Therapies -scroll down to find the relavant heading
ACUPRESSURE ACUPUNCTURE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE AROMATHERAPY
BOWEN TECHNIQUE CHIROPRACTIC
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
HOMOEOPATHY
HYPNOTHERAPY INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
MASSAGE THERAPY
MEDITATION
NATUROPATHY NUTRITIONAL THERAPY OSTEOPATHY PHYSIOTHERAPY
PILATES
PSYCHOTHERAPY
REFLEXOLOGY
REIKI
SPINAL CORD STIMULATION THERAPY
TAI CHI
VISUALISATION
YOGA
ACUPRESSURE
considers the body as an energy system and serves to relieve a persons specific symptoms by detecting and releasing ‘blocked’, or ‘congested’ energy centres in the body. As with acupuncture, the energy centres, or acupoints lie on energy ‘pathways’ called meridians, and their ‘condition’ is perceived to be key to all treatments.
Physical pain or discomfort is considered to be due to the blockage of these acupoints or meridians which can also affect an individual’s emotions which may be exhibited as anything from anger to frustration, or irritability. Once a problem has been identified for treatment the practitioner will apply deep, but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints. The action of pressure on the ‘blocked energy centres’ will start to release the energy and alleviate the symptoms. Most patients find this ‘gentle pressure’ quite pleasant, allowing their bodies and minds to relax.
Acupressure is claimed to be effective for: Stress Relief , Headaches , Migraines , Neck Pain , Shoulder Pain, General Aches and Pains , Chronic conditions & Back Strain
For further information contact
ASSOCIATION OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF MERIDIAN THERAPIES
Website: http://members.aol.com/MairLL/AAMET/IsraelWeb.htm
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is founded on Chinese and Japanese healing methods developed over 1000 years ago and is being increasingly acknowledged as an ‘effective’ therapy by Western health professionals and patients. A treatment plan is determined by asking questions about presenting symptoms, life style, sleeping patterns, emotions, and feelings, as well as examining the tongue and obtaining a series of pulses on both wrists. A traditional diagnosis can then be made and treatment involving the insertion of fine needles into carefully chosen points then takes place.
Typical conditions which have been shown to respond to acupuncture include, allergies and hayfever, anxiety/depression, arthritis, asthma, eczema, migraine, pain and sports injuries. It is also used in a preventative manner to keep the body in tune. The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being
It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person to another.
For further information contact
BRITISH MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE SOCIETY
Newton House
Newton Lane
Whitley
Warrington
Cheshire WA4 4JA
UK
Tel: 01925 730727
Fax: 01925 730492
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk
BRITISH ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL
63 Jeddo Road
London
W12 9HQ
Tel: +44 (0) 208 735 0400
Fax: +44 (0) 208 735 0404
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
is a taught and applied system developed by FM Alexander aimed at adjusting the way we ‘utilize’ our bodies in daily life activities, be they at home, work, or during sporting activities. The technique is based on the principle that we each function as a whole unit and in order to prompt improvements to well being, one must consciously learn to avoid the undesirable and harmful habits that cause pain and poor health i.e. muscular tension and stress. Through a sequence of lessons one is taught the basic ideas of the Alexander Technique and can experience the difference that the technique can make to your body. Once learned, the technique is a skill for life.
Many people embark on the Technique due to unresolved physical problems: back, neck or shoulder pain, RSI, stress and tension or breathing disorders. Many learn the Technique through a desire to discover more about themselves and to enhance personal development. It is seen as an essential element in the training. of top sportspeople by giving them the awareness in activity they require to perform to a high standard.
The effectiveness of the Alexander Technique is well documented and has been the subject of several scientific studies. Well-conducted research has shown that 24 lessons in the technique showed significant long -term benefit in both reduction in pain and back-pain associated disability(i.e. after one year). As a result it is increasingly being acknowledged and recommended by doctors.
For further information contact
THE SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE(STAT)
1st Floor, Linton House
39-51 Highgate Road
London
NW5 1RT
UK
Telephone (+44) 0207 482 5135
Fax (+44) 020 7352 1556
E-mail [email protected]
Website: www.stat.org.uk
AROMATHERAPY
a holistic form of treatment aimed at improving physical well being through the systematic use of essential oils extracted from plants which possess distinctive remedial qualities that can facilitate health improvements and prevent disease. Aromatherapy combines gentle, healing massage with the therapeutic properties of the plant extracts which through the physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions where both physical and emotional relief is needed to treat the problem. It is successfully used for arthritis, bronchitis, digestive problems, muscular aches and pains, tension, skin complains and stress.
