Complementary therapies A-C

Glossary of Therapies A - C

This glossary is intended only as a guide. For further information on any of the therapies, please contact one of the listed therapists in the directory.

Acupressure	uses manual pressure on the acupuncture points instead of needles. Pressure can be applied with the fingers and thumbs or a blunt instrument. It can be particularly helpful in treating children who may not like needles.
Acupuncture	is a therapy involving the use of sterile needles that are inserted into strategic points of the body. Acupuncture is particularly useful for treating muscular aches and pains and can reduce the need for painkilling and other drugs.
Alexander Technique	is a method of teaching which focuses on posture using the body to support your weight correctly without holding tension. This method is excellent for easing back, shoulder and neck problems and for relieving tension in these areas.
Allergy Therapy	is a term used to describe the various methods used to diagnose allergies. Once the allergy has been identified the food or substance can be avoided or a treatment can be started to de-sensitise the allergy. There are several different method of testing for allergies such as blood tests, stool samples or hair mineral analysis. Some therapists prefer to use their own judgement and rely on information gathered and the condition of the fingernails for instance.
Aromatherapy	is the ancient form of using the oils extracted from plants in the treatment of ailments. The therapy works on mind, body and spirit, it can bring a sense of well being as well as treating specific problems. This can be achieved in several ways including massage when oils can be mixed together for a specific purpose. Oils can also be used in a burner, in bathing water, compresses as well as in scented candles.
Art Therapy	is a form of self-exploration that allows people to express their feelings through the use of painting, sculpting, modelling, collage and drawing. Therapists work with people either singly or in groups. Artwork can help a person to learn different things about their life and to get in touch with areas of their personality which may have previously been closed to them.
Aston Patterning	this therapy grew from the therapy known as Rolfing and uses massage and movement education usually as a prevention of posture related problems such as back pain.
Augenblick Therapy	based on Wilhelm Reich and Gerda Boyese this body-orientated therapy helps to free blocked emotions and can thus heal body, mind and spirit.
Aura Healing	healers using this therapy method work by placing their hands on or near the client and visualising the colour surrounding them. These colours are determined by our mental, emotional and physical state and also by our spiritual awareness. Changes in the auras colour can affect the vibrational frequency of the physical body, if this is not rectified it may appear as a physical illness. An aura healer works with the varying colours to balance the aura.
Aura Soma	a form of colour therapy, the therapist will ask the client to choose 4 different coloured bottles of spring water. These contain various herbal extracts that will be applied daily to the skin to balance the chakras. This therapy is used mainly on clients suffering from long standing emotional problems and stress.
Auricular Acupuncture	This is ear acupuncture as the Chinese Medical theories believe that there are over 120 acupuncture points in the ear alone. Needles as well as laser and electrical currents are used.
Autogenic Training	this is a preventative measure which can help you to take control of you life. It can also help as an aid in giving up smoking, tranquillisers and sleeping pills or losing excess weight. Autogenic training helps to restore harmony between mind, body and spirit, and enables individuals to get the sense of peace and relaxation deep within themselves when self healing processes take place.
Ayurveda	this therapy describes three aspects to a person, consciousness, mind and body, for complete health care you should take care of all three. Ayurveda recommends natural methods to reduce stress using daily routines, diets and exercises and other approaches designed to help you gain and maintain ideal health and to combat specific ailments. Other remedies include massage, herbal remedies and breathing exercises.
Bach Flower Remedies	these are tinctures derived from plants and used to treat 38 emotional feelings identified by Dr. Bach. They address the emotional imbalances underlying illness and can augment conventional treatments. The tinctures are sold preserved in brandy and can be combined with each other and water to make a more efficacious mixture. Flower remedies are not addictive so can be safely used by children, the elderly and by pregnant women.
Beauty Therapy	Includes Swedish massage, facials, sometimes pedicures and manicures. This form of therapy does not always include such vigorous training as indivdual therapies.
