Butterfly Touch
All About Us
Welcome to 'Butterfly Touch' - The complimentary therapy service provided by The Berwick & District Cancer Support Group (Berwick Cancer Cars).
Complementary therapies are used with, or as well as, conventional medical treatments but are not cancer treatments in themselves, however they have been proven to be of benefit to people going through conventional treatments of cancer.
Complementary therapies offer support, comfort, and relief. They can be of use in relieving symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. Scientific evidence¹ is available in supporting Complementary therapies when considering an improvement in the quality of life in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Advantages of Complementary therapies -
BDCSG are excited to announce that we are about to expand our service and begin to offer Complementary therapies including Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Oncology Massage.
Complementary therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine treatments prescribed by the doctor. They can offer emotional and physical benefits and have been scientifically proven to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
We are very fortunate to be working alongside qualified therapists:
Reflexology – Rachael Young
Aromatherapy – Kate Porteous
Oncology Massage – Victoria Betts
Each of our therapists is trained to sensitively look after the needs of people with cancer. They have a wealth of experience and are ready to offer their services.
Anyone in the Berwick District (Berwick, Cornhill, Wooler, Belford and Holy Island), who is currently or within the last 24 months (about 2 years), receiving treatment for cancer, can access this service.
You can have 3 FREE sessions of your choosing, all paid for by our charity. 3 of the same, 1 of each, or 2 of one, 1 of the other... the choice is yours.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy allows natural relaxation for well-being through the skin and senses, using essential oils with properties chosen to suit individual needs. An aromatherapy treatment is deeply relaxing. Sessions take place on a reclining chair or massage couch; you are fully clothed as oils are applied to your feet during a gentle massage. Alternatively, oils can be applied to your hands if you prefer. The benefits of aromatherapy include the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Oncology Massage
Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based on compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer. This specialized massage is tolerated well by people with cancer, it helps release ‘endorphins’, the ‘feel good’ chemicals released by the brain than can help reduce pain.
The many benefits of oncology massage include;
• improving scar tissue quality
• decreases symptoms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• offers pain relief
• possible shorter stay in hospital
• improvement in sleep
• improvement on digestion
• decreases depression and anxiety
Reflexology
Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to your feet, hands, and ears. It is based on the theory that your hands, feet and ears are connected to certain organs and body systems.
Reflexology aims to bring about a state of relaxation and help the body’s own healing process.
There is evidence that reflexology can help;
• relax and cope with stress and anxiety
• relieve pain
• lift your mood and give a feeling of well being
For more information or to book your place please email our 'Patient Advocate', Janet Punton on patient@berwickcancersupport.co.uk or telephone Berwick 01289 763352
We look forward to hearing from you!
¹References:
Satija A, Ahmed SM, Gupta R, Ahmed A, Rana SM et al
Breast cancer pain management- A review of current and novel therapies
Indian J. Med Res
2014; 139; 216-25
McLaren N, Mackereth P, Hackman E, Holland F
Working out of the ‘tool box’ An exploratory study with complementary therapists in acute cancer care.
Complement Ther Clin Pract
2014;20:207-12
The Manual. London NICE:2004
National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Guidance on Cancer Services.
Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with cancer.