Complementary therapies.

You are eligible if you are registered with a GP in the Hospice’s catchment area, and if you have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

You do not need to have any prior link to St Leonard’s or be receiving other Hospice services.

Most will be offered in our dedicated therapy room at our Hospice on Tadcaster Road in York. However, if you are unable to travel to the Hospice, it may be possible for our complementary therapist to come to you. Please complete the short self-referral form below and this will be discussed with you.

This could be something light, gentle and simple such as a hand massage, foot massage or Indian head massage. These simple massages can be deeply relaxing. For someone who is a bit more mobile, massage to the back, neck and shoulders, legs or even a full body massage are possible. All massage sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs.

Massage can help to reduce muscle tension, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, relieve muscle aches and pains, and promote relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.

Reflexology is a touch therapy, based on the theory that different points on the feet correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists work each of the points and areas to promote relaxation and wellbeing.

Reflexology can also be applied to the hands, face or ears if it is not possible or appropriate to work on the feet.

Reflexology offers a period of time for a client to receive one-to-one attention, and caring, nurturing touch. It can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing.

Reiki (pronounced Ray Kee) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki comes from the Japanese and Chinese words for spiritual energy. It is a safe, gentle, and suitable for everyone. The therapist’s hands are placed either on, or just above, the patient allowing reiki energy to flow to wherever it is needed.

Reiki is wonderfully relaxing and calming, and may help to restore balance and harmony to all aspects of the person in body, mind and spirit.

These are ideal if you don’t want to be touched, but would like to relax, unwind and let go of any feelings of anxiety or stress.

Our therapist will simply talk to you, gently guiding you into a feeling of relaxation and helping you to visualise e.g. somewhere that you feel calm and at peace. You’ll be amazed at the power of your own imagination and the benefits of taking the time to deeply relax.

Lets bust a few myths first. Hypnotherapy is not the same as stage hypnotism. Hypnotherapy is not mind control and can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.

Hypnotherapy is a gentle, supportive talking therapy which can be helpful in supporting you to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, sleep better, or manage pain. The hypnotherapist would start by discussing with you your goals for therapy, how you feel and how you want to feel.

They will then guide you into a deep relaxation (trance is essentially a deep relaxation), before focusing your mind on your goals and techniques to help you achieve them.

As with all the Hospice services, there is no charge. If, however, you would like to make a donation towards our running costs, that would be appreciated.

The easiest way to access our complementary therapy service is to complete the short self-referral form below.

Our Complementary Therapy Lead will then get in touch with you to discuss your needs and arrange to do an assessment with you. If you find it difficult to speak on the telephone please let us know and tell us your preferred method of contact.

Yes! We would love to hear from you. Please click the volunteering link below for further information.

Volunteering at St Leonard’s