Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are increasingly being integrated into mainstream healthcare. St Luke's, like many other hospices, provides complementary therapies for patients as part of its multidisciplinary approach to care. A range of therapies is available to patients via the In-Patient and Day Care Units. The complementary therapy team consists of a full time nurse/therapist co-ordinator and 9 volunteer therapists.

Picture of complementary therapy back massage.

What therapies are on offer?

Therapies offered at St Luke's are: acupuncture, aromatherapy, crystal therapy, exercise, hypnotherapy, massage, reflexology, reiki, relaxation, sound and music and spiritual healing.

How can complementary therapies help?

Complementary therapies can help to treat: pain, breathlessness, nausea, anxiety, constipation, wounds, sleep disturbances, spiritual issues. They can also help to maintain joint flexibility, care for the skin and control odour.

A patient's story

Picture of Alan playing the symbol to patients.

Madeline had a long history of breast cancer, which had spread to her bones. As part of her treatment she needed to have an infusion into her bloodstream every month, but past treatments requiring injections had made her veins very hard and difficult to gain access to. Madeline dreaded having the needle put into her arm as it was always painful and took several attempts.

Madeline loved music and so agreed to try a relaxation session with the sound therapist 20 minutes prior to the nurse setting up the infusion.

Using a selection of instruments, including Tibetan bowls and a gong, the therapist created a 'bath' of sound, which helped eliminate anxiety and allowed a 'relaxation response' to occur. As part of this response the blood vessels dilate slightly.

When it was time for her injection, Madeline was relaxed, with her eyes closed. The needle slipped in easily and painlessly. Thereafter, this approach was used every time Madeline needed the infusion, with the same positive effect.

'I find Alan's sound therapy so peaceful and relaxing'

Complementary Therapies

Count Down to Midnight Walk