Complementary therapies are offered to patients and carers at Blythe House Hospice in Chapel-en-le-Frith, and in the comfort of their own home. All our therapists are fully qualified, skilled and experienced in the therapies they offer. We offer one to one sessions, group programmes and workshops.
Complementary therapies are a nurturing experience and have a variety of benefits. They can help to support the management of symptoms and side effects from treatment, to aid relaxation and insomnia, to help ease low mood/depression and anxiety, and to improve quality of life.
Different types of Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat many discomforts including pain, muscle tension, peripheral neuropathy, and support symptom control. Very fine needles are inserted at specific points on the body. Some people feel a slight scratch, others don’t feel a thing.
Aromatherapy
All aromatherapy interventions use essential oils which come from plant materials. The essential oils are very concentrated, so they are diluted in a base oil or cream before use. Each essential oil has its individual therapeutic properties and the aromatherapist can match the essential oils to the person’s symptoms/needs. It is important that the person is involved in the choice of oils, so s/he likes the aroma.
There are three main approaches to using the aromatherapy offered at Blythe House Hospice. They include aromatherapy massage/reflexology, aromasticks, and skin creams/gels. The latter are formulated to help with specific concerns. The interventions can be offered as a single therapeutic approach, or, in some situations, they can be offered combined with another therapy – e.g., offering an aromastick with Reiki.
Therapeutic Massage
This form of massage is very helpful for muscular aches and pains and restricted movement. A lubricant is required to enable the therapist’s hands to move over the skin and to work with the underlying tissues. Clothing only needs to be removed in the area where the therapist is working. To receive a therapeutic massage, the person may be lying on a massage couch, or seated on a specially designed massage chair that supports all parts of your body.
Reflexology
Reflexology works on the underlying theory that the whole of the body is reflected on the feet, hands, face and ears. The therapy has been found to be helpful with anxiety, low mood, and digestive processes including constipation. The approach most frequently used is foot reflexology; the person will only need to remove their shoes and socks to receive treatment. Reflexology is usually carried out with the person relaxing on a couch. The pressure used is gentle but firm; the therapist uses the thumb and fingers on the reflex points that are related to the body. (Please note, it doesn’t tickle!)
Reiki
Reiki was developed in Japan as a practice of energy work, it’s a very gentle therapy that can settle and soothe the body, mind and spirit. It’s a non-invasive, holistic approach that has the intention of promoting wellbeing and peace to the recipient. The therapist places their hands on or over the body in a sequence of positions with the aim of encouraging relaxation and easing tension and discomfort on all levels.
During the treatment, the individual will be fully clothed and will either relax on a couch or chair.
The HEARTS Process (for easy relaxation/calm)
HEARTS is an abbreviation for a group of therapeutic skills which aim to promote relaxation and calm. The letters stand for Hands-on, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures, and Sound. HEARTS always includes physical contact – the ‘Hands-on’ approach – and is always given through a fabric (a Texture) of some kind. HEARTS is offered in a variety of combinations to enable Relaxation an easy process for the patient to access.
Indian head massage
Indian head massage is a treatment that focuses on massaging the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. It involves a range of techniques including gentle circular movements along acupressure points, gentle strokes, and tapping. It is performed traditionally sitting in a chair and the recipient is fully clothed. It can bring relief from anxiety and tension and promote feelings of deep relaxation.
Mike said: ‘I attended reflexology at Blythe House, as I was suffering from peripheral neuropathy due to my ongoing immunotherapy treatment. The 6 sessions I attended were nothing short of sensational. The difference by the third session was immense, as the sensations in my feet reduced significantly and I could walk without any pain.’
Mal said: ‘[Emma] referred me for reflexology. I had six sessions and it was absolutely amazing. After the first session, I went to bed without my sleep apnea CPAP machine for the first time in a very long time.’
FAQs
Who is Complementary Therapy for?
Complementary therapies are offered to both patients and their loved ones. All our complementary therapists are qualified, skilled, and experienced in the therapies they offer.
How will I know which Complementary Therapy is suitable for me?
Once you’ve been referred to our complementary therapy services, you’ll have a friendly chat with a member of our team about your symptoms, worries, and concerns. Together, you’ll discuss the therapies that could be most helpful for you. Carers and loved ones are also welcome to talk through any concerns with us, so we can support the whole family.
How do I get referred?
To access complementary therapies, please speak with your Blythe House Hospice Nurse.
Still have questions? Call our team:01298 875 080.
