Complementary Therapies
Complementary Therapy Service
Complementary therapies are increasingly used within hospital
settings to support cancer patients and their families during the
medical treatment of their illness.
Therapies can help reduce stress and increase a sense of
wellbeing during what is often a very challenging time for both
patient and family.
There is also some evidence that complementary therapy of this
kind can sometimes help reduce the more unpleasant side
effects of treatment.
More information on this research can be found on the Cancer Research UK website.
Claudia Bonney
Reiki Therapist
Claudia has over 18 years' experience as a complementary
therapist working in many frontline and medical settings: for the
NHS in London and Bristol cancer centres and hospices.
Claudia is a traditional Usui Reiki Master therapist and teacher
and finds this therapy works well in hospitals as a welcome stress
buster for patients, families, and staff too.
'I didn't realise until 2 days after my first session with
Claudia that my mood had lifted! I felt more positive than I had
done for months'Patient
'My ever present stress headache just went! I don't know how it
worked but it did for me, brilliant!' J.
'Claudia always made Adam laugh even when he was at his lowest,
he found the Reiki sessions Invaluable as a long stay
inpatient.' Parent
Traditional Usui Reiki is a Japanese system that works along
similar principles to acupuncture and reflexology. It is a popular
support for cancer patients alongside their medical treatment and
can be used for both physical and emotional symptoms too. Patients
remain fully clothed during the 30min session and the practitioner
places their hands gently on the body in a series of set positions
from head to toe. Patients report feeling deeply relaxed during the
treatment with wellbeing lasting a number of days or more depending
on individual circumstances.
Clare Greatorex
Reflexologist
In 1991 I qualified as an RGN at Southampton General Hospital
and have subsequently spent 20 years of my nursing profession
working in cancer care.
Much of this experience has been in the NHS within hospital
settings, including the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre in
Bristol, where I worked as a Chemotherapy Sister.
But 3 years ago I decided to leave the NHS and subsequently
joined Penny Brohn UK, a cancer charity in Bristol, as an Education
and Training Manager.
In 2008 I qualified as a Reflexologist after successfully
completing my diploma at the Bristol School of Holistic
Therapies.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy which works on the hands
and the feet to restore physical and emotional wellbeing. This
gentle therapy encourages the body to naturally re-establish its
own healthy balance, re-vitalising a tired body and nourishing and
calming the mind.
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can support and bring
comfort to individuals experiencing a variety of chronic
conditions.
Claire Fraser-Tytler
Music Therapist
Music therapy offers a valuable creative outlet for the many
different and sometimes challenging feelings that you may
experience during your stay on the TYA.
There is no need to have any prior musical experience; it can be
used as a space for chat and for music.
Music therapy provides a space to listen and to be listened to,
to interact and express feelings without the need for words. It can
be stimulating, or have a relaxing effect.
Claire is available to both inpatients and outpatients.
Each week at 3pm (after tea and cake) there will be an open
group available to patients and their families and friend as a way
of socialising and supporting others going through the same
process.
1-2-1 sessions are also available
Complementary Therapy Schedule
Reflexology & Indian Head Massage
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10.00-15:00
Area 61 Teenage and Young Adult Unit, BHOC (treatment available
for inpatients and outpatients)
Reiki
Wednesday: 09.00-15.00
Bristol Children's Hospital
Friday: 09.00-15.00
Area 61 Teenage and Young Adult Unit, BHOC (treatment
available to inpatients and outpatients)
Music
Tuesday and Thursday: 12:30-16:30 on the TYA Unit.
How to book a session:
Music Therapy
For more information or any further questions please contact the
Music
Therapy department on 28778 (Monday to Friday) or email
Claire.fraser-tytler@uhbristol.nhs.uk
Reiki or Reflexology
To book a session, further information or if you have any
questions please contact the TYA Office on 01173427592, e-mail
TYACompTherpists@UHBristol.nhs.uk or speak to your CNS or support
worker.
This is a Charity funded service. Thank you to:
- Teenage Cancer Trust
- The Grand Appeal
- The Sam Buxton Healing Trust
