A to Z

Therapies

A

ACUPRESSURE

NO INFORMATION

A

ACUPUNCTURE

NO INFORMATION

A

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

Teaches enhanced awareness of posture and breath to enable the body to remain in a healthy and balanced state. It was developed by Frederick Alexander, an Austrian actor.

A

AROMATHERAPY

A treatment which assists the body to heal itself aided by the therapeutic properties of essential oils which have been extracted from plants.

An Aromatherapist usually employs a variety of massage techniques using a tailor-made blend of essential oils, where Oils are absorbed through the skin. The benefits of Essential oils are often enjoyed by adding 2-3 drops to a bath, steam inhalation or a burner.

Essential oils are widely available, although the quality of commercial oils is often inferior and oils should always be used by direction from a properly qualified practitioner.

Only medically qualified Aromatherapists may prescribe oils for internal use.

B

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Dr Edward Bach's simple, yet complete self help healing system of 38 flower remedies (developed in the 1930's) is based on the principle that attitude of mind plays a vital role in maintaining health. The remedies work by treating the emotions, the individuals personality, not the disease because Dr Bach found through years of careful research that feelings and emotions create physical disturbances in the body which are the real cause of disease and so by concentrating on the emotions, the physical body will heal itself.

B

BEAUTY THERAPY

Covering a range of services from simple relaxing massage to a variety of slimming methods, hairdressing and makeovers. Beauty therapy may be regarded as 'pampering' as opposed to an effective treatment, though complementary practitioners stress the importance of emotional well-being and self-respect in overall good health. Beauty treatments can help to make a person feel good about themselves, thereby having a positive effect on emotional and physical health.

B

BEST SYSTEM HEALTH SCREENING

WHAT IS THE B.E.S.T (BioEnergetic Stress Testing) SYSTEM?

The "B.E.S.T" System is a computer based "tool". A device which assesses Meridian Stress.

The bio-electrical energy elements of the body (called Meridians) have within them, over 1 000 acupuncture points. There are 12 meridians in the body - each one associated to a major organ or structure, ie liver, large intestine, heart, lung, lymphatics, liver, bladder etc.

In a Full Body Screen
* the System evaluates the ability of a particular Meridian to function effectively
* it also assesses whether Meridians are compromised (stressed), balanced or have become weakened over time.
* assists in finding herbal and/or homeopathic remedies to IMPROVE Meridian balance and function

In a Sensitivity Test
The body identifies food by its individual electrical frequency or "resonance". These frequencies are transmitted like a radio signal which trigger the body to supply the correct enzymes to the mouth which begins the digestive process.

The "B.E.S.T" System is programmed to recognise the "resonance signatures" of vitamins & minerals, metals, pesticides, viruses, chemicals, dental amalgams, parasites, hormones, vaccinations and many more.

When the body is provoked by these "resonance signatures", (by placing a probe on an Acupuncture point in a related Meridian on the hand), the System then converts the information received, into a digital form at the rate of 100 items per second.

HOW DOES THE B.E.S.T SYSTEM WORK ?

Because energy travels at the speed of light, Meridians are the body's fastest health indicator and so are the first parts in the body to show signs of stress, weakness or imbalance. They can therefore be used to act like a "window" on the status of each organ. When Meridians are stressed, weakened or "out of balance", general health will eventually be compromised.

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH

By measuring electrical energy levels at acupoints the "B.E.S.T" System establishes a complete picture of FUNCTIONAL HEALTH. In other words, a more comprehensive and scientific picture of the functioning of individual organs.

The "B.E.S.T" System capitalises on the information contained within these electrical pathways, not to diagnose disease but to re-balance the energy system and bring the body back into equilibrium.

ACUPOINTS

The "B.E.S.T" System works on the same principles as Acupuncture but instead of using needles to affect energy flow and stimulate healing, the System uses acupoints as data measuring points. The System provokes the body by introducing minute electronic signals at specific acupoints and measures the status of these points by pressing (as in Acupressure) with a probe/stylus.

The System then monitors and records the energy resistance of organs and tissues at each of those points. Once readings have been recorded from all the acupoints in the hands and feet, the "BEST" System can then scan its'in-built library of almost 29 000 items, including homeopathic, herbal, flower remedies and essential oils to establish the most appropriate treatment to re-balance any acupoints which recorded as "stressed" or "weakened".

