| What
is Complementary Therapy
Complementary therapies and Complementary medicine are a range
of services designed to complement traditional medical practice
Treatments are used in tandem with mainstream medicine, examples
include acupuncture, reflexology, hypnotherapy and massage
An
increasing desire for wellness, in response to today’s stressful
lifestyle, has led to the rising demand for Complementary medicine
and therapies. It is true that many people are becoming disenchanted
with conventional medicine's drugs and the approach to healing.
What
is the difference between conventional medicine and Complementary
medicine? In general, conventional medicine tends to focus on
the disease and employs techniques to treat it. It views the body
as a war zone where battles against invading organisms are fought,
and won or lost. It focuses more on techniques, technology, chemical
reactions that can be measured, statistically proven and documented.
Treatment is on the part of the body that is displaying the symptoms
of the illness or disease.
On
the other hand, Complementary medicine tends to be "holistic",
where an individual's health is considered as a whole and treatment
not just focused on the symptoms. Complementary medicine employ
"natural" methods to aid the healing powers of the body
to return to a state of health. Treatment is holistic; that is
it takes into account every aspect of a patient and not just on
the health symptoms that he or she is experiencing.
Contrary
to popular belief, Complementary medicine has a history longer
than conventional medicine. Much of Complementary medicine is
derived from ancient healing techniques. For instance, the use
of herbs is practiced all over the world since a long time ago;
whether in India as ayurvedic medicine, in China as traditional
Chinese medicine or used as aromatherapy which can be traced back
to ancient Egyptian times.
There
are a full range of Complementary medicine and complementary therapies.
They include Acupuncture, Acupressure, Alexander Technique, Aromatherapy,
Bowen Therapy, Chinese Medicine, Holistic Medicine, Homeopathy,
Hopi Ear Candles, Hypnotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Kinesiology,
Reiki, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai Foot Massage etc
– all aimed at restoring the body back to balance and thus
helping an individual achieve total wellness.
Complementary therapies are becoming an increasingly popular option
as a treatment. It has been estimated that as many as one third
of people in the UK have tried at least one form of complementary
therapy, usually for persistent and chronic problems such as backache
or arthritis.
It is highly recommended that you use a qualified practitioner
who is a member of a regulatory body. By law, chiropractic and
osteopathy practitioners must be registered with the appropriate
professional bodies
As
an aid to understanding these various therapies we offer the following
brief descriptions :-
Acupuncture is an ancient
Chinese medical procedure involving insertion and manipulation
of needles at more than 1000 points in the human body. Applied
to relieve pain during surgery or in rheumatic conditions, and
to treat many other conditions- anxiety/depression, arthritis,
asthma, pain, eczema, sports injuries, allergies and hayfever,
migraine, menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal problems and pregnancy
management and delivery.
Acupuncture is used today in most hospitals in China and increasingly
by practitioners in Europe, and the United States. Acupuncture
has grown in popularity in the United States since the 1970s and
is now widely regarded as a safe and effective treatment for a
variety of conditions.
The Chinese and other eastern peoples have been using acupuncture
to restore, promote and maintain good health for about 2,500 years,
originally stone needles were used, and later bronze, gold and
silver needles. The first medical account of acupuncture was ‘The
Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ which
dates from about 300 BC. Acupuncture is rooted in the Taoist philosophy
of change, growth, balance and harmony, and this text outlines
the principles of natural law and the movements of life - yin
and yang, the Five Elements, the organ system and the meridian
network along which acupuncture points are located
Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is one
of the oldest and most commonly performed types of medical procedure.
The literal meaning of Acupuncture is “needle piercing.”
As the name suggests, the procedure of acupuncture involves penetrating
the skin with solid, metallic needles that are very thin.
According
to Chinese medicine, the body transmits energy or qi (pronounced
chee) through pathways or meridians in the body. The unimpeded
flow of this energy, along with a balanced Yin and Yang, account
for a person's overall health. Acupuncture targets more than 2,000
acupuncture points along these pathways to ensure the proper flow
of energy through the body.
