DIRECTORY OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY SERVICES

Transcription

1 DIRECTORY OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY SERVICES A reference leaflet for patients For approvals and version control see Document Management Record on page 11 Ref: AngCN-CCG-PS6 Page 1 of 12

2 1. INTRODUCTION An increasing number of patients are turning to Complementary Therapies as a means to provide relaxation, comfort and restoration. At the same time professionals are recognising the valuable role complementary therapies can play in the over all care of cancer patients. The purpose of this Directory of Complementary Therapy Services provided by organisations within the Anglia Cancer Network is to provide information to both professionals and service users so that informed decisions about accessing complementary therapies can be made and so that services can be located. In order to be included in this Directory all providers listed are obliged to ensure that therapists working within their establishment adhere to the standards set out in the Anglia Cancer Network Complementary Therapies Policy. To this end we ask Providers to complete and sign a declaration of competency and compliance with these standards. A Copy of the Policy is available on the Anglia Cancer Network Website. In addition we provide information about the therapies most commonly provided. These therapies are also deemed by experts to be safe and appropriate for patients with cancer, whether they are undergoing treatment, have completed treatment, are in the restoration and survivorship phase, or who may be approaching the end of life. Each institution and, in turn, each individual therapist, is professionally accountable in their own right and Anglia Cancer Network does not take any responsibility for any individual or institution who does not abide by the Anglia Cancer Network s Complementary Therapy Policy or who acts in any way which may be negligent or un professional. We have not included any therapies, medicines or approaches which offer an alternative to conventional treatment. Information about these can usually be accessed or sign posted via cancer Information Centres and Help Lines. 2. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY? In The Anglia Cancer Network Directory of Complementary Therapies the term Complementary Therapy is used to describe those therapies which work along side other cancer treatments, such as Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy and which generally provide support, emotionally and physically, during the experience of cancer. They are frequently described as promoting a sense of well being and restoration. As such they have also been found to be a valuable tool in the adjustment to life after cancer. Traditionally Complementary Therapies reflect a Holistic approach to health and to the individual. In simple terms this can be translated as the patient being viewed in the entirety of their relationship with self, others and the world around them, as opposed to being defined mainly by illness. The nurturing of a sense of well being is seen as a vital part of the therapeutic process and consequently complementary therapies, in the context of cancer care, are given with a therapeutic and Healing Page 2 of 12

3 intent rather than as a pampering experience or in place of physiotherapy. (Healing in this context does not imply cure, but a sense of wholeness) OVER VIEW OF BENEFITS Although each therapy has its own style and underlying principals of practice there are some general similarities in their effects. They all tend to produce a deep sense of relaxation, which in addition to providing a sense of space and respite from an over busy and anxious mind may also contribute to a general reduction of stress both mentally and physically. It has been reported that they can occasionally help to alleviate some symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. They can at times temporarily reduce the perception of pain They can have a cathartic effect which although difficult can also be a release of feelings including anger, fear and sadness. They can be restorative and balancing on many levels Many people report experiencing a deep sense of calm and peace THERAPIES included in this Directory Not all of the therapies described will be necessarily available at all of the locations providing Complementary Therapies. Acupuncture Aromatherapy Massage Shiatsu Healing /bio energy therapies Therapies 3. DESCRIPTION OF THERAPIES Acupuncture: this stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific points, which are associated with energy pathways known as meridians. It can be useful for general relaxation, but is used particularly to help with nausea, some types of pain and hot flushes. Acupressure is a type of massage which works on the same principle as acupuncture. Aromatherapy: this is the therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential Oils are obtained from plants and depending on their individual chemical composition, can act on both an emotional and physical level. Most frequently the oils are introduced to the circulation via massage, although they can be used in other ways as well. A blend of oils is chosen specifically to meet individual needs at the time of treatment. These oils are then diluted in a carrier oil ready for massage. Holistic Massage: this is the formalised use of touch, with specific movements designed to help the body let go of tension and to experience deep relaxation. Frequently a blend of essential oils is used to help the hands flow freely, but a plain base oil can be used on its own. Page 3 of 12

