Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Acupressure

Is an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Using the power and sensitivity of the hand, Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health.

• Acupressure.com
• The Complementary Medical Association
• Therapy Directory
• Find a therapy.org

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Acupuncture

Is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world. Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for thousands of years. The focus is on you as an individual, not your illness, and all symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to affect the flow of your body’s qi, or vital energy.

• British Acupuncture Council
• The British Medical Acupuncture Society
• Find a therapy.org
• Therapy Directory

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Homeopathy

Is a natural form of medicine used by over 200 million people worldwide to treat both acute and chronic conditions. It is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’. In other words, a substance taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms it causes if it were taken in large amounts.

The holistic nature of homeopathy means each person is treated as a unique individual and their body, mind, spirit and emotions are all considered in the management and prevention of disease. Taking all these factors into account a homeopath will select the most appropriate medicine based on the individual’s specific symptoms and personal level of health to stimulate their own healing ability.

Homeopathic medicines are safe to use as they rarely cause side-effects. This means when used appropriately under the guidance of a qualified homeopath they can be taken by people of all ages, including babies, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• British Homeopathic Association
• Homeopathic Medical Association
• British Homeopathic Library
• Find a Homeopath
• Therapy Directory

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Naturopathy

Is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.

The following principles are the foundation of naturopathic medical practice:

• The Healing Power of Nature: Naturopathic medicine recognises an inherent self-healing process in people that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to faciliate and augment this inherent self-healing processs.
• Identify and Treat the Causes: The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
• First Do No Harm: Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient: Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat; Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms; and Acknowledge, respect, and work with individuals’ self-healing process.
• Doctor as Teacher: Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
• Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
• Prevention: Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

NATUROPATHIC PRACTICE Naturopathic practice includes the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine (including naturopathic manipulative therapy), public health measures, hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy, and naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth).

• The British Naturopathic Association
• The British Naturopathic Association
• Naturopathic Nutrition Association
• Therapy Directory
• Find a therapy.org

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Iridology

Also known as iridodiagnosis or iridiagnosis. Pronounced eye-ri-dology, is the art and science of analyzing the color and structure of the iris to determine tissue integrity throughout the body, thereby gaining valuable health information regarding strengths and weaknesses. Iridologists study the iris, particularly the color, markings, changes and other aspects, as they are associated with tissue degeneration. Iridology is one form of analysis that is non-invasive to the body requiring no cutting, x-raying or use of any other invasive technique to complete the analysis.

• International Iridology Practitioners Association
• Natural Therapy Pages - Find an Iridologists
• Iridology - Dr. Mercola - How your eyes can predict Disease 
• Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Herbal Medicine

Also known as herbology or herbal medicine. It is the use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of botany for such use. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history, and such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today.

Types of Herbalism

The term 'herbalism' covers a variety of medical practices across the globe, including:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: This works on the principal that herbs can help to improve the flow of qi (energy) in our bodies. Take a look at our Chinese herbal medicine page to find out more.
• Kampo: A Japanese healing tradition similar to Chinese medicine, which uses herbs to restore balance in the body.
• Traditional Tibetan Medicine: This uses a combination of acupuncture, nutrition and herbal remedies to restore the body to health.
• Ayurveda: An Indian health-care tradition that combines yoga, nutrition, massage, meditation and herbal remedies.
• Unani-tibb: An Indian tradition that places emphasis on restoring health by focusing on healing the patient from within.
• Western Herbal Medicine: Regulated by WHO, this form of medicine uses a combination of traditional methods and modern scientific research.

The History of Herbalism

Humans have been using herbs in medicine for as far back as we can currently trace, across all continents and cultures. Some experts even believe herbs were being used for medical purposes long before the first homo sapiens walked the earth. Archaeologists working on sites in modern day Iraq found evidence to suggest that Neanderthals, a very early relative of modern man, were using a number of different herbs for medicinal purposes as long as 60,000 years ago. Even more astoundingly, according to some observations, the use of herbal remedies extends even further than man or his ancestors.

• British Herbal Medicine Association
• Therapy Directory
• Find a therapy.org

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology was originally developed by an American chiropractor called George Goodheart. He found that by testing muscle response before and after he made chiropractic corrections he achieved better results for his patients. As time progressed he was able to make a connection between various muscles and acupuncture meridians. By testing these muscles the kinesiologist can get a picture of what is happening in your meridian system and how this may be affecting you.

So, kinesiology can be seen as a blend of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and western techniques which enable a kinesiologist to treat you as an individual. Each person’s session is unique to them.

Kinesiology uses a range of gentle yet extremely powerful techniques. Kinesiology also allows the kinesiologist to draw on other healing techniques and modalities and integrate them into the session where appropriate and indicated by the muscle response.

• Kinesiology Federation
• Kinesiology UK
• Progressive Kinesiology
• Systematic Kinesiology
• Therapy Directory
• Find a therapy.org

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Osteopathy

A system of complementary medicine involving the treatment of medical disorders through the manipulation and massage of the skeleton and musculature.

