and mineral supplementation, botanical medicine, homeopathic remedies and more, naturopathic medicine can support the body's own healing abilities and strives to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes necessary for optimal health. The principles of naturopathic medicine are based on objective observation of the nature of health and disease. Furthermore, naturopathy utilizes a holistic approach to healing, addressing the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. The core of naturopathic medicine is to treat each person as an individual and to consider his or her whole being. We do not treat one bodily system as a separate entity from the rest of the person's body and psyche. It is equally important to care for the mind, the body, and the spirit, in the appropriate manner for each unique patient. Physician Bio: Chad Aschtgen, ND, FABNO specializes in integrative oncology, providing expert naturopathic care for patients with cancer or interest in cancer prevention. He welcomes patients at every stage of diagnosis and treatment. Whether newly diagnosed, currently receiving conventional treatment (including chemotherapy, biological therapies, radiation and pre-/post-surgery), recently post-treatment, or in remission, individuals facing the difficulties of cancer have a great resource in Dr. Aschtgen. He works closely with his patients to create customized and dynamic integrative treatment plans that take into consideration all aspects of an individual’s health and medical care. Dr. Aschtgen’s patients receive safe and effective natural therapies specifically designed to improve health, decrease symptoms and aid in fighting disease. Additionally, with a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Aschtgen encourages clear communication and close coordination with each element of an individual’s care team, including family members, general physician, medical and/or radiation oncologists, surgeon, care manager and other health practitioners. Board certified in naturopathic oncology (Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology –FABNO), Dr. Aschtgen received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Subsequently he completed a two-year, hospital-based naturopathic medical residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) – Midwestern Regional Medical Center, outside Chicago, Illinois. Following completion of his naturopathic oncology training, Dr. Aschtgen remained on staff at CTCA until his relocation back to the Pacific Northwest. Time: Wednesdays, 8am-4pm Location: Providence Western Washington Oncology Price: $130-$250 first visit; $85-130 follow up visits. (Time of service discount = 15%) To Schedule: Call 360-754-3934, ext. 1083 All Services (PDF)