INFORMATION
SHEET 15
Complementary
Therapies and Self Help
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to
promote health of body and mind. Practitioners normally administer the oils by
dilution in a
vegetable oil during body massage, but the oils may also be used in steam
inhalations, or in burners. The principle upon which aromatherapy is based, is
that the aromatic particles in the oils are absorbed through the skin into the
blood circulation, or directly into the brain via the nose. The various
particles so absorbed moderate various activities within the tissues of the
body. Aromatherapists are trained to match the needs of their clients with the
qualities of particular oils, and then to administer them with body massage to
promote either relaxation or invigoration and a general feeling of well being
for the client. More highly qualified practitioners 'clinical aromatherapists'
use the oils to treat diseases and disorders.
Qualified aromatherapists should belong to one of the 12 member
professional associations of the Aromatherapy Trades Council (ATC). A list can
be obtained from the ATC at
PO Box 387
,
Ipswich
IP2 9AN
Tel: 01473 603630
Bach
Flower Remedies
The Bach Flower Remedies are 38 homeopathically prepared plant and
flower based remedies, each one specifically devised to treat a different
feeling. They help to manage the emotional demands of everyday life, and work by
stimulating the body's own capacity to heal itself by balancing negative
feelings, helping you to take control, feel good about yourself and get more out
of life. Although the remedies cannot help with physical problems, they can help
individuals cope better emotionally with disabilities. The remedies are widely
available from many health food shops & chemists and can be self prescribed
in many cases. Trained practitioners follow short courses at The Dr Edward Bach
Foundation with whom they register and become bound by a Code of Practice.
A list of registered practitioners is from The Dr Edward Bach
Centre, Mount Vernon, Sotwell, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0PZ Tel: 01491
834678
Chiropractic
Chiropractors treat the causes of pain associated with many painful
conditions of the back, neck and limbs. By adjusting the joints of the spine or
other joints of the body they help restore normal function. They treat people
who have had accidents and those whose conditions may have been brought on by
stress, lack of exercise, poor posture or illness. Treatment is supported by
counselling and advice about the patient's lifestyle, work, diet and exercise.
Chiropractors undertake a 4 year full time course before they become qualified
to register with the General Chiropractic Council which regulates chiropractors.
A list of registered practitioners is held by RCSS and is available
from the General Chiropractic Council, 44 Wicklow Street, London WC1X 9HC Tel 020
(7)713 5155
Herbal
Medicine
Herbal medicine is the use of plant remedies in the treatment of
disease, and is still the most widely practiced form of medicine worldwide, with
over 80% of the world's population relying on herbs for health. People have
always relied on plants for food to nourish and sustain the body, and herbalists
use plants with particular affinity for certain organs or systems of t
he body to 'feed' and
restore to health those parts which have become weakened. As the body is
strengthened so is its power and ability to fight off disease and when balance
and harmony are restored, health will be regained. Medical Herbalists are
trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors but take a more
holistic approach to illness. Herbal medicine can treat almost any condition
that patients might take to their GP The underlying cause of the problem is
sought and, once identified, it is this that is treated, rather than the
symptoms alone. Treatment is a matter of teamwork with the patient, practitioner
and the prescribed treatment all working together to restore the body to health.
Treatment may include advice about diet and lifestyle as well as herbal
medicine.
A list of registered practitioners is available from the National
Institute of Medical Herbalists,
56 Longbrook Street
,
Exeter
,
Devon
. EX4 6AH Tel: 01392 426022
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a scientific system of healing which has been
established for 200 years that assists the natural tendency of the body to heal
itself. It recognises that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of
disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs
treatment not the disease.
The homeopathic principle can be illustrated by referring to a case
of insomnia. The way of opposites, conventional medicine, is to treat this by
giving a drug to induce an artificial sleep. The way of similars, the
homeopathic way, is to give the patient a minute dose of a substance, such as
coffee, which in large doses causes sleeplessness in a healthy person. This will
enable the patient to sleep naturally.