Osteopathy is a holistic treatment that involves diagnosing, managing and treating musculoskeletal and other related conditions. Osteopaths use a range of manual techniques in their work. They will massage soft tissues and manipulate problem areas of the spine and joints. This helps to strengthen the musculoskeletal framework of the body and improve function.

Osteopathy treatment is based on the principle that a person's well-being depends on the harmonious synchronisation and good health of their skeleton, muscles, connective tissues and ligaments. Osteopaths believe their work helps to restore balance to the body. This in turn promotes overall good health and well-being.

Methods used:

Osteopathy treatment will vary from patient to patient. Despite this, all manipulation techniques are based upon the principle that the body structure and function depend on one another and it is when the structure is changed that abnormalities occur.

Your practitioner will usually use some of, or a combination of the following methods:

• Soft-tissue Technique: This osteopathy method is performed on the muscles surrounding the spine. It involves rhythmic stretching and deep pressure movements which dislodge and move excess fluids. This relaxes hypertonic muscles and myofascial (fibrous tissue) layers. Osteopaths may use the soft-tissue technique to treat conditions such as back and shoulder pain, sporting injuries, and anxiety and stress.
• Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial osteopathy is a specialist area of osteopathic medicine that concentrates on the minute movements of the cranial bones. These are located in the head and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain, nearby tissues and the spinal chord. In a healthy craniosacral system this fluid will pulsate at a rate of six to 15 times a minute. Osteopaths are trained to monitor this rhythm in order to detect any imbalances. Then they manipulate the bones of the head and the face to improve circulation of the fluid. Baby cranial osteopathy is a variation of this technique, and is useful for helping babies sleep better. The treatment is soothing and comforting and can help to relieve infant colic as well as sleep problems.
• Lymphatic Technique: The purpose of this technique is to relieve upper and lower respiratory infections through improvement of lymphatic fluid circulation. Osteopaths use their hands to apply pressure to the affected chest wall. When the force applied reaches its maximum expiration, the practitioner will quickly remove their hands. This process increases negative pressure of the chest, helping the body's respiratory mechanism to move lymphatic fluids.
• Thrust Technique: This involves the application of a high-velocity/low-amplitude thrust to the joints and muscles. The aim is to restore movement and re-set natural reflexes.
• Muscle Energy Technique: During this procedure the patient is asked to use their muscles from a specific position in a specific direction. The osteopath will then apply a counterforce. This will restore motion and decrease tissue and muscle changes.
• Counterstrain: Practitioners use the counterstrain technique to identify tender points of a muscle spasm and reposition the body. This is to encourage changes in muscle and fascia surrounding muscles and organs. Counterstrain aims to help patients move away from a restricted motion barrier towards the position of comfort. This gives relief to physical dysfunctions that are too sensitive or acute to treat with other procedures.
• Myofascial Release: This technique aims to treat the myofascial structures. Osteopaths work by applying constant force to the myofascial tissues until release occurs. The dysfunctional tissues are guided along a path of least resistance until free movement is achieved.

Osteopathy Treatment Plan

The next stage of osteopathic medicine involves the implementation of a treatment plan. Your practitioner will discuss this with you, letting you know how many sessions you'll need and what techniques may be used.

Your first appointment will last around 45 minutes. Subsequent sessions will be shorter, typically lasting for 30-40 minutes. The frequency of sessions will depend on the severity of your problem. Usually they will begin at weekly intervals, but may be spaced further apart as the condition or problem heals.

As part of your treatment programme, you may be given exercises to do at home. You will also receive advice on how to minimise damage to the body and the impact of the problem. It is important to carry out any exercises given, even if they need repeating several times a day.

Though treatment is generally very gentle, there will be situations where a small amount of force is required. This will help to reposition the tissues. Overall, most patients report feeling comfortable throughout.

• General Osteopathy Council
• Institute of Osteopathy
• British School of Osteopathy
• Therapy Directory
• Find a therapy.org

Disclaimer:

Nothing on these pages should be constued as medical advice. Nothing on these pages should be used as a basis for the treatment for any disease or health condition. The treatment of any disease should be under a doctor's supervision in order to ensure a correct diagnosis and a professional assessment of treatment options. These 'Helpful Links' are not intended to be an endorsement of medical treatments. These 'Helpful Links' are intended for information purposes only. This information has not been reviewed or approved by any medical professional body in the UK.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to, and massaging certain areas of the feet, hands and ears. The aim is to encourage healing and relieve stress and tension. It is also used to improve general health and well-being.

Reflexology treatment is based on the principle that certain areas of the feet - called reflexes - are linked to other areas on the body through the nervous system. The arrangement of the reflexes has a direct relationship to the area of the body they affect. For example, the right side of the foot is linked to the right side of the body. While the tips of the toes correspond to the head. The liver, pancreas and kidneys connect to the arch of the foot, and the lower back and intestines towards the heel.

In a session, a reflexologist will apply pressure to certain reflexes. The aim is to stimulate energy flow and send signals around the body - targeting areas of tension and pain.

• Assoication of Reflexologists
• The British Reflexologist Association
• Therapy Directory
• Find a therapy.org