ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES
ACUPUNCTURE - Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.
Western medical acupuncture (dry needling) is the use of acupuncture following a medical diagnosis. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It's likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or "life force", flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced "chee"). Practitioners who use acupuncture in the traditional way believe that when Qi does not flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. They also believe acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health.
ACUPRESSURE - is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. It is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles. Acupressure is thought to treat blocked energy, although it remains uncertain exactly what acupressure does. Some think the pressure may cause the release of endorphins. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Others think the pressure may influence the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary things like your heart, digestion, and breathing. According to the principles of TCM, invisible pathways of energy called meridians flow within the body. At least 14 meridians are thought to connect the organs with other parts of the body. If qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it's thought to cause health problems along that pathway. A practitioner applies pressure to specific acupressure points to restore healthy energy flow. The points they choose depend on your symptoms.
AROMATHERAPY - Aromatherapy is a popular complementary therapy that harnesses the healing power of essential oils from plants and flowers. This holistic approach aims to support the body's natural ability to heal, recover from stress, and promote relaxation. Essential oils are used with the hope of treating and preventing illness, as well as encouraging rest and relaxation. For this reason, aromatherapy is especially beneficial for stress-related concerns like headaches, insomnia and anxiety. An aromatherapist can target the cause of stress and create a personal plan (and a suitable concoction of essential oils) for the individual. Plant oils and herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Aromatics have been used for religious purposes, perfume, and medicine. Plants have been found at ancient burial grounds, and texts from Ancient Egypt and Asia to across the Mediterranean describe the making of healing ointments, poultices, perfumes, and medicated oils.
Aromatherapy works through two primary methods:
Inhalation - Essential oils can be inhaled directly or through diffusers. The olfactory system triggers reactions in the brain, influencing mood and emotions, which is why we react in different ways to each scent. When the brain receives a smell, it sets off a reaction in the body. This is where you may feel hungry, energised, or relaxed. The nerves in our nose can also recognise smells and link them with a memory, which is why certain scents can make you feel happy or sad.
Topical application -Essential oils can also be applied to the skin, often diluted with carrier oils. When absorbed, the oils can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and promote relaxation. Many essential oils contain anti-inflammatory properties and may be applied to the skin to fight infection or relieve pain. It’s important to consult with a professional aromatherapist before trying this and if you suspect an infection, consult your GP.
Aromatherapy massage - Combining both the benefits of inhalation and topical application, aromatherapy massage is perhaps the most common use of essential oils on the body. - During a massage, essential oils are added to a carrier oil to dilute the mixture and massaged into the skin. An aromatherapy massage usually lasts between 60-90 minutes. The oils used will be tailored to suit your specific requirements. Common benefits include improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, and deeper relaxation.
ART THERAPY - Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists).Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth. During art therapy, you are supported by an art therapist to use art to express and articulate often complex thoughts and feelings through art making. This may be following difficult or traumatic experiences which may be hard to talk about.
In the UK, the title art therapist and art psychotherapist are protected by law. All UK art therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All registered art therapists can be found on the HCPC’s register.
AYURVEDA or AYURVEDIC MEDICINE - is a system of traditional medicine native to India, which uses a range of treatments, including panchakarma (‘5 actions’), yoga, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine, to encourage health and wellbeing. It is an alternative therapy
Ayurvedic techniques include:
dietary changes
herbal medicine, including combining herbs with metals, minerals or gems (known as rasha shastra medicines) that can take the form of pellets, tablets and powders of various colours and scents)
acupuncture (practiced by some practitioners)
massage
meditation
breathing exercises
panchakarma (‘5 actions’) – a specialised treatment consisting of 5 therapies including emesis (vomiting), enemas and blood-letting, which are meant to detoxify the body and balance the doshas (in Ayurveda, the body’s 3 vital energies)
sound therapy, including the use of mantras
yoga.
COLOUR THERAPY - Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. They made use of sun-filled rooms with coloured glasses for therapeutic purposes. Although colour therapy has gained some popularity over the years, it’s still not a widely accepted form of therapy in Western medicine. Many medical experts consider it to be pseudoscience or quackery. While colour psychology is the study of how different colors can influence human behavior and perception, colour therapy is different. It is based upon the unproven assumption that certain colors can impact people's "energy" and impact health outcomes. There are two major techniques of colour therapy. It can either be done through sight, that is, by looking at a particular colour in hopes that it elicits the desired response in your body, or by directly reflecting certain colours on parts of the body. Colour therapists believe that colour can enter our bodies either through our eyes or skin. Each color we can see has its wavelength and unique frequency. Each unique frequency has a different effect on people and is used for different purposes. Warm colours are typically used for stimulating effects, while cool colours are used for calming effects.
