Complementary Therapies   

  
Complementary therapies are natural and supportive interventions, which are used alongside orthodox medical treatment prescribed by the patient’s consultant or GP. Therapies are offered to patients with a cancer diagnosis or other life limiting illness, and to their carers.

Therapies used at Pendleside Hospice are massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy literally means “therapy through scent”. It involves using essential oils or a blend of two oils, which have been obtained from various parts of aromatic plants.

Aromatherapy can be used as oils for massage, in creams, with vaporisers and by inhalation from a tissue.

What is Massage?

Massage is an instinctive therapy, an ancient art and means of communication. It involves movements of the hands over muscles and skin and helps to release tension and strain.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is based on the concept that every part of the body is connected by energy pathways, which end in reflex areas on the feet, hands and head. Foot reflexology is practised at Pendleside Hospice as a method of inducing relaxation, symptom control and balance throughout the body by touching specific points of the feet.

Why might you want to choose a complementary therapy treatment?

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  v     To induce relaxation.
  
  v     To reduce anxiety, stress and tension and enhance relaxation.
  
  v     To alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, pain, queasiness or nausea and
         improve appetite.
  
  v     To reduce depression.
  
  v     To improve the feeling of well-being.
  
  v     To improve the quality of life.
  
  v     To reduce psychological distress.
  
  v     To provide emotional support.
  
  v     To improve sleep pattern.
  
  v    To adjust to changes in appearance.
  
  v     To alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.

Referrals will be accepted from any health professional, patient, relative or carer. Referrals can be made directly by contacting Hospice Day Therapy, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.  Patients can receive complementary therapies in all three departments of the hospice or as an outpatient for an hour appointment.

When referrals are received from patients, their carers or relatives, contact will always be made (with the patients consent) with the patients General Practitioner and any other relevant Health Care Professionals to obtain clinical information.

If you wish to take advantage of a complementary therapy, you can discuss which would be the most beneficial for you with the therapist.

For further information please contact Catherine Smith, Complementary Therapy Coordinator, or Helen McVey, Day Therapy Leader Tel: 01282 440100.