Research and Development

At TPOT, we are committed to continuous evolution — both in our practice and our purpose. Our Research & Development focus ensures we stay at the forefront of health science, wellbeing, and integrative care by drawing from the latest scientific evidence, clinical insights, and global research developments.

 

We actively engage with leading researchers, health professionals, specialist charities, and sector organisations to enrich our understanding of the complex needs of those living with and beyond illness. This collaborative approach informs our training content, enhances therapist confidence, and strengthens the therapeutic outcomes for those we serve.

 

By staying curious, connected, and evidence-informed, we uphold our commitment to excellence — not only in what we teach, but in how we teach it.

 

 

Pioneering Research and Future Commitments

 

TPOT is proud to have led the first UK-based research project exploring “The Challenges of Treating Clients Living With and Beyond Cancer in UK and Irish Spas and Salons.” This landmark study explored the perspectives and realities across five core areas:

 

- Therapists and Practitioners – capturing their thoughts, levels of confidence, and perceived limitations in working with clients affected by cancer.

- Owners and Operators – balancing care and reputation with insurance, policy, and operational constraints.

- Medical Professionals – from oncologists and specialist nurses to palliative care consultants and integrated cancer support providers, offering a broader clinical view on supportive therapies.

- Insurers and Industry Bodies – helping to clarify the policies, language, and assumptions that often shape practice and access.

- Clients, Carers, and Families – bringing the lived experience to the forefront, with insights from over 3,000 individuals affected by cancer.

 

The research unearthed important patterns and areas for progress. Many spas and salons were found to be turning clients away due to a diagnosis of cancer—often requesting a doctor’s note or requiring the client to be in “remission” or “NED” (no evidence of disease). These policies, while often well-intended, were not always rooted in clinical evidence or contemporary guidance and contributed to a culture of uncertainty and inconsistency.

 

Importantly, this research highlighted a clear opportunity for greater alignment between the spa, beauty, and clinical care sectors. Therapeutic touch has been used safely and supportively in clinical settings since the early 1970s, particularly in cancer and palliative care. However, full integration is still evolving, and differences in sector-specific education and communication remain. The spa and beauty industry’s more cautious stance has largely been shaped by a combination of insurance ambiguity, lack of formal training pathways, and the understandable fear of causing harm — rather than a lack of care or commitment.

 

Rather than positioning one sector against another, TPOT’s work invites shared understanding, open dialogue, and a collective shift towards confidence, compassion, and competence. The research confirmed that many of the barriers to care can be addressed through simple, safe modifications — when therapists are equipped with the right training, support, and assurance.

 

Among the key findings:

- Over 97% of UK and Irish spas surveyed had or were turning clients away due to cancer diagnoses.

-73% of practitioners said they would consider treating with a Dr’s note only if the client was in remission for 3+ years

-Guidance for treating clients with cancer in beauty therapy training has remained at large, unchanged for over 30 years. 

-Over 85% of clients surveyed said they wated access to complementary therapies from diagnosis and beyond.

- Nearly 20% of clients had been refused massage or touch-led treatments following their diagnosis.

- Over 65% of those turned away, said they would now consider withholding the fact they had cancer and ‘lieing' to avoid being turned away — a concerning trend that could place both client and therapist at risk.

 

Encouragingly, many medical professionals were strong advocates of integrative, touch-led approaches — provided they were delivered by appropriately trained and insured therapists. They recognised the importance of emotional, mental, and physical support as part of a more holistic treatment experience.

 

 

Broader Research Interests

 

Michelle has also conducted a clinical trial exploring the treatment of clinical anxiety, comparing outcomes between:

- A specialist six-week hypnotherapy protocol alone, and

- The same protocol with the addition of NADA auricular acupuncture.

 

Both groups showed notable improvements, but those receiving the combined approach experienced broader benefits in overall wellbeing and quality of life.

 

This research has been accepted for publication in a forthcoming clinical paper, with more insights to be shared soon.

 

 

Looking Ahead

 

TPOT remains committed to advancing research that deepens understanding, improves access, and raises standards across the integrative health and wellbeing space. We are currently seeking funding, collaborators, and sector-wide partners to expand this work — especially across compromised health categories where therapeutic and complementary techniques can play a meaningful role in supportive care.

 

If you are interested in contributing, funding, or supporting future research with TPOT, please get in touch. Together, we can make safe, inclusive, and compassionate care more accessible for all.