Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapy is at the heart of CREST's day to day activities as we believe in supporting the patient's quality of life and management of cancer treatment, and such therapies are widely used by cancer patients.
Some of the complementary therapies available are:
- Aromatherapy Massage
Massage involves the use of hands to manipulate the soft tissue of the body. It can be used for relaxation, stimulation or rehabilitation of the whole body or part. This can promote suppleness of the muscles, improve circulation, boost immune systems to benefit blood pressure, digestion and skin tone. - Reflexology
Reflexology covers the whole person by using the feet as "maps" of the body. On the feet there are points or zones which correspond to organs and systems of the body. By pressing on one of these points, the corresponding organ in the body is stimulated. This treatment massages the body from within as feet have over 7000 nerve endings. - Cranio-sacral
Cranio-Sacral therapy is a diagnostic and healing approach based on the application of corrective pressure to the cranium and sacrum. It focuses on the membranes encasing the brain and the spinal cord. The aim of the therapy is to ensure an even, rhythmic flow of Cranial Rhythmic Impulse. - Reiki Healing
Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy in Japanese. Reiki practitioners act as a channel for the universal energy to pass into the patient. The treatment usually occurs lying down on a massage bed − though it can be done in a chair. By using hands in certain positions on different parts of the body, the practitioner is said to draw energy to the body, promoting healing, balance and relaxation - Kinesiology
Kinesiology covers the whole body and focuses on testing the muscles and energy meridians to discover and then treat the body's imbalances. Different positions and application of pressure are applied to the limbs to determine whether there are any energy blocks in the body, which can then be addressed.
We can put you in touch with therapists trained in treating cancer patients.
Counselling
Counselling can help you cope with the fears and anxieties relating to your illness and treatment. It may also help with relationships during this time.
CREST has a Cancer Care trained Counsellor available to talk with cancer patients, carers or family members in a secure and relaxed environment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling which can affect any part of the body, although more usually it affects the arms and the legs. It occurs as a result of disruption to the lymphatic system, either by surgery, radiation, trauma or infection.
It can be treated by Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), an advanced specialised massage, which is carried out by specially trained practitioners. MLD uses gentle, rhythmical pumping techniques which move skin in the direction of lymph flow.
CREST can put you in touch with qualified MLD therapists.
For a copy of our Lymphoedema Awareness leaflet, phone us on 01784 446298 or email enquiries@crestcancer.org.uk
For more information on our therapies or our Relaxation Days please call us on 01784 446298.
Please click here to read the full text of our Lymphoedema Awareness leaflet.