When basic good care is provided, the complementary therapies have a wonderful contribution to make to people's comfort and quality of life.
Dr. Ira Byock, author of Dying Well

People approaching the end of life have taught us that pain is rarely purely physical, nor is it best treated by medications alone. For many persons, suffering is caused by a combination of physical pain and discomfort, and spiritual and emotional distress.

A holistic approach to care recognizes that pain and suffering are best relieved when the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - is considered. Therefore, Casa de la Luz Hospice is pleased to offer an array of gentle, non-invasive complementary therapies of benefit to the whole person.

Complementary therapies are provided by trained Casa volunteers and some professional Casa staff. They are available to both patients and their caregivers.

Meditation and Guided Imagery promote peace and relaxation by quieting the mind and calling upon our deepest inner resources. At your request, the hospice spiritual counselor or social worker can assist you with meditation instruction and guided imagery.

Energy Therapies follow the ancient spiritual tradition of the "laying on of hands" to cleanse, balance, and restore harmony to the human energy field. Casa offers the energy therapies of Reiki and Healing Touch. In receiving either modality, a person may be fully clothed, and seated or lying down. These techniques often bring a sense of deep relaxation and peace.

Massage Therapy can provide great comfort to the physical body, relieving backaches, headaches, general muscle strain, and fatigue. Other therapeutic effects are increased relaxation, sleep promotion, and decreased stress and anxiety. Massage meets the universal human need for touch, offering a powerful means of communicating presence, comfort, and love. If it is not appropriate for the whole body to be massaged the hands, feet, back, head, neck, and shoulders may still be treated to this gift of touch.

Therapeutic Music transcends the world of form, uplifting our spirits to a place of peace. Music can evoke pleasant memories and associations, decrease stress, and promote rest and sleep. Several musicians, including a Native American Flute player, offer therapeutic music to patients and loved ones. Our spiritual counselors also enjoy offering spiritually uplifting music.

Therapeutic Animal Visitation is a regular activity at Kanmar Place and private pet visits can be arranged at your home on request. The unconditional love, delightful characters and antics of pets bring joy to those whose lives they touch. Pets elicit love, laughter, and compassion, as well as conversation and play. They are a cure for loneliness and isolation. Research shows that simply petting a dog can induce calm, reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

One afternoon I came across a grieving visitor sitting outside alone.
My dog, Scout eased her way towards the woman and faced her directly.
The visitor looked at Scout, put her arms
around her neck and began to sob.
As her ride arrived, the woman thanked Scout for her kindness:
'You wonderful, wonderful dog! Thank you!'
Kelly, a Casa nurse offering Therapeutic Animal Visitation