Alternative Therapies O-Q

Osteopathy
Focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention primarily of musculo-skeletal disorders such as back, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, and sports injuries. Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body and its intrinsic ability to heal.

Following a detailed case history and examination, treatment is based on mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise.

There are currently over 3000 osteopaths in the UK treating over 40,000 patients. For further information:
www.osteopathy.org.uk

Oxygen Therapy
One form of oxygen therapy, known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, is now being widely used in medical practice in the USA, mainland Europe, Japan, Russia and China. It is based on the knowledge that oxygen is essential to every one of the tissues in the body and any tissue injury requires oxygen for healing.

Treatment consists of breathing high levels of oxygen under high pressure in specially prepared chambers for a specified number of sessions. Said to be effective in treating people with multiple sclerosis with sufferers reporting improved balance, sensory perception and control of incontinence. Also used to treat non-healing wounds, gangrene, chronic osteomyelitis and air and gas embolisms.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_therapy

Past Life Regression
Past life regression (PLR) is a process that claims to be able to retrieve memories of previous lives. This is normally carried out through the use of hypnosis. Whilst there is no guarantee that anything significant will happen, hypnotherapists report that it is not uncommon for people to find that between 2 and 4 past lives surface. This suggests we are involved in some way in reincarnation and some believers claim that the unconscious mind acts as a 'reservoir' for past life memories that can have a negative effect on the current life. By bringing these memories to the surface, negative emotions can be released. For further information:
www.pastliferegression.co.uk

Physiotherapy
Whilst not viewed by some as an alternative therapy due to the fact that it is firmly embedded in recognised medical practices, physiotherapy often encompasses a number of alternative therapies. Physiotherapists use a range of techniques including manipulation & mobilisation, massage, hydrotherapy, exercise programmes, electrotherapy (eg. ultrasound) and, in some cases, acupuncture. Physiotherapy is used widely in hospitals and clinics for rehabilitation after surgery, heart attacks and strokes, as well to help people with spinal and joint problems, injuries, fractures, circulatory problems and many other conditions.
www.physiofirst.org.uk

Pilates
Very popular in the UK and is now offered by most fitness centres. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century, it is a system of controlled exercises that are designed to engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and tones muscles. Pilates believed that mental and physical health were essential to one another and created what is claimed to be a method of total body conditioning that emphasizes proper alignment, centering, control, concentration, precision, breathing, and flowing movement, "The Pilates Principles". Through smooth continuous motions, Pilates exercises are designed to work several muscle groups simultaneously with a particular focus on strengthening and stabilizing the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region). Viewed by some as a therapy based on its principle aim - that the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity. See:
www.pilatesmethodalliance.org

Qi Gong
Qigong is based on the traditional Chinese belief that the body has an energy field which is generated and maintained by the natural respiration of the body, known as Qi. Qi means breath or gas in Chinese; gong means work applied to a discipline or technique. Qigong is then "breath work" or the art of managing one's breathing in order to achieve and maintain good health. Qi Gong exercises involve deep regulated breathing using the diaphragm to maximize the lung capacity and fully oxygenate the blood. Many of the exercises involve gently stretching and loosening the joints and muscles to remove blockages to the energy field- allowing the Qi to flow more freely in the body. Qi Gong is often included in martial arts training.

In China, Qi Gong is listed as part of their National Health Plan and has been recognised as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989.
For further information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong