Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Most of the time it's hard to relax when you're in the hospital, because it's just not the same as being at home in your own bed. That's why all of the hospitals in the St. Luke's network are doing a scientific study on integrated therapies. That includes things like aromatherapy to help you feel better.

Susan Baisch, R.N., of St. Luke's Magic Valley, says, "We have formed the task force so that we can look at ways to treat the whole person, but to do it effectively and safely. So the task force looks at those alternative therapies, makes sure that there's evidence-based practice behind the effectiveness and safety of those treatments."

Baisch says they want to make sure that the alternative healing methods they use actually work. She says activities like putting together puzzles, watching TV, and reading books – along with spiritual activities like prayer and visiting with hospital chaplains – helps to heal the whole person, not just their body.

Baisch says, "When they're more relaxed, they're more receptive to treatments and therapy, they take less pain medicine. It makes a better experience all the way around."

Baisch says the "Comfort Channel" – Channel 22 in all of St. Luke's rooms that have TV sets – features soft music and beautiful scenery to help you relax. All of these things together are a matter of East meeting West when it comes to medical practices.

Baisch says, "That's what integrative therapy is. It combines Western medicine and those alternative and complementary treatments together to treat the whole person."

If you have a suggestion for an alternative therapy you'd like to see at St. Luke's, you can leave a message for the task force by calling 814-0022.

Aug. 19, 2012.