Complementary Therapies

Some complementary therapies may help you to cope with your cancer related symptoms and manage any side effects or distress you are experiencing. Do seek out a qualified therapist and please inform your medical team if you are considering taking up complementary therapies. Some therapies can interact or reduce the effectiveness of your cancer treatment so it is important that your medical team are aware of what complementary therapy you are receiving.

Some examples of complementary therapies:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from aromatic plants to enhance a person’s overall well-being. The scent from the oil can either be inhaled or the oil can be massaged into the skin. Aromatherapy should only be carried out by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Aromatherapy may be beneficial for a range of cancer related symptoms and side effects but please speak to a qualified therapist first to discuss whether it is appropriate for you.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the act of applying pressure to certain zones on the hands, feet or ears. It is thought that by manipulating certain zones, a person’s health can be improved. Reflexology should only be carried out by a qualified reflexology practitioner. Reflexology may be beneficial for a range of cancer related symptoms and side effects but please speak to a qualified therapist first to discuss whether it is appropriate for you.

Massage

Massage is the act of manipulating muscle and other soft tissues around the body to improve health and well-being. There are many different types of massage that aim to achieve specific therapeutic effects. Although gentle massage can be carried out at home by yourself or a friend or relative, in a salon type environment it should only be carried out by a qualified massage practitioner. Massage may be beneficial for a range of cancer related symptoms and side effects but please speak to a qualified therapist first to discuss whether it is appropriate for you.

The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at St James’s can provide some forms of complementary therapies to people affected by cancer. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will ensure that the providers of complementary therapies working within the Trust’s cancer services meet the Yorkshire Cancer Network quality standards and qualification criteria (YCN Peer Review Measures 2010).

If you are unsure about which treatments may be suitable for you, or have any questions about therapists’ qualifications (outside of the trust) please contact the Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre for advice.