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.
| Massage |
there are many types of
massage available all with a different purpose. Some forms of massage
are to help to tone up the body, some deal with specific areas of
aches and pains, and it can also be used to relieve stress. Massage
can help with pain management as it releases endorphins; as the
skin is an organ in its own right massage can help to release toxins
from the system and help to move energy around the body. |
| Magnotherapy |
Based on the magnetic field
of the earth and north and south poles, this therapyassumes the
body has subtle magnetic forces. Ordinary magnets are used to treat
illnesses, in the form of wristbands, beds and car seats. Also known
as Magnetic Therapy and Magnetotherapy or even Biomagnetic Therapy. |
| Meditation |
From the East, a relaxation
method that produces an altered state of mind. Used to focus the
mind and still the chatter. Linked to yoga, tai chi and many other
Eastern therapies. |
| Metamorphic
Technique |
this therapy uses similar
beliefs to reflexology in that the hands and feet are a mirror of
the body. Practitioners believe that an imaginary line runs from
the ankle along the arch to the big toe, it is also present on the
hands and the head. This therapy works on freeing the "life force"
and practitioners believe it is the person themselves who activate
the healing from within. This technique is especially useful for
people who suffer from long term physical and mental illnesses. |
| Music
Therapy |
this therapy is now very
popular in hospitals and is becoming more accepted as a mainstream
therapy. Music is being used to relieve the anxiety and fears that
can exacerbate pain. It can be used to help autism, stress or depression
either in groups or one to one with the therapist. Learning to play
an instrument is not the point of this exercise rather it is the
joining in and using mainly percussion instruments that is encouraged.
The therapist will usually play or sing along with the patients,
they also work with other therapist and music therapy is helpful
for stroke patients. |
| Naturopathy |
therapists believe that
disease is caused by an imbalance in the body that affects mind,
body and spirit. Balance is achieved by various methods that include
adjustments to the diet, hydrotherapy and exercise. The use of fasting
is also used to facilitate de toxification of the systems and to
give the liver and gastro-intestinal tract a rest to enable the
body to heal itself. Hydrotherapy is also used by naturopaths and
can be in the form of hot and cold baths or compresses. |
| Nutritional
Therapy |
this system focuses on
the diet and how the body and mind react to different foods. The
therapist will ask for a full case history and an outline of present
diet and the problems, after this a physical examination will be
given perhaps including a blood test. The patient may be asked to
keep a food diary for 7 days to give the therapist a better understanding
of the problem, they will then be better able to make any adjustments
to the food intake. |
| Orthomolecular
Therapy |
this uses high doses of
vitamins and minerals to treat physical and emotional problems. |
| Osteopathy |
osteopaths are able to
diagnose and treat patients using manipulation of the musculo skeletal
system. If the body is "out of balance" this can affect the nervous
system which can lead to discomfort or malfunctions caused by "osteopathic
lesions" which are imbalances of the normal tension of the spine.
Osteopathy involves a variety of techniques which include manipulation,
massage, stretching and high-velocity thrust movements which can
help to restore easy movements. This therapy is particularly popular
for the relief of back pain. |