Integrative Therapy

Sierra Tucson is the first treatment center in the United States to develop a Department of Integrative Therapies. Along with traditional treatment modalities, a variety of integrative therapies are available, as appropriate for each individual, to enhance the patient's treatment and recovery experience. Sierra Tucson remains dedicated to implementing innovative yet credible therapeutic techniques that are proven to advance the process of recovery.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an ancient technique from Chinese Medicine, is used at Sierra Tucson to help individuals function at their highest level possible. Extensive research began in the United States in 1974 regarding the use of acupuncture for substance abuse patients. Each study has reaffirmed its effectiveness and established it as the treatment of choice for detoxification in many cities. Frequently noted benefits of acupuncture are: reduced cravings, reduced anxiety, mental and physical stability, less hostility, greater sense of confidence, and reduction or elimination of medication.

Sierra Tucson utilizes Chinese Medicine in a holistic approach to treat an individual’s “dis-ease.” This modality helps clients become aware of a more complex picture of balance and health. Chinese Medicine articulates how individuals combine the elements of emotion, will, and spirit in day-to-day life and how this combination influences the health of the physical body.

The acupuncture program at Sierra Tucson uses two types of acupuncture—“Auricular” (also known as “Ear” or “Detox”) and “Full-Body” acupuncture. The medical provider orders either type of acupunture when clinically appropriate.

• The “Auricular” (“Ear” or “Detox”) acupuncture is a standardized treatment using five points in each ear. These points focus on relieving anxiety, cravings, insomnia, and headaches, and help the liver and kidneys to flush toxins from the body. “Auricular” acupuncture is administered by registered nurses trained in “Ear” or “Detox” acupuncture.



• The “Full-Body” acupuncture involves a Chinese medical exam and diagnosis. In this exam, pulses are palpated at nine places on each wrist; the tongue is examined for color, size, coating, and shape; and the spirit and will are assessed for their strength. From this collection of data, Chinese Medicine can reflect the origin and the level at which imbalances have been created. Acupuncture is then used to correct these imbalances. For most people, who are used to getting laboratory tests and numeric results, this process is very educational. Many clients have never made the connection between lifestyle and health, between emotional cycles and seasons, or between the health of their spirit and their energy level. The “Full-Body” acupuncture most often consists of 10-15 needles, chosen from over 500 classic acupuncture points on the body. Each treatment is individualized, and no two treatments are the same. The “Full-Body” acupuncture is administered by a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic services are offered at Sierra Tucson for treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Patients are screened for the appropriateness of service and require referral by the attending Sierra Tucson medical provider. Chiropractic services are provided by licensed Doctors of Chiropractic.

Massage Therapy

Massage increases body awareness, promotes relaxation, and decreases muscle fatigue and strain, which complements the therapeutic process. As part of Sierra Tucson's integrative approach, Swedish Massage is ordered by the medical provider when clinically appropriate. Massage therapists at Sierra Tucson are licensed and strive to maintain the highest standards of continued education and professionalism.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong, a relaxing form of Tai Chi, has been found to have important therapeutic health benefits for various medical conditions. The emphasis is on conscious control of the breath and remaining totally relaxed while moving through a series of postures. The combination of movement, controlled breathing, and relaxation seems to release the body's own healing power, frequently with dramatic results. There is no charge for these sessions, which are offered in a group format.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese system of healing used to promote well-being and relaxation. Through the palms of their hands, Reiki practitioners transmit energy that can feel like warmth or coolness. Patients are supine and fully clothed as the practitioner places his/her palms in specific Reiki positions. Sessions last for one hour. There are no medical contraindications to Reiki. Research studies have shown that Reiki is effective in increasing blood flow to various parts of the body and promoting relaxation. Practitioners at Sierra Tucson have completed at least two levels of training in the Usui method of Reiki.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure. Its literal translation is finger (shi) pressure (atsu). This therapeutic bodywork technique, which uses pressure to stimulate points on acupuncture meridians, can be effective in calming the nervous system, stimulating immune functions, releasing tension, and improving digestion.