Seen as a classic holistic treatment which can have a immense effect on body, mind and emotions, aromatherapy is now offered in hospitals, nursing homes, health centres, as well as private practice. It is usual for the aromatherapist to ask a number of questions about your medical history; general health and lifestyle in order to provide them with a good understanding of the essential oils which are most appropriate for you as an individual.
Research Articles
http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Therapies/Aromatherapy-ChronicPainResearch.htm
For further information contact
THE AOC
PO Box 19834
London
SE25 6WF
Tel: +44 (0) 208 251 7912
Fax: +44 (0) 208 251 7942
Website: www.aromatherapy-uk.org
AROMATHERAPY & ALLIED PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION
8 George Street
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1PA
Tel. 020 8680 7761
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.AAPA.org.uk
BOWEN TECHNIQUE
is a gentle, subtle, relaxing method of ‘hands-on’ treatment which can have notable results. The technique encourages the body to reset and heal itself, prompting relief of pain and revival of energy levels. Using the thumbs and forefingers, the therapist adopts a unique set of gentle, rolling-type movements which are then altered, between which the client is left to rest for a few minutes to allow the body to make the subtle and fine adjustments needed for healing.. Most of the work can be performed through light clothing. Two to four sessions of treatment, at weekly intervals will often be enough to provide lasting relief from long-standing pain and complaints.
Bowens technique can be used for a variety of conditions including back and neck pain, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, high blood pressure, headache, chronic fatigue, stress and respiratory conditions.
For further information contact
EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF BOWEN STUDIES
38 Portway
FROME
Somerset
BA11 1QU
Tel/Fax: 01373 461873
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thebowentechnique.com
CHIROPRACTIC
specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions which arise due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints and their effects on the nervous system. Poor, inadequate or incorrect activity of the spine causes irritation of the nerves that control posture and movement. Stress placed on the nerves of the spine by factors such as accident, poor diet, insufficient exercise, poor posture and anxiety can lead to symptoms of discomfort, pain and disease which act as a warning that the body is not functioning properly.
Since the irritation of the nerve in one area can sometimes lead to ‘referred’ pain in other parts of the body, painful symptoms are often a warning sign which should not be ignored. The chiropractor is trained to diagnose the cause by working on the joints which stimulate the joint movement receptors that provide feedback to the brain on how the joints are aligned. This alignment can affect the way your nervous system works and lead to nerve irritation which can result in symptoms like: headaches or migraines, neck , back, chest and abdominal pain, shoulder, wrist and hand problems, leg, knee, ankle and foot problems.
Through the use of manipulation, chiropractors seek to improve mobility and relieve pain by adjusting the joints of the spine and extremities where signs of restricted movement are found. This type of treatment enables the body’s own healing processes to get on with the task of improving health and well being.
McTimoney Chiropractic is a gentler form of chiropractic treatment which may be more appropriate where there is extreme nerve irritation and muscle sensitivity.
For further information contact:
BRITISH CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION
Blagrave House
17 Blagrave Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 1QB
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 118 950 5950
Fax: +44 (0) 118 958 8946
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/
GENERAL CHIROPRACTIC COUNCIL
344-354 Gray’s Inn Road
London
WC1X 8BP
Tel. 020 7713 5155
Fax. 020 7713 5844
Email. [email protected]
Website. www.gcc-uk.org
MCTIMONEY CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION,
21 High Street,
Eynsham,
Oxon.
OX8 1HE
Tel: 01865 880974
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
an extremely gentle, non-invasive form of treatment which supports the body’s natural capacity for self-repair. Using gentle touch over the cranium and spine, the therapist tunes in or “listens” to what is happening within the body with their hands.
The therapy is client-led and it is your own body’s healing process that sets the pace of work ensuring that no harm can be done and you remain relaxed, in control and able to assimilate the changes that occur. There may be a sense of deep relaxation, heat, tingling and pulsation during the treatment. Using the body’s natural rhythms, this therapy works with the fluids in the body, particularly those flowing from the head to the base of the spine.
