Complementary therapies are a range of treatments used to help support our patients and improve their quality of life. This could include an increased ability to relax and a better sense of wellbeing. Symptoms such as constipation, pain, insomnia, fatigue, breathlessness, muscular aches and anxiety may be helped this way too.
Which therapies are available?
Aromatherapy
The use of plant based essential oils, which may be either inhaled or used as massage oil. We can also create an inhaler called an aroma-stick which you can take away with you and use as often as you would like to. The oils in the inhalers can be blended to suit specific needs, for example to help with nausea.
Reflexology
A type of foot or hand massage with gentle pressures at specific points. You will only need to remove your shoes and socks for this treatment.
Massage
The use of light pressure on the body, directly onto the skin. Specific parts of the body may be treated. We also offer a form of massage called ‘biodynamic’ that aims to help on a combined physical, emotional and spiritual level.
Shiatsu
Therapists use light pressure on specific parts of the body, through clothing.
Relaxation and guided visualisation
Therapists make use of breathing and muscle relaxation techniques and positive thoughts and images.
Bowen Technique
The therapist uses gentle hand movements on the body, through clothing. There are frequent pauses of a few minutes which allow the body to respond to the treatment.
Reiki
The therapist places their hands in a series of positions on or near the body. There is no massage or manipulation. You will be fully clothed and either sitting on a chair or lying down on a couch.
Who is the service for?
The service is available for Barts Health cancer and palliative care patients. Patients may be seen as inpatients or outpatients.
How often can I have complementary therapies?
Therapies are offered for four to six sessions in outpatient clinics. We appreciate that needs change and so we are happy for you to be re-referred as necessary. In-patients may be seen multiple times.
How can I be referred?
Your key worker, nurse specialist or any member of your medical team can refer you into the service. Following referral, a member of the Complementary Therapies Service Team will contact you in order to arrange an initial appointment.
Is there a charge?
The service is free of charge. If you would like to support the Complementary Therapies Service, donations can be made to Special Purpose Fund 8404 at Barts Charity.
Contact us
Call 020 8539 5522 and use extension 5840. A therapist will be happy to talk about the service further and answer any questions you may have.
