Aromatherapy, massage and relaxation are three of the most commonly used therapies in cancer care. This book offers an integrated approach to using these therapies and provides an evidence-based foundation for complementary therapists working in cancer care settings. International in its scope, the book provides essential information about the ethical and professional context in which therapists can practice and vital facts regarding medical treatment and potential side effects.

"Clinical Reflexology" takes the practitioner on a journey of examination, critical review and debate prior to making recommendations for best practice in reflexology. ? The phenomenal rise in interest by health professionals in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and in particular touch therapies, has led to a need for texts that relate and integrate theory and practice to health care settings. Clinical Reflexology does this, expanding and exploring concepts introduced in the first edition. Many CAM books have been written for therapists working in private practice but many of these practitioners are also now working in healthcare settings. This book allows both groups to facilitate the greater integration of clinical reflexology in clinical practice.

The book is divided into two sections. The first deals with key themes, including an up-to-date review of the research evidence and appropriate methodology, safe and supported practice and integration issues. All these themes are explored and discussed utilizing the available literature, analysis of models and concepts and are related specifically to health care practice. The second section focuses on the clinical application of reflexology and how it can be best adapted to the context. The contributors are committed pioneers in their field with a track record of integrating reflexology within clinical settings. Many are teachers, coordinators of therapy services and supervisors.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr Peter?Mackereth is the Clinical Lead for Complementary Therapies and Smoking Cessation?Services at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Manchester. He is a registered nurse, and has worked in intensive care, neurology and oncology. Peter has an MA in Medical Ethics and has completed a PhD project examining reflexology vs. relaxation training for people with Multiple Sclerosis.? An author and renowned speaker, Peter has held academic post in number of universities, most recently as Reader in Integrative Health at the University of Derby.

Denise Tiran, a midwife, lecturer and reflex zone therapist, is an internationally aclaimed authority on complementary therapies in pregnancy and childbirth. She is Director of Expectancy, the leading provider of professional education on the safe use of complementary therapies in maternity care, including a special pregnancy course for reflexologists. Her latest book, Reflexology for Pregnancy and Childbirth, was published in January 2010.

Many health care professionals and complementary therapists use hypnotherapy as part of their package of care. Integrative Hypnotherapy provides fully evidence-based instruction on how to integrate the theory and practice of hypnotherapy into a range of clinical settings. It presents a combined approach of using hypnotherapy alongside other therapies, and is authored by a multidisciplinary team (nurses, psychologists, hypnotherapists and CAM therapists) who use hypnotherapy in their practice and is edited by well-known and popular educators in the field. The book is divided into two sections: key concepts and approaches in practice. The second section covers the application of hypnotherapy to specific situations/problems, eg managing pain, smoking cessation, gastro-intestinal disorders, life-threatening illness, anxiety, and weight management. Students and practitioners will be taken on a journey of examination, critical review and debate prior to reaching recommendations for best practice. This title relates hypnotherapy theory and practice to health care settings. It provides research evidence to support and develop practice. It presents combined approach of using hypnotherapy with other CAM therapies. It provides practical clinical models and case studies to allow easy application of theory to practice.

Massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and a variety of relaxation techniques are frequently used in hospices, supportive care settings and some hospitals. However, there are still gaps and limitations in the choices offered to patients. HEARTS (Hands-on, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures, Sound) was devised to bridge this gap for complementary therapists, patients, carers and health care professionals. HEARTS can be used either on its own, or integrated with a conventional complementary therapy. It can also be used easily by health care workers (and carers) who are not qualified in any therapies. By discussing principles which may influence the effectiveness of touch and relaxation therapies, the book emphasises that there are 'easy' approaches that can be utilised when working with distressed and vulnerable patients. By developing an understanding of touch, aromas and the sound of the human voice, Combining Touch and Relaxation Skills for Cancer Care guides practitioners in helping their patients achieve a state of relaxation and calm as quickly and easily as possible.