" The New Medicine"

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'The New Medicine' focuses on the whole beingBY RHODA FUKUSHIMAPioneer PressIn 1996, Penny George was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. But she also tried "the new medicine" — acupuncture, herbs, energy work, hypnotherapy, massage, psychotherapy and meditation — to manage stress and encourage healing. She credits that combination with her recovery.

Now, George is one of the driving forces behind a locally produced documentary, "The New Medicine," which premieres Wednesday.

Hosted by the late Dana Reeve, who was diagnosed with lung cancer following the death of her husband, Christopher Reeve, "The New Medicine" aims to enlighten patients about treatments available to them thanks to the growing integrative medicine movement.

"The new medicine is an approach to care that focuses on the whole human being," George says. "Focusing on wellness, using whatever science is shown to be effective — bringing all of that together in a patient-centered way."

After the documentary, Twin Cities Public Television will air a program on local providers and resources available. Currently, there are integrative medicine programs at Abbott Northwestern Institute for Health and Healing, Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing, Woodwinds Health Campus, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and the Marsh.

"Illness can be a tremendous invitation to live a richer, fuller life," George says. "But it isn't automatic. A lot about the new medicine is about that process — taking back control of your life."

Rhoda Fukushima can be reached at rgfukushima@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5444.

What: "The New Medicine"

When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday

Where: TPTChannel 2

Online: www. thenewmedicine.org

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