Alternative Therapies A-B

Acupressure
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body. Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom. The traditional Chinese medicine theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi (also spelled "chi"). For further information:
www.accupressure.com

Aromatherapy
The use of aromatic essential oils obtained from flowers, leaves and other parts of plants, herbs and trees in conjunction with massage and other treatments. The Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all made use of aromatic oils for their healing and mood enhancing properties and in the Middle Ages and beyond, oils and herbs were used to treat ailments and ward off infection.

The term aromatherapy was introduced by a French chemist whose work led many other scientists, chemists and doctors to investigate the effect of essential oils on the body. It was discovered that each oil has its own unique fragance and natural chemicals which have antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative and other properties.

In the 1950s, Marguerite Maury, an Austrian biochemist, found that massage was a very effective way of introducing the oils to the body. As oils have very small molecules, they are easily absorbed through the skin and reach organs and parts of the body via the bloodstream & lympathic system. Through inhalation, they also reach the limbic part of the brain which governs the emotions as well as playing a crucial role in the functioning of many parts of the body. It is for these reasons that aromatherapy is termed as a holistic therapy. Aromatherapy is now used to treat a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including stress, depression, skin conditions, arthritis, aching muscles, ME and other post viral illnesses, poor circulation, headaches and hormonal problems. For further information, visit:
http://users.erols.com/sisakson/pages/agoindex.htm

Bach Flower Therapy
Developed by Dr Edward Bach from which it derives its name, this therapy involves dilutions of flower essences to balance emotional, spiritual and physical conditions, for example depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress.

Bach claimed that wildflowers have a soul or energy with an affinity to the human soul. He saw illness as a result of "a contradiction between the purposes of the soul and the personality's point of view" leading to negative moods and energy blocking, In turn, causing a lack of "harmony" which leads to physical diseases.

There are 38 different Bach remedies and a remedy known as 'Rescue Remedy'. The remedies contain an infinitesimal amount of flower material in a 50:50 solution of water and brandy.

The most well known of the Bach Flower Remedies is Rescue Remedy which consists of 5 Bach essences. Rescue Remedy is designed to treat occasions of stress, for example, exams, driving test, job interviews, illness in the family.
For further information on Bach Remedies, visit
www.bachflowertherapy.com

Acupuncture
Based on the ancient Chinese belief that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature with this energy circulating throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians. When energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but when the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness can occur. Acupuncture works through the use of fine needles to “re-program” and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Chi energy. For further information on acupuncture/directory of acupuncurists www.acupuncture.org.uk

Auricular Therapy
Also known as Auriculotherapy, this treatment was founded by French doctor Paul Nogier in the 1950s. It has links with reflexology in that areas of the ear are said to correspond to different parts of the body. Sites have been identified on the ear which become spontaneously tender or otherwise react to the presence of disease or injury elsewhere in the body. Stimulation of these sites exerts therapeutic effects on those parts of the body with which they are associated. The theory is based on the belief that nerves in the ear connect to reflex centers in the brain, in turn sending neurological reflex pathways to the spinal cord and then to neurons going to different parts of the body.

It also has links with acupuncture in that it is a treatment that can be provided not only by stimulation through massage but also through the use of needles. This therapy is said to activate the meridian which regulates energy flow, stimulate the brain and internal organs, and improve the circulation in general. It is also claimed to induce deep relaxation control pain, provide detoxification from addictions, (smoking and drugs) and provide an effective treatment for high blood pressure. For further details: www.auriculartherapy.info

Bowen Technique
Invented in the 1930s by an Australian named Tom Bowen.

Also known as 'Bowtech', the Bowen Technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy involving a series of light moves or procedures where the therapist moves fingers and thumbs over different parts of the body. These procedures are designed to act as a trigger to the body to stimulate its own healing. A feature of the technique is to provide 'rest' periods in between procedures to enable the body to have time to respond to individual moves. The series of gentle rolling moves, followed by breaks at certain intervals, is believed to interfere with signals between the brain and parts of the body encouraging a positive 'resignalling'.
Used to treat a number of conditions, in particular back pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, hay fever and migraine. It is also being increasingly used to treat sports injuries with sportmen also claiming improved sports performance. For further information on the Bowen Technique, visit www.thebowentechnique.com

Alexander Technique
Developed by F Alexander, an orator, in response to losing his voice on stage. In recognising that he stiffened his whole body whilst speaking on stage, he developed a technique to cure himself of the habit thus solving the problems with his voice. He went on to train others in the technique until his death in 1955.

Today the Alexander Technique is taught as a method of releasing muscular tension throughout the body which has developed over time through stressful day to day living. Problems are said to occur as people develop habitual responses of movement to familiar tasks which also place a strain on their body.

The Alexander Technique is said to assist in developing awareness of balance, posture and coordination when carrying out daily tasks and to teach new ways of moving when carrying out these tasks - placing less strain on the body. Also taught are ways of sitting, standing and walking that put less strain on bones, joints and muscles enabling a more efficient working of the body.

The technique is said to benefit such conditions as repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, backache, stiff nech and shoulders. It is also claimed to be of particular benefit to those involved in the performing arts.

A number of eminent medical practioners have researched the postive effects of this technique on the body and their research, further information and articles can be found at: www.alexandertechnique.com