Cancer Complementary Therapy Service

Aromatherapy

A therapy which is conducted on a one to one basis when a qualified practitioner gives a massage using essential oils.

What is the therapy?

The Aromatherapist will listen to the patients concerns, selecting and blending oils to suit their individual needs. This is applied to the body by gentle massage techniques.

Will the therapy help?

The patient may expect to receive either a massage of the back; neck and shoulders; neck, shoulders and scalp; hands and arms; or legs and feet. Aromatherapy massage induces a relaxed state which may help to alleviate such symptoms as fatigue, poor sleep patterns, muscle and joint aches, anxiety, depression and tension.

Relaxation / Guided Imagery

What is the therapy?

Participants are taught to relax through a range of techniques, such as breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.

Will the therapy help?

All individuals diagnosed with cancer react in different ways to their diagnosis. The nature of the illness requires many forms and degrees of treatments and similarly, individuals react and cope differently to these.

There is a growing body of respected evidence which suggests relaxation is helpful as a complementary treatment for anxiety, stress control and improved immune function.

Is relaxation therapy for me?

Relaxation techniques, once learnt can be used anywhere. They provide a means of control over anxious and stressful situations. For example, the reduction of anxiety due to a consultant or treatment appointment, or the use of relaxation in the reduction of discomfort and pain.

Reflexology

Is a therapy conducted on a one to one basis. A qualified practitioner will apply the appropriate pressure to the reflex points of the feet.

What is the therapy?

Reflexology is based on the premise that there are zones and reflexes on different parts of the body, which correspond to and are relative to all parts of the entire body, including glands and organs. Reflexology involves the application of the appropriate pressure (it does not tickle) to the reflexes of the feet and hands to bring about a physiological and psychological change by stimulating subtle energies.

Will the therapy help?

Research conducted has shown the therapy induces relaxation reducing anxiety levels, constipation, headaches, migraine and pain caused by a range of disorders. Patients who were initially concerned at the thought of someone touching their feet have said how surprised they were at how calm they felt during and after the treatment.