Acupressure
is based on the same principles as acupuncture but without
the needles. A type of Oriental healing art based on ancient Japanese
and Chinese medicine.The practitioner uses manipulation rather
than needles to alleviate pain or other symptoms. Also known as
shiatsu (which literally translated means 'finger
pressure' ) acupressure is administered by pressing with
the fingertips—and sometimes the elbows or knees—along
a complex network of trigger points in the patient's body.
Shiatsu
emerged in Japan and is now a fully accepted medical treatment,
authorised by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Acupressure can be used to treat a large range of health problems,
but it is particularly effective for headaches, tension-related
ailments, depression and fatigue, as well as bowel and back problems.
Alexander
Technique is a method of mind/body integration,
which leads to ease of movement and awareness. The Alexander Technique
is usually taught in individual lessons, during which the student
becomes aware of patterns of contraction in everyday activities
such as walking, sitting, standing, bending and lifting. Developed
by FM Alexander (1869-1955) for changing the way we 'use' ourselves
in the activities of everyday life, be they in the home, at school
or at work, or during sporting activities etc. . Often, we develop
bad posture and habits without being aware of this, and expend
too much energy or muscle force to achieve a task. Alexander Technique
teachers help to adjust the client’s posture to recognise
the difference between current habits and what it feels like to
use muscles with minimum effort and in a relaxed, fluid way.
Aromatherapy is the use
of volatile plant oils for preventative care, healing and general
physical well-being. Although the term aromatherapy was not used
until the 20th Century, the foundations of Aromatherapy date back
thousands of years and can be traced back through to ancient Roman,
Greek, Egyptian and Chinese cultures.
Essential
oils can be used in different ways, including massage, bathing
and inhalation. When essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor
cells are stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional
centre of the brain, or “limbic system”. The limbic
system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory, breathing,
and blood circulation, as well as the endocrine glands that regulate
hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance
and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems. When
used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed
through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find
their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the
organs and systems of the body. Different oils are thought to
act on the body in different ways, having a relaxing, energizing,
calming or uplifting effect.
Popular
because of its non-invasive nature, aromatherapy is used for a
wide range of health problems such as anxiety, stress, insomnia,
anxiety and stress related conditions. Many people find it useful
in treating arthritic and rheumatoid pain, headaches, and pre-menstrual
tension. It is sometimes available in maternity services and is
widely used in palliative and cancer care in hospitals and hospices.
Some people also use aromatherapy just for its relaxation effects.
Therapists
need to be made aware of any health problems the patient may have,
particularly cardiac, respiratory, neurological or dermatological
conditions, as some essential oils have to be avoided for people
with these conditions. There is also the possibility of some essential
oils interacting with prescribed medications, so patients should
check with their GP as well as informing their therapist of any
medication they are taking. Pregnant women are advised to avoid
essential oils in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy and some should
not be used at all during pregnancy.
(Thanks to:- The NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative
Practitioners )
Bowen
Therapy is a holistic system of healing developed
in Australia in the 1950s by Tom Bowen. The technique was limited
to Australia until Bowen's death in 1982, when it was named, and
spread by Bowen's apprentices.
It is Remedial and Holistic and a simple and focused form of 'hands-on'
bodywork that can bring remarkable results. The technique prompts
the body to reset and heal itself, promoting relief of pain and
recovery of energy. The therapist uses thumbs and forefingers
to make Bowen's unique sets of gentle, rolling-type moves, which
are then altered with leaving the client to rest for a few minutes.
These short breaks allow the body to respond by making the subtle
and fine adjustments needed for healing. The experience of a treatment
is gentle, subtle and relaxing. Because the therapy is so gentle,
it is considered to be suitable for all ages. The precise, light
movements are applied either directly on the skin or through light
clothing to the muscles, tendons or ligaments. A delicate, cross-fibre
movement is used to release tension and energetic blocks held
in the muscles, allowing the body to rebalance itself naturally
and therefore maximise the potential for healing.
Homeopathy
is a system developed by Samuel Hahnemann towards the
end of the 18 th century, based on the understanding that healing
comes from within, from the body’s innate self-healing forces.
These forces are to be stimulated by certain substances that would
actually cause respective disease if given in a high doses; intending
to heal an illness with its equal substance.
