Complementary Therapy

Improving wellbeing with up to 6 free treatments for patients and their primary carer

We offer a range of Complementary Therapies to help ease stress, tension, pain, depression, anxiety, and to promote a sense of wellbeing

Complementary therapies can provide a number of benefits to patients with life-limiting illnesses, resulting in positive effects on their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, helping to improve quality of life. Through various approaches such as Therapeutic Gentle Touch, Soothing Massage, Reiki, Sound, Essential Oils, Relaxation Therapies, Complementary Therapies can help people cope better with their prognosis, providing a sense of calm and relaxation while alleviating any fear and pain associated with illness or treatment. We know that progressive conditions, or receiving ongoing treatment, can give individuals a feeling of ‘waiting around’ which can take its toll emotionally and physically which is why complementary therapy is a crucial part of our holistic approach to healthcare.

Our trained Complementary Therapist works with patients and their primary caregiver to tailor treatments designed to promote physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. All treatments are by appointment only. Treatments usually last up to an hour and clients can specify particular therapies or discuss with our practitioner who will respond to each individual’s needs to help take you away from whatever may be going on to a place you can relax.

Thank you, Sandra, the session has helped me to relax before my rounds of radiotherapy.

You're magic, as soon as your hands touch the pain disappears, I really appreciate your visits.

The Reiki was really unusual, I can't explain it. I feel lighter, like its lifted things away.

Treatments

We adapt the treatment to each person’s unique needs. Below is a description of the types of Complementary Therapies.

Holistic Massage

A nurturing process of touch and response. Soothing away aches and pains, releasing tensions, recognising that illness and stress affect not only our physical body but also our mental and emotional wellbeing. It is a massage that calms the mind and reduces everyday physical and emotional stress on the body. People receiving palliative care are thought to be highly responsive to massage therapy, particularly the more gentle styles.

Indian Head Massage

This takes place in a seated position. It includes massage to the upper-back, shoulder’s, neck, head and face. The overall effect bringing calm, tranquillity, focus, better concentration, relaxation, and the release of stagnant energy. It can bring the greatest relief to a multitude of problems, including migraine, sinuses, insomnia, anxiety, tension in the neck and shoulders. The deep state of relaxation is associated with reduced stress, improved breathing, better hormonal balance and increased immunity, it reduces fatigue, tension headaches and creates calm.

Holistic Reflexology

A relaxing foot massage where special techniques are applied to locate and work on congested areas. There are many positive benefits for both the healthy and those living with stress, anxiety, illness, imbalances, dis-ease in their lives. The feet are being touched and massaged in specific ways tailored to the individual so they can enjoy a deep and therapeutic relaxation bringing calmness and tranquillity. Helps to redress the imbalance of energy that can cause stress and ill health.

Aromatherapy

Involves the use of essential oils to help alleviate symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. The oils are important because once the brain picks up on them the body instantly reacts, helping to soothe the mind and induce feelings of happiness. There are hundreds of different oils and each has their own distinct health benefit and smell. Lavender, for example is a very calming oil and is thought to help with sleeping problems. While, Peppermint is a very powerful, fresh smell and is thought to help with fever and nausea.

Reiki

This is an ancient form of healing. The Japanese word Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) means Universal energy. The energy is drawn throughout by the need of imbalance in the person receiving. The Therapist places hands lightly on or over the person’s body to facilitate the healing process. Reiki accelerates healing, can boost the immune system and revitalises and restores the natural balance of energy in the body. Helping to reduce stress, pain, anxiety while also increasing vitality. It can help you sleep better at night by promoting a deep relaxation and a general sense of wellbeing. Used in palliative care, Reiki is a healing and calming tool, helping to make people feel deeply relaxed, relieving stress and tensions, and helping them cope better with side effects of any medical treatment.

Shamanic and Creative Arts Therapy

Essentially an energy-based therapy. Shamanism is rooted in the belief everything has an energy. Health issues are seen as being connected to the loss of energy or power. As well as hands on or off healing, other tools may also be used, such as sound, oils, imagery. This treatment can heal physical, mental, emotional illness and issues by working on the energetic level, removing negativity and restoring the person to wholeness.

Meditation

Is the creation of a relaxed state of awareness of mind and body. We connect more fully with our inner-being and develop a deeper a deeper understanding of our true nature. It helps to correct breathing and posture, creates deep relaxation, encourages the body to function more efficiently, can help with insomnia, high blood pressure and low energy levels. There are many types of meditation, ask us about guided meditation, hypnosis, and Imagery meditation.

Sound Therapy

Using the application of sound frequencies for meditation and relaxation. Sound has the power to touch the heart and express that which cannot be said in words, it can help a person to share or express feelings and create a sense of calm and serenity not only for him or her but also for the family and caregivers. Sound has the power to affect us on a cellular level which helps us to remember or release stored memories , it invokes feelings and sensations. Sound allows us to enter into the most personal and sacred experience we may ever know. For those of us who are agitated the sounds induce profound states of relaxation. For those of us who become emotionally frozen due to stressful events or traumas, the same sound interventions may coax painful emotions out of their hiding places in the psyche. For those of us who are caught up in the grip of unyielding sorrow or barely suppressed rage, sound can foster an unexpected equilibrium after along period of distress.

It is something a couple or a family can all listen to together, providing comfort and connection for the person and family members, especially when talking is too fraught, uncomfortable or difficult. Sound Therapy complements the treatment provided in palliative care for individuals with neurological conditions, including brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MND. It is effective in controlling nausea and pain, especially for the side effects of chemotherapy. Sound therapy involves the therapist using Tibetan and Crystal Singing Bowls, Bells, Chimes, Tuning Forks, Gongs, Drums, Voice. The sounds are played on or around the body, in a space in a room, and can even have an effect being played in the room whilst the person is sleeping. The sounds have been proven to be of great value in the reduction of stress, pain relief and wellbeing.

Complementary Therapy

At a glance

Qualified therapist, attained highest qualifications in holistic complementary therapies.

Empowering and energising treatments with the ability to promote a deep sense of wellbeing.

Holistic approach to treatment centred on each individual and their needs.

A wealth of treatments available including gentle massage, reflexology, reiki and aromatherapy.

Eligibility criteria

Who we help

People receiving treatment for conditions like cancer or living with progressive diseases such as Parkinson’s (and their primary care giver) may qualify for up to six free treatments.

Referrals

How to book

If you are already receiving support from Tynedale Hospice at Home please speak with a member of our care team. If not, ask your community health professional to refer you or contact us directly to discuss your needs.

T: 01434 600 388
E: admin@tynedalehospice.com