Bellis House Therapies
Complementary Therapies
In liaison with medical and nursing professionals at the Southampton University Trust (SUHT) and Jurys Inn, complementary therapies are being funded by the Wessex Cancer Trust and provided on an appointment basis, free of charge for cancer patients and their carers. This service runs every Tuesday and Thursday in the comfortable surroundings of Bellis House, the WCT's Headquarters, and is provided by trained therapist Sue Goldsmith. Six free threatments are provided.
Our aim:
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To introduce yout o complementary therapies in an informed and appropriate way
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To promote relaxation and reduce anxiety
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To help relieve stress related symptoms - pain, muscle tension, sleep problems
Some of our therapies offered:
Massage
Massage uses stroking and kneading movements on the skin to release tension in the underlying muscles. It improves circulation of blood and lymph, and helps to remove toxins from the body. Because body and mind are closely linked, the effect of gentle touch is also calming and relaxing.
Before surgery or radiotherapy, massage can promote rest by relaxing the body, calming the mind and lessening feelings of tension and anxiety. After surgery, gentle massage to unaffected parts of the body can help with pain relief. It allows tense muscles to relax so that painkillers can work more effectively. Massage may also help with feelings of fatigue, by calming the mind and promoting natural sleep.
For patients undergoing a course of chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatments, gentle massage may be of benefit as it helps remove waste from the body and promotes a feeling of relaxation. Massage is performed so that its effect is restful and not tiring. Areas affected by disease are avoided. Specialists think that for patients with cancer, gentle massage by a trained therapist is a safe treatment, and it is used in many cancer centres.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of natural healing that makes use of the senses of touch and smell, and it is usually considered an extremely pleasant method of treatment. Essential plant oils are applied to the skin during massage, or may be used as compressors, inhalations, or in baths. These oils are highly fragrant, are generally applied in dilution with a carrier oil. They have different therapeutic properties, and oils are therefore individually chosen to suit each person's needs. The aim of treatment is to restore the balance of the body and help it to heal itself.
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that different areas of the feet correspond to parts of the body. The treatment is given by using fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to the reflex points on the feet promoting energy flow.
Modern reflexology is known to produce results, but the precise mechanism has not been described. Good health is considered to depend on balance within the body and disturbance of this leads to illness. Alteration to the equilibrium of the body can be caused by excessive stress, which builds up within the body and eventually manifests itself as physical illness.
Reflexology can induce deep relaxation, allowing the body to return to normal function and well-being. It works by opening up energy pathways. Release of energy blockages allows the body to harmonise itself and return to a state of balance.
Reiki
Reiki originated in Japan and its main aim is to bring about balance and to improve wellbeing. Reiki translates into 'free flow of life energy' - energy is considered to circulate through all parts of the body.
The concept of Reiki is to balance energy within the body removing blockages and re-establishing free flow. Reiki is a very relaxing treatment and can be used for people who are not fit enough to receive massage or other touch therapies. It can be performed without touching the patient if required, and the patient remains fully clothed. There are no religious connotations with Reiki.
For further information and details relating to appointments, please contact Wessex Cancer Trust on 023 8067 2200
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