Biodynamic Massage	this is a form of massage which is based on the theory that energy can become locked in the muscles and gut. It works on the muscles to release this trapped energy and allow it to circulate freely around the body.
Bioenergetics	is a modern system of diagnosis that uses a computer to measure electromagnetic energy in the brain. It has been found to be effective for a wide range of disorders. The body shows a reaction to various substances showing its likes and dislikes, diagnosing for itself and indicating what is going on in the body.
Biofeedback	The use of electrodes or probes attached to a biofeedback system which feeds back signals or sounds when it detects changes in the body. Can be used to help self-regulate body functions. Often used to treat stress-related problems such as headaches, migraines, IBS, etc.
Biorythms	primarily a self help therapy. A chart helps you pin-point your bodies peaks and dips within the life cycle, enabling you to plan for days where things should go exceptionally well and when to avoid getting out of bed. There are many software applications that will let you plot your own biorhythms, some of which can be found on the Internet.
Bown Technique	This is a non manipulative hands on therapy, the client is dressed in loose clothing. the practitioner makes a series of light rolling movements on muscles and tendons with fingers and thumbs, it is believed to encourage circulation in areas of mobility and promote lymphatic drainage.
Brain Gym	this is a form of educational Kinesiology and works with body movements to balance the relationships of muscle and brain functions with the body. It can be of great help with many areas in developing life skills and the ability to use this method stays with you. It can also be helpful in children who have difficulty with concentration.
Chavutti Thirumal	part of the ayurveda family from southern India. A form of unclothed massage to stimulate circulation, energy lines, lymphatic system and digestion.
Chinese Medicine	Is the collective term used for the holistic therapies originating in China including Herbalism, Acupuncture and Tai Chi Qigong. Many of these therapies date back thousands of years and are based on ancient chinese principles including the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood that are represented in body parts.. An inbalance in these elements cause inbalances in people. Also, everything can be described as is either yin or yang (cold or hot). Animal substances can be included in remedies although most Western clinics only use plants.
Chiropody	this is a hands on therapy using manipulation techniques to treat problems with the spine, joints and muscles especially in the feet.
Chiropractic	this is a hands on therapy using manipulation techniques to treat problems with the spine, joints and muscles to improve their function and increase mobility. The belief is that if a minor displacement is left untreated it can lead to disturbances of the nervous system and other illnesses. By using manipulation techniques the practitioner can relieve pain and improve quality of movement. You may be asked to remove your clothing for assessment and treatment, if you do not wish to do so wear appropriate clothing.
Colon Hydrotherapy	This therapy involves purifying and cleansing the colon from faecal waste that occording to this therapy can be reabsorbed into the body causing waste related conditions. A tube is used to flush out the colon via the rectum using purified water and can include some cleansing herbs or remedies. Definately an invasive therapy and not for the faint-hearted.
Colour Therapy	colour helps to balance systems by working holistically. Each colour has a specific affect on each system and within each colour there are hundreds of different shades, which can have incredible healing properties with vast possibilities. Colour therapists do not claim to effect a cure but say they can improve a patient's health. They describe colour therapy as energy medicine.
Complementary Therapy
Counselling	Known as the 'talking therapy'. Clients are given the opportunity to talk through their problems and how they feel about them in a therapeutic setting. Counsellors do not generally advice, rather they actively listen and help the client to reach their own solutions with support.
Cranial Osteopathy	it works on the theory that cerebrospinal fluid that supports the brain flows with a certain rhythm. Practitioners believe that any disruption to this might be connected to infant colic and other childhood disorders. Gentle manipulation of the skull can help to restore a balanced rhythm and alleviate problems.
Crystal Therapy	crystals and gems have long been used as symbols of power and authority and the use of crystals for healing has a very long history. Therapists may place crystals around you or on your body, they can also be held by the client or by the practitioner or a combination of all these practices. The therapist then channels the healing energy into the patient. Different crystals are used for particular ailments.

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