Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are used alongside, or in addition to conventional medical treatments. These therapies can be used to help boost physical and emotional health, or to relieve some of the symptoms or side effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatments.

People often use complementary therapies to help them feel better and it allows them to take a more active role in their treatment and recovery in partnership with their therapist and medical team.

Many complementary therapies concentrate on relaxation and reducing stress. They might help to calm your emotions, relieve anxiety, and increase your general sense of health and well-being. Each therapy is delivered in a warm relaxing environment with professionally trained and experienced therapists with a holistic approach (considering the whole person – body, mind and emotions) aiming to improve overall health and wellness. 

Please note that complementary therapies and alternative therapies are not the same. Alternative therapies are usually used instead of conventional medical treatments, not alongside them. We do not advocate the use of alternative therapies.

Six complementary therapy sessions are offered which are usually taken weekly, each session lasts for approximately one hour. Clients can discuss their choice of therapy each week with their therapist.

Our Complementary Therapies include:

Aromatherapy:

Which uses the natural pure essential oils extracted from flowers, leaves or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. These oils can be gently massaged into the skin to completely relax mind and body, or used in an aromatherapy facial to nourish tired, dehydrated or stressed skin. The pure essential oils are also vapourised in the treatment room to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Reflexology: 

A holistic therapy involving the gentle manipulation of the feet and massage of the lower legs. During a reflexology treatment gentle acupressure is applied to specific points on the feet that are said to correspond with other parts of the body. By applying pressure to these points, tensions formed throughout the whole body can be released bringing a sense of balance and well-being.

Reflexology can help with stress, anxiety, pain, poor circulation and oedema. Specific reflexology and massage techniques may also help ease the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy which can be a side effect of some cancer treatments. Before the reflexology treatment the feet are bathed in an aromatic warm foot bath to aid relaxation.

Massage:

Massage is a form of therapeutic touch which involves working the soft tissue of the body, to ease day-to-day stresses and muscular tension which can promote relaxation within the body. With all massage treatments, the therapist will adapt the pressure and techniques used to suit the client’s individual needs and preferences and current health condition. 

Additional tools may be used to ease muscle strain and tension if required these include buckwheat compresses and warm lava shells. 

Indian Head massage: 

The treatment usually starts on the shoulders, as this area often holds a lot of tension. Following this, flowing motions move up the neck massaging and stretching to relieve any stress and tension. Finally, the scalp is massaged along the acupressure points of the head, followed by the forehead and the area around the eyes. The upper back and arms can also be massaged to further enhance the treatment if required. The treatment can be given without using oils or creams if preferred, alternatively oils can be used to nourish dry skin, hair and scalp. The client can remain seated and fully clothed if preferred. 

Sound Therapy

Sound Therapy uses tonal instruments such as Himalayan and Crystal Singing Bowls played in a therapeutic way to help clients drift into a deep state of relaxation. Spending time in this deep relaxation provides an opportunity for the body’s systems to unwind and rebalance leading to release of physical, mental and emotional tensions. Sound Therapy can help to reduce tension and pain, relieve stress and anxiety and bring a more positive mood and a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Reiki

A reiki treatment aims to change and balance the ‘energy fields’ in and around your body to help on a physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual level, to encourage wellbeing and strengthen your energy. It involves the gentle laying of hands on or just above the body, clients will usually feel a comforting warm sensation throughout the body.

It is also said to induce deep relaxation, help people cope with difficult situations, relieve emotional stress, and improve overall wellbeing.

Clients remain fully clothed and can have the Reiki either in a chair or on the therapy bed. 

Yoga 

Yoga is a mind and body practice that can improve balance, build strength and improve flexibility. Other benefits include:

Deep rest and relaxation to calm the nervous system. 

Relief from stress and anxiety.

Improved sleep and reduction in insomnia

An opportunity to switch off from thoughts and an over active mind

Connection with self, improved self-awareness and self-care

Release of physical, mental and emotional tension.

Gong and Sound Baths

Usually in small groups, these sessions are a natural way to help relax the body and calm a busy mind. They can reduce stress levels and help ease anxiety allowing your whole body to rebalance.

Relaxing in a comfortable chair with a cosy blanket, the sounds of various gongs and instruments gently wash over you leaving you feeling calmer, less stressed or anxious, improving our overall general wellbeing.