H.E.A.R.T.S.- helping you achieve a state of relaxation and calm as quickly and easily as possible.

I had the privilege of training with Ann Carter the developer of this lovely therapy at a hospice in Dublin. By developing an understanding of touch, aromas and the sound of the human voice this therapy helps practitioners in helping their patients achieve a state of relaxation and calm as quickly and easily as possible. The acronym H.E.A.R.T.S means Hands on Empathy Aromas Relaxation Textures Sound The HEARTS Process draws on a range of natural skills and sensory experiences. These include Hands-on contact, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures and Sound. The benefits realised from a HEARTS approach may be profound and the different aspects can be used in any combination for people who are anxious, in pain, or unable to sleep. HEARTS always includes physical contact – the ‘hands-on’ approach – and is always given through fabric of some kind. Other components of HEARTS can be used in a variety of combinations to make relaxation as easy as possible for the receiver. HEARTS was designed to be used where conventional massage techniques were inappropriate, and in any situation where well-intentioned touch could be beneficial. It can be given through clothes & bed covers so there is no need for patients to remove clothing. Ann has written a book on the subject and these are her thoughts on it; ‘ The HEARTS Process is one I developed more than a decade ago whilst working at The Neil Cliffe Centre. HEARTS – which stands for Hands-on, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures and Sound, is a therapeutic approach in which I’ve been training other therapists for several years. I wrote the book with my co-author Peter Mackereth, and we hope that its publication will lead to even more patients benefiting from its approach. Relaxation and calm is so incredibly important when it comes to the wellbeing of people with a life-limiting illness such as cancer, and the book outlines simple steps that can be followed to help patients and carers achieve just that.’ Ann Carter I use this therapy with those who are receiving treatment for cancer to help bring some calm amongst the fractious time. I may also interweave these techniques learned into your therapy time where needed. For more information Contact Live well Clinic on 07759003457 Majella Farrell RMN, MBRCP. is a mother of four and grandmother of three. She is involved in the care of the parents. An experienced tutor of therapies and healthcare science. She practices Natural Health Care at Live Well Clinic. With over 40 years of experience in healthcare first as a nurse and then as a Natural Health Care Consultant. www.livewellclinic.co.uk