Medical, Natural, & Holistic
Fortunately (or confusingly) today, we have so many options in our lives available to us for healing, that it's difficult to choose sometimes where to go. All the information so often is in a variety of places.
What we'll put out for you below is a succinct description of some of the alternative or different therapies around. Please not that, as with everything in life - the decision rests with you. Go with what you feel comfortable with and suits your lifestyle and belief system the best.
If you require more information, please feel free to contact us and we can refer you to someone in the industry.
If you work in one of the industries, please feel free to contact us and we'll include some of your information should it be relevant and applicable.
Here are some of the most commonly heard of treatments:
REFLEXOLOGY
This is a simple pressure that is applied through the fingers to the minute reflex points in and around the feet and hands. This then has a stimulating effect on specific parts of the body.
This process normalises the body’s functioning, to help break down tension and alleviate stress. It helps to improve the nerve functioning and blood supply throughout the body. (i.e. body’s circulation is improved and the elimination of waste products is assisted)
The aim is to correct three negative factors which are said to be involved in the disease process:
- Digestion
- Inflammation
- Tension
REIKI
Reiki refers to a simple hands on healing technique discovered by Dr Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900s.
It’s energy medicine which means “Life-force energy”
The process of healing is brought about through the use of hands which are laid on the body in certain positions. This helps the person open up to and receive an increased amount of life-force energy.
What is this “ENERGY” anyway?
In quantum physics, energy is recognised as the fundamental substance of which the universe is composed. The physical universe consists of vibrating energy particles. These vibrate at different speeds determining our perception of something been “solid”. Our physical bodies are therefore made up of energy in different patterns.
We’re therefore composed of energy as well as having energy running through us. Reiki is therefore a simple and effective way of restoring this energy flow within us.
Benefits of reiki:
- It enhances spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well-being
- Calms the nervous system as it’s a natural antidote to stress
- It raises your self awareness
- It combines easily and effectively with other healing modalities
- It can be used to solve problems and achieve your goals
- It assists in promoting inner peace & calm; it breaks down barriers
- It’s natural – and drug free
AROMATHERAPY
This involves the reverence and use of aromatic substances such as unguents, incenses, spices, herbs and macerated oils. The use of these volatile oils effects a therapeutic response to various conditions and diseases. They're called essential oils which is derived from their fragrant components of aromatic flowers, grasses and trees.
AYURVEDA
Ayus means 'life'
Veda means 'knowledge' or 'science'
This is therefore the science of life or the art of living.
It’s about trying to understand all of life; birth to death; includes your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual elements. It examines individuals relationships with food, weather, the outside world, your fellow humans – and ultimately – with yourself. It’s a utilisation of physical, physiological and spiritual therapies to facilitate your better health.
NATUROPATHY
This is the creation of conditions which enables the body to heal itself as far as it is capable of doing so.
Roger Newman Turner 1984:14
The underlying core principle lies within the healing power of nature.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
This is a comprehensive holistic oriental healing that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, diet and exercise therapy.
In the West, acupuncture and herbal medicine are the most common.
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine metallic needles at defined locations.
Herbal treatment is the ingestion of empirically determined herbal formula often consisting of roots, berries, leaves or twigs.
HOMEOPATHY
The word 'homoios' means 'like' in Greek
The word 'patheia' means 'suffering'.
Hence, homeopathy means "similar suffering". This stems from the belief that a substance can cure the conditions it is capable of causing.
In homeopathy, medicine solutions are diluted to a point beyond which is measurable by normal scientific means. They take a long time to work but good results are reported consistently.
MASSAGE THERAPY
The touch of massage is not simply an ordinary touch or contact of the hand with the body, but is rather a skilled, professional touch. It's a touch applied with intelligence, with control, with a purpose - and as simple as it is, it's capable of producing decided physiological effects.
(J.H Kellog 1895)
Most modern day massages are the systematic rubbing and manipulation of the tissues of the body.
There are a wide variety of choices with regard to massage techniques, which include:
- Relaxation/Swedish massage
- Remedial massage
- Sports Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage massage
- Shiatsu massage
- An M0 Tui Na massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Reflexology
OSTEOPATHY
This is a system of medical care with a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with the current practice of medicine, surgery and obstetrics with an emphasis on the interrelationships between structure and function, and an appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.
(AA Com 1997)
4 general principles apply:
- The body is a unit, the person is a unit of body, mind and spirit
- The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and health maintenance
- Structure and function of the self are interrelated
- Rational treatment is based on an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation and this interrelationship of structure and function.
Osteopathic manipulation medicine is used:
- To assess the patient from a holistic point of view (including lifestyle, working environment, home life & other psycho-social factors)
- Forming a diagnosis from the history and clinical examination (and anything else if required)
- Providing treatment that will alter the natural history of the disease or disfunction such as
- Osteopathic manipulation
- Education & re-assurance
- Medication
- Surgical intervention
- Providing the prognosis
- Providing advice about prevention
YOGA
Yoga means "union"; joining or to link together as one whole.
Yoga is the art and science of resolving the inherent opposition of all things to create a union of body, mind and soul. Meditation is an integral component, and the essence of yoga.
Iyengar (2001) describes yoga as the "path which integrates the body, senses, mind and the intelligence, with the self"
Feuerstein (1996) describes the yoga approach as simplifying one's consciousness & energy to the point where one no longer experiences any inner conflict and is able to live in harmony with the world."
Two points to notice with regard to yoga; one being physical and the other being non-physical:
- The physical side includes the physical exercises and breath control. These are usually slow moving stretching and relaxation exercises; but often strenuous that also tone the muscles, tense the nerves and stimulate the cardiovascular system.
- The non-physical includes ethical disciplines and meditation practices. This helps to expand the mind, explore the emotions and develop the relationship between yourself and the rest of the world.
Most of this information was taken from "An introduction to complementary medicine"; Terry Robson BA, DipEd, ND.
