FORCE offers a range of free complementary therapies – including massage, aromatherapy massage, reflexology and reiki – all delivered by our experienced, qualified therapists.
Complementary therapies work alongside medical treatment and can provide valuable support, helping to encourage relaxation and promote both physical and emotional wellbeing.
We have two dedicated therapy rooms at our Exeter Support and Information Centre where patients and their immediate carer can access up to four free sessions. Complementary therapies are also available at our outreach locations in Tiverton, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary and Cullompton.
We also offer Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture. This is available to those who are experiencing:
To find out more about the FORCE complementary therapies service, please call 01392 402086 or email support@forcecancercharity.co.uk.
There is more information about acupuncture below.
Your therapist will talk through your options and you can decide the treatment that best suits your needs.
Massage is a gentle touch to the body where you may be holding muscular aches or tension. Massage encourages the body to relax by the therapist using soothing, nurturing techniques. The release of natural endorphins during treatment can help to elevate mood and restore inner calm.
Your session will start with you resting on a treatment bed while the therapist works on selected areas such as the back, legs, arms, head or a tailored combination to suit your current needs. We use a selection of pre-blended oils to relax, uplift or to soothe aching muscles.
Reflexology is a calming complementary therapy that supports the body’s natural ability to relax. With gentle, nurturing techniques, it encourages a deep sense of relaxation and rest, allowing you to unwind. Its flowing, intentional movements create a sense of calm that can leave you feeling grounded, balanced and restored.
Reflexology involves working across the feet and ankles so you will need only to remove your shoes and socks. You’ll be laying comfortably on a treatment bed where your therapist will encourage you to breathe deeply while they begin the reflexology session.
Reiki is a gentle, holistic therapy that helps to calm and soothe the body. Reiki uses energy to promote a peaceful yet deeply relaxing experience. Clients often notice a gentle warmth or heat coming from the therapist’s hands.
During the session, you’ll relax comfortably on a treatment bed. The therapist then places their hands lightly on or just above the body at specific points, sometimes applying gentle pressure as part of the technique.
When possible, our therapists visit patients on the oncology wards at the RD&E. If you would like us to see someone who can’t get to our Support Centre, please call 01392 402086 or email support@forcecancercharity.co.uk.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture is available at our Exeter Support and Information Centre.
This service is offered to those who are experiencing specific symptoms due to side effects of their cancer treatment.
For those who have hot flushes induced by their cancer treatment, you can self-refer by registering your details with us. You can do this by calling 01392 402086 or drop into the Centre to find out more.
Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing and it may also help some of the symptoms of hot flushes by reducing their intensity and frequency.
Please note that this service is not available for those with menopausal hot flushes due to stopping HRT prior to commencing any cancer treatment.
For head and neck patients, acupuncture is offered via referral from the Head and Neck Specialist Team, who can be contacted on 01392 402215.
Some head and neck treatments can cause xerostomia (dry mouth), a side effect that occurs when the salivary glands are affected by radiation. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing and it may also help some of the symptoms of xerostomia.
Techniques similar to acupuncture were originally developed in the Far East and have been used for more than 5,000 years. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing and it may also help some of the symptoms of xerostomia, fatigue, anxiety and hot flushes.
Acupuncture sessions are held in small groups and last for 60 minutes. Acupuncture needles are very fine. Treatment is generally pain-free but a tingling, dull sensation may be experienced.
You will be seated comfortably for the duration and there is no need to remove any clothing. The acupuncturist will explain the treatment and a small number of needles will be inserted into specific points on the outer ear and thumbs. These are left in position for up to 30 minutes.
Once the needles have been removed, your treatment is complete.
For xerostomia (dry mouth) and hot flushes, you will be offered six weekly appointments. These must be booked in advance.
MooGoo products are often recommended for cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, because these treatments can cause dry, red, irritated and sensitive skin.
We have a hand-picked selection of products available for purchase at our main Support and Information Centre in Exeter. Come in and see us to try them out or get a sample to try before you buy!
If you would like to purchase MooGoo products online then please visit their website direct.
To find out more about the FORCE complementary therapies service, please call 01392 402086 or email admin@forcecancercharity.co.uk
Lauren Pezzani (pictured above) is taking part in the Great West Run this year to raise money for FORCE Cancer…
Exeter-based recruitment agency Konker raised vital funds for FORCE by organising a charity padel tournament. The event brought together 12…
This March, why not make or update your Will as part of FORCE Cancer Charity’s Make Your Will Week, taking…
FORCE has received an early Christmas present with the great news that last month’s Santa Cycle and Cruise has raised…
Up to December 2021 I would have said I was fairly fit for my age, horse riding three times a…
Alex Taylor raised £1,382 for FORCE in memory of his sister by tackling the London to Paris Cycle Challenge, riding…
Paul Vice, the former Royal Marine who walked from Exeter to Manchester in aid of his local cancer charity,…
An East Devon cyclist has raised nearly £2,500 for FORCE by riding in four countries in memory of…
A former Royal Marine who suffered more than 400 separate injuries when he was blown up in Afghanistan has completed…
A former Royal Marine dubbed the commando who refused to die is tackling a new challenge to raise money for…
Sign up to receive our newsletter or information about FORCE. We will never sell on your data - your privacy is very important to us.
Sign up today
The 2025 FORCE Impact Report is out now with the latest news on how we support local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis and how your generosity helps us to do that.
Read more