Acupressure Acupressure has been used for millennia. Like Acupuncture the Chinese discovered that naturally patients would achieve relief by simply pressing certain points of the body. They observed that not only did it relieve pain on the afflicted part but it also had beneficial effects on parts of the body seemingly unconnected with the pain and the pressure point. Acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure on a series of points where tension and blockages occur on our natural meridians. These are the pathways along which healing energy flows. The aim is to bring about relief, balance and energy flow in the patient. Many physical tensions are blocked emotions held in the body. Acupressure releases ‘chi’ energy to correct imbalances, tensions and stresses that build up in the body that adversely effect the health and well being of the patient. Find out more: We recommend Deep Tissue Massage or see Acupuncture, Acupuncture-auricular, Auricular Therapy, British Acupuncture Council and the British Medical Acupuncture Society.
Bach flower remedy Developed from the work of Dr. Edward Bach. Flower essence therapy utilises highly refined extracts from flowering plants which interact within the physical body to stimulate precise states of psychological consciousness. Related closely to homeopathy the plant extracts are processed using homeopathic methods. Flowers are used to convey to others and ourselves feelings of joy, grief and love they also stimulate emotions related to their colour, shape and perfume. Flower remedies maintain the essence of the flower through the medium of water in a way that communicates to the feelings and thoughts within the individual. The flower essence works in a way that is life affirming and gentle and there is no danger of overdose or dependency. Flower essence can be taken orally a few drops at a time or applied to meridians or energy points on the body. They can also be misted around a room or applied to a bath. There are several therapeutic applications of flower remedies and these primarily relate to feelings of calmness, feeling clearer in body and mind, feeling more energised and better able to cope, sensitivities and allergies, tensions and stress. Find out more: See Flower Remedies, Aroma Therapy, Homoepathy, Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine or contact a practitioner. Beauty Therapy Self esteem and personal confidence are factors that contribute to health and feelings of well being. Beauty therapy in all its forms from manicures to facials all contribute to these positive feelings. Feeling good about yourself whoever and how ever you are is a healthy state of mind. For many people beauty therapy gives them a boost in confidence and self esteem which comes from feeling special, looking their best and feeling and good. A good state of mind to aspire to is ‘I am worthwhile as a person just the way I am’. Find out more: See Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Facial Massage, Manicure/Pedicure/Facial Massage, Stress Management, Relaxation. Behavioural Psychology Behavioural psychology concerns itself with behaviour and its relationship between the stimulus and response mechanism all animals possess. The relationship between feelings and behaviour effect us all in different ways. The behaviour psychologist will explore this relationship and design programmes of therapy which aim to modify unhealthy or dysfunctional behaviours to given stimuli. Can be useful for changing certain problematic behaviours such as habits or phobias. Behavioural psychology may also be used for desensitising the client to certain irrational responses and or reconditioning new behaviours to certain stimuli. Knowledge developed from Behavioural psychology influences many schools of psychotherapy today particularly Cognitive behaviour Therapy CBT and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy REBT Find out more: See CBT and REBT or contact a practitioner.
Bio-energetics (therapy) Bioenergetics was developed in the USA by Alexander Lowen. He believed that many of the human stress conditions come from blockages in the human energy systems and the basis of Bioenergetics is to allow our natural human energy to flow. This is achieved by unblocking and releasing energy flow in a way that balances our natural energy fields. Bioenergetics has been described as a western form of Yoga. It involves forms of ‘postural integration’ using a number of breathing exercises, body movements and affirming commentary. Bioenergetics aims to address the problems of life in general, stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem and confidence. Find out more: See Stress Management, Relaxation, Yoga or contact a practitioner.
Body Psychotherapy Body psychotherapy understands that psychological and emotional energy from the past and present can become locked into the body and manifest at a physical level. Many symptoms and conditions are a reflection of this psychological energy locked into the physical body. Body psychotherapy uses the body and it’s links with mind and spirit to effect changes in thoughts, feelings, beliefs and in doing so bring resolution to ‘locked in’ psychological energy and related bodily manifestations of this energy. Find out more: See Psychotherapy, Dance therapy, Movement therapy, Feldenkrais Method or contact a practitioner.
Bowen Technique Bowtech or Bowen Technique is system of dynamic yet gentle moves of the muscles and connective tissues. With Bowen Technique there are no forceful manipulations, simply a series of light cross-fibre moves on soft tissue. Bowen technique is suitable for all ages and it generally feels pleasant to the recipient as the body re-aligns helping the body to heal itself. The gentle movements and manipulations help stimulate energy flow and bring the body into balance. Bowtech can be used for back problems, sports injuries and other related conditions. Find out more: Contact a practitioner. Bowen Therapists European Register
Chakra balancing Primarily in eastern medicine and philosophy chakra’s have been acknowledged to be major components of the human energy system for over two thousand years. Some traditions believe there to be seven charkas whilst others believe there to be up to twelve or more. Chakra’s are centres of energy that run along our spines just outside our physical bodies. Charkas work in harmony with our auras to maintain us in good health. Each chakra has its own corresponding colour, sound and function. When energy becomes blocked it can effect our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well being. Chakra balancing is a way of bringing the energies back into balance. The therapist may suggest courses of treatment that aims to dissolve blockages and bring the body back into dynamic balance. Most therapies with Eastern origin will involve some relationship, application and understanding of chakras. Find out more: See Crystal therapy, Sound Therapy, Colour therapy, Reiki, Seichem, Hopi Ear Candles, Light Therapy, Aromatherapy, Magnetic Therapy or contact a practitioner.