4 The treatment approach will be individualised and as least invasive as possible. It is unusual for an entire body massage to be offered. When combined with essential oils the combined effect can be particularly helpful. This is often referred to as an Aromatherapy Massage. Research shows that Massage and Aromatherapy can, together or separately, reduce anxiety and improve quality of life NB There is much misinformation about massage and cancer. Certainly it is important that anyone providing massage understands how to adapt it for people with a cancer diagnosis. There are various forms of massage e.g. Sports massage, Swedish massage. These are not advised when there is a diagnosis of cancer because they are too vigorous. However, a gentle holistic massage as described here, using light strokes can be therapeutic and relaxing and is generally accepted as safe and is frequently used for patients undergoing cancer treatments. : is based on the idea that there are reflex areas in the feet (or hands) which correspond to different parts of the body. It is said that the systematic application of pressure on these reflex areas, using the thumb and forefingers, releases congestion and enhances well being throughout the body. A full treatment can last about forty five minutes but for most patients it is adapted to a gentle and shorter treatment. Research indicates a reduction in anxiety and improved quality of life. Healing therapies or bio/energy therapies: these include Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, Spiritual Healing The term Healing is from the Saxon root Haelen and means to make whole rather than to cure. Healing therapies are said to work on various levels and are frequently reported to bring about a deep sense of peace in addition to bringing about a relaxation response. With all these Healing Therapies, clothes do not need to be removed and generally positions can be adapted to suit the patient. They use either light touch or no touch. Reiki This is an ancient method of Healing which is thought to have originated in Tibet. Reiki is said to channel Ki, also described as universal energy. The Practitioner will place their hands on or above particular areas of the body in sequence, whilst visualising special ancient symbols to help facilitate the flow of Ki and its Healing potential. Reiki Practitioners work with an intention to help and comfort and Reiki has no attachment to any religion. Spiritual Healing is described as a process that promotes better health through the channelling of Healing energies. Many Healers embrace a spiritual understanding, based on unconditional love and drawing on the finer energies of the universe. Many will say they are being guided by a sense of divine love and some may say they work with an acute sense of the spiritual dimension. A session may involve light touch or no touch at all.. Page 4 of 12

5 Therapeutic Touch (TT) TT was introduced into nursing in the 1970s and is now taught and practiced world wide, often by nurses and increasingly by complementary therapists. TT is described as a modern interpretation of several ancient healing arts and is placed within the theoretical framework of quantum physics. Although TT recognises the sanctity within the holistic nature of life, it has no religious connotations or belief system attached to it and comes from a place of compassionate intention. Research shows that TT can bring about a reduction in anxiety, the perception of pain and at times a deep sense of peace. Shiatsu: this is the use of finger pressure applied to specific points of the body, which coincide with what are described as energetic pathways. This is said to balance and strengthen the body and can bring about a feeling of calm. Visualisation: this is not really a complementary therapy but is a technique often used to help with relaxation. You are helped to become relaxed often through the use of breath work and then invited to take a relaxing mental journey. Sometimes imagery like this can be utilised to help the body work with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to generally re pattern the body against cancer. Sometimes a combination of therapies may be given e.g. Foot Massage, Healing and Visualisation 4. WHAT TO EXPECT At your first session you will be asked some questions about your general health, how you are at present, what cancer treatments you have had or are having and for information about your past and present medical history. This is all so that any contra indications or conditions that will require some adaptation can be identified. You should also be given information about the therapies including access to written information. This is so that you are quite clear about the nature of the therapies you will be receiving If you are an in patient you may well be seen at your bed and every effort will be made not to intrude or disturb you and your privacy and dignity will be respected at all times. It is not necessary for you to undress completely and sometimes not at all. Often your feet or hands are the focus of treatment. If you are an out patient the above applies also but you will probably be seen in a dedicated room and usually by appointment. Page 5 of 12

6 5. HOW TO ACCESS COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES If you are attending a Hospital or Hospice which provides Complementary Therapy it may be suggested that Complementary Therapies will help and you will be referred by your Health Care Professional. Alternatively you can request a referral or self refer using the information provided by the organisation or in this Directory. Generally the Health Care Practitioners involved in your care will be informed that you are receiving a complementary therapy. Support and Information Centres:- Although you might be referred or advised to self refer, quite often these Centres will accommodate patients requesting therapies independently. How ever, we strongly advise that you keep your Health Care Professionals informed about what therapies you are having. 6. HOW MANY SESSIONS? Generally between four and six sessions are offered initially, but this can vary and there is usually some flexibility. A session can last from half an hour to an hour and you might want to clarify this before your first appointment. As an in patient the number of sessions will vary. 7. COST Complementary Therapies are mostly funded through charitable donations and are therefore often free of charge. Donations are obviously very welcome. Occasionally you may find an organisation will make a nominal charge or request a donation. This is something you need to clarify 8. Some dos and don ts Do: Be clear what the therapy is intended to achieve Ask for associated literature and information If you use a private therapist check their qualifications and fees and that they understand the implications of your condition Only accept treatment from someone you feel comfortable with Don t: Be misled by promises of cures Follow medical advice from therapists without checking it out with a Nurse or Doctor Feel pressurised to purchase books, videos, DVDs and CDs Page 6 of 12

