Complementary Therapies

A brief description of therapies that we have available free at our Tuesday evening meetings.

Aromatherapy:
Gentle massage using essential oils (which have been extracted from aromatic plants) mixed with a vegetable carrier oil to create blends which can enhance mood, help with aches and pains, or assist with some of the side effects of treatment, e.g. nausea, constipation. All therapists at the Group use only very low dilutions, and light touch, appropriate to the needs of cancer patients.

Indian head massage:
This is a massage of the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and face, which is carried out over clothes. It can be helpful in the treatment of muscle stiffness and tension held in these areas. It is also very effective in helping to reduce stress and bring about a sense of deep relaxation and well-being.

Reflexology:
Reflexology is a therapy session carried out on the feet, using precise movements primarily with the side of the thumbs. It is a treatment aimed at balancing the body, and although there are reflexologists elsewhere, who work very firmly, we believe that a gentle and soothing approach is more appropriate. Anyone hesitant for fear of it tickling, can be reassured that this is not the case, and most people find it deeply relaxing.

Therapeutic touch:
The therapist acts as a channel for the energy which is passed to the recipient through the therapist's hands; the recipient is fully clothed and sitting or lying in a comfortable position. It offers people emotional and physical support and can help bring about balance and a feeling of well-being. Most people find it extremely relaxing giving them a feeling of peace or calm which they may continue to feel long after the treatment session. It can sometimes trigger an emotional release in some people whilst others may feel energised by it. Most people report having slept soundly after a treatment and many have said they felt they could cope better with their problems.
Some of our therapists have trained as "reiki healers" others as "spiritual healers". However all the feedback we have received confirms that regardless of any differences in the approach of the individual therapist, for the receiver it all feels the same. For this reason we prefer to use the term "therapeutic touch" which reflects the benefits whilst not making any distinction in approach.