Hello All
This week, as part of the February In Focus series looking at complementary therapies, here is some information about touch therapies. These are therapies where the practitioner will use direct touch in a nurturing, respectful way. This process in itself can be beneficial in providing time and space to be cared for in a gentle manner and soothing environment.
As before, this is just to provide a very basic introduction & to start a discussion, more information is available on the Macmillan and Cancer Research UK websites, and at the links given below.
*For aromatherapy and reflexology, research into the benefits with cancer is limited but they are widely available in cancer centres. You will need to be treated by therapists trained in treating people with cancer. This is because certain precautions will need to be taken regarding the type of massage, areas massaged, and oils used.*
Aromatherapy massage: aromatherapy massage is massage with essential oils extracted from plants plants. The oils are absorbed through the skin and also – as the name suggests – stimulate the senses. Different oils are thought to have different benefits. For example, lavender is thought to be relaxing, while citrus oils such as lemon/orange are thought to be revitalising.
Benefits of aromatherapy can include helping with anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation, and helping with fatigue. Some people also report certain oils help with feelings of nausea.
There isn’t one regulatory body for aromatherapists, but the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists is the largest aromatherapy specific professional practitioner organisation in the UK. You can search for a qualified therapist on their website here: members.ifparoma.org/Find-A...
Reflexology: Reflexology is a type of massage to your hands or feet. The theory is that parts of your hands/feet correspond to different areas of the body and the massage stimulates these different areas throughout the body to heal. It also follows the theory of energy flow, as described in last week’s post on energetic therapies.
Benefits of reflexology can include promoting relaxation and helping with sleep. As it aims to treat the whole body through the feet, it also offers an option for those wanting a whole body treatment but who would prefer not to undress or be touched on the rest of their body.
Again, there isn’t a regulatory body for reflexologists, but the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) are the UK voluntary regulator for complementary health practitioners. It was set up with government support to protect the public by providing a UK voluntary register of health practitioners and you can search their database for reflexologists here: cnhc.org.uk/
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): This isn’t strictly a complementary therapy as it is given as part of conventional lymphoedema management, but I thought it might be useful to mention here. MLD is a very light massage which you may be offered if you are experiencing lymphoedema. Lymphoedema occurs when lymph is stopped from draining properly through lymph nodes and swelling occurs (so if you had lymph nodes removed with surgery as part of treatment you would be told about managing your risk of lymphoedema to try and prevent it). MLD aims to reduce swelling by encouraging the lymph to drain through healthy lymph nodes. Deep breathing exercises are also used. If appropriate, it will be used in combination with compression bandaging.
MLD is available on the NHS through lymphoedema services, although not all lymphoedema therapists are trained in MLD. If you need to find an MLD therapist MLD UK has a register of accredited therapists on their website here: mlduk.org.uk/therapists/
I hope this is helpful. Please do share your knowledge & experience of any of these in the comments below.
Best wishes
Anna
Ovacome Support Service Manager
Clinical reflexologist in South Manchester? 
Platinum sensitive and rising CA125 - HGOC 3c, BRACA neg, HRP
Complementary treatments with "off label" drugs?
Alternative therapies 