What happens during a "B.E.S.T" System Screen

In a Sensitivity Screen
* This test is used for SENSITIVITY/INTOLERANCE (Provocative) screening - food intolerance/allergies, vitamin & mineral deficiency, hormone imbalance, pesticide poisoning, metals, mercury, parasites, vaccinations etc
* The practitioner will find a BALANCED POINT ie a base reading and PROVOKE it with the chosen frequencies in any particular screen say, 105 different foods, to check for any imbalance.

Food intolerance is associated with at least 92 common diseases and is the result of failure of normal absorption. The Immune System's response to food sensitivity can result in fatigue, weight gain, arthritis, IBS, Migraine, headaches, bloating, sleeplessness, muscle and joint pain, skin conditions and many other "symptoms".

In a Full Body Screen
* The practitioner will carry out a Meridian Stress Assessment of the whole body by taking readings from all the acupoints on the hands and feet. It is in this way that the "BEST" System can help restore FUNCTIONAL health by scanning and recommending, from its'in-built library, those remedies which may help bring the body back into equilibrium.

A detailed, colour printout illustrates the balanced, chronic or acute foods or nutrient state of the individual (dependant upon the Screen in question). The acceptable limits for balance (green) indicate a score of between 45 and 55. Red (Acute) shows as above 55, yellow (Chronic) is demonstrated by scores below 45. This information provides an accurate picture of the state of all the organs and structures in the body which is sound foundation data for re-balancing health.

Evaluations may also made to changes in eating patterns, and/or dietary supplements dependent upon client needs.

Follow up screenings are recommended 4 - 6 weeks later and comparison print outs are provided on all visits, which give a clear, positive and scientific picture of improvements.

B

BOWEN TECHNIQUE

This technique originated from Australia having been developed by Tom Bowen.

The technique consists of a series of specific moves across tendons, muscles and fascia throughout the body. The therapist used fingers and thumbs to make the moves and applies what is termed, “eyeball pressure” . Whilst the pressure is very light it varies according to the patient but is never heavy or invasive.

The aim of the rolling type moves is to disturb the muscles and energy within the body and is done without the removal of clothes.

C

CHIROPODY

Chiropody and Podiatry are methods of diagnosing and treating painful foot problems.

Conditions of the feet can have a 'knock-on' effect which leads to problems with general physical and emotional health. We often take for granted that our feet carry us for many miles throughout our lifetime, bearing the weight of the entire body. Neglecting them can give rise to many different problems, therefore regular maintenance is important, just as you need to maintain your car or bike if you want them to continue to help you get around!
Specifically, Chiropody can be used to treat:
Corns and Callouses
Nail Problems
Ingrown toenails
Verrucae
Chillblains

C

CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is an alternative health system used to treat back and neck pain, migraine, sciatica, numbness, pins and needles, asthma, bedwetting, colic in babies and more.

Chiropractors use adjustments of the spine and soft tissue manipulation in an attempt to free locked joints, thereby normalising movement and function to achieve good overall health.

Chiropractic may be used to correct spinal problems once they have developed, or simply to maintain good order to prevent further problems from developing. Studies over the last fifteen years have shown that Chiropractic may be effective in treating all kinds of conditions from ear infections to asthma.

C

COUNSELLING

Physical symptoms can often be related back to deep seated emotional issues and the traumatic effects of past experiences. A good practitioner will include an element of counselling in the way they treat patients. Even so, where health-related problems can be seen to have a complex emotional background, your practitioner will advise you to consult a qualified professional counsellor or psychotherapist.
We are often encouraged by others to 'deal with' our problems and the easiest way is to bury them, allowing them to accumulate over the years, which can lead to serious (sometimes life threatening) health problems.

In modern society, counselling is seen as a healthy and logical approach to confronting and overcoming personal issues, most definitely not as a weakness.

C

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

This is a gentle technique which restores balance in the cranio sacral fluid by using tiny manipulations to the skull and rest of the skeletal system. It is based on the principle that cranio sacral fluid has a powerful influence on total body function because it encloses the brain and spinal cord which is like the 'powerhouse' of the Central Nervous System. Therefore an imbalance in the flow and rhythm will have a 'ripple' effect throughout the body on both a physical and emotional level.

H

HEALTH SCREENING

HEALTH SCREENING
See BEST SYSTEM HEALTH SCREENING for more information on screening with the BEST System.

