DFCI Zakim Center

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  • Description:
    In this 10-minute video, Bambi P. Mathay, LMT, BCTMB, RMT, demonstrates a self-guided massage that may help reduce symptoms of neuropathy in the arms and hands. Zakim Center massage appointments are available for Dana-Farber patients. To schedule, please call 617-632-3322. 

    Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of cancer treatment. The techniques employed in this video may help alleviate symptoms, but there is no clear treatment for neuropathy that will improve nerve damage. It is important to speak with your cancer care team to report any concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you.


    This video has been produced by the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living and is part of a comprehensive Neuropathy Toolkit.
    For more of these types of videos and resources, visit myzakim.dana-farber.org/neuropathy-toolkit
  • Description:
    In this 4-minute video, Weidong Lu, MB, MPH, PhD, explains the benefits of acupuncture in improving neuropathy symptoms and demonstrates acupressure and reflexology techniques for improving neuropathy symptoms in the feet. Zakim Center acupuncture appointments are available for Dana-Farber patients only. To schedule, please call 617-632-3322. The study referenced can be accessed on PubMed here - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32297442/

    Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of cancer treatment. The techniques employed in this video may help alleviate symptoms, but there is no clear treatment for neuropathy that will improve nerve damage. It is important to speak with your oncology team to report any concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you. 

    This video has been produced by the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living and is part of a comprehensive Neuropathy Toolkit.
    For more of these...
  • Description:
    In this 5-minute video, Nancy Campbell, MS, explains the benefits of exercise in improving neuropathy symptoms, and the types of exercises that are most effective. Zakim Center massage and acupuncture appointments are available for Dana-Farber patients. To schedule, please call 617-632-3322. 
    Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of cancer treatment. The techniques employed and/or described in this video may help alleviate symptoms, but there is no clear treatment for neuropathy that will improve nerve damage. It is important to speak with your cancer care team to report any concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you. 
    This video has been produced by the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living and is part of a comprehensive Neuropathy Toolkit. For more of these types of videos and resources, visit myzakim.dana-farber.org/neuropathy-toolkit
  • Description: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. CIPN symptoms vary from patient to patient, but in general, side effects include: feeling of numbness or "pins and needles" in your hands and feet; difficulty picking up an object or buttoning clothing; ringing in your ears or loss of hearing; changes in vision; sudden, stabbing pains in your hands or feet; constipation/difficulty urinating; muscle weakness or cramps; loss of balance or having difficulty walking; and feeling heat and cold, more or less than usual.
    To help you manage symptoms, the Zakim Center has developed a "toolkit" of short educational and self-guided videos. Here you'll find self-massage, self-acupressure, guided imagery meditation, exercises, and more. The techniques employed in these videos may help alleviate symptoms, but there is currently no clear treatment for neuropathy that will improve nerve damage. It is important to speak with your oncology team...
  • Description: Join Stephanie Meyers, MS, RD, LDN, the nutrition manager with Dana-Farber’s Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, for healthy cooking inspiration. 
    For Dana-Farber patients interested in scheduling a nutrition consultation, please call 617-632-3006. To learn more about the Zakim Center's group programs, please visit myzakim.dana-farber.org where you can access a variety of programming including exercise, yoga, meditation, music therapy, nutrition and more. 
    We would like to extend a special thank you to Sodexo Food Services and Molta Media for helping to make this video possible, as well as our philanthropic partners whose continued generosity supports the Zakim Center's group programming. 
    Ingredients (12 servings): 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 egg 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/4 cup canola oil 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 Weetabix biscuits 3 tbsp sugar 1 ts...
  • Description: In this 30-minute class you will experience an alternative mindfulness meditation experience with the presence of live music. Research shows that listening to live music during meditation may help focus an active mind, decrease heart rate, anxiety and pain, and guide you to a deeper relaxation. 