CRYSTAL HEALING - is a holistic and natural therapy that taps into the energetic power of crystals and how they affect the body and mind. A crystal therapist will place healing crystals on or around a client to help unblock, focus and direct energy. Crystal healing is an energy-based system. This means it is based on the belief that we are all made up of different energies and that when this becomes stagnant, unbalanced, or blocked, it can cause illness. The premise is that crystals help unblock, balance, and direct energy where it is most needed, gently supporting the body to heal in a therapeutic way. Different types of crystals are thought to have different properties and energies. Just holding and being near these crystals is, therefore, thought to affect our own energies on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. Crystal healers have extensive knowledge of the different stones and how they affect us and are able to use them in healing sessions. There are several different ways this can be done, but the most common is to have the client lie down and place the crystals on or around them in a specific way. The types of crystals used and their positioning will depend on what the client is seeking support for. This could range from a physical concern such as headaches or stress to more emotional or spiritual concerns.
DRAMATHERAPY - is a form of Psychotherapy. Drama-therapists are both clinicians and artists that draw on their knowledge of theatre and therapy to use as a medium for psychological therapy that may include drama, story-making, music, movement, and art; to work with any issue that has presented itself. Clients are able to explore a wide variety of different issues and needs from autism and dementia to physical/sexual abuse and mental illness in an indirect way leading to psychological, emotional and social changes. Drama-therapists often have a background in theatre, health, or education and can be found in many varying settings such as schools, mental health care, general health social care, prisons and in the voluntary sector.
Drama-therapists are registered and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) having undertaken a Masters level training with an approved course at a university. Drama-therapists are both allied health professions (AHPs) and psychological professionals. Many are trained supervisors and are often employed to offer supervision to other therapists and professionals including community artists employed in arts in health and wellbeing roles
EAR CANDLING/HOPI EAR CANDLING - is an ancient healing process practised by the Hopi tribe in North America. Hopi Ear Candling is also referred to as Ear Candling, Thermal-Auricula Therapy that has grown in popularity across many Western Cultures. The process involves using specially designed candles made of cotton, beeswax, or other natural materials. The candle is placed in the ear canal, and a fire is lit at the other end. As the candle burns, it is believed that the heat creates a vacuum that draws out impurities and excess wax from the ear.
ECOTHERAPY - Ecotherapy, also called nature therapy or green therapy, is the practice of being in nature to improve psychological and physiological health. Ecotherapy is an umbrella term that encompasses nature-based activities and nature therapy programs that aim to improve mental and overall health. Nature therapy involves:
A trained professional, such as a therapist, counsellor, or guide
A connection with the natural world
Ecotherapy is an emerging field with a growing body of research backing its many potential health benefits, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
EQUINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY - incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional. Goals of this form of therapy including helping people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility. equine-assisted therapy is growing in popularity due to its experiential approach and some burgeoning evidence of its effectiveness. There are a variety of terms used to describe or reference equine-assisted psychotherapy, including:
Equine-assisted mental health
Equine-assisted counselling
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
Equine-assisted therapy
The last term, equine-assisted therapy, can also often refer to other forms of therapy where horses are used, such as with occupational therapy.
HERBAL MEDICINE - has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. The herbal remedies are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.
Some herbs have potent (powerful) ingredients and should be taken with the same level of caution as pharmaceutical medications. In fact, many pharmaceutical medications are based on man-made versions of naturally occurring compounds found in plants. For instance, the heart medicine digitalis was derived from the foxglove plant.
HYPNOTHERAPY - is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. Hypnosis allows you to be more open to suggestions about making healthful changes in your perceptions, sensations, emotions, memories, thoughts or behaviours. Hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, is a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. It’s a type of complementary therapy. These are therapies you may receive along with typical medical or psychological treatments to manage conditions or issues.
A trained, certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist will guide you. They’ll use verbal cues, repetition and imagery to put you under hypnosis. This intense level of concentration and focus can help you make healthy changes to your habits or behaviours.
INTEGRAL EYE MOVEMENT THERAPY - Is a structured method for exploring how memories and emotions are encoded in the mind. This therapy uses precise eye movement patterns to recalibrate maladaptive responses, allowing individuals to process distressing memories, alleviate negative emotions, and develop healthier mental frameworks.
Both the EMDR and IEMT models use eye movements but in practice that is where the similarity ends. Where EMDR is primarily used to treat "trauma", something it is very effective at doing. However, IEMT is much more about the Patterns of Chronicity. These are 5 primary patterns that appear common to many chronic patients with, or without a history of trauma.
These five patterns are as follows:
Three Stage Abreaction Process - A pattern of escalating emotional behaviour in order to create change in the external environment.
The Great Big, "What if..." Question - The use of a single counter-example that sabotages and counteracts any therapeutic generalisation.
The Maybe Man Phenomena. - The Maybe Man is uncertain of his own experience and this leaks out into his language. By remaining uncertain and without precision he does not commit to his genuine experience or to his identity and thus inadvertently sabotages effective therapy.
