Our new complementary therapist provides vital complementary therapy to patients who are unable to attend the Hospice due to ill health, lack of transport or those concerned with Covid-19 transmission due to their reduced immune system, within the comfort of their own home. A 66% increase in complementary therapy treatments was evidenced within her first month at the Hospice.
Treatments and benefits:
- Back, shoulder and neck massage – gentle massage relaxes the patients, helps with stress and anxiety whilst helping patients gain better quality of sleep.
- Foot massage – cancer patients may suffer from Oedema (swelling of the ankles and feet). Massage helps to reduce the swelling and pain.
- Reflexology – Areas of the feet correspond to organs and systems within the body. Pressure applied to certain points on the feet can provide relaxation and healing to the corresponding points within the body.
- Aromatherapy – Therapist trained to know which oils are beneficial for individual patients. Specific oils can relax and ease nausea, which is the main symptom suffered by cancer patients.
- Hand Massage – helps with dry and sensitive skin. Cancer patients may not have received any physical contact for a long period of time, other than through treatment. Some people’s hands shake with fear and the simple act of holding someone’s hand and talking to them can leave them lifted.
- Stomach Massage – helps relieve constipation.
- Head Massage – helps relieve headaches, relaxes patients and massages hair follicles to stimulate growth for patients who have lost their hair.
- Breathing Exercises – teaches the patient exercises to help with their breathing. Highly beneficial for patients with lung cancer or those suffering with stress and anxiety.