We have a range of Complementary therapies on offer for cancer patients free of charge in the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre.
Complementary therapies at the Centre are funded entirely by Cancer Support Suffolk.
You can be referred by any of the team looking after you, one of the team in the Cancer Information Centre or by calling 01473 715748.
There is an answerphone and we will aim to return your call within 48 hours.
What is Complementary Therapy?
To learn more you can visit one of the cancer websites below, both have comprehensive explanations about Complementary Therapy and how it works and how it might help you, they include topics such as:-
What Complementary Therapy is
Information about some of the different types of Complementary Therapy
Why people find it helpful and how it might help you
Looks at the safety issues
How you can look for a therapist that is not based at the Hospital
What Complementary Therapies are offered within the John le Vay Cancer Support and Information Center?
We have a dedicated therapy room within the centre which allows a quiet and relaxing space to have your treatment.
At the centre we offer:
Reiki - This comes under a group of therapies generally referred to as therapeutic touch or healing, although this is not intended to suggest a cure.
The aim of reiki is to move and balance the ‘energy’ within and around your body. This process helps to reduce any energy blocks and encourages healing.
Research has shown that you might feel a tingling sensation, a deep relaxation, or warmth or coolness throughout your body. For most people Reiki can bring about a sense of stillness and relaxation, helpful in times of stress.
You do not have to get undressed for treatment. your therapist might dim the lights and play some relaxing music. They put their hands on, or a few inches above your body, usually starting at your head and working down to your feet but may focus on particular areas of the body.
Reflexology - This is a type of foot or hand massage. The therapist applies gentle pressure to specific points on the feet or hands.
Reflexology works in a similar way to acupressure and acupuncture. It is thought that there are certain points on the feet and hands that correspond to organs and glands in the body, so by pressing and massaging these points it can stimulate energy pathways in the body. If any energy pathways are blocked reflexology aims to unblock them, allowing the energy to flow freely again which aims to restore balance to the body. most people say they feel more relaxed after reflexology and it helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Reiki - An Explanation by Cancer Research
Reflexology - An explanation by Cancer Research
Aromatherapy - An Explanation by Cancer Research
This 4 min video is by Myeloma UK (Bone cancer national charity) where a therapist from the Nottingham hospital talks about how she offers complementary therapy to myeloma and other cancer patients in their hospital.
Who can access Complementary Therapy?
Anyone who has a cancer diagnosis living in Suffolk.
Once your referral form has been received there is normally a waiting time of 4-6 weeks before your first appointment.
We are sorry that at present we are unable to offer any therapy for those caring for someone with cancer.
We have a dedicated section to offer support to carers on our website . Click here.
Complementary Therapy for patients on Somersham Ward
If you are an inpatient at Ipswich hospital on Somersham Ward and feel a therapy session would help you, we may be able to provide a gentle form of reflexology for you on your bed on the ward.
You can ask one of the staff to contact the therapy team who may be free to visit you on the ward at short notice, or if you are expecting a longer stay in hospital it could be booked for a later time. The complementary therapy lead would review your medical history to ensure any treatment offered is appropriate for you.
How to be referred for therapy?
You will need to have a referral form completed. This can easily be done in the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre, by your Nurse Specialist or one of the health care professionals looking after you.
The form is then processed by the Complementary Therapy managers. Depending on the the waiting list times, you can expect to receive a telephone call within 3 weeks. This will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you feel it is appropriate to go ahead, then an appointment can be made.
You are able to have up to 3 sessions over a period of time. They can be spaced out around any treatments and how you are feeling. Of course you can stop at anytime if you find it is not suiting you, or you can swap to a different type of Complementary Therapy if a therapist is available.
Who are the therapists?
Therapists who work in a hospital setting must have the relevant qualifications. they are usually registered with organisations that regulate complementary therapy practitioners such as:
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Both of these organisations make sure that practitioners registered with them are professionally trained, qualified and insured. Your therapist will be familiar with working with people with cancer. Therapists at the centre may be working as volunteers or might be funded by Cancer Support Suffolk.
If you would like to make a donation
We do not expect any donations to support Complementary Therapy although of course we are always delighted when people are able to. Donations enable Cancer Support Suffolk and the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre to continue making a difference to others. If you would like to make a donation online please click either of the two images below:
Click to donate to support activities at the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre
Click to donate to support Complementary Therapy at the Cancer Wellbeing and Informaiton Centre
Donations can also be made in person at the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre.