Aromatherapy oils are concentrated essences (leaves, roots, flowers and bark) from plants. The oils are massaged into your skin. They can relax you and improve your feeling of wellbeing. We also offer inhaler sticks, bespoke oils for home use and cooling spray to help with side effects, helping to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support you alongside your cancer treatment.

Massage is a hands-on treatment that involves gentle manipulation of soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments to improve overall well-being and health. It can be used to reduce stress, pain and muscle tension, as well as improve circulation and promote relaxation.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a psychological therapy that uses gentle tapping on specific acupuncture points, without the use of needles. It can help ease stress and anxiety related to a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy in which the therapist applies gentle pressure to specific reflex points on the feet and hands. The technique aims to support the body’s natural balance, promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve the flow of energy through your body and help release tension. Reflexology may also provide relief from neuropathy associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Rei is translated as sacred – soul or spirit – the wisdom and knowledge of the Universe, while Ki is the life force energy which flows through every living thing – plants, animals and people.

Reiki is a gently therapy that helps to increase the energy flow throughout the body. It works through the Therapist placing their hands in different position and over the main Chakras of the body. The client is fully clothed throughout the treatment and can lay on a treatment couch or the treatment can be carried out while they sit in a chair.

Chakras are an essential part of our body’s energy system, because they are connected to our physical and mental health and Reiki is an important treatment in helping to balance these Chakras. Each Chakra is linked to a specific part of the body and to the systems within. Chakras are affected by everything that happens to the body, and Reiki helps to rebalance and recharge them when they have become blocked or damaged. When Ki is flowing freely around our whole body we feel healthy, strong and full of energy.  We also feel confident, ready to enjoy life and take on its challenges. If our Ki is low due to a blockage that restricts the flow, we feel weak tired, listless and more vulnerable. Chakra means a wheel or vortex and there are 7 major chakras in the human energy body.

Root – base of spine
Sacral – near the navel
Solar plexus – just on the stomach/gut
Heart – on the breast bone
Throat
Third eye/on the brow
Crown – top of the head

Acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. This causes your body to make natural substances which can include pain-relieving endorphins. Acupuncture relieves pain for longer if you have more than one treatment. It is ONLY offered to patients suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy. A course of six treatments is usually given.

The Complementary Therapy Service at Forest Holme is led by fully qualified practitioners who work in accordance with EEC standards.

If you would like further information on these services, please contact a member of the Complementary Therapies team, between Monday and Thursday, on 0300 019 8268