Somatic Experiencing®

''Somatic Experiencing®'' is a short-term naturalistic approach to the resolution and healing of trauma. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., Founder and President of the Foundation for Human Enrichment, developed this approach, based on the observation that animals in the wild are rarely traumatized—though their lives are threatened routinely.

“Trauma is in the nervous system, not in the event.”
~Peter Levine, Ph.D.

The broad scope of traumatic life events can include accidents, abuse, birth trauma, illness, medical trauma, natural disasters, and violence. Somatic Experiencing addresses how the human triune brain (made up of the Neocortex, Limbic System, and Primitive Brain), functions in a complex, highly interconnected network to handle the experience of traumatic events.

Through research of a functional trauma response in the nervous system compared to a dysfunctional trauma response and the psychobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the components of Somatic Experiencing were formed. This therapy allows individuals to reinstate at a nervous system and muscular level the instinctual defensive and orientating responses lost or truncated through trauma.

“Nature has instilled in all animals and humans a nervous system capable of restoring equilibrium,” says Maya Youngblood, LPCC, LMT, somatic therapist at Sierra Tucson. “Humans have the same capability and regulatory mechanisms as animals to discharge a highly activated nervous system (which occurs from trauma), but this instinctive function can be superceded by the ‘rational’ part of our brain.” The Foundation for Human Enrichment explains, “This restraint prevents the complete discharge of survival energies, and does not allow the nervous system to regain its equilibrium. The un-discharged ‘survival energy’ remains ‘stuck’ in the body and the nervous system. The various symptoms of trauma result from the body's attempt to ‘manage’ and contain this unused energy.” This results in an imbalance and disregulation of the nervous system, and it disconnects us from ourselves, others, and spirit.

“By gently awakening this innate capacity for resilience that we share with all living organisms, the straitjacket is loosened. As we are unbound from the past, a future abundant with new possibilities unfolds. Our ability to be in the present expands, revealing the timeless essence of the ‘now.’ Trauma can be hell on earth; transformed, it is a divine gift.” (Excerpt from The Foundation for Human Enrichment,
www.traumahealing.com)

Although trauma is a reality in life, our sense of peace and well-being can be restored. Somatic Experiencing® is one type of trauma therapy that can help people find a state of rest. Somatic Experiencing® is ordered for the patient when clinically appropriate.

Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit term that can be translated as union. Throughout history a number of different techniques have been developed to lead the individual into a deeper state of union with a more open, authentic sense of self. The style of yoga that we are familiar with in the west and is practiced at Sierra Tucson is that of Hatha yoga.

Hatha yoga is an ancient science of physical exercises that work to open and invigorate the body. These exercises are known as yoga postures and are used with breathing exercises known as prarsyama. Through working with the breath and the postures, one learns to begin to release areas of body tension. These tight areas in the body are often the result of an accumulation of mental and emotional stress, which is habitually held in the body. As these areas of tension start to slowly release, the breath naturally begins to become more balanced and even. As the breath comes into balance, the wind begins to quiet and open, leading the practitioner on to states of inner quietness and realization.

At Sierra Tucson we practice yoga to help us begin to come to this state of inner peace and union with our true selves. Our practice of yoga helps and supports the deep inner work that we do throughout the different programs at Sierra Tucson. There is no charge for yoga sessions, which are offered in a group format.

Zero Balancing

Zero Balancing practitioners use gentle pressure in foundational areas, including the back, neck, hips, and feet, to create stronger, clearer fields of energy in the body/mind. This allows the release and dissolution of limiting and uncomfortable patterns. Sessions last about one hour and are received through comfortable clothing. Zero Balancing is provided by certified individuals when clinically appropriate for the patient.

For more information, please call us anytime at 1-800-842-4487 or contact us by email to request more information.