    Songs: We're Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes California Dreamin - The Mama's & The Papas Moondance - Van Morrison Harvest Moon - Neil Young Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy Yellow - Coldplay 
    Tags: Expressive Arts, Meditation, Music Therapy, Video
  • Description: Join Stephanie Meyers, MS, RD, LDN, the nutrition manager with Dana-Farber’s Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, for healthy cooking inspiration. For Dana-Farber patients interested in scheduling a nutrition consultation, please call 617-632-3006. To learn more about the Zakim Center's group programs, please visit myzakim.dana-farber.org where you can access a variety of programming including exercise, yoga, meditation, music therapy, nutrition and more. We would like to extend a special thank you to Sodexo Food Services and Molta Media for helping to make this video possible, as well as our philanthropic partners whose continued generosity supports the Zakim Center's group programming.
    Ingredients (two servings): 
    1/3 cup orange juice or unsweetened milk of your choice 

     2/3 cup water 

    1 handful baby spinach or kale leaves 

    1 banana 

     ½ tsp cinnamon 

    ¼ cup plai...
  • Description:




    Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, Director of the Zakim Center (left) with Dr. David Rosenthal (middle) previous Director of the Zakim Center, and his wife Judy (right).




    For many New Englanders, apple picking is a yearly ritual marking the arrival of fall. In the case of the staff, patients, and friends of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber, a recent visit to the orchard also provided a chance to celebrate - and support - an integral part of cancer care.

    They were gathered on a recent sunny Saturday at Belkin Lookout Farm in Natick, Mass. for the Zakim Center’s annual Music Heals the Soul fundraiser. In addition to experiencing the healing power of music through a live performance by Savage Pianos, attendees enjoyed food and drinks, chair massages and ear acupuncture from Zakim practitioners, do-it-yourself mug painting and slime making, and a trip to the farm’s orchard fo...
  • Description:

    There are times when dealing with cancer - or any of life’s myriad challenges - can feel overwhelming. Emotions run high, and energy low. Situations seem hopeless.


    It is during such moments that a growing number of Dana-Farber patients, caregivers, and staff turn to lessons and techniques learned from Patricia Martin Arcari, PhD, RN. As program manager for Meditation and Mindfulness at the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, Arcari creates and leads individual and group-based classes and programs to help build skills in stress management and resiliency. Her offerings include a Mind-Body Resilience Program for patients and caregivers, a similar program for staff, several weekly drop-in staff- and patient-only meditation sessions, and a Mind-Body Book Discussion where patients discuss books reflecting the principles of mind-body resilience and integrative health.

    Due to the compounded stressors of the...
  • Description: In this 30-minute class you will experience an alternative mindfulness meditation experience with the presence of live music. Research shows that listening to live music during meditation may help focus an active mind, decrease heart rate, anxiety and pain, and guide you to a deeper relaxation. 

    Songs: Resilient - Katy Perry Stand - Rascal Flatts Fight Song - Rachel Platten Brave - Sara Bareilles You Gotta Be - Des'ree Skyscraper - Demi Lovato The Climb - Miley Cyrus

    Tags: Expressive Arts, Meditation, Music Therapy, Video
  • Description: This 30-minute aerobic cardio workout class will help get your heart rate up and pumping in a fun way! Aerobic cardio exercise promotes cardiovascular endurance and helps improve cognitive skills, posture, balance, overall mental health and mood. Suited for beginner to intermediate levels with modifications available. 

    No equipment needed. For safety: make sure your workout area is cleared to avoid tripping/bumping; wear appropriate footwear that is secure and comfortable for walking/marching (low impact); if uncomfortable standing, seated & chair supported variations are offered
  • Description: This 45-minute chair yoga invites you to find movement in a way that is gentle and supportive. The practice invites awareness into the body and activates muscles in the spine that help you find length up through the spine for better posture and energy flow. If you are new to yoga, have difficulty getting down to the floor, experience pain in your muscles or joints, loss of energy, or balance issues due to peripheral neuropathy, this class is for you. All levels welcome. 
    Focus: lymphatic massage