Introduction
Some therapies are 'alternative' while others are 'complementary'.
What is the difference?
Complementary therapies work alongside conventional medicine and 'complement' it – ie, fill in the gaps. For example, some complementary therapies can help with ailments, such as a persistent back-ache, for which doctors can offer nothing except painkillers. Other complementary therapies can help with the side-effects of an illness or operation. Also, if complementary therapies are used regularly by a person who is not ill, they can act as a prophylactic against illness because they keep the system in tune.
Alternative therapies (such as Acupuncture and Homeopathy) work with a completely different system of medicine and therefore take a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the therapies listed below are preceded by a paragraph which briefly describes the therapy.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a gentle yet effective treatment for a wide range of disorders. Fine needles are inserted at carefully selected points on the body in order to manipulate the flow of Qi (pronounced 'chee'). Qi is simply the vital energy of the body. In a healthy person, it flows smoothly. If the flow is too weak or too strong, disharmony and illness will occur. Acupuncture is a method of restoring harmony and re-establishing a superior state of health.
Acupuncture in Carlisle and NW Cumbria
Acupuncture CumbriaRuth Irving Dip. Ac. MBAcC.
Mobile: 07788 616488
e-mail: info@acupuncturecumbria.co.uk
web: www.acupuncturecumbria.co.uk
Acupuncture in Dumfries, S.W. Scotland
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, NST Bowen Therary and Equine Muscle Release Therapy (Bowen on Horses). Lynda Sharp Dip.Ac, MBAcC, Dip CHM, MRCHM, EMRT, NST. Tel. 01387 720400. mob.07753 571212 www.solwayholistics.co.ukALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Alexander Technique offers a different approach to other bodywork, as you the ‘pupil’ become aware with the ‘teacher’ of how to think into your body. It helps people with: longterm lower back problems, frozen shoulder, stiff necks or nervous conditions, eg migraines, asthma, anxiety, depression. Athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, singers can learn how to get the best out of their bodies without damage, using the Alexander Technique.
Alexander Technique in Cumbria In learning the Alexander Technique we find out what it is that we are doing that causes us pain or discomfort and learn not to do it.
We learn to be more mindful in our everyday lives to avoid falling into old physical and emotional habits that do not serve us well.
The Technique teaches the skilful 'use of the self': how we move, how we stay still, how we breathe, how we learn, how we organize our awareness and focus of attention and, above all, how we choose our reactions in increasingly demanding situations. It is a subtle and thoughtful discipline, but essentially practical and problem-solving. The Alexander Technique works through re-establishing the natural relationship between the head, the neck and the back, which enables us to return to a more natural way of being and experience true freedom of movement.
To find out more contact:
Erica Donnison MSTAT in Kendal on 01539 721881, 07771 602665.
Erica works in Kendal, Barrow and Carlisle.
email: erica.donnison@mac.com
www.atechniqueforlife.co.uk
or
Kathy Hick MSTAT in Cockermouth on 01900 821122 or 07929 753444.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils to bring about and maintain harmony of body, mind and spirit. Each oil has an individual therapeutic effect as it penetrates the cells of the body. Massage is a popular way of introducing the oils into the body; they can also be used in the bath or vaporized in a burner. Aromatherapy helps relieve stress, insomnia, migraines, headaches, PMT, muscle fatigue, backache, etc.
Aromatherapy in Thornhill, nr Dumfries, S.W.Scotland
BUTTERFLIES: Aromatherapy & Warm Stone massage. Give your body the treatment it deserves, relieve those aches & pains with an aromatherapy treatment. Also available: Crystals & colour therapy; reiki; learning workshops including a treatment of your choice.
Tel. 01848 331470.
BOWEN TECHNIQUE
The Bowen Technique ('Bowtech') was developed in Australia and has only been in the UK since 1992, so it is relatively unknown. It is, however, impressing practitioners of many therapies with the results it can achieve. Back problems, sports injuries and other conditions can be helped by the Bowen Technique, a gentle yet dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue moves. There is no forceful manipulation, just a series of light cross-fibre moves on soft tissue which feels pleasant to the recipient, helpinging to balance and stimulate energy flow and bring about body re-alignment so that the body can heal itself. Suitable for all ages.
Bowen Technique in Colvend, Dumfries & Galloway, S.W. Scotland
Carolyn Hornblow, RGN, BTAA. Advanced level Bowen Technique, helpful for sports or work injuries and muscular-skeletal problems. Tel. 01556 630470.