It uses plants, minerals, and some animal remedies, prescribed
on the principle that "Like cures like". This is called
the simile principle. The word "homoeopathy" is derived
from the Greek words "homoios" meaning like or similar,
and "pathos" meaning suffering.
Homoeopathic remedies work by stimulating the bodys own healing
power. This stimulus will assist your own system to clear itself
of any expressions of imbalance. The aim is to get you to a level
of health so that eventually you will need infrequent treatment.
Hypnotherapy
uses the power of the mind to help heal physical as well
as emotional problems. It helps the patient discover the underlying
emotional and psychological causes to their ailments.
Hypnotherapy is particularly useful in helping people
to deal with stress and anxiety related conditions such as panic
attacks, phobias, insomnia and other emotional problems like depression,
lack of confidence and self esteem, etc.
Hypnotherapy can also help you change unwelcome habits such as
smoking and nail-biting, and deal with problems relating to food
and body image. This is achieved by finding out what the real
problem is and finding better, more positive ways to meet your
needs.
Hopi
ear candles are named after the Native American
tribe who first introduced this gentle therapy to the West.
Ear
candles are used widely throughout North America and Asia and
although the current treatment has come to us from the Hopi tribe,
the use of ear candles to treat ear problems has been known for
centuries, having been used by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks
Ear
candles can help with the treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, earwax,
earache and irritation of the ears including tinnitus. It is also
suitable for the treatment of headaches and migraines.
Indian
Head Massage is a treatment based on old Ayurvedic
techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck,
scalp and face. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve
accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement.
IHM is also used to aid the condition and health of the hair,
particularly when combined with the use of natural organic oils.
Indian
Head Massage is used by practitioners to help reduce stress and
fatigue, increase mental clarity, and relax and rejuvenate the
receiver. A treatment will last between 20 minutes to one hour.
Kinesiology
, literally the study of body movement, is a holistic
approach to balancing the movement and interaction of a person's
energy systems. Kinesiology uses gentle muscle testing to evaluate
many functions of the body in the structural, chemical, neurological,
and biochemical realms. Kinesiological muscle testing does not
assess strength, but tests the integrity of the many factors which
determine its response when called upon to contract. The body's
natural healing responses are stimulated by attention to reflex
and acupressure points, and by use of specific body movements
and nutritional support. These can lead to increased physical
and mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.'
Using massage, nutrition, and contact points, Kinesiology helps
with: emotions and anxieties, specific personal dietary intake
and supplements for nutritional deficiencies, structural imbalances
and energy blocks. Kinesiology balances the whole person which
enhances health and well-being.
Naturopathy
is a system of natural healthcare that believes
the body has the ability to heal itself and it is the naturopathic
doctor's role to facilitate this natural process. Naturopaths
believe that the right kind of conditions must be in place to
allow the healing process to begin, these include getting rest,
relaxation and enough sleep, exercising, feeding the body nutritional
food and removing toxins from the system.
The underlying root causes of disease must be removed for complete
healing to take place . These root causes can exist at many levels:
physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It is the naturopathic
doctor's ostensible role to identify this root cause, in addition
to alleviate suffering by treating symptoms.
First do no harm
The process of healing includes the manifestations of symptoms,
so that any therapy that interferes with this natural healing
process by masking symptoms is considered suppressive and should
be avoided . The natural life force of the individual should be
supported to facilitate healing.
Treat the whole person
A core tenet of naturopathy is the belief that health must go
beyond treatment of immediate symptoms (as with medicine), and
instead treat the entire person's well being. That means treating
the entire body, as well as the spirit and mind.
The physician as teacher
It is the role of the naturopath to educate an individual in their
practices and encourage that individual to "take responsibility
for their own health" (docere). This cooperative relationship
between doctor and patient is essential to healing.
Prevention
The ultimate goal of the naturopathic physician is prevention.
The emphasis is on building health, not fighting illness. This
is done by fostering healthy lifestyles, healthy beliefs, and
healthy relationships.
