Complementary Therapies free essay sample

Types of therapies Acupuncture- Is a collection of procedures that involve stimulating points of the body. Some of the techniques used are penetrating the skin with small thin needles; this is one of the traditional Chinese methods. According to the traditional Chinese methods, stimulating the acupuncture points helps to correct imbalances in the flow. It has also been used to reduce depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Cranio-sacral therapy- Is an alternative therapy used by occupational therapists, physiotherapists, massage therapists and naturopaths. This was developed in 1983 by Dr John Upledger; this is a delicate procedure with no manipulation. This involves the detection and facilitation of the cranal rhythmic impulse in the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This helps with headaches, neck and back pain, stress and tension related problems, traumatic brain and spinal cord issues and coordination problems. Feng shui- Feng means wind and shui means water, in the Chinese culture wind and rain mean good health. Having good feng shui became to mean good fortune whilst having bad feng shui means misfortune. Feng shui has a lot of benefits for our day to day lives. Some of these are financial improvements, improved health, higher energy levels and higher fertility. Aromatherapy- Is an alternative therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds that improve health and moods. The benefits of this are encouragement of restful sleep, enhance general feel of wellbeing, balance hormone production and reduce pain. Patch tests must be done on the individual’s skin before any oils are applied to make sure of any allergies. Ayurveda- Based on the delicate balance of mind, body and soul. The main focus is to promote good health rather than fighting off disease. Ayurveda gives guidelines of how to keep disease away by simple dietary and lifestyle changes. It takes into account that ever patient is different and need different treatments. Bio-chemic tissue salts- Are prepared formulations used in homeopathy, the salts are highly diluted. The salts are taken in the form of small tablets which dissolve under the tongue. Common treatment from salts includes colds, coughs, hay fever, headaches and mild skin conditions. Lactose intolerant people may not be able to use this method of of treatment. Browen technique- is a remedial hand on therapy with the use of very light pressure. The practitioner does this by using thumbs and fingers on particular points using Browens rolling type moves to stimulate the muscle and soft tissue in the body. This is beneficial as it allows the body to detect and imbalance before an illness takes hold, this promotes general health. This can be used to treat anxiety and stress conditions, digestive and bowel problems, joint problems and heavy period problems. This procedure should not be performed on pregnant women as it can bring on labour. Hydrotherapy- Is a form of therapy carried out in a heated pool, the water is approximately 34 degrees Celsius. Pain relief exercises can be carried out without strain because of the water taking our weight; this is supervised by a trainer. This improves and maintains the joints; this also relaxes muscles and reduces pressure on weight bearing joints. Skin rashes, blood, acute fever and open wounds should be taken into consideration with this form of therapy. Kinesiology- This Is the testing of muscle through light pressure, by testing a series of muscles it highlights which parts need to be worked on. If a muscle tests spongy it gives an indication of how to proceed further with the therapy. Kinesiology can help relief stress, anxiety and depression. It can also help with building self-esteem and confidence. The contradictions of this are acute abdominal pain, acute chest pain and breathlessness. Massage- Is one of the oldest forms of therapy, it consists of stroking, pressing and kneading of different areas of the body to relieve pain, tone and relax the body. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists with the lymphatic system. This eliminates toxins from the body effectively from the body. This therapy is not appropriate for those with insulin shock, acute pneumonia diabetes and liver failure. Osteopathy- Is a form of drug free medicine that focuses on body health by the use of strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, this includes the spine, muscles and joints. It can also have positive effects on the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Benefits can be seen if you suffer with a chronic illness such as asthma, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. This is a huge benefit for hose that suffer with numerous symptoms along with their illnesses that affect their everyday life. As well as benefits some complications that could occur with this are bleeding, systemic blood disease and acute cardiovascular collapse. Alexander technique- Is a technique that can change the way we move. It is a simple and practical method that helps the ease of movement and helps balance, support and coordination. It is a re-education of the mind and body and can help release tension for someone to find a new balance in the body. Tension can decrease your ability to do things properly, it is usually used for those in pain such as backache or performers that want to improve. This may