Massage therapy can be an effective holistic treatment for managing pain, stress, and anxiety at the end of life. Gentle massage has been shown to decrease pain by stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. It also promotes relaxation and a sense of calmness. Massage therapists in hospice care are specially trained to work with patients who may have limited mobility or medical conditions. They are able to modify massage techniques to best suit an individual patient’s needs and comfort level. Some patients receive chair massages while others receive bed massages or have certain areas massaged.

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils extracted from plants to positively impact mood and well-being. Several essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus may help relieve pain, stress, and anxiety when inhaled or applied topically during a massage. Aromatherapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can be part of a patient’s overall palliative care plan. Essential oils can be diffused in a room or added to hot or cold compresses that are gently placed on areas of discomfort. Research has found that aromatherapy can work in synergy with conventional medical treatments to enhance quality of life.

Music therapy is a beneficial complementary approach for end-of-life care. Live or recorded music has been shown to decrease pain levels, relax the mind and body, ease emotional distress, and create opportunities for reminiscence and shared moments. Board-certified music therapists in hospice agencies use gentle songs and instruments tailored to each patient’s musical preferences, backgrounds, and cultures. For some bedridden patients, music therapy may involve simply listening to soothing music with headphones or speakers. Therapists also use singing, instrument play, song writing, and music-assisted relaxation to lift spirits and address psychosocial and spiritual needs. Being able to engage with music provides enjoyment, comfort and meaningful expression at life’s end.

Guided imagery uses vivid, directed suggestions to stimulate the mind’s imagination as a way to self-soothe and manage symptoms. By learning imagery techniques, patients can visualize peaceful scenes, feel relaxation in their bodies, or imagine therapeutic responses from their immune systems. This low-impact method allows the patient to mentally escape difficult realities when physical escape isn’t possible. Research confirms that guided imagery can help reduce pain levels, lessen anxiety, minimize nausea from treatments, and foster optimistic attitudes. Imagery scripts tailored specifically for end-of-life care issues are incorporated into relaxation exercises lead by trained clinicians or audio recordings.

Therapeutic touch or reiki are types of biofield energy therapies based on the premise that a universal energy field surrounds and penetrates the human body. Practitioners use a gentle, intuitive approach involving light touch to facilitate the flow of a person’s “life energy” and bring the body into better balance and alignment. This is thought to boost self-healing abilities and enhance well-being. Although its mechanisms are not fully understood scientifically, therapeutic touch in combination with standard medical care is used to relieve suffering in hospice. Patients often report therapeutic touch as deeply relaxing and comforting. It may help ease symptoms like pain, shortness of breath or anxiety. No known risks are associated with these energy-based therapies.

While more research is still needed, studies have shown that various alternative therapies can safely and effectively enhance symptom management, quality of life and end-of-life journeys when offered as options through interdisciplinary hospice care teams. Their holistic nature meets the entire person – body, mind and spirit – which is consistent with palliative philosophies of addressing all needs rather than just the physical ones. Alternatives like massage, music and imagery allow coping through elevated moods versus just medication alone. Utilizing a combination of both conventional and complementary approaches based on each individual’s preferences has demonstrated valuable results for hospice populations.