If local pain makes it difficult to directly treat a specific area of the body, the problem can be treated remotely. e.g. a condition in the pelvis can be treated from the cranium. This makes it possible to automatically correct problems in one area of the body whilst treating apparently unrelated conditions elsewhere.
Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children, and the elderly, as well as adults and people in fragile or acutely painful conditions. Treatment can aid almost any condition, raising vitality and improving the body’s capacity for self-repair.
Some of the conditions successfully worked with are: arthritis, back pain , drug withdrawal, exhaustion, fall or injury, frozen shoulder, insomnia, migraine, post-operative conditions, sciatica, spinal curvatures, sports injuries, stress related illnesses, whiplash injuries
For further information contact:
CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION
Monomark House
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WE1N 3XX
Tel: 07000 784 735
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.craniosacral.co.uk/
INTERNATIONAL REGISTER OF CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY
9 St. George’s Mews
Primrose Hill
London
NW1 8XE.
Tel: (0171) 4830120
HOMOEOPATHY
The Beliefs of HOMEOPATHY – literally meaning ‘like cures like’ from Greek – have been recognised since ancient times. It is a gentle and effective system of medicine, based on an holistic view of health and illness.It is commonly thought that there needs to be a belief in the remedies for them to work. This is not necessary, although as with all therapies, and open frame of mind with enhance their effects.
Homeopaths view ill-health as an imbalance in the body, so they treat the underlying causes and not merely symptoms, by stimulating the body’s own healing ability and inducing recovery of the balance that has been lost. Whereas conventional medicine treats symptoms of health problems by giving a drug which causes the symptoms to be counteracted and temporarily alleviated, the homoeopathic approach uses minute dose of a substance which in large doses would cause the initial symptoms but in small doses induces a natural rebalancing of the body. Homoeopathic remedies cannot cause side effects and you cannot become addicted to them. This is because only a very minute amount of the active ingredient is used in a specially prepared form.
Homeopathy treats the person rather than the disease, so there is not a standard remedy for each illness. The homoeopath uses a homoeopathic medicine or remedy which matches the symptoms as they are experienced, taking into account of you as a person your individual characteristics emotionally as well as physically.
Homeopathy can sometimes be provided on the NHS.
For further information contact
BRITISH HOMEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION,
27a Devonshire Street
London
W1N 1RJ
Tel: 020 7935 2163
UK HOMEOPATHY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,
6 Livingstone Road
Gravesend
Kent
DA12 5DZ
Tel: (01474) 560336
Website: http://www.homoeopathy.org/
THE SOCIETY OF HOMEOPATHS,
2 Artizan Road
Northampton
NN1 4HU
Tel: (01604) 21400
Fax: 01604-22622.
HYPNOTHERAPY
Whilst hypnosis is not in itself, a therapy, it can be a effective process when used by a professional therapist to help with the control of pain and is increasingly being used by doctors and dentists, as an alternative to drugs for analgesia, to support better recovery and relieve stress. It is clear that the mind and body work together, when one is under stress, then the other suffers. The power of the mind has been shown to be a key factor in treating many diseases, even cancer. The methods used in hypnotherapy can provide one with the techniques to mentally manage, reduce and modify the way in which different pain sensations are experienced.
During hypnotherapy you sit in a comfortable and relaxed position whilst the therapist encourages you into a natural, restful state that allows the sub-conscious mind to become more open and receptive to the therapy that then takes place. Once in a relaxed and receptive state, the therapist can then use carefully selected techniques to encourage a positive state of mind and give you the coping strategies to change the way you perceive and cope with the pain, and to manage the underlying emotions that are linked to the pain. Pain control can work in three ways.
1. Relaxation
When people are in pain, their muscles tense up exacerbating the pain and causing fatigue, deep relaxation can cause a lessening in the intensity of the pain.
2. Sensory Alteration
The signals sent by our body are actually interpreted and perceived as pain within in the mind. Through various techniques it is possible to change that interpretation, so that the resulting perception of the pain is also altered to a point where the pain can be turned off or reduced.
3. Distraction
By encouraging the mind to simply focuses on something else which is pleasant and reassuring can reduce the conscious awareness of the pain. During hypnotherapy the use of mental images which have a pleasant and re-assuring significance to you enables strong, positive emotional associations to be developed which can be recalled when needing to manage pain on a daily basis outside of the therapeutic session.
