We’re here to support the whole person – whether you’re a patient or a carer. Our wellbeing sessions include mindfulness, creative sessions, and complementary therapies.
Our complementary therapies focus on relaxation first – helping to ease tension and support circulation. They can also offer a safe, quiet space to pause and reflect. Our lead therapist will chat with you first and help you choose the most suitable treatment.
Complementary therapies we currently offer:
As with all hospice care, these treatments are completely free of charge and are available to patients and their carers.
Massage therapy
Massage can help you relax, ease muscle tension and discomfort, reduce anxiety, and bring comfort through gentle human touch. It can be offered seated or lying down, with or without clothing – we’ll always work with you to find what feels most comfortable.
Indian head massage
This can be given over clothing while you sit comfortably. It includes massage of your upper back, neck, shoulders and arms, as well as your head and face. It can help ease stress and tension, headaches and migraines, and neck pain (including the kind that can build up from long periods at a computer).
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the idea that the body’s systems and organs are reflected on the feet, hands, ears and face. Using gentle pressure with specific techniques can bring deep relaxation and calm, and may help with symptoms such as constipation, pain, nausea and sickness.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can increase relaxation, boost energy, reduce the effects of stress, and help restore balance. Essential oils can be blended for you and used in massage, reflexology, or inhalation to support mood. Some oils may also help with pain relief thanks to anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Scar tissue massage
Scarring is part of the body’s natural healing process after surgery or injury. Sometimes scar tissue can feel raised, lumpy, itchy, or over-sensitive. Gentle massage can help it gradually feel smoother and softer, and may ease discomfort. As scars can continue to change for up to two years, regular scar massage can also help reduce the chance of longer-term problems. Your therapist will use light, specific techniques as part of a massage session, and many people find it relaxing.
Lymphoedema massage
Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. It can sometimes develop after cancer or cancer treatment. Not everyone will experience lymphoedema, but surgery to remove lymph nodes (and radiotherapy to those nodes) can increase the risk. One way to manage symptoms is manual lymph drainage – an extremely gentle massage of the affected area and surrounding tissue. The aim is to reduce fluid build-up, moisturise and protect the skin, improve movement, and ease discomfort.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release is a type of massage therapy that can help ease pain caused by sensitivity and tightness in the muscles and the thin tissue around them (called fascia). During a session, the therapist uses light pressure and gentle stretching in areas that feel tight or rigid. The aim is to improve muscle function, reduce discomfort, and help you feel calmer and more relaxed. This therapy can help to:
Reiki therapy
Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a Japanese word meaning “universal energy”. Many people find it brings deep relaxation, calm, and a sense of wellbeing. You’ll sit or lie comfortably in a peaceful space while the practitioner places their hands gently on or just above you in a series of positions. People often describe a warming, soothing sensation. Reiki is gentle, safe, and suitable for all ages.
Wellbeing days
Twice a month we hold an all-day wellbeing event at either Deer Park in Barnstaple or The Longhouse in Holsworthy, giving patients and carers the chance to try a range of complementary therapies in a calm, relaxing setting. You might enjoy a facial, manicure or pedicure, and there’s also the option to speak with our hair and wig team for specialist advice. It’s an informal, welcoming day to come together with others facing similar challenges – and, as with any hospice group, there’ll be tea and cake (and lunch is provided too).
A wellbeing day is a real icebreaker...you'll be hooked. It's much more than expected.
These sessions are designed to help you drop into a deep state of rest by surrounding you with resonant sound. Singing bowls, chimes and gongs create a gentle soundscape that can help ease stress and anxiety, and support overall wellbeing.
Sound Bath Therapy
These sessions are designed to help you drop into a deep state of rest by surrounding you with resonant sound. Singing bowls, chimes and gongs create a gentle soundscape that can help ease stress and anxiety, and support overall wellbeing.
Mindfulness In the Retreat
These guided sessions offer a chance to sit quietly and allow our attention to settle. This calm and nourishing space always many to feel what we are feeling without a sense of overwhelm. We bring our attention into the present moment, (rather than our minds taking us back into the past or racing into the future) finding space and comfort in this moment.
I find I tread a lot lighter after one of these sessions.
If you’d like to try mindfulness at home, here are a few guided practices you can follow:
Sitting Meditation with Awareness of Breath
Mindful Breathing – Focusing on Breath
Gentle Movement
We offer simple, down-to-earth wellbeing sessions using holistic approaches like mindfulness, breathwork, yoga and qi gong to nourish and support quality of life.
They’re suitable for everyone – especially on the days you feel you can’t, or don’t want to.
Help with sleep and guided relaxation
Poor sleep can have a real knock-on effect on day-to-day wellbeing. If it helps, try one of these relaxation practices to unwind and (hopefully) sleep a little more soundly.
Short introduction to relaxation
