Julie Wren Complementary Therapy service
About the service
The Julie Wren Complementary Therapy service, which is funded by the Irish Cancer Society, is located in the National Children’s Cancer Centre in CHI at Crumlin. It was established by Esther Wren in loving memory of her daughter Julie who sadly passed away of cancer at the age of 8. It has been open since December 2011.
The complementary therapy team in the Haematology/Oncology unit provides a range of holistic complimentary therapies to patients and their parents/guardians. Its therapists provide ongoing support and patients can choose from a range of therapies that encourage physical and emotional relaxation. Therapies are conducted in a warm, safe and confidential space. Its activities foster an atmosphere of respect, trust and awareness.
Complementary therapy treatments
Treatments are gentle and relaxing and you may feel sleepy afterwards. When deeply relaxed some people find that emotions may surface. If this happens, your therapist will support you. The majority of people just feel pleasantly relaxed during their treatment and refreshed afterwards.
- Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (plant extracts) to help promote health and wellbeing. Aromatherapy is used during treatments and the oils are absorbed through the skin during massage. The essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil or beeswax balm. Inhalation of essential oils occurs during treatments, while using a diffuser and aroma tissues.
- Meditation - Meditation can help to relax and calm the mind and body. The practice of meditation involves focusing your attention on one thing. There are many types of meditation. All methods work by really concentrating on something specific and when the mind wanders, refocusing the attention back to the original object of concentration. Our meditation practices include guided visualisation, breathing, body scan and mindfulness.
- Reflexology - Reflexology is a type of foot or hand massage. The reflexologist applies appropriate pressure to specific points on the feet or hands to bring about a state of relaxation and help the body's own healing process. Reflexology is based on the principle that areas in the feet and hands relate to other parts of the body.
- Mindfulness - Mindfulness is the practice of purposeful, focused awareness of the present moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help to create resilience and hope. Mindfulness practices may involve breathing methods and guided imagery to help relax the body and mind.
- Indian Head Massage - Indian head massage is carried out using a variety of massage strokes and acupressure points along the head, face, neck, shoulders and upper arms. Indian head massage is used to promote relaxation and relieve tension.
- Massage - Massage involves the gentle rubbing and kneading of different parts of the body, such as the muscles. It is varied to suit each person's needs. It promotes relaxation and can ease tension or pain.
Referral process
Referral to this service is through your Haematology/Oncology team. If you would like to receive treatment, speak to your nurse or healthcare professional. A member of the complementary therapy team will contact you to discuss your referral and arrange an appointment, which will take place in the Julie Wren complementary therapy room or in your room in the hospital.
This service is provided Monday – Friday. You will be allocated an appointment time. Each session will last from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Your therapist will adjust the length of your treatment depending on your needs.
More information on the Complementary Therapy Service
Olive/Patricia in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin.
T: 01 428 2792
Claire McCall in the Irish Cancer Society
T: 01 968 3745
E: cmccall@irishcancer.ie