For further information contact
THE BRITISH NATIONAL REGISTER OF ADVANCED HYPNOTHERAPISTS
PO. Box. 2922
Pewsey
SN9 5WU
Tel 01672 569379
Website: http://www.nrah.co.uk
THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HYPNOTHERAPISTS AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS,
Suite B
12 Cross Street
Nelson
Lancashire
BB9 7EN
Tel : (01282) 716839
THE HYPNOTHERAPY SOCIETY,
Administration
PO Box 15
Tenderden
Kent
TN30 7ZE
Tel (01580) 765856
HYPNOTHERAPY PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION,
Wellbeing House
262 Spendmore Lane
Chorley
Lancashire
PR7 5DE
(01257) 795627
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR HYPNOTHERAPY
PO Box 5779
Burton-on-the-Wolds,
Loughborough
LE12 5ZF
(01509) 881477
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
is a wonderfully relaxing therapy which is centred on old Ayurvedic techniques. Indian Head Massage or Champi which has been practised in India for over 1000 years is safe and simple and involves specialised massage movements on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face which helps to rebalance energy flow. The therapy is used to help relieve accumulated tension and stress, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement. Indian Head Massage provides relief from aches and pains, promotes a healthy scalp and hair, and helps induce relaxation and a feeling of well-being.
KINESIOLOGY
is an effective, reliable, hands-on, style of natural holistic health care which relies on muscle testing to evaluate the functioning of the body’s structural, chemical, neurological, and biochemical domains. It is the use of muscle testing that distinguishes it from other therapies. The domain of Kinesiology is not to diagnose disease, instead the muscle testing enables skilled analysis and detection of minor functional imbalances which if left uncorrected would accumulate and cause compensations which lead to functional changes, and give rise to symptoms of discomfort, pain or maybe allergic reactions.
Through a combination of massage, touch, nutrition, and counselling Kinesiology helps to return the body’s inner balance to a healthy state which prevents disease.
For further information contact
KINESIOLOGY FEDERATION
PO Box 7891
London
SW19 1ZB
Tel: (0181) 545 0255
THE ASSOCIATION FOR SYSTEMATIC KINESIOLOGY,
39 Browns Road
Surbiton
Surrey
KT5 8ST
Tel: (0181) 399 3215
ASSOCIATION OF SYSTEMATIC KINESIOLOGY
19 Westfield Lane
St Leonards on Sea
East Sussex,
TN37 7NE.
Telephone & Fax: 01424 753 375
MASSAGE THERAPY
is the oldest form of physical medicine known to man and was approved of by Hippocrates, who was known as ‘the father of medicine’.
Today, massage therapy is amongst the fastest growing forces in the field of health care. It is simply the manipulation of the muscles, tendons and ligaments which make up the soft tissues of the body. In order to determine the correct programme of remedial treatment the massage therapist gently palpates the patient’s body to ascertain the condition of the tissues and pinpoint likely source of any pain. Massage works through the various body systems in one of two ways, a mechanical action, which is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement in order to break up fibrous tissue and loosen stiff joints, and a reflex action whereby the treatment of one part of the body affects another part of the body due to the flowing of energy within nerve pathways or “meridians”..
The therapist treats the patient through four stages of healing – relief, correction, strengthening and maintenance. For relief, the therapist aims to ease any pain by numbing the sensory nerves, encouraging blood flow and reducing muscle tension. To facilitate correction, the therapist needs to alleviate the underlying cause by rebalancing the muscles, clearing away blocking of the lymphatic system and loosening any connective tissue fibres through various massage techniques
To enable the strengthening of weak joints and tissues a programme of continuing treatment is needed to avoid repeated or additional injury. Finally, the massage therapist will recommend a monthly or bi-monthly maintenance programme so as to keep the tissues and ligaments healthy.
For further information contact
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF MASSAGE AND SHIATSU
5-6 Newman Passage
London
W1P 3PF
The Northern Institute of Massage
100 Waterloo Road
Blackpool
Lancs
FY4 1AW
British Massage Therapy Council,
Greenbank House,
65a Adelphi Street,
Preston,
Lancs.
