Having a Palliative diagnosis can be a bewildering experience. Regular visits to hospitals, clinics and specialists can feel frightening and tiring. Some patients say that they feel they have lost control of their lives.
Complementary therapies focus on the whole person rather than the part where your illness may affect you. Every aspect of a person's needs are supported: Mind, Body and Spirit.
Receiving a therapy gives you some time for you, giving you the opportunity to relax and unwind for a while.
Our trained therapists offer a range of treatments, including Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Reiki. Used alongside conventional healthcare, these therapies have been shown to assist in promoting relaxation, alleviating anxieties, improving sleep pattern and reducing stress and tension. All of which can help to improve general well-being and quality of life.
Complementary Therapies currently available:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic effect. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years.
Aromatherapy is most often used as part of a gentle massage treatment. However, the therapist may offer you products to use at home or when needed.
Each essential oil will be selected by its distinctive therapeutic property. Several oils may be blended to suit each person's needs.
Indian Head Massage
This form of massage originates in ancient Ayurvedic therapy from India.
Indian Head Massage involves the treatment of the upper back, shoulders, arms and hands as well as the neck, scalp and face. The therapy is usually performed with the client sitting in a chair, but this can be adapted. Essential oils can also be used.
One advantage to this form of therapy is that it can also be given over a light T-Shirt without oil.
Massage
Massage has been offered by many cultures all over the world for thousands of years. At Keech Hospice Care, we tailor massage sessions to your preference.
This can involve work on the hands, feet, back or neck. Once again, this is a holistic therapy so the focus ensures the whole person is supported, not just a specific area of concern. The level of pressure used is also very gentle.
Reflexology
This therapy is rooted in the theory that every organ, area and system in the body is mirrored by a reflex point in the feet or hands. Massage to these points facilitates clearing of any blockages to the corresponding areas of the body.
Reiki
Reiki is the channelling of energy to activate the body's natural healing. It is simple and non-invasive. During a reiki session, the therapist places their hands either on or near different areas of the body.
This therapy involves very little contact and does not require the removal of any clothing, making reiki one of the more popular therapies on offer.
How do I access complementary therapies?
Complementary therapies are offered as part of the Keech Palliative Care Centre, during stays on the Inpatient Unit, and on an outpatient basis.
We have two dedicated therapy rooms at Keech Hospice Care where therapists are able to perform their therapies in a quiet, relaxed environment. However, during an Inpatient stay, therapies can be offered in your room.
All complementary therapies are offered free of charge.
Usually an initial set of six therapy sessions will be offered then reviewed. This ensures that we offer you the most appropriate type of therapy and monitor its effect.
Complementary therapies are very popular, so please let us know if you are unable to attend any therapy appointments so we can offer this time to someone else.
What about the carers?
Looking after someone with a life-limiting condition has its own set of stresses. That is why we also offer complementary therapies to carers and family members.
These are offered on an out-patient basis while you are caring for someone. This can give you the chance to relax and recharge.
Therapies can be offered alongside our carers' groups, during visits to the Inpatient Unit and on an out-patient basis.
Some carers also find therapies useful following bereavement.
Can you help?
All complementary therapies at Keech are provided by trained staff or volunteers. If you are a practicing complementary therapist and interested in offering some of your time to help our patients, please contact us:
For further information
Roger Kelly
Complementary Therapies Coordinator
Tel: 01582 492339
email: therapies@keech.org.uk
