Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies are used alongside, or in addition to, conventional medical treatments. They can benefit a person’s physical and emotional health and can potentially relieve some of the side effects associated with cancer treatments.
Complementary therapists work with the person as a whole, holistic approach, and not just the part of the body with cancer. All complementary therapists working in The Lodge are fully qualified practitioners, who are registered and insured with the appropriate professional body.
Complementary therapies may help you:
- feel better and improve your quality of life
- sleep better
- cope with some of your cancer symptoms
- help with anxiety and mental wellbeing
- feel more in control
We currently offer a variety of different services (reiki, massage and reflexology) for patients that are not having any active treatment. If you are not having any chemotherapy or other systemic anti-cancer therapy, are 8 weeks post-surgery or 6 weeks post radiotherapy, then you can contact The Lodge to make an appointment (subject to availability).
Current demand means we are only able to offer two complementary therapy sessions to a patient but these could be shared with a carer / relative if you did not want to have these yourself. Demand can fluctuate so please contact us to find out the current situation.
Reiki
This is a gentle, non invasive, non manipulative relaxation technique. It is a natural healing energy activated by intention. Reiki is carried out with the practitioners hands either on (in appropriate places) or off the body working from the head to the feet. Reiki can help calm the mind, ease tension and stress, foster peacefulness, and adapts to your individual needs.
Massage
This is the term used for a variety of techniques that involve touching, pressing, kneading and manipulation. Therapeutic massage consists of gentle rhythmical touch, with movements varied to suit individuals needs. Massage may be beneficial in reducing anxiety, nausea, and pain. It may also encourage relaxation. If you are having a massage please bring two large sized towels with you.
Reflexology
This is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the hands and feet that correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. The application of systematic pressure, using the thumb and fingers, to specific reflex points on the hands or feet, releases congestion and promotes the flow of energy. Reflexology cannot diagnose specific medical problems, but aims to treat the person with a view to alleviating physical and emotional symptoms.
To find out more information on any of the above or to make an appointment, please call The Lodge on 01803 656490 or email The Lodge Cancer Support and Information Centre.