Natasha began providing massage therapy and aromatherapy at Hospice West Auckland in a temporary role back in 2012. The position became permanent, and twelve years later she still finds it just as rewarding. “I always thought it would be a really rewarding place to work,” she says. “I was actually thinking about volunteering when the position came up, which was wonderful.”
Hospice West Auckland is one of the few hospices in New Zealand to employ a massage therapist. Natasha provides massage therapy three days a week, both at Hospice House and in patients’ homes, from referrals received from the nursing team, other members of the Social Care team, and from patients themselves. Like all services, the therapy is tailored to each individual’s specific needs. “I most often work on the back, neck and shoulders where people carry tension and stress,” she explains. “It’s also great for things like respiratory problems by massaging areas around the lungs and tapping.”
Being mobile to provide massage therapy in people’s homes is an important part of the service. Natasha has a portable massage chair which is more upright and ideal for people who find it uncomfortable to lie flat. “The chair can be far more comfortable for people with swelling in the stomach, fluid in the abdomen or with breathing issues, for example,” she says. “Many people say, oh this chair is so comfortable, I’m already feeling relaxed!” She also does massage on the bed with people who are bed-bound, working on what is accessible such as the arms, hands, legs, feet, head and neck.
Natasha provides both therapeutic and relaxation massage, often combining the two. “Relaxation is slower with long strokes and mostly focused on the back, neck, shoulders, hands and feet. Therapeutic is more muscle-focused,” she explains. “And I’m guided by the patient with the pressure I use. People often think it’s going to be very light at Hospice, but some people actually feel better with fairly firm pressure because it relaxes and stimulates the muscles.” An additional benefit of massage therapy is that it releases serotonin, which can help patients with sleeping problems to get a good night’s sleep.
Natasha has been interested in aromatherapy since she was a teenager, and now combines it with massage therapy for patients who may benefit from this gentle, non-invasive support. “It’s another lovely part of the therapy to have those smells and their positive benefits,” she smiles. “I might use eucalyptus or pine for the breathing, lemon for clearing and cleansing, lavender for relaxation, or peppermint or ginger for nausea. And everyone usually loves citrus because it’s such a familiar scent.” She mixes the oils onsite at Hospice House which are used in conjunction with massages and given out in aromasticks. “Aromasticks last a few weeks and different blends can help a person with issues such as sleeping, nausea or breathing.”
In line with Hospice’s wrap-around care philosophy, Natasha also provides massage to the main caregiver, including bereavement massages. “It’s a journey for the whole family and it is so tough for the carers physically as well as emotionally,” she explains. “They definitely need a massage a well! And it’s a little moment of respite for them too.”
Although she runs her own private practice, Natasha says it’s quite different at Hospice. “You go with the flow a lot more, and you get to know people and make real connections with them,” she says.
“I get so much satisfaction from the therapies I provide,” says Natasha. “I just love our Social Care team and the wider team. Everyone’s so friendly and positive, and we do have quite a few laughs as well – which is really good when you’re working at Hospice. The whole atmosphere here is lovely and welcoming for everyone.”
