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 The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have heard from cancer sufferers in Manchester about the benefits of complementary therapy treatments.
The royal couple toured the city’s Christie Hospital, a specialist cancer hospital which won an award from the Prince’s Foundation of Integrated Health in 2003 for its growing complementary therapy service.
The royal couple spent more than 20 minutes in the hospital’s Relaxation Room, talking to patients receiving therapies such as reflexology and acupuncture to help ease the nausea, pain, anxiety and insomnia associated with cancer.
David Battersby, 39, who is battling leukaemia, told Camilla reflexology seemed to be having an impact on the liver problems associated with his cancer.
Mr Battersby, from Milnthorpe, Kendal, said: “From what she said to me, it seems both her and Charles have had complementary therapy treatments themselves, including reflexology. They’re big fans, I think. She said it had been benefited them.”
Charles spoke for several minutes to an aromatherapy specialist at the service who is investigating how certain essential oils can lower the risk of infections, including those from superbug MRSA.
Dr Jacqui Stringer, 44, clinical lead complementary therapist at the hospital, is working with Manchester University to develop a special mix of oils to put in a protective gel wash.
It is understood Charles asked her what oils she used but she could not reveal them as the research is still at trial stage.
Instead she gave him a piece of gauze impregnated with the secret formula to take home and smell, challenging him to guess the ingredients.
Ms Stringer said: “He was very interested in my work - genuinely so - and his questions were pertinent. He’s very knowledgeable and charming.”
Source: Manchester Evening News 07.02.07
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