Bowen Technique in Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway, S.W. Scotland
Jenny Terras BA (Hons) BTAA
Tel. 01848 330810, mob. 07761 820334. www.jttherapies.co.uk
COUNSELLING
Counselling enables a client to make changes in their life in the way that is right for them. A variety of problems brings people to counselling. The counsellor will not judge or give advice but will encourage the client to express feelings which may have been bottled up for some time. This helpe to reduce the tension and pain. A few sessions (or just one) may be enough but counselling may continue over several weeks or months if problems are deep rooted.
Counselling/psychotherapy in Carlisle, Corbridge & Alston, Cumbria.
Alice Bondi, UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, MA Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy, Tel. 01434 381504. www.bondi-psychotherapy.co.uk
Counselling/Psychotherapy in Storth, Milnthorpe, nr. Kendal, South Lakeland, Cumbria. 10/15 minutes drive from M6. For anxiety, relationship difficulties, bereavement, life changes, stress related ill health. Face to face and telephone sessions. Delcia McNeil, CQSW, BA(Hons), ITEC, registered with United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. tel. 015395 62420 email: delcia@TheMcNeilPartnership.com
www.TheMcNeilPartnership.com
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle yet profound treatment honouring the deepest roots and highest potential of each individual. With listening hands on the clothed body, the therapy works with ‘the breath of life,’ our inner wisdom and source of healing. Grounded in knowledge of anatomy, craniosacral therapy works through fluids, membranes, bones and organs to release tension and free energy flow. Effective for a wide range of conditions, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, it is safe for everyone from infancy to old age.
CranioSacral Biodynamics in Ulverston, Cumbria.
Whole body unwinding. Ideal for treating anxiety & stress, birth trauma, chronic fatigue, emotional holding & past trauma, exhaustion and inertia, migraines and headaches, neck and back pain, whiplash injuries.
Lynn Shamal, Dip.CST, MCThA, Treatments at Appleseeds, Ulverston, Cumbria. Tel. 01229 582298.
FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY
Flower Essences Therapy in Cumbria
Rachel Singleton (FEP, MCThA) works with the beauty of Essences to help you relax and attune deeply to your inner self. Consultations at Staveley Natural Health Centre, and by phone/email. Tel: 015394 37427 Email: admin@lightbe.co.uk
HI-TECH THERAPY WITH MUSIC
Deeply therapeutic treatment on 3 levels. Gordon Dalgarno, BSc, (Hons Physics), MIOA, Adv. Cert. Kinesiology, Reiki Master, AAMT, EFT Cert. Glengarry Clinic, 3 Thornton Grove, Morecambe LA4 5PU. Tel 01524 427919 E-mail: AttuneToHealth@yahoo.co.uk
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH RESEARCH
Three years ago I found out how to measure an individual’s personal frequency for responding to sounds. I've had good results with most of my clients, especially those suffering from clinical depression, but numbers were necessarily small and no scientific proof was possible.
I now have a machine that measures the percentage of low-frequency alpha brain waves (believed to indicate the body/mind healing itself). I tested this on myself and the results were spectacular.
Offer of free treatments
My colleagues and I need volunteers to help with this work. Each time you give an hour or so of your time, you’ll receive, in thanks, a free treatment of your choice for yourself or a friend: kinesiology, EFT or Hi-tech therapy with sound and music.
More details at www.AttuneToHealth.org.uk
HOLISTIC THERAPIES
'Holistic therapies' is a general term used to cover a range of therapies that treat the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Some practitioners prefer to offer a variety of therapies so that they can choose whichever one seems most appropriate for the client at the time.
Holistic Therapies in the South Lakes
Lakes Holistic - Julie Brockbank MFHT, MICHT Hello and welcome to Lakes Holistic. My name is Julie Brockbank and I am a Holistic Therapist living and working in South Lakeland area.
My base is a cosy, friendly private treatment room with easy access and parking in the village of Staveley, at the base of the beautiful Kentmere valley. I am however able to offer home visits around the Windermere and Kendal areas for those experiencing mobility problems.
With 10 years experience in the field of Holistic Therapies I am able to offer a variety of treatments to suits a wide range of needs: Reiki, Reflexology, Aromatherapy Massage, Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Hopi Ear Candles, Hot Stone Massage, Crystal Therapy and Indian Head Massage.
For more information or to book an appointment please:
Telephone 015394 46790
email lakesholistic@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.lakesholistic.co.uk
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy treats the patient, not the disease. If you and I both went to a homeopath with headaches, we would be given different remedies because you and I are different people. A symptom is a signal from the whole being; if we make it 'go away' with conventional medicine, our inner self has to find some other way to get the message through—perhaps by developing more serious symptoms. Once the patient is cured, the symptoms naturally disappear.
