These alternative therapies can be very effective in aiding relaxation and assisting with symptom control in end-of-life care.
Our team of fully qualified practitioners carry out all complementary therapies and are happy to discuss the details of the treatment beforehand. Our most important goal is to provide information and treatment choices in a relaxed and unhurried environment where patients feel supported and cared for.
Holistic therapy treatments at St Margaret's
An alternative therapy, applying pressure to specific points in the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexology is based on the theory that different parts of your feet, face or hands are connected to different areas of your body. By applying gentle pressure and massaging movements to these parts of the feet, face or hands, your therapist hopes to have a positive effect on the areas of the body they correspond to.
This treatment aims to re-balance the whole body, mind and spirit, bringing a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.
Massage involves working on the soft tissue of your body for therapeutic purposes. Our therapists use techniques drawn from a number of different massage modalities to provide a unique, tailored treatment to suit you.
During your massage, our therapists will apply pressure and massage techniques to various parts of your body; the pressure applied will vary depending on your preference and what is appropriate and safe for you at the time.
Massage can be relaxing and calming or stimulating and energising. It can be particularly beneficial if you have tension or tight, knotted muscles.
Focusing on pressure points around the head, neck and shoulders.
Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing. These essential oils are derived from plants and each oil has its own properties that are believed to have health benefits. Our therapists can use these oils in different ways. They can be mixed with a plain, unscented massage oil and massaged into areas of your body. They can also be used in creams, lotions, baths, aromasticks and diffusers in small and dilute quantities.
The effect of these essential oils depends on the blend of oils used in the treatment, but this versatile treatment can help to reduce stress and help you to relax.
Relaxation is an important way for us to maintain a feeling of wellbeing, as well as to relax and calm both the body and mind. Our therapists use Progressive Muscle relaxation techniques and/or Guided Imagery to bring about a sense of deep relaxation and wellbeing. This treatment can be provided as a one-to-one therapy either in person or online, or as part of a small group.
An alternative therapy focused on energy, calmness, and relaxation. Reiki is an energy-based therapy which can be provided by using hands-on or hands-off techniques. It aims to calm and balance your mind, body and spirit to restore wellbeing. Our therapists will either place their hands gently on you or hover them above your body throughout your treatment. Many patients report a feeling of deep relaxation during and following the treatment.
A method of gentle, structured touch, designed for palliative care. The ‘M’ technique® is a simple method of structured touch. Each movement and sequence is done in a set pattern at a set pressure and set speed, which never change. It works on skin receptors which send signals to your brain and has been described as ‘physical hypnotherapy’ and a ‘spiritual dance’. Many patients have described feeling deeply relaxed both during and after this treatment.