Chiropody The Chiropodist is a person who specialises in treatments to the feet. As well as treatments the Chiropodist will give advice on footwear, hygiene and other preventative health measures. Conditions relating, pain and discomfort of the feet, infections, calluses, problems related to nails, athletes foot, aging etc. can all be referred to a chiropodist. Find out more: Contact a practitioner via the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology describes the work of psychologists who generally work within a medical setting. Their work would includes assessments and support within areas such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Neuro-psychology etc. Find out more: See Education Psychology, Psychology or contact a practitioner.
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy CBT concerns itself with the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The thoughts you have influence how you feel and how you think and feel effects your behaviour. Likewise how you behave effects the way you think and feel. CBT practitioners look at the relationship between these three aspects for you as an individual. By effecting positive change in one of these three areas change will happen naturally in the others. CBT can involve a mixture of talking and practical tasks that help the client effect lasting change to one or all of these aspects to the positive influence of the others. Find out more: See Psychotherapy, Cognitive Psychotherapy, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, NLP, Behavioural Psychology or contact a practitioner.
Cognitive Psychotherapy This is a form of psychotherapy that concerns itself primarily with thoughts, thinking, understanding and believing. In essence the cognitive processes of the brain. Through changing the way we think about a problem we can change our experience of that problem and thus find solutions or resolution. Find out more: See Psychotherapy, REBT, CBT, NLP or contact a practitioner.
Counselling Counselling is fundamentally a talking therapy aimed at facilitating the client to find solutions to a particular problem. A counsellor will generally facilitate the person to find answers to their own problems and help them find a way forward which works for them. Counselling can be problem specific e.g. debt counselling, addiction counselling etc. or it can be more generalised. There are several different approaches to counselling which advocate and train counsellors in their preferred methodology. Person centred counselling, solution focussed counselling are examples of these. Find out more: See Psychotherapy, REBT, CBT, EFT, Behaviour therapy, Life coaching, NLP, Family Therapy, Addiction Counselling, Anger Management, Stress Management, Contact a local support group or contact a practitioner via the Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling, the National Council of Psychotherapy, the UK Council for Psychotherapy, and the UK Register of Counsellors
Colonic irrigation Colonic irrigation is a form of hydrotherapy, which aims to eliminate toxins and faeces from the bowel. Often used as part of a detoxification programme. Practitioners believe that toxins build up in the large intestine can cause health problems. The procedure involves warm water being passed into the rectum through a tube and flushing out the residue. Find out more: Contact a practitioner.
Colon hydrotherapy See Colonic Irrigation
Colour therapy The colour spectrum and its relationship to health and healing have been acknowledged for thousands of years. Our energy centres (chakra points) all have corresponding colours and functions. As with many therapies colour therapy is about finding balance. A colour therapist will diagnose using dowsing methods or by reading your auric field. Either way they will aim to set up a programme of rebalancing your energies. Colour therapy can be used in complimentary medicine to treat spiritual, mental, emotional and physical ailments and it works well in conjunction with other therapies such as visualization, acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Colour breathing is a simple self healing technique that can be learned and practiced easily to gain balance and healing to your system. Find out more: See Chakra Balancing, Visualisation, Crystal healing, Light Therapy or contact a practitioner.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Chinese herbal medicine has been used for over 3000 years and traditionally were paid when the household were healthy rather than when they were sick. This means herbalists were concerned with preserving health as well as treating disease. One of the principles of Chinese medicine relates to balance of yin and yang. The two are opposites of each other but also cannot exist without each other; balance is essential to good health. The five elements also represent different influences on the body’s health system and these too need to be kept in balance. The elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, Metal. One element out of balance will adversely affect the others. Qi or the universal energy also flows through the body as well as every other part of the universe and Qi manifests differently according to its environment. Herbal interventions often aim to feed the Qi energy. The Chinese herbalist will ask many questions some of which may not seem relevant. This however is part of the diagnostic process which involves Looking (at external signs, skin, expressions etc), Hearing (what you are saying, sound of breathing, digestion etc), Asking (Gaining information and insight) and Feeling (Hot and cold, moisture, pulse etc). Find out more: Contact a practitioner.
