Complementary Therapists in the West Midlands
Choose a Therapy Provider from one of the following towns :-

Birmingham ,Coventry , Dudley , Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge, Other Towns

Other Areas and towns can be accessed from our Find a Therapist page
We also have some interesting and informative articles & notes with a Complementary Therapy theme on our Therapy Articles page.
Find books about Complementary and Alternative medicine on our Books Page and there are sections for Products , Gifts and Courses related to Complementary Therapies.

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.

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.