Sections
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies focus on the whole person, not just on a specific ailment. They look for the root cause of a condition and seek to treat the whole person. The patient is also encouraged to take responsibility for their health and take an active part in the healing process.
There is now a wide range of therapies available. The most well known are acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage, osteopathy, chiropractics, homeopathy and herbal medicine. There are many others such as naturopathy, nutritional medicine, crystal healing and energy work. Some therapies belong to whole medical systems such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine from India.
When selecting a therapist try asking around for recommendations as well as asking your GP and checking that the therapist has appropriate qualifications and membership of a professional body and professional indemnity insurance. Ask the practitioner about training and experience and how often they\'ve treated your condition in the past.
Questions to ask a therapist
1. Are you a member of a professional body? If so, which one?
2. What training have you received?
3. How long have you been practising?
4. Have you treated my condition before? If so, how long did it take and what was the result?
5. How many consultations will I need?
6. What will be the total cost?
7. Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
8. If relevant - are you willing to talk to my GP so the two treatments can dovetail well?
Complementary Therapies on the NHS
The NHS now offers some complementary therapies, depending on availability. Many GP’s are now trained in complementary therapies. If you\'re interested contact your GP who will be able to tell you what\'s available locally.
- Acupuncture
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An acupuncturist, a traditional Chinese medical practitioner, inserts fine, sterile needles into specific points on the skin. These acupoints are connected to and regulate the function of the inner organs and balance the flow of Qi ("chee"). It can be used to treat or prevent various ailments, as pain relief or generally to help you feel well and leave you feeling ‘balanced’.
- Aromatherapy
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Although aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular it’s not a modern fad, the ancient Egyptians used essential oils for therapeutic purposes. These aromatic aromatherapy oils are extracted from various flowers, trees and shrubs. The stems, roots, flowers, fruits and leaves are all used to extract the oils.
- Homeopathy
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Homeopathy uses tiny amounts of a substance that causes an illness in order to treat the sick person's symptoms. The dose is made up of plant, animal or mineral material, and is soaked in alcohol and shaken. The theory is that "like cures like" and the treatment dates back to ancient Greece.
- Herbal medicine
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Herbal medicine uses plants to treat illness, common ailments and to restore general health. The whole plant can be used - the stems, leaves, roots, bark, berries, fruits and seeds. The herb is then soaked in boiling water and drunk as a tea or made into ointments, powders, pills, capsules, lozenges, pessaries or liquid tinctures.
- Looking for a practioner?
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Contact these organisations for more details.
- Osteopathy & Chiropractics
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Osteopaths and chiropractors use their hands to rebalance the framework of the body by manipulating the spine and joints, increasing joint mobility and stretching and relaxing muscles. Physiotherapists also use some of the same manipulation techniques.
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