2023-09-17T23:00:00+00:00

Complementary therapies at Roxburghe House

Friends provide the funding for many things that make life more comfortable at Roxburghe House and one of these is the complementary therapies nurse.

We fund the post so all complementary therapies to patients - as well as their relatives or carers, staff members and volunteers - are provided free of charge.

But first of all, let us explain a bit more about complementary therapies, how they work and how they help.

Complementary and conventional

Complementary therapies are a range of therapeutic methods which encourage health and wellbeing when used alongside conventional medicine. The benefits of receiving such therapies are that they can:

promote relaxation
reduce stress and anxiety
ease muscular tension or discomfort

Having a therapy session offers individuals the chance to switch off and take time away from stressful situations and thoughts.

Therapies available at Roxburghe House

Reflexology: a relaxing therapy where the principles are that points in your feet (known as reflexes) correlate with areas in your body. Gentle pressure techniques are applied to these reflexes in a soothing sequence on your feet using fingers and thumbs. The aim is to ease congestion within the body systems and promote a flow of energy rebalancing the body. Only your shoes and socks need to be removed and this can be done while sitting in a chair or lying on a bed (our therapist currently offers reflexology on the feet or the face).

Swedish Massage: massage moves and techniques aimed at loosening tight muscles and release tensions in a soft and gentle manner. A massage wax or oil is used to enable the massage moves to flow. This therapy involves removal of some clothing depending on the area of the body being treated. There are towels or a blanket to cover you to maintain dignity and comfort.

Aromatherapy massage: a massage using aromatherapy oils, as discussed and tailored to the needs of the person who is receiving it. The pace is slower with the massage techniques. Aromatherapy oils can affect body and mind so it this is explored prior to massage being given to make sure it is used appropriately.

Indian head massage: this therapy aims to treat the upper back, shoulders, neck and head. It relieves tension in common areas mentioned due to stress. It encourages relaxation as well as relieving tension and can aid relief from headaches and migraines. This therapy can be carried out fully clothed or with removal of the top half of clothing and application of oil, if an individual wishes. The patient is usually seated, although the session can be adapted to allow them to lie down.

HEARTS Therapeutic therapy session: a touch session that is designed to be used where conventional massage techniques are not recommended. This therapy draws on a range of natural skills and sensory experiences, which includes Hands-on contact, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures and Sound (HEARTS). The hands-on approach is always given through a fabric using a variety of soothing techniques.

This is an overview of the treatments available and the complementary therapies nurse Kerry, below – who delivers all the therapies - is happy to go into more detail.

She is a registered staff nurse who has worked in many specialities over 23 years within NHS Grampian. The therapies nurse role is a dual role within Roxburghe House, which allows her the opportunity to use both her nursing skills and complementary therapies knowledge to help people.

“I wanted to explore other ways to help my patients during their stay in the hospital and this post allows me to do this,” she said.

“The support I can give, not only to the patient, but family members as well, is something I find rewarding. The therapies room I work in offers people a place of peace and comfort.

“I continue to study and attend courses that can enhance my knowledge and skill in complementary therapies. I’m always pleased when I can use complementary therapies to help people in whatever way I can.”

Kerry’s role is funded by Friends and donations also allow her to buy massage wax and oils as well as equipment such as towels, couch covers and blankets.

All treatments are designed to be gentle and relaxing and a discussion with Kerry can help you to decide what would be most appropriate.

If you think you might benefit from an appointment, speak to the nursing staff who will contact her for you. The service is currently available Monday to Thursday.

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