7 Providers of Complementary Therapies The following details are correct at the present time but of course are subject to change contact details for each centre follow on from the What and Where list: These organisations are within the Anglia Cancer Network region. Where What Acupressure Acupuncture Aromatherapy Auricular acupuncture Counselling Massage Reflexology Reiki Shiatsu Spiritual Healing Therapeutic Touch Visualisation Bedford, St John s Hospice Bedford, Day Care Hospice, Gladys Ibbett House (NHS) Bury St Edmunds, St Nicholas Hospice Cambridge, Arthur Rank Hospice (NHS) Cambridge, Cambridge Cancer Help Cambridge, Wallace Cancer Care Huntingdon, Macmillan Woodlands Centre (NHS) Ipswich, Ipswich Hospital (Oncology) (NHS) Ipswich, St Elizabeth Hospice Kings Lynn, Queen Elizabeth Hospital (NHS) Norwich, Colman Hospital (NHS) Norwich, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (NHS) Peterborough, City Hospital (NHS) Peterborough, Thorpe Hall Snettisham, Norfolk Hospice Confirmation that a particular practitioner is endorsed by the Network can be obtained by ing enquiries@angliacancernetwork.nhs.uk or contacting them on Page 7 of 12

8 Suffolk Ipswich Hospital (Oncology) at The John LeVay Cancer Information Centre, Heath Road, Ipswich (NHS) Therapies available: Aromatherapy/ massage Therapeutic Touch Contact details: or St Elizabeth Hospice, Foxhall Road, Ipswich Therapies available: Aromatherapy/massage Acupuncture Contact details: St Nicholas Hospice Care, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds Therapies available: Massage /Aromatherapy Acu pressure Indian head massage Contact details: Page 8 of 12

9 Cambridgeshire Arthur Rank House Brookfields Hospital, 351 Mill Road, Cambridge (NHS) Aromatherapy Contact details: Cambridge Cancer Care: David Rayner Centre (Scotsdales), 120 Cambridge Road, Great Shelford Massage Indian Head Massage Acupuncture Counselling Relaxation/Meditation Contact details: Wallace Cancer Care: 7 Red Cross Lane, Cambridge Aromatherapy/Massage Indian Head Massage HEARTS Auricular acupuncture Contact details: Macmillan Woodlands Centre, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon (NHS) Aromatherapy/massage Acupuncture Contact details: Robert Horrell, Macmillan Day Centre, Peterborough City Hospital, Bretton Gate Peterborough (NHS) Aromatherapy/massage Therapeutic Touch Contact details: Page 9 of 12

10 Sue Ryder, Thorpe Hall Hospice, Thorpe Road, Longthorpe, Peterborough Therapies offered Aromatherapy/Massage Indian Head Massage HEARTS Contact Details: Page 10 of 12

11 Norfolk Priscilla Bacon Centre, Colman Hospital, Unthank Road Norwich (NHS) Aromatherapy Massage Contact details: / Big C Cancer Information & Support Centre, Norwich & Norfolk University Hospitals (NHS) Massage Contact details: Macmillan Care and Treatment Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn (NHS) Massage Contact details: Norfolk Hospice, Kings Lynn, Tapping House, Common Road West, Snettisham, Norfolk Aromatherapy/ Massage Shiatsu Contact details: Page 11 of 12

12 Bedfordshire Sue Ryder Care, St Johns Hospice, Moggerhanger, Bedford Aromatherapy/Massage/Reiki/Reflexology/Counselling/Meditation Contact details: Bedford Daycare Hospice, Gladys Ibbett House, 3 Linden Road, Bedford (NHS) Aromatherapy massage Indian head massage Contact Details: Tel We hope this directory is of assistance to you. If you are a patient and use these services, we hope you enjoy the respite and restoration Complementary Therapies can provide at any stage from diagnosis onwards, including recovery and rehabilitation. 9. Equality and Diversity Statement This document complies with the Suffolk PCT Equality and Diversity statement an EqIA assessment is available on request to Anglia Cancer Network PQ Manager, Gibson Centre, Exning Road, Newmarket, CB8 7JG. Please notify any changes required to the Anglia Cancer Network Quality Manager Document management Document ratification and history Approved by: Complementary Therapy Steering Group Date approved: April 2012 Date placed on electronic library: April 2012 Review period: 2 years (or earlier in the light of new evidence) Authors: Spec. Counsellor & Comp. Therapy Lead AngCN; Nurse Director AngCN Document Owner: Anglia Cancer Network, Tel: Version number as approved and published: 7 Unique identifier no. AngCN-CCG-PS6 Page 12 of 12