health & wellbeing
Integrated health works towards a culture of health and wellbeing with people and communities taking more responsibility for their own health. This gives everyone the opportunity to have some control and participation in their treatment. Hope and control are two very important elements for anyone with a chronic condition, disease or addiction.
Inequalities in health exist in many parts of Wales which can often lead to chronic disease. This can affect not only health, but social inclusion, education, employment and social mobility. As a result of our stressful lives, people are taking a greater interest in their own health and complementary healthcare is increasing in relevance and acceptability.
The NHS is beginning to accept that complementary therapies, such as reflexology, aromatherapy and holistic massage have a place alongside conventional healthcare. Cancer clinics, hospitals and hospices often use these therapies for patients needing palliative care, as well as symptom relief.
Carers
According to a recent report by Carers UK, the value of unpaid support that carers provide has now reached £87 billion a year. This is more than the annual total spend on the NHS, which stood at £82 billion in the year 2006-2007. There is a clear association between the stress a carer feels and the quality of care the person they are caring for receives. One of the most important things that carers can do is pay attention to their own health which is often very difficult for them.
Touch was never meant to be a luxury. It is a basic human need like food, water and breath. Touch is an action that validates life and gives hope. We believe that people who might never have experienced complementary therapies can benefit from their unconditional touch and ultimately this is what VISIT is all about.