Services

Complementary Therapy

The following complementary therapies are practiced at the Hospice but are subject to the current therapist's specialties

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils obtained from plants and flowers to bring about relaxation and, to a certain extent, pain relief.  The oils can be used in baths, in a `burner` or for massage.  The oils used are chosen to suit each individual patient.

Guided Visualisation

In this technique the participant is assisted to use their imagination to create a peaceful scene in order that feelings of relaxation and a sense of well-being are experienced.

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage has been practiced for over 1000 years.  It is a very important part of family life; the technique being passed from mother to daughter and father to son.

The massage is applied over clothes, to shoulders, upper arms, back, head and face.

This massage de-stresses the whole body, helps relieve pain, relaxes the body and can relieve headaches and tired eyes.  It can promote sleep, improve the skin, hair and concentration and induces a feeling of great calmness.

Massage

Soothes sore, aching muscles and limbs.  Stimulates the lymphatic system speeding up the elimination of waste products and strengthening the immune system.  It improves circulation, tones the skin and muscles, relaxes the mind and nervous system leaving the patient with a feeling of being cosseted and cared for.

Reflexology

All parts of the body, body organs and systems are mapped out on the hands and feet.  The therapist can feel `blockages` and by working on them encourage the body to activate its own healing powers. The therapy is not a cure.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu has its origins in China at least 2000 years ago.  It is the Japanese word meaning `finger pressure`.  Shiatsu uses the body’s energy centres and meridian lines using acupressure points (no needles used).  A number of beneficial effects can be achieved with problems such as tension, backache and headache.  Shiatsu induces a calm relaxed state and often a more positive frame of mind.

Therapeutic Touch Therapies

In traditional Oriental, Asian and contemporary Western therapies the harmonious flow of the Chi, Prana and Life Force around the body is considered to be the key to good health.

Practitioners of Therapeutic Touch place their hands in a sequence of positions on the recipient’s body to correct any imbalances or blockages in their subtle energies.  This aids the release of tension held in the muscular-skeletal system by creating a state of deep relaxation.

The therapist is the instrument through which these energies are channeled.  The therapies can induce a state of great restfulness and calmness, relaxing the mind and body.

There are a variety of systems of Therapeutic Touch, each equally effective as the other.  Those practiced at the Hospice include Healing, Polarity and Reiki.

All therapies practiced at the Hospice are complementary to orthodox medicine and are not alternative therapies.    

For further information please speak to a member of the nursing staff.