Homeopathy in Carlisle
New Path Homeopathy: Janine Whitfield MLCHom, MARH – Registered Homeopath
Whatever path you tread in life, there are times when you need a little extra support to maintain your health and wellbeing. It could be that you have a long-term health problem you would like help with. Perhaps you’ve been starting to experience symptoms that you would like to prevent from becoming a major problem further down the line. Or maybe you’re just feeling run down and in need of a boost. Homeopathy could be the answer.
It is a powerful holistic system of medicine that can help you:
• achieve better health and wellbeing physically, mentally and emotionally
• break free from nagging health problems or old patterns of behaviour
• boost your energy levels and general immunity
• bridge the gap between your aspirations and reality
A safe and gentle form of therapy, homeopathy is suitable for people from all walks of life and throughout all of life’s stages: from pre-conception, pregnancy and childbirth, to childhood, puberty, adulthood, change of life and senior years.
Consultations are available at Janine’s home clinic, 7 River Street, Carlisle, Tel: 01228 533184, and at the Stanwix Clinic, 49 Etterby Street, Carlisle, Tel: 01228 546588.
Email: janine@newpathhomeopathy.com
www.newpathhomeopathy.com
Homeopathy in Dalbeattie
Marion Gardner, Homeopathic Practitioner, Dumfries & Galloway01556 620388 www.OpenIntoLife.com
I specialize in helping clients who want to overcome emotional issues, including stress, anxiety, grief, fear, exhaustion and those coping with chronic disease (maybe their own or while they support a loved one). Discovering and releasing an underlying emotion behind a physical problem can help you to recover and be more comfortable in your life. So if you have an ache or pain and want to complement your current treatment, there may be a solution in my work. As a woman I welcome female clients and offer confidential therapy. All of this is available from my home-based practice near Dalbeattie – telephone consultations can be arranged for people living a distance away.
Homeopathy in Lockerbie (SW Scotland) and Carlisle (Cumbria)
Christine Hudson, D Hom, RS Hom. Registered with the Society of Homeopaths since 1979. Ivy Cottage, Waterbeck, nr Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. Also at Carers Resource Centre, Fusehill Medical Centre, Fusehill Street, Carlisle CA1 2HE. For appointments tel. 01461 600 573.
Homeopathy in Ambleside, Windermere (Cumbria) and in Lancaster.
Rebecca Field, BA (Hons, RSHom, LNWCH.
Treatment for emotional and physical conditions, focussing on strengthening and supporting the whole system.
Tel. 015394 44338 email becs@homeopathy-site.co.uk
www.homeopathy-site.co.uk
HUMAN DESIGN
Human Design is the Science of differentiation, celebrating our individual uniqueness.Many people have problems with making decisions. Human Design provides each of us with our own personal decision-making strategy that ensures we live the life that's right for us.
Click on the link to find out more, and perhaps request a brief introduction to the system.www.jovianarchive.com/Newcomers?Ref=3292
Contact Jayne Ward, Human Design Analyst, on 07977 173 577
HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis. It cannot be imposed against your will. You allow yourself to enter a state of profound relaxation. The subconscious mind can then open up to change. Hypnotherapy is most effective in dealing with long-standing habits such as smoking, over-eating, insomnia etc. and social difficulties such as phobias, anxiety, exam nerves. It can build up motivation to help you achieve your goals in life.
Hypnotherapy in Bowness, Cumbria.
NLP & Hypnotherapy: personal, team, organizational development & coaching. Paul McGowran, 7 Fir Tree Crescent, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3HA. Tel. 015394 88819. Fax 015394 48674. Email: enquiries@lakelandpeopledevelopment.co.uk www.lakelandpeopledevelopment.co.uk
Hypnotherapy in Carlisle, Cumbria
Hypnotherapy, NLP, Shamanic healing: Dan Russell, Atlas Works, Nelson St., Carlisle, CA2 5ND Tel 01228 401018/Fax 01228 401019. www.hypnotherapytrainingcentre.com
Hypnotherapy in Kendal, Cumbria.
Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Soul Retrieval and Past Life Regression, Fay Bailey, Tel. 01539 733866 / 07976 904232 www.thoughts-matter.com
email: fay@thoughts-matter.com
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Indian Head Massage in Carlisle & Whitehaven, Cumbria.
Carolyn Nixon, BSc., MICHT. Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Thermo-Auricular therapy (Hopi ear candles). Treatments in Carlisle & Whitehaven area. Tel 07719 921564.
JOURNEY THERAPY
Sometimes we want to understand:
why things cannot be overcome;
why we keep feeling angry, fearful, worried or depressed;
why we are holding on to unhealthy believes and habits;
why we have this physical problem;
why all the treatment we have had is not working for us when it has done so for others;
and we know that somewhere deep inside there is an answer.
