The Tal Center – Mair House for Integrative Oncology Medicine (the Center) at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel is a new facility offering complementary services for Northern Israel’s cancer patients coping with the side effects of cancer and chemotherapy.
A patient enjoys a reflexology session in Rambam's new Tal Center-Mair House for Integrative Oncology Medicine. Photography: Rambam HCC.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology, one of the world’s most important medical cancer organizations, endorses the integration of complementary medicine in cancer therapy. “The integration of complementary medicine in large cancer institutions in the Western world is significantly improving the quality of life of cancer patients,” explains Professor Irit Ben-Aharon, director of Rambam's Division of Oncology. “This discipline, known as integrative oncology, combines traditional treatments and complementary evidence-based approaches, in coping with a variety of cancer-related symptoms and the side-effects of conventional treatments. It allows patients to harness additional strength and has a positive impact on them. We are pleased to offer patients therapies similar to those offered in leading cancer centers worldwide.”
Complementary medicine was life-changing for 34-year-old Shani Cohen-Rozlein, a wife and mother. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 26, again at 28, and for a third time shortly after I discovered I was pregnant. Therapy and surgery followed. A few hours after surgery, I gave birth by Cesarean section. The first year was physically and emotionally difficult, but my husband was supportive. After giving birth, I began reflexology therapy at Rambam.”
Conventional therapies had not helped with the neuropathy and pain Shani was experiencing. “I discovered reflexology, which improved my immune system and significantly reduced my pain. It helped me achieve peace of mind. Finally, I could sleep at night. I enjoyed the sessions and even waited in anticipation for them – I never missed one. They were my refuge and helped me cope. I’m also open to trying mindfulness and yoga therapy at the new Center.”
The Tal Center – Mair House for Integrative Oncology Medicine supports oncology patients and offers a selection of treatments to help them cope. The Center was established with the support of Zohar and Yankele Yakobson, “Halasartan”, a cancer-support non-profit organization in memory of the late Tal Yakobson, and Keren and Lior Asher, a couple who made significant contributions to the field of integrative medicine in Israel.
Zohar Yakobson, Tal’s mother, recounts, “Tal was a student of Chinese medicine and a social activist who believed in the connection between natural and Western medicine. After her passing, I understood that coping with difficulties could make one bitter. Alternatively, we can use our energy to help others. We say, ‘Instead of darkness, let’s bring light so that those who come after us will get what they need.’ We understand what they are going through; let’s help them cope gently and humanely.”
“Most leading cancer centers integrate aspects of complementary medicine into treatment,” explains Professor Moshe Frankel, director of Tal Center. “In recent years, complementary medicine has become a preferred therapeutic option for many patients to improve their quality of life and appetites, and alleviate stress, anxiety, wakefulness, neuropathy, fatigue, and other symptoms.”
In addition to the complementary therapies offered at the Tal Center, including acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy, and yoga, group sessions are offered, serving as a platform for patients to ask questions, discuss illness-related topics, and combine integrative and complementary medicine in their oncological treatment.
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