Complementary Therapies’ aim – to offer relief from suffering and enhance a persons coping abilities, as well as supporting patients and their carers in the dying process. They may provide short term pain relief, reduce nausea and dyspnoea, promote sleep and relaxation, reduce tension, stress and anxiety, provide emotional, psychological and spiritual support, time out, and an increased sense of well being.

Complementary therapy is not a new concept, it has been used since the dawn of time. It is a form of supportive care working alongside mainstream medicine. Evidence based practice promotes its safe use in healthcare by qualified professional therapists.

Massage is a generic term for a variety of techniques consisting of gentle rhythmical movements. Touch is the oldest form of communication and there is a vast amount of anecdotal and research evidence suggesting that massage therapy has the potential to produce relaxation, well being, comfort and calmness.

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is the prescriptive use of essential oils by a qualified aromatherapist to improve physical and emotional well being. The therapeutic effect is achieved from the physiological effect of the essential oil combined with the induced relaxation of the massage. Providing therapeutic touch can support patients and carers on their individual journeys.

This ancient art encourages the body to work naturally to restore a healthy balance. Pressure is applied to specific reflexes on the feet or hands. These reflexes correspond to parts of the body to help promote the flow of energy and restore well being. It is not used in palliative care as a diagnostic tool, but reflexology can be effective in helping:-

• Back pain
  
• Migraine and headaches
  
• Sleep disorders
  
• Hormonal imbalances
  
• Digestive problems
  
• Stress related illness and promote relaxation.
  

This is a simple non-invasive process involving the laying of hands on or above the body. It is intended to reinforce the self-healing/coping abilities of the person receiving healing. Whether the problem is stress related, or as a result of trauma or bereavement, it often facilitates acceptance. The most reported comments following a healing session are of inner peace, contentment and deep relaxation. Responsible Healers will never promise a cure but sincerely believe that their clients will positively benefit from the healing they offer.

Working with individuals and groups teaching relaxation techniques to increase a persons coping skills. Offering empowerment through knowledge, technique and support. Relaxation/guided imagery has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety and generally improve well being.

A trained practitioner provides a personal consultation and prescribes remedies to help relieve negative emotional states, aiding the individual to cope with anxiety and stress. The remedies are produced from plants using Homeopathic principles, which were discovered by Dr Bach an orthodox doctor and scientist in 1936. He suffered from cancer and realised the emotional negativity associated with the illness.

Medical or nursing staff at Trinity Palliative care services, caring for you and your family may write a referral to the Complementary Therapy Coordinators. The Coordinators will arrange an assessment appointment for you, during which they will discuss the role of complementary therapy and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have. It is a patient centred approach, together agreeing a holistic treatment plan specific to your individual needs.
If you are attending as an outpatient, you will be allocated six therapy appointments.