'The Journey' therapy was pioneered by Brandon Bays after she was diagnosed with a tumour the size of a basketball in her abdomen. With a background in holistic therapy and life coaching, Brandon embarked on a remarkable search in which she discovered a way to access her inner healing resources. Six and a half weeks later she was pronounced tumour-free, 'text book perfect' with no drugs or surgery.
The process is like an interactive guided meditation that encourages us to uncover and resolve specific cell memories that may have been unconsciously causing these limitations and find the answers.
Journey Therapy in Dalbeattie, S.W. Scotland.
Marion Gardner, Journey Therapy Practitioner, Dumfries & Galloway01556 620388 www.OpenIntoLife.com
Sessions vary in time from 1 hour (suitable for children, introductory or follow-up sessions) to 3 hours for those seeking to open into a profound wisdom and discover the answers to their deeper questions and life purpose.
KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology is based on the premise that your body knows what it needs. The question is not whether a particular food or vitamin is good for people in general but whether you need it at that particular moment. The questions are asked by gently tapping specific muscles and by taking pulses at different pressure points. There are no set treatments so if you and your friend come with the same set of symptoms you may well receive completely different treatments. Kinesiology is helpful for physical problems such as tiredness, allergies, food intolerances, stomch problems, IBS, arthritis and emotional problems such as anxiety and stress.
Kinesiology & naturopathy in Carlisle, Cumbria.
Jan Ford-Batey, home visits available if required, tel. 0796 9490356.
Kinesiology in Morecambe.
Kinesiology and EFT. Testing for & reducing food sensitivities, allergies. Help with stress, phobias, migraine, bowel problems, depression, hyper-activity in children.
Gordon Dalgarno BSc (Hons. Physics), M.I.O.A., Adv. Cert. Kinesiology, Reiki Master (Usui & Seichem), AAMT, EFT Cert Practitioner.
Glengarry Clinic, 3 Thornton Grove, Morecambe, LA4 5PU. Tel 01524 427919. Web: www.AttuneToHealth.org.uk
OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy works by helping the body to repair itself. This holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment concerns itself with identifying and resolving causes, rather than simply relieving the symptoms. By improving function in areas that are causing symptoms, health can be restored. Treatment is tailored to the individual and all ages can benefit from osteopathy.
Osteopathy in Dumfries, SW Scotland.
Dumfries Osteopathic Clinic: Ingrid Mair, DO, Julian Leask, B. Ost., Rosie Gibbs, Registered Osteopaths.
Lochthorn Medical Centre, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1TR. Tel. 01387 252882.
www.dumfries-osteopathic-clinic.co.uk
Elizabeth Wilson, ND, MRN, DO, MRO, Registered Osteopath.
Dumfries Holistic Health Centre, 30 Galloway Street, Dumfries DG2 7TN. Tel: 01387 267617.
PAST LIFE WORKSHOPS
Past Life Workshops around the North West
Ever wondered if you’ve lived before? Now you can find out! Past Life workshops are regularly held in 12 venues around Cumbria & the North West. Beginners advanced groups. www.soul-healing.org.uk Deborah J Monshin 01229 777930
PLAY THERAPY
Play Therapy in Dumfries.
Child-centred holistic approach to help self-esteem, trauma, loss, psychosocial development.
Individual sessions (for ages 3.5 years up to 15+). Parent-child work. Play skills training.
Betty Skeet, Qualified Play Therapist, PgDip University of Strathclyde.
Tel 01387 710189
email: betty.skeet@play-therapist.co.uk
www.play-therapist.co.uk
REFLEXOLOGY
Each bodily organ, gland and system is represented by an area on the foot. The reflexologist applies pressure to these areas, thus improving blood supply and flushing out toxins from the corresponding part of the body.
Reflexology is a safe, effective way of treating the body without the use of drugs or surgery. It can be used for: asthma; ear, nose & throat conditions; constipation; circulation problems; high/low blood pressure; menstrual problems; migraine; and back pain.
Reflexology, Reiki healing, Swedish body massage, Indian head massage, in North Cumbria.
AoR Member. Mobile service to your workplace /door available. Gill, Footsteps Clinic, 016977 46271.
Reiki and reflexology in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, SW Scotland.
Eileen McCorkindale, IIHHT Dip, Consultations, treatments & Reiki attunements. Maryfield, 7 Solway St, Annan. Tel: 01461 203202.
REIKI
Reiki can only be taught by a Reiki Master, who may be male or female. Practitioners in training receive an attunement from their master to become channels for the Reiki energy. During treatment the recipient remains clothed.