Traditional Naturopaths
The healing power of nature, is the central tenet of Traditional
Naturopathy. Bacteria and viruses, which are always present, seldom
cause problems in a healthy body. According to naturopathic practice,
disease occurs when toxins that have accumulated internally –
often due to incorrect lifestyle, a poor diet, and improper care
of the body - weaken a person. While conventional medical treatments
may rid the body of symptoms, these treatments alone do not bring
about true healing. Rather than trying to attack specific symptoms
and diseases, Traditional Naturopathy offers a holistic approach
to the individual that supports the body in finding its way back
to homeostasis.
Traditional
Naturopathy is not a medical practice. While prescribing drugs
and pharmaceuticals, performing surgery, and other invasive procedures
clearly have their place in the hands of properly trained medical
doctors, these practices are outside the scope of Traditional
Naturopathy and are at odds with its fundamental principles. Instead
Traditional Naturopaths focus on educating clients to lead healthier
lives and on the use of naturopathic modalities such as light,
water, herbs, healthy foods, and exercise to cleanse and strengthen
the body and support its natural healing process.
Reflexology
(sometimes called zone therapy) iis a form of complementary
therapy in which the nerve endings primarily in the feet are stimulated
by specific massage techniques to effect changes in another part
of the body and thereby create health and help overcome disease.
is a form of complementary medicine and involves a method
of treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the feet and
the hands. Most commonly, the feet are used as the areas to be
treated. In the feet, there are reflex areas
corresponding to all the parts of the body and these areas are
arranged in such a way as to form a map of the body in the feet
with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body
and the left foot to the left side of the body. Thus, it becomes
possible to treat the whole body and the treat the body as a whole.
This latter point is an important factor of a natural therapy
and allows not only symptoms to be treated but also their causes.
Reiki
is a form of touch therapy in
which the therapist uses a both the laying on of hands and distant
healing techniques. The therapists treats those parts of the body
he or she senses are emitting weak energy, by laying his or her
hands close to the site of the problem, this enables energy to
start to flow through the therapist’s hands to the patient.
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life (Rei) Energy (Ki).
It is a spiritual healing discipline and has its roots in ancient
Buddhist teachings. The founder of Reiki, Dr Mikao Usui, spent
many years seeking the knowledge of healing and found information
on Reiki in Sanskrit texts. He received information on Reiki through
a vision when meditating on a Japanese mountain. Reiki is the
vital life energy which flows through all living things and which
can be activated for the purpose of healing. Reiki practitioners
believe that everyone has the ability to connect to their own
healing energy and use it for the purposes of strengthening the
Ki (or life energy) of others. The Reiki therapist channels the
Ki through his or her hands to the recipient, activating the body’s
natural ability to heal itself. When a person’s Ki is strong
and flowing freely, the body and mind are in a positive state
of health. However, the vital energy may become weak or blocked,
and this may lead to symptoms on a physical or emotional level.
Reiki
can be used to treat acute problems, such as accidental injuries
as well as chronic problems, such as asthma, eczema and headaches.
Shiatsu
is
a traditional Japanese healing art. It can help a wide range of
conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of
poor health.
Often
referred to as "acupuncture without needles"
There are 87,000 registered Shiatsu practitioners in Japan, where
it is
generally regarded as physiotherapy
Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience.
Regular sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in daily
life.
Ideal for people of all ages!
Background
to Shiatsu
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known
as Ki in
Japan; you may know it as chi or prana) flows throughout the body
in a
series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons
Ki can stop
flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.
Your Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of health;
the symptoms
you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution and general
energy
levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy
flow. These
may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers,
elbows,
knees or feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic
rotations
and stretches.
As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack
of flow
will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the
individual
as a complete being - not just the physical body but also on an
emotional
and/or mental level.
Shiatsu
is the spiritual application of Eastern and Western therapy
techniques. It can produce long-term change to your health and
well-being
What
to expect in a session
Each
session lasts approximately 50 minutes
The first session may be slightly longer since your practitioner
will take a
detailed case history to develop a complete picture of your health
according
to the principles of Oriental medicine
The session usually takes place on a padded mat or futon at floor
level
It is also possible to receive Shiatsu sitting on a chair if you
are unable
to lie down
The client stays fully clothed throughout.