Qualified homeopaths are admitted to the register of the Society of
Homeopaths following academic and clinical assessment. For more
information contact: The
Society of Homeopaths, 11 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park, Northampton,
NN3 6WL Tel: 0845 450 6611
Iridology
Iridology is the study of the coloured irises of the eye, which
contain exposed nerve endings that to the trained practitioner form a map of the
body, showing bodily genetic strengths and weaknesses, levels of inflammation
and toxaemia, efficiency of the eliminative systems and organs, and the causes
of symptoms and disease. Iridology is a safe, non-invasive and inexpensive
method of analysis that can be integrated with both orthodox and complementary
medicine.
For more
information and a list of qualified practitioners contact: The Guild of
Naturopathic Iridologists,
94 Grosvenor Road
,
London
SW1V 3LF
Tel: 020 7821 0255
Massage
Massage is a form of treatment that has been in use for thousands of
years. It involves the manual manipulation of body tissues in a systematic way
to promote health. Various massage movements promote better circulation;
breakdown of tissue deposits; removal of toxins from the body; healing of
damaged tissues; increase skin elasticity; promote working of bodily
organs; tone up
muscles; loosen and stretch soft tissues to make joints more mobile; according
to the techniques used, either promote relaxation or invigoration and a general
feeling of uplift and well being. There is no regulation of the massage
industry, so one should look out for a genuine qualification.
RCSS run their own sessions of BME Respite Pampering and Red Cross
Therapeutic Care if you would like to find out more contact you Community
Support Worker.
Meditation
Meditation is based on attention. Peace, harmony and stability are
natural to us, but are commonly disrupted by the demands of our worldly
activities, and also by feelings of doubt and anxiety. Meditation restores the
natural
balance Through a
simple technique whereby the attention is drawn to a place of inner
repose. One then experiences a sense of ease, clarity and relaxation which is
carried into one's everyday life, producing a feeling of greater space, with
less rush, less pressure.
For more
info
rmation contact: The School of Meditation,
158 Holland Park Avenue
,
London
W11 4UH
020 7603 6116
Osteopathy
Osteopathy
is a system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the
structural integrity of the body. It recognises that much pain and disability
stems from abnormalities in the function of body structure as well as damage
caused to it by disease. Osteopaths use their hands to investigate the
underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of
manipulative techniques. These may include muscle and connective tissue
stretching, rhythmic joint movements or thrust techniques to improve the range
of joint movement. Gentle releasing techniques are often used, particularly when
treating children or elderly patients.All qualified osteopaths must comply with
the Osteopaths Act 1993 and register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOSC),
from whom a list of practitioners may be obtained. For more
info
rmation contact: General
Osteopathic Council, Information Service,
176
Tower Bridge Road,
SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655
Reflexology
A form of ancient
Chinese medicine involving massage treatment of reflex areas in the feet. Reflex
areas in the soles, top and sides of the feet and a short way up the back of the
leg correspond to different areas of the body. The reflexologist uses the hands,
mainly the thumbs, to press quite deeply on the reflex area. If the area being
worked is out of balance, a sharpness or tenderness will be felt in the foot.
The whole of both feet are massaged, paying particular attention to areas of
tenderness. Reflexology has been used successfully to treat a wide variety of
conditions. Qualified reflexologists register with the British Reflexology
Association, from whom a list of members may be obtained.Contact: The British
Reflexology Association, Administration Office, Monks Orchard, Whitbourne,
Worcester WR6 5RB Tel: 01886 821207
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient
discipline concerned with developing a healthy lifestyle. It is a combination of
physical and mental exercises which promote flexibility, reduce stress, and
increase stamina and strength. The word yoga is generally translated as 'union'
and the practice is intended to lead to a better balance of body, mind and
spirit. Yoga teaches one to live in the present and to use one's energies to
deal with situations as they arise, and not before! It can help to alleviate and
prevent back pain and encourages a greater awareness of correct body use; it can
also help to release tension and restore normal bodily function. Yoga is
suitable for people of various levels of fitness, and there are many classes
held throughout the borough at various times of day.
RCSS is currently running a Yoga
course – contact you Community Support Worker for more details.
All Complementary Therapists should hold
a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance which you should ask to see before
agreeing to a consultation.
Updated Apr 07