The therapist’s hands are held still on the client’s body while the healing energy flows through. The body enters a deeply relaxed state. Reiki can be used on plants and animals and is beneficial for the elderly.
Reiki Master/Practitioner - Kippford / Dalbeattie area, Dumfries & Galloway.
Reiki treatments and attunements, Hopi Ear Candling Treatments & Indian Head Massage.
Gill Close, IIHHT.
Tel: 01556 611466 or 07986 134011.
Reiki Master Teacher/Practitioner in Kendal, Cumbria.
UK Reiki Fed. Advanced reflexologist, Hopi Ear Candles therapist, Indian Head Massage, Intergrated Energy Therapy.
Fay Bailey 01539 733866 / 07976 904232 email: fay@thoughts-matter.com www.thoughts-matter.com
Reiki and reflexology in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway.
Eileen McCorkindale, IIHHT Dip, Consultations, treatments & Reiki attunements. Maryfield, 7 Solway St, Annan. Tel: 01461 203202.
Reiki Training and Treatments inThornhill, Dumfries & Galloway.
Jenny Terras BA (Hons) BTAA
Tel. 01848 330810, mob. 07761 820334 www.jttherapies.co.uk
SHIATSU
‘Shiatsu’ means ‘finger pressure.’ The practitioner uses fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to press along meridian lines on the body. These ‘channels of living magnetic energy’ pass through the body connecting the vital organs. Working along the meridians, the practitioner summons energy to the places in need of it and disperses energy from congested areas. Shiatsu can help in a wide range of disorders: depression, migraine, backache, injuries and stress-related conditions.
‘Healing-Shiatsu’ is an approach to Shiatsu created by Sonia Moriçeau, combining her extensive training in both Zen Buddhism and Shiatsu. It is a non-intrusive form of healing; the practitioner’s role lies in preparing the client physically and mentally for a recovery to take place. Through an understanding of the whole being, breathing pattern, posture and mental attitude, practitioner and client reach to the true origin of the suffering, be it mental or physical.
Healing-Shiatsu nr DumfriesMs Sydney Jarvis, BA Phil., Dip HSEC. Individual sessions: one hour £27, one and a half hours £38, half hour (child) £13. Also meditation, please enquire. Auchenstane, Townhead St., Thornhill, DG3 5NW. Tel. 01848 330556.
Shiatsu in Carlisle, Cumbria.
Marie Buttler, MRSS. Acupressure, Shiatsu meridian stretching exercises. For info on sessions, talks & classes in Carlisle. phone 01228 546 523 www.shiatsuessentials.co.uk
SOUND THERAPY
See Article Personal Frequencies
Sound Therapy in Morecambe
Hi tech therapy with Sound & Music combined with kinesiology & EFT, plus Reiki if desired. Gordon Dalgarno BSc(Hons Physics). MIOA, Ad.Cert. Kinesiology, Reiki Master, AAMT, EFT Cert, Former Visiting Research Fellow in Music at York University, Former Visiting Research Fellow in Music Psychology at Keele University. Tel. 01524 427919 www.AttuneToHealth.org.uk
STOP SMOKING
Stop Smoking in just 1 hour! No cravings or withdrawal! No weight gain. No climbing the walls.
Wendy Fielding, MGSCT. Tel 01524 459 128. Registered with the UK Guild of Smoking Cessation Therapists.
www.wendyfielding.co.uk
THAI MASSAGE
Traditional Thai Massage releases tension through massage and stretching the body’s network of energy lines. By encouraging lymphatic function, this traditional massage can detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, and prevent disease and/or injury by promoting flexibility. In allowing energy to flow more freely, the massage works to alleviate problems such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive difficulties, menstrual problems and stress-related conditions. Thai massage releases powerful healing forces that ease pain and stress, harmonizing the energies of body and mind. It is ideal for people who suffer from stress, anxiety or chronic pain and anyone who wants more vitality and body awareness. Traditional Thai massage can create a feeling of balance and harmony like no other you have experienced.
Traditional Thai Massage in Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway, SW Scotland.
Noi McIntyre, Member of the British MGPBMT, Qualified in Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Oil Massage and Thai Foot Massage. Noi learned her skills from her parents in the traditional way then trained at the Wat Pho Traditional Medicinal Massage School in Bangkok, gaining qualifications in Traditional Thai Massage and Advanced Medical Thai Massage.
Noi McIntyre, 15 Main Street, Haugh of Urr, Castle Douglas. Tel. 01556 660327, mob. 07854 425462.www.noithaimassage.co.uk