PR1 7HB
Tel (01772) 881063
MEDITATION
There are many different forms of meditation, such as Transcendental Meditation and Zen, and whilst some are associated with particular religions others require no faith at all. Meditation usually involves concentrating on something simple like a word (or Mantra), a candle, or one’s breath, which has the effect of changing the process of thinking or feeling into a effortless awareness of ones thoughts or feelings, thus calming the mind and relaxing the body. The body and mind in this state is said to be in a deeper state of relaxation than during dreamless sleep and this allows pain, stress and anxiety to be reduced.
For more information contact
http://www.transcendentalmeditation.org.uk/
NATUROPATHY
founded on the principle that everyone has a healing force within them that will heal all diseases but this healing force requires particular conditions like nutritious food, pure water, exercise, sunshine, fresh air and rest without which the body falls vulnerable to a state of disease. The aim of naturopathy is to encourage health by making the individual more resilient, and the immune system stronger. The first stage being to prevent the development, or further development of disease through a variety of natural health care methods. The three basic principles of naturopathy state that:
* Every patient is unique and their body has it’s own natural drive to maintain equilibrium and therefore symptoms of disease are viewed as an indication that the body is striving to heal itself.
* The root cause of all disease is the accumulation of waste products and toxins due to poor lifestyle habits so to overcome any disease we must treat the causes not just the symptoms
* The whole of a person must be treated NOT just a part.
In order for this to happen the Naturopath makes a detailed study of your medical history and lifestyle and will then recommend a regime which incorporates dietary guidelines and other natural healing techniques eg. hydrotherapy, herbalism, massage and reflexology
There is no doubt that the Naturopathic principles are a sound prescription for creating health, however treatment is often dictated by the patient’s willingness to change or participate
For further information contact
GENERAL COUNCIL AND REGISTER OF NATUROPATHS
Goswell House
Goswell Road
Street
Somerset
BA16 0JG
Tel : (01458) 840072
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
What we eat is important to our well being as it provides the energy and vital nutrients needed to remain healthy and aid us should we become ill.
Nutritional Therapy is not just about healthy eating, it is a branch of complementary medicine whereby a practitioner works with a patient or client to help them rid their body of stressful substances, and improving their digestion of food in order to aid physical repair. People who are taking regular strong medication for pain are often prone to stomach irritation and digestive problems which can cause an imbalance of the important nutrients needed to maintain the body’s powers of recuperation and to provide the energy to manage pain in an effective and positive manner.
Nutritional therapists aim to improve your body’s efficiency by identifying and then dealing with problems using a number of different types of diets, herbs and dietary supplements, according to individual need. An efficiently functioning body finds it easier to repair itself and heal itself. General health and energy levels can be significantly improved and some pain relief can be gained as the gut becomes less sensitive to foods and is able to absorb the nutrients required to build the bodies resilience to pain.
For further information contact
THE INSTITUTE FOR OPTIMUM NUTRITION
Blades Court
Deodar Road
London
SW15 2NU
Tel: 020 8877 9993
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF NUTRITIONAL THERAPISTS
BCM BANT
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 08706 061284
Fax: 08706 061284
OSTEOPATHY
an established, accepted system of diagnosis and treatment that is distinguished by the fact it recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer comes about from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease. Osteopathy is based on the theory that many of the body’s health problems are due to misplaced vertebrae which hinder the body’s own self-healing process
In the report Complementary Medicine: New Approaches to Good Practice, The British Medical Association describes osteopathy as a ‘discrete clinical discipline’. Osteopathy adopts many of the diagnostic and assessment procedures used in conventional medicine, however its core strength lies in the unique way in which the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural perspective and the wide variety of approaches to treatment which are applied to match the individual needs of the patient. Fundamental to the osteopath’s skills in making a differential diagnosis and their ability to distinguish conditions which are amenable to osteopathic treatment from those which are not .is the thorough knowledge of basic medical sciences and the extended period of clinical training they undergo.
As with other holistic therapies, osteopathy works on the premise that good health requires proper equilibrium and careful account is taken of all the details of a patient’s lifestyle, such as environment, nutrition, posture, and so on. There are several techniques that the osteopath may use to treat the patient’s condition, such as soft tissue techniques similar to massage, osteopathic manipulative therapy to restore movement in the musculo-skeletal system, or movement of the joints to restore muscle alignment.
