Emerson Hospital Offers Free Self-Help Through Acupressure for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Emerson Hospital is offering two free acupressure workshops for cancer patients and their caregivers to help lessen the nausea, pain, fatigue, memory loss and other unwanted side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Through this ancient art, practitioners use their fingers to gradually press key healing points, stimulating the body’s self-curative abilities. Acupressure therapy has been known to release tension, increase circulation and relieve stress while improving immunity for future treatment.

The first half of each session will teach simple theory, acupressure techniques and ways to fortify the body. During the second half, participants will learn how to find relevant points and then practice them with a partner. Handouts will be provided.

“Our goals are to improve how patients feel as they go through the rigors of treatment and to teach simple techniques to improve quality of life,” said licensed acupuncturist Loocie Brown, a professor at the New England School of Acupuncture and director of the Center for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in Lexington.

The sessions will take place on Thursday, Sept. 13, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 4, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., on the first floor of Emerson’s Donaldson Conference Room within the John Cuming Building.

To register, call Emerson’s Cancer Services Department at (978) 287-3349.