Our Services
Visitors are welcome anytime and are met by our Meet and Greet volunteers who talk about what the Centres have to offer and listen to any concerns arising from their cancer diagnsis and treatment. There is access to:
- Information from a variety of resources including internet, books, brochures, handouts, DVD and video.
- Information about local and national support groups.
- Information about our research trials.
- Touch based complementary therapies in a safe, supervised setting.
- A ‘listening ear’ provided by the trained volunteers.
- A place to ‘switch off’ and relax while visiting the hospital.
Information on this page:
1. Who Works At The Centre?
2. Summary of Complementary Therapies available at the centres.
Who Works At The Centre
As well as an administration & research staff, we currently have over 90 volunteers. Those volunteers comprise of two groups:
1. Professional trained and accredited complementary therapists and counsellors
2. Our trained 'Meet & Greeters' who volunteer at the reception area.
Summary of Complementary Therapies
A | B | C | G | H | K | M | P | Q | R | S | T | Y
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the placing of sterile needles in the skin, is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Its ability to reduce or avoid pain and relax muscles has created a lot of interest recently in the medical profession. Chinese practitioners believe that, in addition to the circulatory and nervous systems in the body, there is a system for chi or life force. Health and well being are dependent on the harmonious and balanced flow of energy through the channels known as meridians. In the last twenty years studies have shown that acupuncture relieves pain, helps relieve nausea, relaxes muscles and increase feeling of well being.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing and relaxation. Essential oils contain the life force and specific combination of constituents that give it a therapeutic value. When absorbed through the skin in massage, or inhaled, it stimulates the body’s tissues, promotes healing and generally restores the balance between body, mind and spirit.
Art Classes
Art classes for people of all levels of experience. All materials are supplied. Classes cover - basic elements of design, colour mixing, collage work and painting. Each class has a different focus and it is not necessary to book in for the entire course.
B
Beauty Therapy
Facial - Cleanse, tone and moisturize includes facial massage and lymphatic drainage.
Pedicure – Toenails manicured. Foot massage.
Manicure – Nails groomed. Hand massage and nail polish provided if required.
All products used have non-toxic ingredients.
Bowen Therapy
The Bowen Technique balances and stimulates energy flows, resulting in a deep sense of relaxation. It involves a series of gently rolling connective tissue moves, using alight touch and may be done through clothing.
Breath for Health
Gentle and deeply relaxing, increase your energy, soothe your body, calm your mind, balance your emotions. By using the breath in specific ways our body, mind and emotions can be brought back into healthy balance.
Chi Breathing and Chi Meditation
Chi Breathing has been found to be most helpful as a supplementary self-healing therapy. Breathing techniques are most useful for pain relief and are a major contributor to the well being of patients. The treatment activates and accumulates energy for well being and also uses easy movements to enhance energy flow.
Counselling
Support is something that goes on informally all the time between partners, friends, parents and children and it is important to recognize these people can be invaluable during your diagnosis and treatment.
You may find it easier to talk to someone who is outside your immediate circle. A trained counselor will be able to provide emotional support by allowing you to express your feelings and fears, helping you to make decisions and offering insight.
CrainioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy is a relaxing and gentle form of bodywork that stretches the soft tissue of the body. It combines the application of scientifically based skills with the sensitivity and intuition of the practitioner. CranioSacral Therapy is the process of helping the body to improve the function and enhance the efficiency of the physiological body, improving the fluid flow around the brain, spine and nerves.
Creative Art Therapy
Release your intuitive, playful and creative self to manage your stress and by pass the ‘chattering mind’ within. This group is runs as a 6-week course but each week is a stand alone session so you can enter or leave the course at any time.
Guided Imagery
In this group, you will learn how to harness the power of your mind to help yourself facilitate change. In each session you will have the opportunity to deeply relax and then to suggest powerful images and phrases to your body to support its healing process.
You will also learn ways to introduce these techniques of visualization and affirmation into your daily life.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch facilitates a deep sense of calm and relaxation as well as overall and specific responses for body, mind and spirit healing – you may feel nurtured, energized and a sense of well being and peace.
Practitioners use a gentle light touch in a compassionate – heart centred and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and self healing.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology uses muscle testing to locate stress in the body. Techniques such as acupressure are then applied to release this stress and enhance the bosy’s ability to relax, heal and maintain balanced energy levels.
Meditation for beginners
Meditation is simply a state of total relaxation of the mind and body and everyone can benefit from achieving this. Learning to quiet the mind can lead to a decrease in heart and respiration rate and relaxation of the muscles.
There are different methods that can be used to empty your mind of thoughts, and they are not difficult to learn, but do require practice.
Pranic Healing
Pranic Healing corrects the energy imbalances underlying physical, psychological and emotional disorders. Prana is also known as Chi or Ki. Prana is what keeps the body alive and healthy. Pranic Healing involves simple techniques of removing negative, stale or contaminated energy from the body’s electromagnetic field and energizing it with fresh vital energy called prana.
QiGong (Chinese Meditation)
Based on the ancient arts of Chinese healing and philosophy, Jing Guan Qigong can be effective in treating illness, promoting longevity and improving general well being. Enjoy the physical, emotional and mental benefits of this discipline.
Learn the simple but effective skill of cultivating and mastering energy by accomplishing easy exercises, meditations and relaxation techniques. Includes, soft movements, standing form, sitting form, relaxing the whole body, meditation, deep breathing, automatic movements and Chinese philosophy.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a specialized form of foot massage that dated far back into history. Today it has developed into a comprehensive treatment that promotes well being on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. In reflexology the body organs are reflected onto specific points on each person’s foot or hand. Specific types of massage movements are used to promote balance and relaxation, achieving homeostasis.
Reiki
Reiki is the name for a Japanese Hands on Healing method based on the transference of Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki is applied via the hands. The Reiki practitioner simply places their hands on the corresponding chakras (areas of energy flow), meridians and major organs, transferring vital energy to the recipient. The result is a deeply relaxing experience for both the practitioner and the person receiving. Reiki is an excellent technique for stress management and increases the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Relaxation Massage
This incorporates the movement of soft tissue using various strokes including rubbing, pressing, kneading and tapping the skin and superficial muscles. Relaxation massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical and is excellent to include as a regular program of stress management.
Sound and Music Therapy
For relaxation and stress relief. Having fun playing with Sound and Music.
You will discover how to : use your voice for toning to help with relaxation; use ancient instruments such as Tibetan bowls, bells, shakers etc., drum and gong to aid stress relief and relaxation; and breath to enhance peace within your body. We will also sing songs that warm the heart and nurture the soul. Definitely no music experience necessary.
Tai Chi
Some of the countless benefits to be derived from Tai Chi are: Relaxing the body, whilst gently exercising all the muscles and joints, in addition to cardiovascular and respiratory benefits. Refreshing the mind, expelling intrusive thoughts. Bringing mind and body into harmony. Circulating chi energy.
Yoga and Relaxation
Gentle yoga classes for beginners, specially designed for the Support Centre. No particular fitness or flexibility levels are required. Great for relieving stress.
Opening hours
The SolarisCare Cancer Support Centre at SCGH is open from
Mon - Fri : 9:30am – 4:30pm
For more information you can ring the SCGH Centre on:
(08) 9346 7630
The SolarisCare Cancer Support Centre at SJOG is open from
Mon - Fri : 9:30am – 4:30pm
For more information you can ring the Centre on:
(08) 9388 9788
Click on Contact Us for more contact details.