Complementary therapies

There are many alternative or complementary therapies that can be used to treat any number of injuries, illnesses and physical or mental disorders.

Some of these treatments are on the border of becoming a recognised variation of conventional medicine whilst others are considered slightly wacky. What they all have in common is a different approach to body wellbeing or healing. In many cases this is globally termed as holistic, meaning a treatment for the entire body – and often the mind too.

An interesting feature of some complementary therapies is the fact that, whilst considered outside the classification of conventional medicine in the west, many are seen as main stream in other parts of the world like China and India.

Examples of complementary and holistic therapies include Indian head massage, Rolfing, Thai massage, hypnosis, acupuncture, aromatherapy, shiatsu, Reiki and many more. You can get details of many different therapies from http://www.healthandmobilitystore.com/Treatments.html, where full descriptions are provided. You will also see information on some of the “lesser” known treatments.

Some of these therapies can involve a one time treatment, however most will have a systematic approach to the treatment that starts with a complete assessment following on from which a number of appointments will be scheduled. Because so many of these therapies are holistic they look to treat the body as a whole and in some cases, e.g. acupuncture or reflexology, they will be focussed on the bodies natural energy. This is something that regular medicine ignores or dismisses.

The success of complementary therapies is something about which there is much debate. Most therapies have limited conclusive evidence to support their claims, however gaining this type of evidence is near impossible as reports into the effectiveness of conventional medicine often show.

Many alternative therapies use some form of massage or manipulation, however an equal number use a non physical contact therapy. Examples of these can include the likes of hypnotherapy and Reiki.

Some therapies like NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) appear to combine older approaches like hypnosis with a more modern understanding of how the mind works. Others like Thai massage have been around for centuries and, in their countries of origin, are practiced by “masters” who have acquired years of carefully developed experience.

In the west the best place to access a good selection of alternative therapy treatments will usually be at a Complementary Therapy Clinic. These clinics are increasing in popularity on a massive scale as people seek more holistic solutions to their health problems. Clinics of this kind will often include the services of some better known medical practitioners like osteopaths and chiropractors. They should also offer a degree of security in the competence of the therapists that they employ or provide services to.

The cost of complementary therapies varies greatly. The better known therapies are more expensive, as are those therapists who have been in practice for prolonged periods of time and have built up a good reputation. Many therapists will travel to someone’s home if the treatment can be performed using a portable treatment chair or bed, however most patients prefer to visit a clinic.

Most therapies will have one or more national voluntary bodies for their members. These associations are not usually government validated, but they do set out rules and qualifications for their members aimed at ensuring best practices. Seeking a therapist who is a member of one of these bodies increases the chances of getting a “Good one”.