Complementary Therapy has been shown to be effective in dealing with both physical and emotional/psychological symptoms that impact people affected by cancer.

For example, aromatherapy, reflexology and massage have been shown to: aid relaxation; relieve stress and tension; improve quality of life; aid sleep; improving coping with side effects and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Emmett technique, which involves the application of light finger pressure at specific points, enables gentle releases for common problems including neck, shoulder and back pain.     

Many of our Complementary Therapists are trained to adapt techniques to work safely with children and adults with a cancer diagnosis. The following Complementary Therapies are available at Action Cancer:

Aromatherapy

is the controlled use of essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. Essential oils are liquid extracts of flowers, herbs, fruit and woody plants.

Therapeutic Gentle Massage Therapy

uses light touch and gentle pressure to ease muscle tension and relax the body. 

Reflexology

is the application of gentle pressure to different points on the feet, lower leg or hands to deeply relax the body. 

Touch Therapy

involves a series of holding techniques gently applied to the fully clothed patient, either seated on a chair or lying on a bed.

Relaxation Therapy

uses techniques including breathing exercises, guided imagery and meditation to quiet the mind and induce relaxation.

Visualisation

uses imagery to create a peaceful scene in the clients mind to aid relaxation e.g. thoughts of walking along a beach or a countryside. 

Bach Flower Remedies

are natural remedies which help to balance emotions and mood such as fear, anxiety, lack of confidence and tiredness to name but a few.  Bach Flower Remedies are also safe for children to take. 

Bowen Therapy

A technique where the practitioner uses thumbs and forefingers on precise points on the body to make rolling type moves which gently stimulate the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body. These moves prompt the body to make the adjustments which help to re-balance, relieve tension and reduce pain.

Emmett Therapy

Involves the application of light finger pressure at specific points, referred to as “Emmett points” that enable gentle releases for common problems, which include neck, shoulder and back pain. 
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Auricular Acupuncture

Involves the insertion of very fine needles in and around the area of the ear.  It can help reduce anxiety levels, help deal with fatigue and aid sleep. 

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Treatment involves the use of fingertips to tap on the end points of energy meridians that are situated just beneath the surface of the skin. The treatment is non-invasive and works to help deal with our emotion state. 

  • Who can use it?

    Anyone (aged 5+) who has been impacted by cancer, those diagnosed or the family/friends of those diagnosed. 

  • Where is it?

    Complementary Therapy is available at Action Cancer House, Belfast and at a range of regional locations including: Bangor, Coleraine; Crossgar, Derry/Londonderry, Lurgan, Newry and Newtownards. 

  • How to access it?

    To book please call Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or email [email protected]

Testimonials

After recovering from breast cancer I was constantly exhausted, with no appetite and no reason to get out of bed.  Action Cancer has provided me with so much and I have so many people to be grateful for. [Therapist] helped me to manage tiredness through complimentary therapy- learning about meditation and essential oils has boosted my whole outlook.  I never thought that these therapies would have been so helpful- they  have boosted my energy levels, my sleep patterns, my pains, but also I feel I can deal with day to day problems and I do not get as ‘stressed’ as I used to.  [Therapist] has been my guardian angel- I do not know how I could have coped without Action Cancer.  I will be grateful forever.

The complementary therapy has brought stillness to my life at a hectic, emotional and physically tough time.  The Emotional Freedom Technique is becoming a routine part of my life.  Auricular acupuncture with aromatherapy gave me space for my mind to feel free of everyday burdens.  Remembering it still brings me calm and peace.

Aromatherapy/reflexology was amazing and I benefitted by being able to relax and achieve a good night’s rest afterwards.  It opened my eyes to the possibility of meditation and other ways to relax that I woulldn’t have known about.  Nicola was a very sympathetic and caring person and I appreciated her insight and treatment immensely.