not work for everyone as habits are tied to a person and hard to change. Art therapy- Is a form of psychotherapy which uses at media as a mode of communication. The aim is to enable a client to effect change on a personal level using materials in a safe environment. This can improve confidence and self-esteem, promote choice and independence, support current relationships and to contain difficult and un manageable feelings. Your GP can consult you on what you are suitable to be treated with. Bach flower remedies-These are 38 different plants and flower based remedies, each one is to specifically for treatment of specific feelings. This is to help you deal with emotional demands of everyday life. The back flower remedies work by stimulated the body’s capacity to heal and balance negativity. This helps you to control and feel good about yourself. There are no known side effects to Bach flower remedies; you should consult with your GP about any allergies. Colour therapy- Is a complimentary therapy that relates back to the ancient culture of Egypt, this is the belief that each colour has its own wavelength and light. The energy that relates to each colour in the spectrum resonates with the energy of each main centres of the body. This can be used to treat a wide range of physical, mental and emotional problems. This can safely be used on infants and children; it is also good for those suffering with post-surgical trauma. Hypnotherapy- Is a skill of verbal communication that is used during hypnosis. This helps to direct a client’s imagination to bring about intended alterations. There is a wide range of issues that hypnotherapy can be used for, some examples are smoking, weight control, nerves, sport, anxiety, depression, sexual issues and eating disorders. This cannot be done on people with heart conditions or schizophrenia. Homeopathy- Is a form of therapy where the patient is treated with highly diluted substances. This is given in tablet form to then trigger the body’s function of healing. A homeopath with match specific medicine to the specific patient and their symptoms. The remedies work on the mind, body and relief tension and anxiety. They are very minimal doses with no side effects. Herbal medicine- Herbal medicines use substances such as herbs, berries, roots, leaves, bark, and flowers. This has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine; it is now becoming more main stream as research has been carried out to show the treating of herbal medicines and the abilities. This is used to treat eczema, asthma, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer among others. Herbal supplements are taken best under the guidance of a trained provider. Some downsides are that there are some herbs and drugs that do not react well together, also herbal medicine should not be taken during pregnancy. Nutrition therapy- Is science based and uses nutrition to promote peak performance of the body. It can also help and prevent conditions such as fatigue, weight and stress. Dietary therapists can really help those that want to change their dietary lifestyle to then take positive action in lifestyle choices. Benefits are looking and feeling better within you, freedom of pain and fewer colds and illness. Some contradictions are supplements taken can cause kidney stones and side effects. Naturotherapy- A naturopath is a health practitioner that applies natural therapies. It consists of far more than fasting, nutrition, water and exercise as it also includes healing practices such as acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicines. The benefits of naturopathy are that it facilitates healing without harm to the body and has minimal side effects. Treatments can identify and addresses underlying causes of illness. Some down sides are that some supplements may not be suitable for vegetarians and vegans and you must make sure you consult with your doctor about mixing any medications. Reflexology- Is the complimentary therapy that involves pressure to specific points of the body known as reflexes. The therapy is based on the fact that the feet and hands are ‘mini maps’ of the whole body meaning each part can help heal another part of the body. Some benefits are the relief of back pain, migraines, arthritis and sleeping disorders. Some down sides are bruises in the intended treatment area cannot be used; also fever or infectious diseases cannot be helped. Relaxation- Is a relaxation therapy that can decrease stress and anxiety to individuals. There is a low risk of negative consequences and it is shown to give the heart a rest by slowing the heart rate. It can reduce blood pressure and slow the rate of breathing. Relaxation can also enhance immunity and give better problem solving abilities to a person’s everyday life. Although relaxation is a low  risk treatment it can affect those who have had previous trauma by bringing back memories. Reiki healing- Is a Japanese technique for stress healing, it is based on the thought that an unseen ‘life force energy’ runs through us causing us to feel more alive. If this ‘life force energy’ is low then we are more likely to feel stressed or ill. Reik i encourages good personal choices such as improving things in lifestyle such as diet and exercise. It is used safely on all ages and can help promote healthier development. People who are diabetic or have a broken bone should not be treated with this form of treatment.