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.
Please note: 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.
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.
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.
Reflexology can help with stress, anxiety, pain, poor circulation and oedema. Before the reflexology treatment the feet are bathed in an aromatic warm foot bath to aid relaxation.
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. The therapist will adapt the pressure and techniques used to suit the client's individual needs and preferences.
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.
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. Sound Therapy can help to reduce tension and pain, relieve stress and anxiety and bring a more positive mood.
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. It involves the gentle laying of hands on or just above the body.
A mind and body practice that can improve balance, build strength and improve flexibility. Benefits include deep rest and relaxation, relief from stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and release of physical, mental and emotional tension.
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.