How complementary therapies can help patients with cancer
Our complementary therapist, Sabrina Ashraf talks about the benefits of therapies which complement our conventional medical treatments and surgery for our patients with cancer. Here, Sabrina shares her knowledge and experience working as a therapist at Imperial College Healthcare.
What are complementary therapies and what are the most common types of complementary therapies available today?
Complementary therapies are holistic treatments that promote relaxation and soothing symptoms. They are used alongside conventional treatment such as chemotherapy to support your wellbeing.
For symptomatic relief, therapies such as Acupuncture, Reflexology and Aromatherapy are the most common. However, Reiki is becoming increasingly popular for mindfulness and mental relaxation.
How do complementary therapies work alongside conventional medicine?
Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy come with a plethora of potential side effects, some of which can become chronic if left untreated.
Some complementary therapies can be used as a prophylaxis or remedy for such side effects. Studies have shown complementary therapies can soothe symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, chemo-related nausea/vomiting, hot flushes, fatigue, xerostomia (dry mouth) and muscular aches and pains.
However, the most important benefit of complementary therapies is the sense of calming and deeper relaxation, which can relieve stress and provide comfort during the whole cancer journey.
Are there any situations where you would advise against using complementary therapies?
There are some cautions and contraindications to certain therapies which will be discussed at your consultation. As an example, due to complementary therapies stimulating circulation and lymphatics, it is not recommended during a period of infection or chemotherapy infusion.
Each therapy is holistic which means it is adaptable to individual needs and from my experience, there is usually an alternative that can be offered when a therapy treatment is not suitable.
What should a patient expect during a typical session of a complementary therapy, such as massage therapy or acupuncture?
A typical complementary therapy session comprises of a quick consultation to assess current needs, undress (if necessary) and establish a comfortable position on the treatment couch depending on which areas will be treated.
Typically, a back treatment would be with a patient facing down with their face in a breathing hole. All other treatments are carried out lying face up or sitting up on the couch.
Each therapy is uniquely different and may vary from each session as it is adapted to suit your needs each time.
Could you tell us a little bit more about you and your experience? How did you become a complementary therapist?
Complementary therapies were an integral part of my upbringing as I was exposed to the world of natural healing fairly early on in life. I was always told I had healing hands and a caring personality, so what better way to put them to use than by helping people.
I knew straight away my career would be in this field so I studied complementary therapies at college then progressed to Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture at the University of Westminster.
During my immediate post-graduate work, I volunteered in St Luke’s Hospice, Harrow. This is where I realised my passion for working in cancer care.
I was honoured to be part of the inception and implementation of the Oncology Complementary Therapy Service at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, back in 2007.
Since then, I have maintained a close bond with Imperial College Healthcare and moved my practice around all three major hospitals within the Trust. I am ready and eager to integrate into another aspect of the trust in Private Cancer Care alongside my NHS work.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? What inspired you to work at ICHT?
Every session provides me with the best possible motivation and inspiration. The feedback is always positive and humbling.
The best part about my work is when I see a patient who would have walked in with bodily pain, leave my therapy room feeling light and relaxed.
The integrated approach to healthcare has been my inspiration to work alongside medical teams to provide well-being to all oncology patients. Specifically, Imperial College Healthcare has enabled me to create a service which uniquely and empathically adapts to each individual patient. Without having to fit into a stereotypical norm the service is completely holistic and individualised.
To find out more email: imperial.private.ctherapies@nhs.net
