CHARITY
ellenor :
BRINGING CHRISTMAS CHEER TO BODY AND SOUL
HOSPICE CHARITY ellenor IS HELPING PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES RELAX INTO CHRISTMAS WITH COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES INCLUDING AROMATHERAPY MASSAGES LACED WITH FESTIVE SCENTS LIKE SANDALWOOD , GINGER AND FRANKINCENSE .
Human touch is so important , especially over the Christmas period , it can ease pain , reduce irritability and lead to a peaceful night ’ s sleep . The wide selection of therapies offered by ellenor are all designed to help patients and their families feel uplifted , both physically and mentally .
Senior complementary therapist Sally Baker said : “ Touch is a real comfort around Christmas . We should be thinking of people who are grieving or living on their own at this time of year and offering them as much support as we can .
“ We all need human touch , especially during emotionally challenging times . It has been proved that regular touching improves pain reduction and can boost our overall wellbeing . Coming to ellenor for some hands-on therapy is a real comfort and it ’ s not always the patient that we help – we help their families too .
“ Partners or carers are often missing human touch just as much as the person who is ill . They may still be with each other but are unable to make that physical connection . Complementary therapies can also ease grief or loss in whatever form that takes . It ’ s like being wrapped in a comfort blanket .”
ellenor offers support to in-patients , day patients and their families , carers and the bereaved . It has a holistic approach to their care , with ellenor ’ s wellbeing team working closely with clinical staff to find the best care plan for patients and their families .
Sally said : “ Christmas is a time when friends , family and neighbours all come together , shake hands or hug . We need to show love and tenderness to anyone who is unwell and to those people around them .
“ We offer all sorts of therapies at ellenor including therapeutic holistic massage on any part of the body , maybe back , legs , shoulders or head . We also offer Indian head massage , aromatherapy massage using oils , and we do reflexology , which can be on the feet , hands or face .
“ Especially at Christmastime , we use aromas in our therapies that are reminiscent of the season : frankincense , sandalwood , black spruce , ginger , orange and mandarin . They are the positive smells of our Christmases past .
“ We also offer aromastick personal inhalers to people to help them relieve symptoms of stress , anxiety , depression , loneliness , grief and insomnia .”
It takes a great deal of trust on the part of the patient to allow a therapist to touch their body and Sally feels honoured to have that privilege . She urges all of us to check in on people who have been bereaved this Christmas , as well as those living alone or isolated from their family and friends .
“ We want everyone to know that ellenor is here for them , 24 / 7 ,” says Sally . “ You can come to us , and we will be your family , your friends and your neighbours , and give you that love , comfort and support that everyone needs at Christmas .”
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