Complementary therapies
Megan Royle
Cheryl Hall
Task 1
Introduction: In this assignment I will be discussing and explaining what
complementary therapy is, what the different types are. Then I will discuss what the
illnesses would work well with which therapy for example cancer patients would benefit
from a massage as it promoted relaxation therefore reduces stress from the intense
treatment they are going through. It also allows them to talk about their feeling in an
informal environment bring a weight from their shoulders, not quite literally but a
problem shared is a problem halved right?
I will gather data and statistics to back my points of the effectiveness of complementary
therapy and i will be persuasively writing in order to inform the reader that
comp0lementary therapy really does benefit health and well-being even if it’s just as
little as getting a massage once a week. I will not only be explaining what the
complementary therapies are and who uses them but also including how it is carried out
and why doing these things then makes you feel that type of way.
P1: Explain the potential benefits of two different complementary
therapies for service users with different needs.
Reflexology: Reflexology is a therapy which promotes well-being and deep relaxation.
It is a touch therapy which is based on the theory that different points on the hands, feet,
lower leg, ears or face. correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists work
these areas. Reflexology is a therapy which anyone at any age can receive, from new-
born babies to those receiving end of life care, and everyone else in between. However,
on occasions, when it may not be suitable to have this treatment. Reflexologists do not
cure, diagnose or prescribe. It is a very individual treatment which is person-centred, so
tailored to you as a whole person and considers both non-physical and physical factors
that might be affecting your wellbeing. Some people find it works for them and some
don’t. Bowen method: The Bowen Technique is a gentle
therapy, using thumbs and fingers in a specific order and process applying it to
the body. It includes a rolling movement of the forefingers and thumbs and is designed
to stimulate nerve pathways this allow a ‘conversation’ to take place between nervous
systems of the body.
Touch massage: Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces spasms and
painful muscle contractions. Massage can also reduce nerve compression.
When muscles are contracted, they sometimes squash the nerves around them causing
pain. A massage will ease the pain. A massage is a variety of touch techniques made by
the hands, knees or elbows.
Herbal methods: Herbal medicines are made up from; plant parts, such as
leaves, roots or flowers. Herbal remedies help cure or prevent disease. They are
used to get relief from symptoms, lose weight or relax. Herbals remedies are not tested
or regulated like medicines are.
Manipulative technique: Manipulative therapy also known as manual therapy is a
physical treatment and is mostly used by physical therapists called physiotherapists.
They use this therapy to treat disability and musculoskeletal pain. The therapy includes;
manipulation of muscles, kneading, joint manipulation, and joint mobilization.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy healing treatment is performed with a holistic
approach. It involves the use of natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.
It is also known as essential oil therapy. This type of therapy uses aromatic essential oils
which help to improve the spirit, mind and health of the physical body. Moreover, it
enhances both emotional and physical health.
, Complementary therapies
Megan Royle
Cheryl Hall
Task 1
Acupuncture: An acupuncture session usually lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour and will
involve an assessment of your medical history, general health and a physical
examination, followed by the insertion of fine acupuncture needles into the body, this
stimulates sensory nerves in the muscles and under the skin. This them causes the body
to produce natural substances called endorphins which will relieve pain. The endorphins
will most likely have beneficial effects.
M1: Assess how complementary therapies can maintain health and wellbeing for
service users with different needs.
Case study:(person1)
26-year-old Scott struggles with insomnia, a sleep disorder where a he struggles to fall and stay asleep. This
causes a variety of issues for Scott such as; his stress levels have increased rapidly, and so has his heart rate,
which is resulting in the feeling of restlessness, exhaustion and unnecessary weakness. He is also left feeling
anxious and nervous this its uncontrollable for Scott. He needs some type of therapy to reduce his anxiety,
stress and nervousness.
What therapy will benefit Scott? In Scott’s case, acupuncture would be an
extremely beneficial option. This type of therapy would work on his mental/emotional
state. Acupuncture increases the release of endorphins also known as; the feel-good
hormone, the endorphins are released by stimulating the sensory nerves by inserting fine
needles. Scott’s stress levels will decrease when using this type of therapy which will
over all benefit the side effects of his disorder. Acupuncture also induces sleep onset and
reducing stress and helping sleep. disruption this will better his disorder positively, it will
mean hell get more sleep which means lower blood pressure which then means lower
levels of stress and anxiety. Overall this will significantly improve Scott’s mental well-
being and physical health. Another efficient treatment Scott could try is aromatherapy
which will also decrease stress levels.
Second option for Scott: Reiki could relieve Scott’s insomnia and anxiety. This is because
it is said the practice unblocks energy in your body by causing the molecules vibrate
more than they usually would when touching different areas of the body. This results in
releasing an emotional feeling. Which would positively benefit scott as hes stressed
because he cannot sleep and all his emotions are building up as his anxiety becomes
worse and worse due to his insomnia.
Case study:(person 2)
Maisie is 86 years old and has recently completed her cancer treatment which has left her feeling fatigued
she needs a complementary therapy alongside her medical therapies to improve her well-being. Maisie is
struggling with depression also because she can no longer feel herself, she feels she is just an illness to
others, and she experiences physical pain.
What type of complementary therapy should Maisie consider trying? A
touch massage may seem simple compare to other treatments However, can be very
effective towards someone who has cancer treatment fatigue. As well as this type of
treatment improved physical symptoms, some people with cancer say that having a
massage; makes them feel whole again, it helps them to relax, it helps them share
feelings in an informal setting, it makes them feel more positive about their body and