It is recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably
cotton
Following a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality
and you
will generally feel relaxed and invigorated
Shiatsu
can reduce pain
Calm the nerves
Regulate blood pressure
Improve flexibility
Increase energy levels
Improve sleep
Promote good health &
well-being
Relieve stress
Shiatsu is effective on all levels - mind body spirit, especially
emotionally
It is a true holistic therapy
Shiatsu
can help:
Rehabilitation
Sports injuries
Common conditions that have failed to respond to Western medicine
Complex & non specific conditions
Reduce the need for medication, drugs and artificial stimulants
Get your body back to how nature intended it
Feel happier, healthier, more relaxed and alive
Learn short, simple, effective exercises
Benefit from simple, effective dietary advice
Experience the benefits of deep relaxation
Shiatsu is a superbly comfortable and relaxing experience, with
real health
benefits
Even the most sceptical people have been impressed by the powerful
effect
Shiatsu has had on their lives.
(Thanks
to Kevin Callaghan - (Professional Shiatsu Practitioner) for this
information - http:/www.shiatsu4health.co.uk
)
Thai
Foot Massage is a massage of the lower legs and feet
that involves hands-on stretching and massage to “open”
Sen (energy) Lines, along with the use of a stick to stimulate
the reflex points on the feet which correspond to the internal
organs of the body. Thai Foot Massage stimulates these points
to promote general health and well-being.
This
list is by no means definitive. If you feel you would like to
contribute some extra data please contact
us
Transformational
Breathing for Health and Happiness
by Angela Leake
When
I tell new acquaintances that my work involves teaching people
how to breathe, I am often met with blank looks or comments such
as: “I’ve been breathing all my life and I certainly
never needed any help”. And it’s true, we are all
breathing at least enough to stay alive, but ask yourself the
question: is that all you want?
Take
a moment to pay attention to your breathing. Is it full and deep,
starting in your abdomen and working it’s way into your
chest, with a free, relaxed outbreath? Or are there areas where
your breath doesn’t reach, perhaps a feeling that it is
quite shallow and even times when you suddenly find you’re
not breathing at all and have to gasp for air? Studies show that
about 9 out of 10 people don’t breathe fully, and Transformational
Breathing is a way of learning to change this.
Restricted
breathing means we don’t take in as much oxygen as we need
to feed our bodies. It also supports the unconscious defence mechanisms
that shut down unpleasant or difficult emotions. These are stored
in the mind and body, creating chronic tension and can eventually
lead to pain and disease. Learning the full, circular breathing
pattern of Transformational Breathing will activate your own natural
healing response. We can help you to open up your whole respiratory
system, creating super-oxygenation and helping to clear emotional
baggage. Once you have learned this technique you can continue
to practice it and take control of this vital aspect of your own
life and well-being.
Transformational
Breathing was developed in the United States by Dr Judith Kravitz
and has been taught all over the world. Still relatively unknown
in the UK, it helps us to gently release energetic blockages held
in the body and can help to create energy, physical and emotional
well-being and spiritual connection. It is possibly the most powerful
and effective tool for personal empowerment we have, and works
effectively alongside many other forms of healing work. One Reiki
practitioner who has also trained as a Transformational Breath
facilitator says she finds the breath increases the power of the
flow of Reiki energy and the benefit gained by her clients. Working
with Transformational Breathing has been found to enhance the
benefits of many different therapies and treatments and can be
used by people of all ages and many physical and emotional conditions.
A client once said that in his estimation, one session of Transformational
Breathing was equivalent to about 2 years of psychotherapy!
In
the nine years since I encountered Transformational Breathing,
it has profoundly altered my own life and the lives of many people
I have worked with. I had suffered with ME for 3 years and became
well almost immediately, I found a kind of peace and emotional
freedom within myself that I had never experienced before. I have
witnessed incredible transformation in the lives of many of my
clients: people of all ages from babies up to those in their 70’s
and 80’s. We do not make any claims to cure people and we
don’t promise miracles, and yet I know that simply by working
with the breath in this way, amazing things have happened for
many people all over the world.
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07779 004292