Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at particular points on the body, to prevent or treat ill health or maintain good health. This is thought to stimulate the body’s ability to heal. Many physicians have discovered independently that pressing, stimulating or injecting various superficial body points may help to relieve pain, particularly muscular or rheumatic-like pains. These points are not necessarily at the site of pain, but often over distant areas known as referred pain.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils for preventative care, healing and general physical well-being. 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”. 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.

Chiropractic

The main use of Chiropractic is for musculoskeletal disorders such as neck, shoulder or other joint problems, spine and posture problems, as well as muscle problems, sciatica, RSI, sports injuries and it can also be useful in the treatment of migraine. Chiropractic is concerned with mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and health in general.

Chiropractors believe that the health of the spine and the associated nervous system can influence the health of the whole body. Treatments such as spine manipulation or adjustment are usually used. Chiropractors are regulated by law and refer to themselves as primary healthcare practitioners.

Crystal Therapy

Crystals have been used for healing since ancient times by many different cultures It is a holistic therapy, which means that the focus is on the individual as a whole, rather than on physical symptoms alone. The aim of this therapy is to restore wholeness, balance and health on levels of emotions, mind, spirit as well as the physical body. This is why crystal healing is considered complementary to allopathic medicine and not an alternative. Crystal Healing often involves some form of change in a client’s overall way of being. It may be through a relief of stress and tensions, through revitalisation, relaxation or establishing a greater amount of peace and harmony. Crystal Healing is also helpful in complementing most forms of allopathic medical practice.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for treating such conditions as addictions, anxiety, depression, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, phobias and stress.

Hypnosis is not a state of sleep but a state of relaxation varying from light to deep. Tests have shown that a person is neither unconscious, nor asleep. Tests have shown that a person in deep hypnosis is in a state of deep relaxation and engaged in normal mental activity.

The hypnotherapist induces this state by various methods, including eye fixation, progressive relaxation and imagery. Once the patient is in this state the therapist uses suggestion, which is aimed at influencing behaviour and relieving symptoms.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic prescriptions are tailored to the symptoms and the patient, rather than an illness, so patients with the same illness but different symptoms will be treated with different remedies. Using extremely small doses of plant and mineral extracts (a ‘microdose’), the remedies are given in sugar-based tablets that are taken by melting under the tongue.

Homeopathy is mainly used to treat chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, ME and repeated infections, as well as patients who are unwell but whose doctor can’t find a specific problem. Some allergies also respond well to homeopathy, particularly hay fever and related pollen allergies. Homeopathy is useful for patients who do not tolerate the side effects of conventional treatment well, and as it is such a gentle treatment children are also commonly treated. Some homeopathic remedies are available over the counter in pharmacies and health food shops.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese form of healing developed in the early part of the twentieth century that has become popular worldwide. Reiki incorporates elements of other alternative healing practices such as spiritual healing, aromatherapy, auras, crystals, chakra balancing, homeopathy, meditation and naturopathy. It involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to patient to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy. Reiki uses specific techniques for restoring and balancing the natural life force energy within the body. Reiki therapy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of healing life energy, and increases the vibrational frequency of the body. Reiki can be used for many ailments such as reducing anxiety and stress, relieving pain, headaches, stomach upsets, back problems, respiratory problems, PMT, menstrual problems and sinus problems.