Complementary Therapies are generally treatments offered alongside conventional healthcare not in any way replacing medical care.The service exists as a support to conventional medicine as stated in the NICE guidelines, (Supportive & Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer 2004).
This service offers evidence based treatments which may help people cope with disease and its treatments, it offers humanistic, holistic approaches which deliver care, comfort and relaxation and it aims to provide symptom relief and improvement in physical and emotional wellbeing.
Patients with a diagnosis of Cancer, Motor Neurone Disease and those attending Meadow House Hospice services on site or in the community with any condition which requires complex palliative care may access this service.The service is also available to carers.
Treatments available
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies can be used alongside medical treatment. Since they treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease, most people benefit from the therapy. These are pleasant, gentle, non-invasive therapies which rely on the human touch. As no drugs or chemicals are used, they provide a gentle antidote to surgery and medical intervention.
Reflexology
A reflexologist gently stimulates reflex points on the feet which, it is believed, correspond to particular parts of the body. It is a safe natural therapy which relaxes, balances and harmonises the body, providing physical, psychological and emotional relaxation and may facilitate relief of symptoms.
For further information refer to the Association of Reflexologists; www.aor.org.uk
Massage
Massage works on the skin and underlying tissues, releasing local muscle tension, stiffness and relieving pain. It provides relaxation and calming of body and mind as well as encouraging release of waste products.
For further information refer to the General Council for Massage Therapy;
www.gcmt.org.uk
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of aromatic substances derived from plants. Plants and their extracts have been used since ancient times to aid healing, relieve pain and kill bacteria.The term aromatherapy is a fairly new term but the use of aromatic oils or essential oils as they are now known goes back to civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians and Biblical times.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the service then please contact: reception on 02089675179 |
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