Its use alongside conventional medicine and treatments can help ease symptoms of stress and anxiety, for the purpose of supporting relaxation and wellbeing. In addition, these therapies and treatments can help with the management of specific issues such as symptom control of fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, and pain.
At St Helena, complementary therapies are considered an integral part of the holistic care of the patient. Complementary therapies specifically play an important role in supporting patients, families and carers who are facing anxiety and worry because of their illness and diagnosis.
These non-invasive, holistic practices do not replace the medical, social, or spiritual care of the hospice teams. Rather, they work with the total care given, improving a real sense of wellbeing, comfort and support. This service is available to our St Helena patients, their family/carers and those who are supported by our bereavement team.
The complementary therapies are provided by a team of fully qualified professional volunteer therapists, who have met the strict prerequisites to provide therapies at St Helena - you can be reassured you are in safe hands.
Once a referral is received, an initial assessment will be made by our qualified and experienced complementary therapy team lead, and the most appropriate treatments will be discussed and offered, and tailor-made for your individual needs.
If you'd like to refer yourself or make a referral on behalf of somebody else please speak to your appointed clinical nurse specialist or support worker/care coordinator or call SinglePoint on 01206 890 360.
Complementary therapies aim to:
Full details of the complementary therapies we offer can be found in our complementary therapies leaflet.
One of the relaxing therapies we provide is known as the 'M' technique® which can be easily learned and carried out at home by a friend of family member. The ‘M’ technique® is a simple method of structured touch. Each movement and sequence is carried out in a set pattern at a set pressure and speed, which never change. Learn how to massage using the 'M' technique® at home with the help of our step-by-step leaflet or watch our ‘M’ technique® video which demonstrates this therapeutic technique in easy-to-follow stages.
Cancer Research UK - Complementary and alternative therapies
Measurement of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Associated with the M Technique–Light Massage Therapy: A Case Series and Longitudinal Study Using SPECT
Marie Curie - Complementary therapies
Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the perspectives from people with palliative care needs
47 Important outcomes to measure in trials of touch-based complementary therapies in palliative care
Complementary and alternative medicine
Reflexology’s Role in Cancer Care and Support
The HEARTS process – creating peace, calm and tranquility in cancer and supportive care
Essential oil inhaler (AromaStick®) improves heat tolerance in the Hot Immersion Test (HIT). Results from two randomized, controlled experiments
Your donation, large or small, can make a big difference, giving more local people dignity and choice at the end of life.
Read stories DonateWhen you make a donation to St Helena Hospice, we are charged transactional fees by other companies, including fees for processing payments made to us, looking up addresses and validating bank account details.
We are very grateful to our donors who offer to offset some of these fees with a minor addition to their total amount. This is however completely optional and we are very grateful for your support whether or not you choose to contribute to processing fees.
CloseWe are able to claim an extra 25p on every £1 on your donation amount for no extra cost to you, as long as you are a UK tax payer; have paid enough income tax or capital gains tax in that tax year; and are donating your own money. If you pay less income tax and/or capital gains tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all of your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference. For more information about Gift Aid, please visit https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid