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.
ALEXANDER 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. 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.
Alexander Technique in Cumbria 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 Dalbeattie, nr Castle Douglas, S.W. Scotland
Aromatherapy with meridian & acupressure massage, Slavic massage & Stone therapy, using hot & cold stones to suit your needs. Also gorgeous Jurlique facials. All with organic essential oils & products. Jan Gray, MIFPA, 01556 612425.
CHILDBIRTH THERAPIES
Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing can help you have a calm, peaceful, and natural birth free from fear of pain. The 5-session antenatal course will teach you:
- Deep relaxation and self-hypnosis
- Breathing techniques and body positions for the different stages of labour and birth
- Positive visualizations and affirmations
- Massage techniques
- Nutrition and exercise advice.
Groups or private sessions available.
Contact Jenny Fye 07786708085, e: jenny@happyhypnobirthing.co.uk
www.happyhypnobirthing.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 in Carlisle area
Helen Watson Person-centred Counsellor, BACP member.
Carlisle area. Tel: 07546998571
helewatson12@hotmail.co.uk
helenwatsoncounselling.webs.com
Counselling in Cockermouth
Louise Close, MBACP. Humanistic Counsellor and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner. Appointments available throughout the week, at:
Liz Hunter’s physiotherapy centre, Lorton Street Clinic, Cockermouth.
Tel: 07729127173.
la.close@btinternet.com
www.louiseclosecounselling.co.uk
Counselling/Psychotherapy in Storth, Milnthorpe, nr. Kendal, South Cumbria. 10/15 minutes drive from M6. Bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, loss of direction in life, eating problems, panic attacks, low self esteem, and stress-related physical health issues. Individuals & couples. Delcia McNeil, CQSW, BA(Hons), ITEC, registered psychotherapist (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy).
tel. 015395 62420 or 07515 807366
email: delcia.mcneil@virgin.net
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.
ENERGY HEALING
A combination of several modalities to assist your healing on all levels of being.
Reiki, Sound, and Energy Healing classes - Robert - 01576 610 211
inspiredenergetics.com - in and out calls available - DG11 2LP
FELDENKRAIS METHOD
Feldenkrais Method in Carlisle
The Feldenkrais Method® helps you become more aware of your movement, breathing and posture. You learn to move more freely, with greater ease, flexibility and grace in your everyday life. Jenny Weaver offers weekly Awareness Through Movement classes in Carlisle, and individual lessons by arrangement. See website www.feldenkraiscarlisle.moonfruit.com for details. Please contact Jenny on 01228 597563 or jenny_feldenkrais@btinternet.com
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
HEALING
Reconnective Healing in Carlisle & Langholm
Reconnective Healing and The Reconnection.
Feeling out of balance, stuck or adrift on your life path?
Sessions available in Carlisle. Julie Kaloczi, Tel 07854 799193
www.juliekaloczi.co.uk
HELLERWORK STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
Hellerwork Structural Integration is a refined and truly integrative system.The permanent and ongoing changes result from a combination of deep structural bodywork, movement exploration and re-education, and body-centred investigative dialogue. Sessions last one and a half hours… 60+ minutes of hands-on bodywork to release tension in the connective tissue, 20 minutes of movement exploration to help you uncover habitual holding patterns, and throughout all the session, exploratory dialogue that helps you become aware of how and why held tensions are impacting on your whole system. A powerful personal journey
Hellerwork in North Cumbria. Jean Haines, 01697344676 www.bodymindhellerwork.co.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 near Kirkby Lonsdale
Helen Jane Holistics: Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candles.
Appointments in Kirkby Lonsdale area. Phone 015242 76489.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is a natural alternative to conventional medicine, using carefully selected remedies to stimulate the body’s own natural forces of recovery. It recognises that ill health is the body’s response to mental, emotional and physical disharmony, and seeks to treat the underlying cause of any imbalance by considering the whole person rather than just the symptoms or a disease ‘label’.
Homeopathy in Carlisle (also Brampton & Low Hesket)
New Path Homeopathy: Janine Whitfield MLCHom, MARH – Registered Homeopath
My areas of specialization include emotional problems, anxiety and depression; fertility, pregnancy and children’s health; IBS and food intolerance; and ME and chronic fatigue.Consultations are available at my home clinic in Aiketgate (just off the A6 at Low Hesket), at The Purple Lotus Holistic Health & Fitness Centre in Carlisle, and at the Brampton Therapeutic Centre. Phone consultations are also available for those unable to travel. Call 016974 72729 for further details or to make an appointment. For more information, see my article 'New Path Homeopathy' on this website. Further information about homeopathy and how to fund homeopathic treatment can be found on my website.
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 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 Auldgirth, near Dumfries
HELLEBORE HYPNOTHERAPY
Whatever your problem ...
be it weight-related, an annoying habit you could do without, control of pain or something more difficult to describe... hypnotherapy can help you make valuable changes in your life.
