Complementary Therapies

What is Complementary Therapy?

Complementary Therapy refers to non-medical
treatments and used alongside conventional
medicine to enhance symptom control and
improve quality of life.

Who may benefit?

If you are living with a diagnosis of cancer it may help to express your feelings and relax in
a quiet, confidential setting whilst benefiting from a gentle form of therapy to suit your
individual needs.

Anxiety, pain and side effects of treatment can be eased to enable you to cope better with
your illness.

If you are a relative, carer or have been bereaved you may benefit form a course of
sessions to enable you to give time to yourself, discuss your situation and re-energise
allowing you to cope with the stresses associated with caring for someone with cancer.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils to promote physical, psychological
and emotional wellbeing. Treatments are usually offered in the form of a gentle massage
after a holistic assessment by your therapist. Warm towels, soft music and gentle
touch can prove very therapeutic in themselves. the safe use of oils and simple
massage techniques can be taught for use at home.

Reflexology

This is a specialised form of foot massage working on the areas of the feet to promote
relaxation, relieve stress and tension by stimulating the body's own healing mechanism.

It is a safe, simple and effective therapy suitable for anyone, which can be performed
whilst sitting in a chair or lying down on a couch and simply removing your shoes whilst
the therapist begins work on your feet.

Indian Head Massage

A massage technique which works on the shoulders, arms, neck, scalp and face.

It can help ease tension, headaches, migraine and stress. This therapy can be performed
with or without the use of essential oils.

Reiki

Reiki is a system of 'hands-on' therapy that works to harmonise and balance all aspects of
your well-being; physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually thus promoting the
body's own natural healing process.

Patients and carers can both benefit from the relaxing and re-energising effects of this
gentle therapy.

During a session you will be made comfortable (sitting or lying down) whilst relaxing music
is played in the background. Remaining fully clothed whilst the therapist places her hands
very gently just on or off the body in a series of positions from head to feet.

A feeling of 'safety and warmth' is often how recipients describe the sensation.

Massage

Massage is one of the oldest therapies in exisitence and can relieve pain, promote
physical and mental relaxation and stimulate to body's vital energy to encourage
circulation and lymphatic flow.

The therapist will adapt the techniques used to suit your individual needs after the initial
consultation.

Relaxation and Movement

This is a quiet, informal group session in which simple ways of relaxing the body through
movement and stillness are taught using Tai Chi. Those under enormous stress of cancer,
in themselves, or those close to them, may welcome this opportunity to mobilise and
enjoy their inner capacity for calm.

Our Therapists

The Complementary Therapists are all qualified in their respective therapies and registered
with recognised professional bodies. They receive ongoing education and supervision within
the Centre and have a special interest in working with cancer patients

Referrals

Clients may contact the Centre directly of be referred by relatives, carers and health
professionals. The General Practitioner and Consultant, where appropriate, will be informed
of each individual referral thus enabling us to provide an integrated and informed service

For further information on any of the above services, please contact Alison or Debbie on
Bradford (01274) 776688 or click on the e-mail link below

Our Complementary Therapies are provided by fully qualified
trained volunteers. All appointments arranged are a valuable
resource to the centre. If for any reason you have made an
appointment and cannot attend, please inform us as soon as
possible

Our services
are all free of
charge to
people whose
lives have been
affected by
cancer in the
Bradford
Metropolitan
District of
West
Yorkshire