For more information contact
GENERAL OSTEOPATHIC COUNCIL
Osteopathic House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LU
Tel : 020 7357 6655
Website: www.osteopathy.org.uk
PHYSIOTHERAPY
a science-based healthcare profession which considers movement central to health and well being. Physiotherapists aims to restore balance and facilitate the body’s own healing responses rather than to target individual disease processes or stop troublesome symptoms This links directly with the areas of complementary medicine
Standard physiotherapy usually requires physiotherapists to be trained in and practice:, massage and manipulation, exercise and movement , and electrotherapy. Increasingly, Chartered physiotherapists believe this is important and will look at the ‘whole’ person taking into account previous medical history, work and lifestyle before making a diagnosis and devising a treatment programme that is tailored to an individual’s needs. Chartered physiotherapists use the contribution that alternative therapies such as acupuncture, Alexander Technique, aromatherapy , craniosacral therapy, pilates, reflexology and shiatsu massage can provide alongside traditional physiotherapy treatments.
For further information contact
THE CHARTERED SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
14 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7242 1941
PILATES
Method focuses on strengthening the primary postural muscles and developing balance and alignment through the use of slow, controlled movements and breathing. It has eight major principles: Centering; Alignment; Co-ordination; Concentration; Relaxation; Breathing; Stamina and Flowing Movements.
With the growth of mind/body awareness, interest in Pilates has developed amongst people from many walks of life. The benefits to the body of Pilates have been well researched, and it is often recommended by the medical profession for chronic backache and RSI injuries. Pilates is also seen as ideal exercise first time exercisers, the elderly, those suffering from ME and people who in general wish to improve their physical and mental well being.
For further information contact
THE BODY CONTROL PILATES ASSOCIATION
6 Langley Street
London
WC2H 9JA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7379 3734
Fax: +44 (0)20 7379 7551
Email: [email protected]
PSYCHOTHERAPY
The use of techniques that depend heavily on verbal and emotional communication and other distinctive behaviour, psychotherapy seeks to provide help in understanding why you experience difficulties., and is useful for addressing such things as recurring anxiety states, lack of confidence and depression. Since communication is the primary means of healing in most forms of psychotherapy, the relationship between the therapist and patient, or client, is much more important than in other medical treatments
Psychotherapy is guided by theories about the sources of distress and the methods needed to alleviate it. Recently, more attention has been given to the influence that thought has on behaviour, Cognitive behaviour therapy uses the behavioural approach to change negative beliefs and habits of thought that appear to be the source of the client’s distress.
For further details:contact
UK COUNCIL FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY,
167-169 Great Portland Street
London W1N 5FB
Tel: 020 7436 3002
email: [email protected]
Website: www.psychotherapy.org.uk
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
37 Mapesbury Road
London
NW2 4HJ
Tel: 020 8452 9823
REFLEXOLOGY
is a therapy in which the nerve endings, primarily in the feet, are stimulated by specific massage techniques to trigger changes in another part of the body and in so doing create better wellbeing and overcome disease.
The body is divided into numerous zones which correspond to a specific point in the foot or hand, and therefore reflexology is also known as Zone Therapy. Stimulation of the nerve endings travelling to the spinal cord and various parts of the body thereby promotes relaxation, improves circulation, stimulates vital organs in the body and maintains the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike conventional medicine, reflexology works on the underlying problems within the body and works through the body’s nervous system.
Treatment involves light, but firm, compression massage to the soles and uppers of your feet. It is possible for dramatic reactions to occur after the first treatment, often in the forms of cold type symptoms or skin problems. This is a healthy indication that the treatment has encouraged the release of harmful toxins from the body. In the course of treatment, some areas of the foot may feel slightly tender and these will correlate with the problem areas in the body.
Although all reflex areas will be massaged, specific attention is paid to the actual problem area. I.e. for migraines, strokes, multiple sclerosis, etc. the reflex point in the foot or hand that relates to the head and the connecting areas will be massaged.
If used regularly reflexology will enhance other treatments you my be receiving by keeping the circulation stimulated and the lymph system active. You should also experience feelings of vitality and well-being after reflexology treatment which encourages the recovery process throughout the body.
