Therapies and Cancer Care
There are several complementary therapies that can be used during cancer to help the sufferer to cope with the symptoms associated with the disease and treatments such as Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Complementary Therapies are in no way a substitute for conventional medicine, they cannot offer a cure for the disease, but there are many benefits to including Complementary Therapies in your fight to stop the disease.
Before receiving any form of complementary healthcare it is important to discuss the decision with your Consultant Oncologist who will be able to advise you on the options available to you alongside your conventional treatment.
On first becoming diagnosed with cancer, many people go through a range of emotions from, shock and anger to withdrawal and guilt. These are all natural responses to hearing such life changing news.
When can I have a treatment?
Complementary Therapies such as Reflexology, Aromatherapy Massage and Reiki can be used to alleviate the stress and anxiety before surgery or a course of chemotherapy.
Reiki in particular is said to boost the immune system and help to prepare the body for surgery. In this instance it is advisable to have a course of treatment over several days or weeks before the operation.
Can I have a treatment if I am having Radiotherapy?
A massage with oils cannot be carried out while you are having Radiotherapy because the skin is very delicate at this time. However you can have a form of massage using ‘holding’ techniques two or three weeks after your course of treatment.
Holding techniques are a hands on way of stimulating the body’s own healing. The client remains fully clothed during the treatment as the therapist directs their hands to areas of the body where energy needs to be balanced. This type of treatment is very similar to Reiki. It is very relaxing and helps the recipient to feel calm and balanced. During the treatment you may feel very tired, experience tingling or heat in certain areas of the body and this is a perfectly natural reaction to the treatment.
Can I have a treatment if I am having Chemotherapy?
A series of ‘holding’ techniques and Reiki can be used before Chemotherapy and a massage with aromatherapy oils or a reflexology can take place two weeks after Chemotherapy. It should ideally be slotted in to the window of time before the next cycle of Chemotherapy.
Can I do anything else to help myself at home?
Yes you can safely use essential oils as an inhalation, and several oils are available that benefit the immune system. Your Aromatherapist at Amitayus Wellbeing will be able to advise you on the best oils to use.
What are the main benefits of treatment?
Therapies such as Reiki, Reflexology and Aromatherapy Massage help to bring the body mind and spirit in to balance helping you to feel calm, mentally alert and strong. You may also experience relief from some symptoms and overall feel relaxed and less stressed, which in turn leads to a stronger immune system and a more positive outlook.
If you are interested in a therapy and would like to discuss in confidence a treatment programme please just get in touch. Home visits are available at times where you do not feel well enough to be treated at the clinic.
[Feature by Dawn Hart, 2009]
