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Complementary Therapy

Why have a complementary therapy service?

Complementary therapies have become increasingly popular. At the Hospice of the Good Shepherd we use complementary therapies to relieve stress and tension, to aid relaxation and to promote a sense of well being. Although there is little current research to provide evidence that they do help, people do tend gain a lot of satisfaction from using them.

Complementary therapies look at the whole person, including physical, psychological and emotional well being. This approach is often referred to as ‘holistic care’. The therapies are used alongside medical treatment; this can also be described as conventional treatment for patients, or to support carers or relatives. They are not considered as an alternative to medical treatment prescribed by a Consultant or General Practitioner.

All our therapists are experienced and fully qualified with the International Institute for Health and Holistic Therapists (I.I.H.H.T.) Diploma in Complementary Therapy or other similar qualifications.

Is there a difference between Complementary Therapy and Alternative Therapy?

Complementary Therapies are not the same as Alternative Therapies. Alternative Therapies are often used instead of conventional treatment and are usually the only treatment used.

Listed below are the Therapies commonly used at the Hospice:

The Therapy used will be tailored to suit your individual needs and requirements. It will be selected and planned with you following a detailed assessment of your general health and well being. Treatments can last up to 45 minutes according to your needs, on each occasion.

There is a brief description of each therapy and how it may help you.

Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

It is a gentle massage using essential oils and means treatment using scents. A gentle massage using essences extracted from flowers, bark, leaves and seeds of certain plants. These oils are thought to have therapeutic properties. Although there are hundreds of different essential oils we at the Hospice use approximately 25 of these oils such as rose and lavender for emotions and stress, or chamomile for pain.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy

Are there any side effects of aromatherapy?

For most people, using aromatherapy is safe. On the rare occasion of a “reaction” to treatment it would be in the form of a headache, feeling weepy/emotional and skin rash due to an unforeseen allergy to the oils.

An after care advice leaflet will be issued to you and the Therapist will discuss the possibilities of the above during the consultation process.

Any concerns after treatment, please contact the Hospice after 4.30pm at weekends and Day Therapy Unit 9.30am to 5pm. Monday to Friday.

Oil Safety

Always tell your Doctor and Therapist if you are taking any medicines or homeopathic remedies. Although unlikely, some essential oils could interact and make the drugs you are taking either weaker or stronger. Our Therapists are aware of these interactions and will select which are suitable for you.

Alcohol should be avoided before and after treatments.

Aftercare advice should be followed after all treatments (see after care advice section).

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A relaxing therapy using gentle massage and rhythmic pumping exercise techniques which can help assist the lymph flow through the body, relieving some fluid congestion i.e. swollen ankles, legs, hands and arms.

Reflexology

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movements to the feet, correlating areas of the feet with parts of the body, so it can be used to help restore normal energy/flow. The therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own health balance. The treatment is not ticklish, can be deeply relaxing and is a very safe therapy.

Possible reactions and side effects

These are very rare but tiredness and headache may occur and should soon pass. The after care advice should be followed to lessen the risk of reaction which will be discussed at the initial consultation.

Reiki

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy. Practitioners believe that energy flows through all living things and is vital to well being. It is a therapy where you remain fully clothed and either lie on the bed or sit in a chair. The therapist moves her hands on or just above the body. She acts as a channel to bring you “universal energy” which can be felt as warmth or heat through her hands.

The Benefit of Reiki

This can be a deeply relaxing treatment which can help with emotional and physical pain. It can be soothing and comforting. Emotions can surface during or after the treatment but the therapist is there to support you. The majority of people feel very relaxed after treatment and can also feel refreshed.

Indian Head Massage

What is Indian Head Massage?

Indian Head Massage techniques on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. It is a deeply relaxing therapy.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage

It can provide relief from:

It is a therapy where there is no need to undress and it is done sitting in a chair.

The Bowen Technique

What is the Bowen technique?

It is an holistic therapy consisting of a sequence of gentle moves over muscles and soft tissue which are rested for a short period after each move. This stimulates the body to rebalance itself and can promote well being. Bowen can help improve back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, headaches, water retention, stress, chronic fatigue, sleep problems.

This therapy can be done through light clothing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body.

What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture is used to treat pain and other symptoms such as nausea and breathlessness – please see separate leaflet for more details.

Appointments

We generally offer six treatments given on a weekly basis and followed up by monthly or “as needed” treatments.

If for any reason you are unable to come to your appointment please let us know as soon as possible so that a treatment can be offered to someone else.

We do not charge for treatment but donations are gratefully received which help to meet the high costs of oils and materials that are used.

Aftercare Advice

Quotes

Emma
“ Therapy makes me feel very relaxed, the minute I get on the bed I hear the music and drift off to sleep. It is so relaxing I look forward to my next treatment”

Robert
“I had Bowen, which is particularly helpful for chest complaints. I felt the positive effects for several days after. I also had a back massage with oils especially chosen for my various problems and the effects were quite magical. It made me feel so much more relaxed, warm inside and generally better than when I walked in”

Mervin
“I was sceptical at first but the treatments helped me relax and feel less stressed. My legs feel lighter and I sleep a lot better. I feel the benefits for days afterwards”