H

HERBAL REMEDIES

Herbal remedies seek to cure and restore harmony in the body by using the properties of certain herbs to detoxify the body and stimulate our own natural healing processes.

Herbal remedies seek to cure and restore harmony in the body by using the properties of certain herbs to detoxify the body and stimulate our own natural healing processes.

H

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is based around the principle of treating like with like. A Homeopath prescribes very small doses of natural plant remedies which exactly match the patients symptoms. For example Homeopaths often treat patients with the symptoms of hayfever by prescribing a remedy made of natural pollens and grasses. Homeopaths also consider the patients state of mind, attitude and personality.

Developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th Century, Homeopathy is well established in the othodox medical community and represents one of the more 'acceptable' faces of complementary medicine.

H

HYDROTHERAPY

A variety of treatments which use only the natural curative and restorative powers of water. 70% of our body is composed of water and it covers most of the world's surface area. Drinking and bathing can help stimulate the bodies eliminatory processes and cleanse the mind and body.

H

HYPNOTHERAPY

NO INFORMATION

I

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

NO INFORMATION

K

KINESIOLOGY

This is a very simple and effective means of physically testing for allergies and food intolerances by observing weaknesses in the muscles when exposed to certain common foodstuffs or allergens.

M

MASSAGE

NO INFORMATION

N

NUTRITION

NO INFORMATION

O

OSTEOPATHY

Is a manipulative therapy based on the principle that the skeletal system and internal organs are dependant upon each other and must be in alignment for good health. Sort out the body's structure and everything else will follow.

O

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is now recognised as a major public health problem, involving enormous costs to the individual, to the NHS (£750 million a year) and to society.

In a recent department of health report, the Government recognised that Osteoporosis causes pain, disability and death and results in more than 150 000 fractures each year.

More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men in the UK will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime and the World Health Organisation has called for urgent action to avoid an epidemic of broken bones by the 21st Century.

A comprehensive programme of diagnosis and prevention is urgently required to tackle this silent epidemic and Osteoporosis Screening Services (OSS) has been developed to play the critical role.

OSS is now being made available throughout the country in chosen centres. This will enable both women and men of all age to take the opportunity to discover their bone status. The screening is quick, accurate, inexpensive, non-invasive and painless.

The Cubaclinical Ultrasound Scan An advanced bone densitometry incorporating BUA.

A major stride forward in the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis.

Cubaclinical draws on 11 years of technical development with clinical assessment trials and is the most sophisticated implementation yet of ultrasound technology.

Cubaclinical uses a non ironising, non invasive approach to bone densitometry. Researches suggest that Broadhand Ultrasonic Attenuation (BUA) gives not only information on bone density but also structure. This indicates that it may be a superior predictor of fracture risk than other forms of bone densitometry.

The Cubaclinical machine beams ultrasound through the heel bone. The less sound that comes out of the heel bone, the denser the heel bone is. If the heel bone is good quality bone then it indicates that bones elsewhere in the body, for instance in the back and in the hip, are also of good quality.

The heel bone as been selected as it is a weight bearing bone with a high incidence of trabecular bone and is on the same axis as the hip joint.

For further information or to book an appointment in your local area please telephone 0STEOPOROSIS SCREENING SERVICES FREEFONE 0800 37 19 89

R

REFLEXOLOGY

NO INFORMATION

R

REIKI

NO INFORMATION

S

SHIATSU

Is a preventative therapy based on the principle that energy(Ki) traverses the body through channels (meridians). Shiatsu applies pressure to reflex points along the meridians throughout the body releasing blocked energy - thus stimulating the various systems of the body to function more effectively. The treatment is usually carried out with the client laying fully clothed on a special mat on the floor.

S

SPIRITUAL HEALING

NO INFORMATION

S

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Is the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. It is traditionally performed using talcum powder. Fast, deep movements speed up the body's physiology whilst slow gentle movements soothe and calm the nervous system.

T

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Is a complete holistic healing system based on the principle that the body has it's own energy system which relies on a healthy flow for good health. Energy flows through channels (meridians) and stimulation to increase the flow is effected by applying pressure at particular points along these channels (reflexes). Treatment may include attention to diet, lifestyle, environment, massage (including feet and hands - reflexology), herbalism, acupressure, acupuncture and many others.