The National Association of Complementary Therapists in Supportive and Palliative Care (NACTSPC) was established to promote a greater understanding of the role of Complementary Therapists supporting patients throughout their journey, from diagnosis to end of life care.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is treatment that is aimed not at curing illness but rather alleviating the symptoms of illness which enables the person affected to live the best possible life they can.
Complementary therapists work holistically to acknowledge all of their patient’s needs – physical, pyschological, emotional, social and cultural. In palliative care the people caring for a patient such as friends and family also have heightened health issues, particularly stress and fatigue.
Therapists will often work with these carers too. They may use therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy, reiki, sound therapy and movement therapies among others.
Treatments should always aim to be relaxing and pleasant to receive which has the immediate benefit of improving comfort and reducing anxiety. Treatments can also help manage symptoms such as pain, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, immobility, depression, nausea and fatigue.
NACTSPC aims to provide support and information to members to promote and encourage best practice of care for all.
NACTSPC regional groups for members provide professional peer support and current topical information and updates are made available through our quarterly publication, The Link.
There is some scientific evidence to support the efficacy of complementary therapies but the most immediate evidence is the response of patients and their comments.
NACTSPC The membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March. The full membership fee is charged no matter at what point in the year membership is taken out. Existing membership benefits will cease on 1 July if members have not renewed.
