Frequently Asked Questions

The term complementary therapy covers a wide range of health-promoting practices, which can work alongside, and in combination with orthodox medical treatments. These therapies are not given with the aim of curing disease but to support physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual recovery.

These therapies may help in a number of ways. They might help to:

• Ease pain and reduce physical tension and stiffness
• Relieve the side effects of treatment
• Assist with symptom control
• Provide comfort, touch and time to talk and share any worries in a safe environment
• Promote relaxation and reduce stress
• Make you feel more positive and lift mood
• Boost your immune system
• Make you feel you are being treated as a whole person

They can also help you to:

• Regain control and feel more able to cope
• Increase your sense of wellbeing and improve quality of life
• Motivate you to move on from your disease

There are a wide range of therapies including complete healing systems such as homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine; techniques that make you feel good such as massage and reflexology; and approaches that encourage you to care for yourself better such as self-hypnosis, meditation and diet. New therapies are always being developed and older therapies revised and applied in new ways so the list of therapies on this site is not a comprehensive catalogue of all the therapies available but gives you an idea of some that are most commonly available.

• Go to list of therapies

It is important for any kind of therapy that you find a therapist who has undergone recognised training in their chosen therapy and is competent to treat you. It is also important that you choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can build rapport. In addition your therapist should

• Show you their qualifications
• Hold full membership of the appropriate professional body
• Have full practitioner indemnity insurance

Go to the Register of Practitioners page of this website to find local therapists who are members of the ICTISA group.

Some complementary therapies are available free of charge on a restricted basis in certain hospitals, through some GP surgeries or at certain voluntary sector centres. There are also many private practitioners whose charges vary from £30 to £50 per session. There are also some private centres that offer a range of therapies and some residential retreats. These may be more expensive. It is important to be clear of the total cost before starting your treatment.