Alternative Therapies

Many treatments used in alternative therapies are prescribed specifically for the individual and can offer fewer side effects than conventional medicine, if prescribed by a qualified professional. They also have a strong preventative aspect, looking to nip potential health issues in the bud.

 

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

A popular natural therapy, acupuncture works by inserting fine needles inserted at specific points of the body in order to clear blocked energy (qi) so it can flow freely through the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that encompasses a range of treatments, including acupuncture, massage, and movement. Treatments aim to bring Yin and Yang into harmony within the body by regulating the flow of Qi (energy) in the body.

 

Herbal Medicine and Homoeopathy

Herbal remedies contain natural chemicals and compounds that are biologically active and can be prescribed as teas, capsules, tablets, extracts or tinctures.

Herbalists prepare a treatment based on an in-depth consultation and can treat a wide range of conditions, from the common cold to digestive complaints. The herbs used are generally plant-derived, although some may also use animal or mineral products.

Homoeopathy is designed to help the body heal itself and takes into account both the individual's physical and emotional condition. The theory is that symptoms of ill health are caused by disharmony within the person. So it's the person who's treated, not the illness. Homoeopathic treatments contain plant, mineral and animal extracts.

 

Women's Health

Women's health covers a multitude of issues, such as menstrual problems, menopause, infertility, pregnancy care and breast health. Certain therapies have had particular success in this field, including nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture.

 

Kinesiology

Kinesiology means ‘the study of movement'. When we cannot adapt efficiently, the muscles reflect the stress in the central nervous system. This stress creates specific muscle patterns that kinesiologists can assess using ‘muscle monitoring' techniques.

Muscle monitoring (biofeedback) looks at what may be causing imbalances in the body and examines unresolved stress reactions in a person. A number of techniques can be used to assist the body's natural healing process including acupressure, lymphatic massage, hypertonic muscle release and nutritional advice.

While kinesiology is not used to diagnose disorders, practitioners may be able to help treat a wide range of health problems, from muscular and nervous disorders to learning difficulties.

 

Allergies

Any substance can potentially cause an allergic reaction, which can be minor or life threatening. Some common allergens include milk, wheat, shellfish, nuts, eggs, animal dander, and dust.

There are many ways to test if you have an allergy, including blood tests, and skin prick tests.

 

Ayurveda

This ancient Indian medical practice believes that each person contains parts of the universe's basic elements, and these elements combine to create one of three body types known as vata, pitta and kapha.

The theory behind Ayurveda is that illness occurs when one or more of the body types become imbalanced. Treatments prescribed include herbal medicine, diet, meditation, massage and yoga to maintain or restore health.

 

Ear Candling

Used by the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Hopi Indians of America, ear candling is a painless treatment that uses a special hollow candle in your ear as a vacuum. It draws out old wax, residues of past infections and funguses. It's also believed to help stimulate the immune system and peripheral blood circulation.

 

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for psychological and physical wellbeing through massage, by soaking in a bath or vaporising in an oil burner. Different scents and the chemical constituents of the oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions.

While aromatherapy has not undergone as much scientific scrutiny as other therapies, research so far shows that it can be an effective treatment for some complaints. While anyone can buy essential oils, care should be taken. Some can be toxic and a number of them should not be used if you're pregnant. If you're not sure, speak to a qualified aromatherapist.

 

Flower Essences

Flower essences are used to treat a range of negative emotions and thoughts, such as anger, anxiety, loneliness, despair, self-esteem and creativity. By neutralising these emotions it's thought you can avoid illnesses that can be caused by these emotions.

Flower essences are safe to use, have no side effects and can even be self-prescribed.

 

Holistic Doctor

The difference between a holistic doctor and your local GP is that the holistic doctor looks at the issues of health and disease from a holistic or "whole body" philosophy.
This includes diet, exercise, nutrition, lifestyle and other alternative treatments. They are fully qualified and possess a medical degree, just like your GP, but also have training in one or more areas of alternative medicine.

 

Iridology

A diagnostic tool, rather than a treatment, iridology works on the basis that by studying the coloured part of the eye, the iris, a practitioner can see changing conditions in every organ of the body.

While iridology cannot detect a specific disease, the idea is that by detecting changes it can be used to diagnose a potential illness before it has a chance to develop into something more serious.

 

Naturopathy

Naturopathy works on the theory that each person has their own healing power and treatments are prescribed to allow the body to repair and recover from illness.

Naturopaths treat mental, emotional and physical conditions and will encourage a person to take responsibility for their own health by creating a lifestyle that supports health and wellbeing. They use conventional health sciences, together with a range of natural therapies.

 

Nutrition

Nutritionists understand the science of food. If you are allergic or intolerant to certain foods, nutritionally deficient, want to manage your weight or just want someone to assess your general health and condition in relation to your diet, speak to an Accredited Practising Dietitian or an Accredited Nutritionist.

They can help you devise an eating plan that ensures you are eating a balanced diet from all the core food groups, with the ideal amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients for good health and wellbeing.

 

Yoga

Around for centuries and a favourite of sports people and celebrities alike, yoga is suggested to help tone, strengthen, stretch, de-stress and burn fat.