NB Reflexology should not be used if the patient is pregnant, has diabetes or a heart problem
For further information contact
THE BRITISH REFLEXOLOGY ASSOCIATION
Monks Orchard,
Whitbourne
Worcester
WR6 5RB
Tel: 01886 821 207
Website: www.reflexology.org
THE ASSOCIATION OF REFLEXOLOGISTS,
5 Fore Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1HX
Telephone: 0870 5673320
fax: (01823) 336646
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF REFLEXOLOGISTS,
76-78 Edridge Road
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1EF
Tel: 020 8667 9458
Fax: 020 8649 9291
REIKI
meaning ‘universal life energy’, is the essential life energy which flows through all living things and which can be activated to restore health. It is a form of touch therapy in which Reiki practitioners believe that everyone has the ability to connect to their own healing energy and use it to strengthen the life energy of others. The therapist uses both the laying on of hands and the channelling of healing energies to activate the body’s natural ability to recover. A Reiki treatment is safe, non-intrusive, and non manipulative; there are no substances applied to the body,
Reiki can be used to treat both acute problems such as accidental injuries, as well as chronic problems, such as asthma, eczema and headaches.
UK REIKI FEDERATION
PO Box 261
Wembley
HAO 4FP
http://www.reikifed.co.uk
REIKI ASSOCIATION
Park House,
Blyth Road,
Ranskill,
Retford,
Nottinghamshire.
DN22 8LR
SHIATSU
an established Eastern massage which is has developed from Traditional Chinese Medicine and time-honoured Japanese massage. The thinking behind Shiatsu is that vital energy flows throughout the body in channels called meridians. When this energy stops flowing freely symptoms emerge.
Shiatsu uses touch to restore the flow of energy through the meridians. Massage can include gentle holding, application of pressure on the meridians using the palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet, and if appropriate, more vigorous rotations and stretches. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being – the physical body and also on an emotional and/or mental level.
There are several different styles of Shiatsu and therefore many practitioners use a combination of approaches during treatment
For further information contact
GENERAL SHIATSU COUNCIL
Glebe Cottage
Holywell Road
Castle Bytham
Grantham
NG33 4SL
United Kingdom
Tel +(44) (0) 1780 410072
Email [email protected]
THE SHIATSU SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN
31 Pullman Lane
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 1XY
Tel : (01483) 860771
THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF SHIATSU-DO
East-West Centre
188 Old Street,
London
EC1V 9BP
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TAI CHI
is an ancient Chinese form of synchronized body movements which focuses on building internal energy ‘chi’ or ‘qi’ with the aim of harmonising the mind, body and spirit, promoting mental and physical well-being through softness and relaxation.
The practice of tai chi is believed to encourage revitalisation, relaxation, tolerance, self-confidence and a strong healthy mind and body. Unlike many forms of exercise and sport, tai-chi does not rely on strength, force and speed, so it is ideal for people of both sexes, young and old alike whether strong or weak.
Even with a small amount of practise, the beneficial effects on health & fitness can be seen and felt.. As the mind and body relax, the stresses and strains of modern society are overcome, there is a gentle toning and strengthening of muscles, balance and posture is improved.
For further information contact
THE SCHOOL OF T’AI CHI CHU’AN
5 Tavistock Place
London
WC1H 9SS
VISUALISATION
is mindful daydreaming which draws upon images and feelings from your past and present. Taking time to sit or lie quietly and visualise positive imagesnot only exercises the creative processes, but relaxes and re-energizes the whole body. Creative visualisation can help reduce stress levels, speed healing, and reduce the perception of pain and fatigue,
YOGA
an ancient Indian practice which uses physical postures or “ananas” to achieve harmony of mind, body and spirit. It is not a religion, but disciplined breathing and concentration during practice brings about tranquility and awareness to the mind as well as helping to realign and strengthen the body and cleanse the system . With regular practice physical and emotional problems can be relieved, especially those linked with stress such as headaches, depression, blood pressure disorders, insomnia, asthma and back pain. There are many different forms of Yoga, but the regular practice of any may bring about numerous benefits, including:
• Muscle toning throughout the body
• a clearer and more relaxed mind
• improved posture
• improved circulation of blood and lymph
For further information
THE BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA
1 Hamilton Place
Boston Road
Sleaford
Lincs
NG34 7ES
Tel: (01529) 306851