CLAN offers a range of holistic services to meet the individual needs of cancer patients and their carers/relatives. All are helpful in promoting a sense of well-being, and encourage the body back into a more balanced state.

All our therapists are fully qualified and experienced in the therapies they offer.

A brief summary of the therapies and their benefits follow. For more details please ask for the individual leaflets.

Aqua Detox™ aims to detoxify and rebalance the body’s system restoring the natural healing energy levels.  This is acheived  through a process of soaking the client's feet in water promoting a gentle bio-energetic resonance which stimulates the micro-circulation. This therapy is not suitable people with pacemakers, epilepsy, who are pregnant, or have had a stem cell or organ transplant in the last six months. It cannot be undertaken with other complementary treatments (except homeopathy and mistletoe). Sessions last ¾ hour.

Aromatherapy involves gentle massage combined with essential oils which are the 'life force' of aromatic flowers, herbs, plants, trees or spices. Each oil has individual qualities which work toward restoring balance within the body. When the oils come into contact with the skin through massage they may stimulate nerve endings, circulation, the lymphatic system, muscles, tissues, the nervous system or endocrine activity. Sessions last 1½ hours.

Healing can help with a wide range of physical and psychological difficulties. It is a process of revitalisation, relaxation and release at a very profound level that helps the body to adjust, and heal at its own pace and in its own way.  Healing is often about restoring balance to your life, about feelings and about relationships with others. It may initiate changes, help in regaining control, and bring a sense of proportion and a feeling of having your feet on the ground. Sessions last ½ hour.

Homeopathic medicine looks at the whole person. The remedies are prepared in such a way that there is no toxic effect from material doses. Remedies can be used by patient, carer and family member alike. The treatment, in its entirety, takes into account the nature of the person and the possible trigger of the problem being treated.  Sessions last ¾ hour.

Mistletoe Clinic - This is a branch of medicine called anthrophosophical and our clinic is run by a doctor. The therapy is both supportive and complementary and helps to reduce the indirect effects of the cancer. Many patients may feel fitter and more positive and may have less need of painkillers and anti-depressants.  Mistletoe injections can only be obtained on prescription and though there is no consultation charge we do have to ask clients to pay for their medicine. Mistletoe injections are currently available on NHS prescription so your own GP may be willing to prescribe them, or they are available through CLAN, for a small charge.

Reflexology involves massaging and applying pressure to points on the feet that correspond to various systems and organs throughout the body, stimulating the body's own healing system.  All areas on the feet correspond to different body parts or functions and, by applying pressure to reflex points/nerve endings, reflexology can influence all body systems, including blood and lymphatic circulation. Sessions last 1½ hours.

Reiki is an ancient method of hands on healing,meaning 'Universal Life Energy'.  It uses the energy all around us for growth and healing. Reiki is effective on all levels - the physical, emotional and mental, and helps the body's natural ability to heal itself by removing energy blockages and restoring balance.  A Reiki treatment helps the body's natural ability to heal itself by removing energy blockages and restoring balance. This allows the body to heal. Reiki blends well with any other healing modality as it assists the healing process. Falling asleep on the couch is common. A treatment can last for 1-1½ hours leaving the person feeling refreshed, energized and with a sense of wellbeing.

Relaxation sessions are an informal group activity, meeting every Monday from 11am for one hour. It is designed to help alleviate stress, by incorporating breathing techniques, meditation and visualisation.

Shiatsu is a holistic touch therapy based on the same principals as acupuncture but using hands instead of needles.  It is based on an understanding of the human body as a system of energy and aims to balance the body's energy system by the use of gentle pressure on pathways called meridians.  A shiatsu treatment is non-invasive - the practitioner works on the fully clothed patient either on a futon on the floor or on a massage couch.  Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience which works on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels to help relax mind and body, restore and balance energy, ease tension and stiffness and enhance well being.  A treatment lasts for around 45 minutes - 1 hour.

Visualisation is guided imagery that is associated with positive stimulation of the immune system. Positive suggestion is used to create and achieve goals and a natural way to relieve physical, mental and emotional stress. This is offered in one-to-one basis as well as in a group session.  The group meets weekly on Thursday 12 noon - 1.00 pm.

Yoga is gentle exercising and can be practiced by anyone at any age. The sessions are especially designed to help flexibility and mobility and exercises can be done either sitting in a chair or lying on the floor.  The class meets every Wednesday from 10.30am for 1½ hours.

Using complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments has been proven to make you feel better and improve your quality of life by reducing symptoms and side effects, such as pain, nausea and fatigue, often associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. The therapies are completely safe but we recommend that you keep your GP and/or consultant advised of any treatment taken.

Perk-Up Make-Up.  Have your make-up done by a fully qualified and experienced beauty therapist.  Hilary will give you advice and tips on your make-up, which products you can safely use and how best to apply them.   For an appointment please call our reception on 01224 647000 or drop-in and speak with one of our volunteers.