Complementary therapies can give you comfort and help you feel more relaxed after treatment and diagnosis. They aim to encourage the potential for empowerment. There is no evidence they will cure your cancer, but they can be used alongside treatment recommended by your consultant. You should discuss complementary therapies you are having with your doctor or specialist nurse.
They are not the same as alternative therapies, which are used instead of conventional treatments.
If you are currently receiving treatment at the Dorset Cancer Centre in Poole, the following therapies are available for you to try:
You can read more about each of these treatments further down this page.
If you are being treated at University Hospitals Dorset for any type of cancer, you can self-refer to the Complementary Therapies team at any stage of your treatment process.
The team may be able to visit you in the Dorset Cancer Centre and offer treatments while you have chemotherapy, or if you are an inpatient on a ward.
We also have a treatment room based upstairs at Forest Holme Hospice which you could visit for an outpatient appointment.
This service is funded by Forest Holme Hospice Charity, Harry Edwards Foundation and University Hospitals Dorset.
You can either call the team on 03000 198 268, or email uhd.complementarytherapy@nhs.net leaving your name and contact details. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Medical acupuncture is the use of acupuncture following a medical diagnosis. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles and can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It’s likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture. A course of acupuncture usually creates longer lasting pain relief than when a single treatment is used.
Aromatherapy is a type of complementary medicine which uses the essential oils of plants. These concentrated essences are extracted from various parts of the plants, i.e. the leaves, roots, flowers and bark and have been valued throughout history for their therapeutic properties. The oils are absorbed through the skin, helping to promote relaxation and a feeling of well-being.
Our therapists offer patients treatment comprising of a hand a foot massage. We also offer patients inhaler sticks for home use to assist with side effects.
Aromatherapy may help ease some of the side effects of your treatment such as:
EFT is a psychological form of acupuncture without needles. It can help with pain relief, stress and the anxiety associated with the diagnoses and treatment of cancer. It can give you techniques and tools to help you with panic attacks, needle phobias, anticipatory nausea and a wide range of emotional issues.
Reiki is a gentle, non-intrusive energy therapy that does not require pressure or manipulation to the body. It enables a flow of energy to help remove blocks caused by physical injury or emotional pain, in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. Reiki practitioners believe that improving the flow of energy around the body can help with some symptoms of illness, reduce pain and anxiety, and offer relaxation.
Chakras are the concentrated energy centres of the body. Chakra Balancing is a form of therapy that focuses on channelling energy around the chakra points to improve our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Reflexology is a form of acupuncture. Pressure is applied by the therapist’s hands on reflex points on the patient’s feet. The aim of this treatment is to improve the energy flow throughout the body, to release stress and toxins to increase energy levels. Reflexology is available for patients during and after chemotherapy.
Gentle yoga classes Monday afternoons especially designed for cancer patients.
To book please email Magda Ricci at magdaricci@btinternet.com or phone 07760 401185
The Complementary Therapy team is led by qualified practitioners in accordance with the Professional Standards Authority and NICE.
It is available free of charge to all patients attending Dorset Cancer Centre wards, Day Care and Forest Holme Hospice.