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NORWAY — In addition to its weekly virtual wellness classes, the Cancer Reources Center of Western Maine is now also offereing new opportunities for its Caring Coupons program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While many aspects of the program are on hold, some providers can do distance therapy sessions, which is the case with Reiki, which can be successfully delivered by distance — either virtually with zoom or by telephone.
“A distant Reiki session is similar to a session in person, except you and the provider are not in the physical presence of one another,” said one provider. “When it is time for your appointment, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down free of distractions, take a deep breath, close your eyes and allow Reiki to flow to you. At some point you and your Reiki practitioner might want to connect on any sensations or images that surfaced during the session.”
Sessions available at a distance are meditation/yoga, by Zoom; individual SomaSoul Somatic Movement Therapy, by Zoom; Ayurveda wellness consultation, by phone or Zoom; and Reiki, by phone or Zoom.
The coupons can now be used for individual wellness sessions at a distance during the stay-at-home order by those who have been impacted by cancer. Anyone who has ever had a cancer diagnosis can get four coupons, whether they are currently in treatment, done with treatment, on hold from treatment or survived cancer many years ago. Caregivers can get two. They can be used for thereapy sessions including Reiki, oncology massage, therapeutic yoga, reflexology or aroma touch, by a a list of approved wellness providers who in western Maine.
Executive Director Diane Madden said that many virtual sessions at the center are also offered by phone and Zoom.
“Many of our older clients do not have access to a computer or smart phone, thus it has been very important that we offer some programs – like meditation and the Ayurveda workshops by telephone,” said Madden. She said that, overall, the center is trying to offer a variety of virtual and telephonic wellness support programs and services to get people through this tough period of isolation with reduced risk — especially since many have compromised immune systems and can’t go out in public.
Once a person has the coupons, they make an appointment with the wellness provider. The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine pays the provider, using money we receive from grants and private foundations. Those who already have received Caring Coupons — they don’t expire -[ can make an appointment today.
For more information, as well as a schedule of the cancer resource center’s virtual online programs and workshops, which are updated regularly, visit www.crcofwm.org, To get coupons, call 207-890-0329, or email Dianne at dmadden@crcofwm.org.
PHOTO: Karen Vasil Busch teaches a virtual health cooking class online for the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine. (Submitted photo)
