Our Services
What You See Here, What You Hear Here, Stays Here.
Research into the use of Complementary Therapies in treating people with a cancer diagnosis suggests that they can aid in the reduction of stress levels, improve coping skills and promote a sense of well being.
At Dóchas we consider that the therapies provided are an important aspect of our service. Therapies are offered free of charge to all clients.
We offer a wide variety of Complementary Therapies:
Massage
Massage can help reduce both anxiety and symptoms for cancer patients. The focus of massage therapy is to restore health to the body. Massages for cancer patients are customised because understanding the clients individual progress, treatments, side effects and pain helps massage therapists determine appropriate areas to massage.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.
If one’s life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress and if it is high, we are more capaple of being happy and healthy.
Reflexology
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Reflexology is an ancient healing art that was practiced first by the Egyptians and Chinese. Reflexology is a holistic therapy, in that it treats the whole body and not the symptoms of the illness, therefore most people benefit regardless of age or sex. Illness, stress, injury or disease can cause the body to go out of balance and Reflexology helps to restore this balance in a gentle way.
The Reflexologist uses only hands to apply gentle pressure to the feet. Each client is unique and will be treated according to their needs. Reflexology is a complementary therapy and the Reflexologist will never interfere with the medication or treatment your doctor has prescribed for you. Sensitive trained hands can detect tiny deposits and tensions in the feet and the Reflexologist will work carefully to release the tension and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. This eases tensions and improves elimination and circulation giving the client a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Bio Energy
Healing with Bio energy or laying of hands, has been around for thousands of years. Bio energy is based on balancing energy.
The therapist does not use her own energy but rather acts as a conduit directing Bio energy to parts of the body where it is needed and taking excess energy away from parts where there is too much.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body in order to rebalance energy. There are no side effects with Acupuncture and it is very helpful in treating pain, boosting low energy levels and emotional health and strengthening the immune system. Research has found that Acupuncture is beneficial in dealing with nausea, which can be one of the side effects of chemotherapy.
Counselling
Dochas Offaly offers a range of Counselling Services.
Bereavement Support Programme: The loss of a partner leaves a huge void in life for the partner who is left behind. At Teach Dóchas we offer a Bereavement Support Programme to support bereaved partners through their loss and distress.
One of the most powerful curative factors of the Bereavement Support Group appears to be the instillation of hope; the hope that things can get better, the hope that, with time, the pain and aching in the heart will lessen, the hope that they will one day be able to smile and enjoy life again.
Counselling Service: The counselling service is available for all patients who have had a cancer diagnosis, their family members and significant others ( a partner or friend). Coping with cancer can be difficult. Patients and their families may experience anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and depression. These feelings can occur at any time during their cancer journey-even months or years later.
It can be very useful to speak to someone who is not personally involved. A counsellor will be able to provide emotional support by allowing you express your feelings and fears. He or she won’t tell you what to do but will help you see things differently and find your way through a difficult time.
Indian Head Massage
The benefits of Indian Head Massage are the easing of tension and promotion of a sense of relaxation, well-being and peace. Headaches and heaviness are relieved, muscles unknotted and other parts of the body respond in this relaxed state. A head massage takes 20-30 minutes depending on how much work is needed on the upper back, shoulders and neck. The upper back and shoulders can be massaged through clothing but is more effective working directly on the skin. Gentle oil such as almond contributes to nourishing the hair but oils can also be omitted.
Manual Lymph Drainage And Kinesio Taping
Providing relief from chronic pain fibromyalgia, CFS, neuralgia etc. Reduces water retention. Helps detoxify the body. Promotes deep relaxation.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) brings together mindfulness meditation and yoga. MBSR is an 8-week programme in mindfulness meditation, based on ancient healing practices.
Mindfulness practice is ideal for cultivating greater awareness of the unity of mind and body, as well as of the ways the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can undermine emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The mind is known to be a factor in stress and stress-related disorders, and meditation has been shown to positively affect a range of autonomic physiological processes, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing overall arousal and emotional reactivity.
The program brings meditation and yoga together so that the virtues of both can be experienced simultaneously.
Other Services
We provide a wide variety of other services including,
- Breast Cancer Support Group (Monthly)
- Bra/Prosthesis Fitting Service on that day (Monthly)
- Myeloma Evening Support Groups (Monthly)
- Community Welfare Clinic (Twice Monthly)
- Art Therapy
- Arts and Crafts
- Group Therapies for Men and Women