Complementary Therapy

Provided by

Complementary Therapy

Complementary therapy

What are complementary therapies?

Complementary therapies include a variety of practices and treatments usually outside of evidence-based, conventional medicine. They might be described as “alternative”, “traditional” or “holistic” therapies.

Complementary therapies may be used alongside conventional medical treatments from your doctor or healthcare provider.

What are the benefits?

Many people with cancer find having complementary therapy sessions helps them to cope with their disease and improve their health and well-being.

Complementary therapies may:

l Promote relaxation and circulation

l Reduce anxiety and insomnia

l Ease nausea and fatigue

l Help you to find your own coping mechanisms and strategies and offer a sense of deep relaxation

Who is entitled to these therapies?

If you are a cancer patient, you may be entitled to 6 FREE therapy sessions. Occasionally, due to cancellations we may have an empty slot which we can offer to family members and carers. If you give us your details, we can put you on the Family and Friends waiting list.

How do you prepare for your treatment?

To prepare, please drink fluids as normal, do have breakfast prior to a morning treatment and have a light lunch prior to an afternoon session.

“I found it relaxing at the time, felt energised later in the day and the day after.”

“Between each session I think that generally I have been able to cope with decision making.”

“Reflexology aided relaxation and a feeling of well-being.”

What complementary therapies are on offer in The Leveson Centre?

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy using essential oils and massage to help with everyday stresses and well-being. Essential oils are the aromatic essence obtained from various parts of a plant. This is a holistic therapy which can help with stress, anxiety, improved sleep, improved sense of well-being and a reduction in some symptoms including pain, nausea and digestive problems.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the belief that it is possible to activate the healing powers of the body. The areas most commonly used in reflexology are the hands and feet. ‘Reflex’ areas are believed to correspond to all organs and parts of the body. Reflexology can be helpful to improve symptoms such as everyday stress and tensions as well as targeting joint, muscular and digestive problems.

Hypnotherapy

A definition of hypnotherapy is ‘a state of relaxation and heightened awareness induced by suggestion’. The state of hypnosis is a totally natural phenomenon. It is very pleasant and relaxing. During hypnotherapy you can talk freely, feel aware of your surroundings, and remain aware of all that is happening around you. Hypnotherapy can be an effective way to cope with stress and anxiety.

Reiki

Reiki means Universal life force. Reiki is a powerful natural healing system. It is believed that Reiki unlocks the inner flow of energy, helping to align energy centres and balancing the body. It is a very relaxing, balancing therapy which can help relieve stress, anxiety and allows the body to begin to heal itself. It is thought that Reiki can also help with deep relaxation, sleep and promote self-healing.

Daoyin Tao

Daoyin Tao is a blended acupressure and energy massage for the face, neck, head, shoulders, scalp and ears. It works to release trapped, stagnant energy as well as claiming excessive energy to restore balance within the body. This gentle massage draws upon Eastern and Western philosophies and theories of yin and yang, the five elements and methods used in the West for health and self care to aid rebalancing, revitalisation and relaxation. This treatment is performed best lying down.

Massage

This type of treatment involves continuous flowing movements which increase circulation, soothe aching muscles and aid detoxification. It also helps in increasing lymphatic drainage, improving skin tone whilst relaxing muscle tissue and relieving tension. The whole body can be treated or a focus can be placed on specific areas such as the back, neck and shoulders. These movements can leave you feeling deeply relaxed, rejuvenated and uplifted.

Reiki Drumming

Reiki Drumming is a vibrational therapy using energy flow and sacred sound that goes back to the beginning of time as we know it. Reiki drumming is essentially a guided soul energy journey for healing or exploration. Shamanic traditions have long used the beat and vibration of the drum to attain an altered state of consciousness. Music and sound are powerful medicines and the use of sound for healing has a long history.

Our therapists

Meet Alethea

Alethea has a background in palliative care as a Registered Nurse. She is currently working with Marie Curie and is a full member of The Federation of Holistic Therapists.

With over 10 years of experience providing complementary therapy to a range of different patients, including a focus on cancer care, Alethea holds qualifications for each of the therapies on offer. She is passionate about ensuring patients are well cared for throughout their treatments, always striving to provide safe and helpful therapy.

Meet Sarah

Sarah is a highly qualified complementary therapist who has followed her heart, developing her skills and qualifications in massage and Reiki to become an Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Degree Master Practitioner, teacher and Reiki Drum Practitioner.

Sarah has trained with the Harrogate Natural Health School to enhance her skills and treatments in cancer and palliative care. She looks forward to welcoming her patients and will tailor treatment to suit their needs and desires wherever possible.

How do you book your first appointment?

Contact either The Leveson Centre or York Against Cancer - contact information is on the back of this leaflet. Your details will be taken (your name, email and contact number) and you will be added to the waiting list. When spaces become available you will be contacted by email or phone.

You will get maximum benefit from the therapy if you can commit to having the therapy sessions weekly. Please ensure when you book that you can commit to the full six weeks.*

At the first appointment, you will discuss with the therapist which treatment you are interested in and book your future appointments. You will also discuss any health concerns you may have, what you’d like to achieve from your therapies, your suitability for the treatments, and a health questionnaire will be completed. The information is kept on file until the end of your series of 6 therapies.

Please note: York Against Cancer and The Leveson Centre are GDPR compliant, and your personal details will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

What if you are unwell on the day of your booked therapy?

If you feel ill and unable to attend on the day of your therapy please call either The Leveson Centre or York Against Cancer. You will be offered another appointment as part of your series of 6.*

If you feel unwell during a session, please inform the therapist and they will stop your treatment. After your session, please feel free to relax with us here in the Centre until you feel ready to leave. We recommend that someone drives you home afterwards.

* Please note: We are only able to reschedule one missed week.

The Leveson Centre is provided by

York Against Cancer is an independent, local charity caring for cancer patients and their families in York, North and East Yorkshire. Since starting in 1987, the charity has raised over £20 million to support people in York and across the region.

We provide a range of services and research including a free minibus that takes people from York through to Leeds for radiotherapy every working day, two luxury respite properties offering free short breaks to help people recuperate from cancer treatment, an award-winning mobile chemotherapy unit, a brand new cancer support centre The Leveson Centre as well as funding the Jack Birch Unit at the University of York for its internationally recognised bladder cancer research.

Our aims today are the same as they were when the charity was founded; to support as many people affected by cancer as possible.

www.thelevesoncentre.org.uk