Great Oaks Hospice’s mission is to provide the best care and support for everyone in our community when they need it most.
Complementary Therapies
Our team of Complementary Therapists deliver a range of supportive and palliative care services to our patients and the people who support them, whether that is family, carers or friends. Therapies are offered on a one to one or group basis and we offer a mix of face-to-face and remote sessions.
Our therapists are fully trained professionals with recognised qualifications and experience, and our therapies can be effective in:
- Improving wellbeing and body systems
- Relieving stress, tension and irritability
- Reducing symptoms such as sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, stiffness, headaches, nausea and constipation
- Leading to a feeling of being more in control
Please find some examples of our complementary therapy services/groups below, and for more information please email ctteam@great-oaks.org.uk or call our Main Reception on 01594 811910.
QI GONG
Qi Gong is a form of exercise, where the movements are gentle and although you carry them out in a relaxed state you have an awareness of your movements. It is a complementary therapy which is suitable for all, whether young or old, feeling well or fragile, and it can be tailored to meet individual needs. In Qi Gong, the gentle movements can be enjoyed either standing or sitting and although you may not even use all of your energy in the exercise, continued practice will bring you some benefits. Our hour-long Qi Gong groups are delivered weekly on Tuesdays (at 9.45am, 11am and 2pm) and we offer a mix of face-to-face sessions and remote sessions, using Zoom.
MINDFULNESS TUESDAYS
Mindfulness is a technique you can learn to be fully present and engaged in the moment without judging anything. It can help you manage your thoughts, feelings and mental health, and reduce anxiety and stress. Our Mindfulness group is held weekly on a Tuesday at 12.30pm – 1pm.
SOUND THERAPY
Sound therapy is the process of balancing the mind and body through music, tones, frequencies, and vibrations. Sound therapy can be performed in a variety of ways and can be conducted with instruments or through clapping, chanting, or humming, among other methods. A therapy session can reduce stress and produce feelings of calm, relaxation or rejuvenation. Our Sound Therapy groups are delivered on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 10am – 11.30am and we offer a mix of face-to-face sessions and remote sessions, using Zoom.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is a massage of the feet (or hands) that works on stimulating specific points that relate to areas of the body. This is done by the therapist using gentle but firm pressure all over the foot. This means that it tends not to be ticklish! It is generally relaxing and can alleviate stress. It is performed whilst you are seated and only shoes and socks are removed.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE
The main goal of Oncology Massage is to enhance a sense of wellbeing by providing a gentle, soothing and supportive touch. It is suitable and safe for people at any stage on their cancer journey, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. Massage can help with many of the temporary side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, lower anxiety and pain, improve energy and decrease nausea. The massage and products used are tailored to each person’s needs. Some clothing may need to be removed depending on the massage given but dignity is maintained at all times.
BOWEN TECHNIQUE
The Bowen Technique is a gentle therapy that is applied to areas of the body, using thumbs and fingers in a specific way which is designed to stimulate nerve pathways, creating a focus for the brain. Pauses during the therapy allow the brain to interpret these stimulations. The therapy is used to rebalance the body and improve wellbeing. It is often carried out when you are fully clothed but you may be asked to lie down, if possible.
(Note: Some therapies are referred to as ‘healing’. It is important to understand that ‘healing’ does not mean cure. It is about helping people feel better within themselves by promoting confidence and, wherever possible, reducing stress and symptoms.)
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