Chiropractic Chiropractic methods of intervention do not prescribe drugs or engage in surgery instead they prescribe to a philosophy of enhancing the health of the individual rather than suppressing the patients symptoms. The father of Western medicine Hippocrates stated ‘get knowledge of the spine for this is the requisite for many diseases. The Chiropractor works mainly with the spine in order to achieve balance between the mental/ emotional, chemical /biological and structural elements of human health. The Chiropractor works by first checking your posture and identifying mis-alignments of the spine (Vertebral Subluxation Complexes). These are then re-aligned using a variety of chiropractic adjustment techniques. When the spine is free symptoms that manifest in all parts of the body can alter. Chiropractic is particularly effective with lower back pain but is also a option that could be considered for general health enhancement. Find out more: Contact a practitioner via the British Chiropractic Association.
Cranial Osteopathy A form of osteopathy where little or no physical manipulation takes place. The practitioner focuses their work on the skull and spinal cord. A series of movements and manipulations of the scalp stimulates the release and free flow of cerebo-spinal fluid. This allows the body’s natural energies to balance out and reduce the patient’s symptoms. Find out more: See Cranial Sacral Massage, Osteopathy or contact a practitioner via the General Osteopathic Council and the British Osteopathic Association.
Cranial sacral massage Cranial Sacral massage / therapy has its roots in anatomy and works through the body’s own fluids, membranes, bones and organs to help release tension and enable a free flow of energy. It is a life celebrating therapy honouring the deepest roots and highest potential of each individual. With ‘listening hands’ over the clothed body cranial sacral therapy works with ‘the breath of life’ to unify the patients own inner wisdom and the source of healing. A gentle treatment effective for a range of conditions, is suitable for all people from infancy to old age. Find out more: See Cranial Osteopathy, Massage or contact a practitioner.
Crystal healing Crystal healers believe each precious stone to have its own energy field and each crystal emanates its own vibrations. These vibrations aid healing in different ways. Some crystal healing is related to charka balancing. Crystals can be placed upon the body at certain points to open or close the bodies energy points and bring about balance. Some healers immerse the crystal in water in order to absorb the gems energies, others advocate carrying or wearing certain crystals in order to strengthen or promote a particular type of healing. Cranial Sacral massage / therapy has its roots in anatomy and works through the body’s own fluids, membranes, bones and organs to help release tension and enable a free flow of energy. It is a life celebrating therapy honouring the deepest roots and highest potential of each individual. With ‘listening hands’ over the clothed body cranial sacral therapy works with ‘the breath of life’ to unify the patients own inner wisdom and the source of healing. A gentle treatment effective for a range of conditions, is suitable for all people from infancy to old age. Find out more: See Cranial Osteopathy, Massage or contact a practitioner. See Light Therapy, Magnetic Therapy, Colour Therapy, Chakra balancing or contact a practitioner.
Dance therapy Dance therapy is another example of a creative therapy. Dance and movement is an excellent medium for releasing unexpressed emotion and to work through suppressed and/or repressed material. As a creative therapy it can be directed or non directive allowing freedom to express in whatever way the client needs. Dance can work powerfully as a metaphor for unresolved conflict allowing the client to move on and find resolution without the formality of some talking therapies. There are some educational applications in group work, solution finding and for work with the blind and in special education. Find out more: See Music Therapy, Movement Therapy, Drama Therapy or contact a practitioner.
Diet therapy The importance of food and nutrition for health has been known to man for 1,000’s of years. Nutrition and diet are an important part of orthodox western medicine as well as eastern medicines. Many disorders, ailments, conditions and diseases can be directly attributed to diet and nutrition. As such diet and nutrition are a corner stone for every ones health and well being. Many therapies offer diet and nutritional advice as part of their methodology and good advice is also abundant through your local health service. Find out more: See Nutritional Therapies, Kinesiology, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayruvedic, Kinesiology, or contact a practitioner.
Drama therapy Drama therapy is another example of a creative therapy. Drama is an excellent medium for releasing unexpressed emotion and to work through suppressed and/or repressed material. As a creative therapy it can be directed or non directive allowing freedom to express in whatever way the client needs. Drama can work powerfully as a metaphor for unresolved conflict allowing the client to move on and find resolution without the formality of some talking therapies. Drama can be a medium for a client to disclose or act out traumatic events and as such work through to a resolution. In group work and education forums drama can be an excellent medium for developing social skills and strategies for dealing with difficult situations. Drama can also help rehearse coming events that are causing anxiety and explore safely various options. Experimentation and confidence building are also some of the obvious benefits of drama therapy. Find out more: See Music Therapy, Movement Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodrama, Gestalt or contact a practitioner.
Dream analysis A form of psychoanalysis, Freud and Jung believed that the dream was the road to the unconscious. Dream analysts will listen to a description of a dream and recognise that the dream is a metaphor for unconscious processing that happens during sleep. Dreaming has long been a fascination for human kind and dream analysis aims to make sense out of the incomprehensible. Modern thinking tends toward believing that dreaming is the minds way of assimilating and processing information left from the day and a reflection of unresolved or traumatic material from the past still being processed. It is suggested that because the mind works in metaphor this material comes to mind in the form of sounds, feelings and pictures, smells and taste during sleep which when remembered sometimes makes no sense in waking form. Find out more: See Psychotherapy or contact a practitioner.  | 
