Cancer patients at Norwalk Hospital say weekly music and meditation sessions help them in ways traditional medication can?t.

The hospital holds the sessions every Thursday. Participants say the techniques help them relax, increase their sense of well-being and forget all of the problems that come with diseases like cancer.

Oncologist Dr. George Zahrah said music therapy is not just relaxing, it can help patients physically.

?It would benefit in reducing nausea and vomiting that is related to chemotherapy,? said Zahrah. ?It?s definitely shown to reduce stress and anxiety in those patients and it may as well reduce the need for some medications for pain.?

Similar sessions emphasizing breathing and relaxation are making their way into local hospitals.