Hypnotherapy is relaxing, enjoyable and positive. And - always remember – you are in control.
Ring Sarah on 01387 740200 or email: shwebb@hotmail.com
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 near Kendal, Cumbria.Hypnotherapy & NLP Life Coaching.
Cath Davies
Master Practitioner.
Are you living with stress? Indecision?
Not sure which direction to take?
I can help you focus on living your life the way it’s meant to be, enabling you really to listen to yourself and feel what is best for you…right now.
I am based in Sedgwick, near Kendal. Call now for a chat to discuss where you want to go: Mob. 07768 44562 or email cath@cathdavies.org.uk
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 Ulverston area (home visits if available)
Do you suffer from: allergies, aches & pains, low energy, menstrual/menopause problems, headaches, emotional issues, breathing difficulties?
For an informal chat to see if Kinesiology could help you, please do contact me,
Louise Moss, Advanced Kinesiology Practitioner, Guild of Professional Healers
Ring 07949 265447, or email louise.moss7@gmail.com
Kinesiology with Emma G Deyn.
Using muscle testing and crystal therapy to uncover and gently release destructive patterns of behaviour and trauma that are causing imbalances in your body and mind, thus allowing your energy system to restore and repair itself.
Allergy and tolerance testing, and invaisive energy work available.
In session work, an emphasis is placed on what has caused your imbalances, and self-help techniques are provided to help you sustain wellbeing.
Tel. Emma on 01524 792928
Email emma.deyn.insight@gmail.com
www.energy-insight.org.uk
MASSAGE
The body stores memories, both joyful and painful. Traumatic experiences can trigger a contraction in the body as a way of protection. Massage invites the body to relax. When the body is loosened up through massage, we can fall back deep inside ourselves. All doings and tryings stop; we can be just Here and Now, in a timeless open space. Just knowing that there is another space than being totally tied to our identification with our everyday selves and the experiences that have hurt us, healing starts happening. It is an inner healing coming from beyond the body, beyond identification.
Massage in Carlisle & Penrith.
NO HANDS® Massage Practitioner: Diane Livingstone. Also offers body massage, Indian head massage, hot stones, and seated acupressure. Appointments available in Carlisle and Penrith areas. See www.feelgooddimensions.com
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Whether you just want to lose some weight and have more energy, or have a health condition such as IBS, or a digestive disorder, or perhaps have been dealing with some form of chronic disease, Nutritional Therapy offers a gentle yet powerful way of healing the body from the inside out. In other words, using food as medicine to bring about healing - not simply dealing with the symptoms.
Nutritional Therapy in Cockermouth, Cumbria.
Gill Kingsley, nutritional consultation service. Eat well to live well!I offer personal nutritional therapy consultations in west Cumbria in the comfort of your own home.
Please see my website for details at: www.gillkingsley.co.uk or telephone 01900 827011 for an informal chat to find out more.
Telephone consultations are also available.
I am a full member of BANT, 'British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy'.
I look forward to helping you regain your health in the year ahead!
Gill Kingsley N.H.F. Dip.
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.
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
www.blog.playheals.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
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. Reiki has several symbols that represent different frequencies of energy that work specifically on the physical body and/or energy field. During treatment the recipient remains clothed. The therapist’s hands are held still on or above the client’s body while the healing energy flows through. The body enters a deeply relaxed state, which allows stagnant energy to begin to flow again. Reiki can be used on plants and animals and is beneficial for all ages.
Reiki Master Teacher - Foxfield and Ulverston, Cumbria
SACRED SPACEReiki Healing, Crystal Therapy & Reiki Courses
Jane Swales
Reiki Master Teacher
Experienced Healer & Crystal Therapist
Creating space for you in a hectic world
Appointments in Foxfield and Ulverston
Tel: 07841581979
email:sacredspace@live.co.uk
Reiki Master/Teacher in DG11.
Experience the profound healing that Reiki can bring to you.
Robert - 01576 610 211 - inspiredenergetics.com
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 near Moffat, Dumfriesshire Attunements and Training available throughout the year
Tel: 01683 300009
email: Zaria@planetsparkle.com
website: www.universeoflight.com
TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE
Traditional Thai Massage releases tension through massage and stretching the body’s network of energy lines. This can detoxify the body, heighten the immune system, and prevent disease 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. Traditional Thai Massage releases powerful healing forces that ease pain and stress. 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 South West Scotland.
Noi McIntyre, Member of the British GPBT, is qualified in Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Oil Massage and Thai Foot Massage.Noi McIntyre,
Thai Massage Room, Mill Isle, Craignair St, Dalbeattie
or 15 Main Street, Haugh of Urr, Castle Douglas.
T: 01556 660327 Mobile: 07799 664993
poolying@hotmail.com
www.noithaimassage.co.uk