Complementary Therapies
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.
Reflexologist and Holistic Therapist
- Claire Harris
In 2000 I qualified as a primary school
teacher and spent the next 16 years working in various primary
schools around Gloucestershire, mainly teaching 5-7 year olds. Then
in 2016, after having two daughters, I decided to leave teaching to
gain a better life/work balance. After a much needed break, I
registered as a childminder and cared for teachers' children so I
could enjoy the school holidays with my own.
I'd always enjoyed having reflexology,
finding it relaxing and calming, as well as a bit of time for me!
Knowing that my childminding days were coming to an end, I started
to train in reflexology at the Cheltenham School of Complementary
Therapy. I completed this in early 2021. I then went on to learn
Indian head massage, holistic facials and more recently thermal
auricular therapy. I now work from my own purpose built studio in
the garden of my home in Cheltenham. Alongside this, I also provide
reflexology sessions at my local infant school, specifically with
children who have stressful lives or special needs. The children
look forward to my weekly sessions and call me 'Foot Pamper
Claire'. The staff can really see the difference in the children's
behaviour post reflexology and say they're calmer and more open to
listening.
Reflexology is a therapy that I carry out on
the feet (or hands if preferred) to restore physical and emotional
wellbeing. It is a touch therapy based on the theory that different
points of the body on the feet, lower leg or hands correspond with
different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points
and areas. Reflexology is a relaxing, gentle therapy; I use my
fingers and thumbs to manipulate the reflexes which in turn
encourage the body to naturally rebalance itself as well as helping
it to revitalise and nourish a tired body, all whilst calming the
mind. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can help support
individuals who experience a variety of chronic conditions.
Some of my clients quote:
"I've slept so well after my
reflexology. I feel rejuvenated."
"My feet feel so light and feel
so nourished."
"I just feel calm, relaxed and
balanced."
"I felt emotional, this is the
most relaxed I've been in such a long time, I need more of this in
my life."
I love what I do and bringing calm and relaxation to my clients
is extremely rewarding and special.
Reiki Therapist - Raina Nahar
I have been a Reiki practitioner and teacher since 2008. Before
that, I was a yoga teacher and aromatherapy therapist. I taught
yoga in London one-to-one and in financial institutions to help
reduce stress and bring peace to heart, mind and body. I continued
this work but with Reiki, and I have been offering this service at
the TYA unit since 2018. I am grateful to have the opportunity to
help patients, families and staff in this way.
Music Therapist - Claire Fraser-Tytler
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 and 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 Royal Hospital for Children
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@uhbw.nhs.uk
Reiki or reflexology
To book a session, further information or if you have any
questions please contact the TYA Office on 01173427592, email
TYACompTherpists@uhbw.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
