Alternative Therapies Alternative or complimentary therapies are designed to compliment and work alongside conventional medicine and treatments - not replace them. The choice of complementary therapies can be bewildering, but they all have a common goal: to treat the person, not the condition itself. Often there is little conventional scientific evidence to support these therapies, however many people claim they can alleviate symptoms and counteract some of the unwanted side effects of drugs. If you do decide to try an alternative therapy use the following checklist to ensure your treatment is reliable and safe. Ask your GP for referral on NHS Ask your therapist the cost of treatment and how long it will take Find out whether they are a member of a reputable accredited body Check they have insurance if something goes wrong Ask about their training and how long they have been practising Don't stop taking your prescribed medicines without checking with your Doctor first Tell your Doctor about any alternative therapies you may be taking
Reflexology
Reflexology uses the principle that there are reflex areas on the feet, which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. By working on these areas of the feet, the body can be healed. Reflexology helps relieve stress and tension and improves blood sup ply and circulation so promoting the unblocking of nerve impulses, which helps the body's organs to work in harmony with each other.
Children and adults with long-term physical and mental disabilities and illnesses often have a wide variety of challenging symptoms to deal with which are exacerbated by stress, fear, insomnia and emotional trauma. The effects of reflexology may not remove the cause of disease, but it can make the symptoms more bearable by reducing stress, helping with sleep disruption and calming the mind. It may significantly improve the person’s general condition. Reflexologists do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medication or interfere with ongoing medical treatment. Reflexology seeks to work alongside traditional medicine sympathetically. Anyone can benefit from reflexology treatments; however there are times when treatment will not be suitable. A full confidential consultation will be taken at the first treatment to make sure of suitability for reflexology with GP advice sought if needed. Please talk to your Doctor about the suitability of Reflexology for your family. You can find a reflexologist near you by going to www.findareflexologist.com and simply typing in your postcode.
Kinesiology Kinesiology uses muscle testing to communicate directly with the body. It works by identifying any imbalances a person may have by monitoring their ability to hold their muscles against light pressure. As it takes into account physical, emotional, chemical and energetic imbalances it offers a truly holistic treatment. The treatment is entirely non-invasive and the person remains clothed throughout. The benefits of Kinesiology can be wide-ranging and profound. By restoring the balance of the body, it sets up a system of self-healing , unique to every individual. Kinesiology can help: - Relieve physical pain
- Reduce levels of anxiety and stress
- Uncover nutritional sensitivities
- Boost immune system
- Increase energy levels
- Help combat phobias, fears and addicitions
You can find a Kinesiologist near you www.kinesiologycentral.com or if you are in Hampshire we recommend Kerrie at Natural Health: link below www.naturalhealthpractitioner.co.uk
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to promote health and well being. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including vapour which is inhaled (be VERY careful with this one , check with your Doctor) in baths or in a burner. The most common method is massage, this combines the benefit of touch with the therapeutic properties of the essential oils. The oils can help both through their powerful aromas and by being absorbed through the skin. Each oil has its own particular property- some are relaxing and some act as anti-inflammatories, others invigorate. Pure essential oils can be used at home and are readily available in chemists and health food shops. Essential oils are very potent and should never be applied directly to the skin. The aroma from oils is also very strong so best to check with your Doctor before using on someone with respiratory problems. For more information contact The Aromatherapy Council: www.aromatherapycouncil.co.uk
Herbalism Herbalism works by stimulating the natural healing processes of the body, rebalancing and cleansing it. Like synthetic drugs used in orthodox medicine, herbs have anti-bacterial and anti-virla properties. Practioners believe that if correctly prescribed herbs can be combined and targeted to activate, regulate and heal organs in the body unless the tissue has been completely destroyed. As treatment is aimed at restoring the natural balance of the body a herbalist may suggest dietary changes as well as a prescription of herbal medicines. Do not stop taking any medicines prescibed by your Doctor without discussing the implications first. You can find out more about Herbalism by emailing info@nimh.org.uk
Homeopathy Homeopathy is based on the principle that 'like is cured by like'. Where conventional medicine aims to suppress symptoms homeopathy aims to provoke the body into healing itself by using an agent which could mimic the symptoms of the illness but then diluting it to the point where no trace of the substance can be found in the medicine. The evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy is scanty and contradictory. The remedies come from vegetables or minerals and sometimes animals. Although some are potentially toxic they are used in such dilute form that there is no danger. Side effects are unusual and remedies taken alongside conventional medicines are not normally harmful. You can find out more about Homeopathy at : www.trusthomeopathy.org
Nutritional Therapy This uses diet and dietary supplements, such as vitamins, as a basis for treatment. Nutritional therapists believe that most chronic illnesses can be helped or slowed down with the right nutritional methods. You may have Nutritional therapist based at your hospital or they may be able to refer you to one.
Naturopathy This relies on the bodies own ability to heal itself, with a little help. It uses dietary and lifestyle changes as well as other techiniques such as yoga, herbs, hydrotherapy and massage.
Mind and Emotion Therapies Counselling The aim of counselling is to help you explore your problems by talking freely and confidentially to a specially trained person about the things that worry or affect you, including illness. Counselling should always be an equal partnership between you and your therapist. Counsellors encourage you to make your own decisions and support you putting them into practise. Sucessful counselling can also give you the opportunity to express any anger or frustration you may be feeling. Make sure you find a counsellor who belongs to a recognised body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Meditation Meditation is essentially relaxation for the mind. It helps people by allowing them the time and space to achieve a better awareness of themselves. It can help manage stress or a stress related illness. There are a number of different forms of meditation, sometimes focusing on breathing or on a mantra (a calming word which is repeated over and over). Meditation is best practised in a comfortable position with eyes closed and muscles relaxed. You can learn techniques in a class or at home with a book or CD. Music Therapy Music is known to release chemicals in the brain- helping alleviate depression and creating a sense of well-being. It can stimulate the release of endorphins which protect the body against pain by relaxing it. Hypnotherapy This is a technique for inducing relaxation to relieve certain symptoms or bring about a lifestyle change. It can help control pain, relieve stress and help combat addictions. All hypnosis is self induced, though a therapist can help you get into a hypnotic state more easily. You can also practise at home with the help of books or CD's. |