Complementary therapies at St Margaret’s
We provide a choice of complementary therapies in a relaxed and welcoming environment where you feel supported and cared for.
Complementary therapies can help promote relaxation, ease discomfort and support overall wellbeing. They are offered alongside other services provided by St Margaret’s and are completely free of charge.
All our therapies are carried out by fully qualified practitioners who will be happy to discuss your treatment options and answer any questions beforehand.
If you would like someone to accompany you during your appointment, please let your therapist know.
Therapies we offer
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.
Who can access complementary therapies?
Our complementary therapies are available to patients and their families as part of the support offered through our Sunflower Centres.
To access complementary therapies, you will need to have been referred to St Margaret’s.
If you are already receiving support from St Margaret’s, you can speak to your community nurse, Sunflower Centre clinician or another member of your care team about complementary therapies. They can discuss the options available and arrange an internal referral if appropriate.
Complementary Therapies leaflet
Find out more
If you would like to know more about complementary therapies or accessing support through our Sunflower Centres, please speak to a member of your care team.
You can also contact us:
Taunton: 01823 333822
Yeovil: 01935 709480