Innovative Massage in a Pediatric Oncology Unit

Evelyn Li, LMT (‘94), is one of our graduates who brings massage into extraordinary situations. Evelyn is part of the Integrative Therapy Program (ITP)  
at Columbia-Presbyterian’s Pediatric Oncology Unit, where children being treated for cancer are offered massage, acupuncture, yoga and aromatherapy. “These services are used to help alleviate side effects such as nausea, pain, anxiety and fatigue,” Evelyn explained. “Family members can also receive our services, because children are very responsive to their caregivers and their well-being is an important part of the equation.” Integrative therapies are provided for in-patient as well as outpatient departments of the hospital.

The ITP, part of the Herbert Irving Child and Adolescent Oncology Center, was the first pediatric oncology division in the country to mainstream complementary medicine into traditional therapies of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. The program aims to educate patients as well as conduct research to determine the efficacy and safety of complementary therapies in conjunction with traditional therapy.

When it comes to CAM treatments in hospitals, both parents and doctors want more information to be available. At the ITP Unit, communication is a key part of the process of deciding whether or not patients will take advantage of the CAM services. “People either seek us out or are referred by the doctor, nurse or a social worker,” said Evelyn. “We meet the patient and the family and a lot of discussion takes place before there is any hands-on work. It’s up to the patients to determine what they feel comfortable with and what they feel will provide the most benefits.” 

Surveys of families of children with cancer indicate that CAM is being used worldwide, including in the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. Parents hope CAM therapies will provide pain relief, relaxation and increased confidence in their children.¹ Research supports such use, showing that acupuncture and massage help alleviate symptoms of pain, anxiety and distress. ²

Evelyn finds that working at the ITP offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to support children in the face of their progress. “There’s a heightened awareness around that experience that provokes people to be open to life and allows changes to take place,” Evelyn said. “I find that it’s a very positive, light-filled environment to work in. Not that people aren’t suffering, but that we are so deeply touched and connected when we are there together.”

Evelyn is grateful she feels part of a team of dedicated nurses and physicians. “They’re very good at what they do there,” she said. “It’s an ideal working situation, when you love who you work with and you love your work.” Evelyn recently completed her Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and is awaiting her licensure. Afterwards, she will add acupuncture to the services she offers at the hospital.

Evelyn also has a private practice office at 80 East 11th Street in New York City. Contact Evelyn at ejli@aol.com.

¹ Malassiotis A; Cubbin D. "Thinking Outside the Box: Complementary and Alternative Therapies Use in Pediatric Oncology Patients." European Journal of Oncology Nursing. March 2004; 8(1):50-60

² Post-White Janice. "Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Oncology." Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. Sept-Oct 2006; 23(5):244-254.

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