Testing for Existence of The Problem Rather Than Testing for Change. - Even though 99% improvement might be made, if the person with chronicity is able to locate just 1% of the problem existing, this will generally be seen as representative of 100% of the problem existing.
Being "At Effect" rather than "Being At Cause". - By being "at effect" the person experiences emotional problems happening to them, rather than being something that happens by them. A person "at effect" will seek 'treatment' rather than seeking 'change'.
MASSAGE THERAPY - is, in essence, just the application of massage techniques for a therapeutic purpose. Just like regular massages, it aims to relax, revive, and repair tissue in the body, making use of rubbing and kneading movements to manipulate soft tissue and muscle. The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques. The most common form of massage therapy in Western countries is called Swedish or classical massage; it is the core of most massage training programs. Other styles include sports massage, clinical massage to accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions derived from Eastern cultures, such as Shiatsu and Indian Head Massage. Massage Therapy naturally combines with aromatherapy
NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING (NLP) is a way of changing someone’s thoughts and behaviours to help achieve desired outcomes for them. It may reduce anxiety and improve overall wellbeing. NLP uses perceptual, behavioural, and communication techniques to make it easier for people to change their thoughts and actions. It relies on language processing but should not be confused with natural language processing, which shares the same abbreviation. NLP was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who believed it was possible to identify the patterns of thoughts and behaviours of successful individuals and to teach them to others. Despite a lack of empirical evidence to support it, Bandler and Grinder published two books, The Structure of Magic I and II, and NLP took off. Its popularity was partly due to its versatility in addressing the many diverse issues that people face. However, the broad ideas that NLP is built upon, and the lack of a formal body to monitor its use, mean that the methods and quality of practice can vary considerably. In any case, clear and impartial evidence to support its effectiveness has yet to emerge.
PLAY THERAPY - uses play as a way of helping people understand and express their thoughts and feelings. It’s mainly used with children who may not be able to put how they are feeling into words. Talking about problems can be hard for children. A child may not have the words to describe how they are feeling, or why they are behaving as they do. A child may not be able to recognise what they find difficult or explain it to someone if asked. Play Therapy provides the expertise and time to do this through play. Play Therapy sessions aim to build a child’s ability to develop healthy and resilient relationships, and to work though traumatic experiences which may be preoccupying them. Pre-occupying difficult feeling can make learning at school or managing feelings impossible. Addressing difficult emotions through play provides a layer of story or metaphor to what is being shared and felt. Metaphor can provide a degree of removal from experience for the child. It can feel safer and less intense for a child to express themselves or explore their experiences through play.
PTUK therapists undertake rigorous academic and clinical training before qualifying. To be registered with PTUK (Play Therapists UK), all our therapists must: have qualified via our university approved postgraduate courses, be Clinically Supervised by a Certified Clinical Supervisor, attend regular accredited professional development courses and have an enhanced DBS check. Our practitioners are registered with the Professional Standards Authority, an independent organisation regulating and monitoring health and social care providers.
REFLEXOLOGY - is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It may provide pain and stress relief, among other benefits. Reflexology is based on the theory that your hands, feet, and ears are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists. Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a range of health benefits. Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free. In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands and ears to determine where they should apply pressure. They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.
Other theories
In the 1890s, British scientists found that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors, including touch.
A reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and other benefits just like any form of massage. Others believe that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. Sometimes, the brain reacts to physical pain. But in other cases, it may create pain in response to emotional or mental distress.
REIKI - Reiki is a complimentary therapy that originates in Japan where it is used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported very positive results.
SOUND THERAPY - is essentially the process of healing the mind and body through music, tones, frequencies, and vibrations. Sound therapy takes into consideration a person’s emotional, mental, psychological, and spiritual well-being and improvement. Sound therapy can be performed in a variety of ways and can be conducted with instruments or through clapping, chanting, or humming, among other methods. Sound is essentially the energy created when an object vibrates. When an object vibrates, it causes the air surrounding the object to vibrate as well. The air’s movement allows it to carry the vibrational energy from the object to different places, including the human body. Many people claim to experience feeling rejuvenated after a sound therapy session. When a person seeks healing through sound therapy, their fundamental objective is to focus deeply on the music or sound being generated by the practitioner. Sound healing is not limited to only one culture. In fact, sound therapy has existed for thousands of years and has manifested itself in different versions throughout the world. The Aboriginal Australians known as the Yolngu are believed to be one of the earliest groups to perform sound healing rituals. They play an instrument called the yidaki which they believe can heal various physical ailments including fractured bones and muscle damage. The ancient Egyptians also valued sound healing. In fact, for thousands of years ritual leaders and priests chanted vowel tones and used instruments such as the sistra. In ancient Greece, the great mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras is credited as a father of music therapy. He wielded the instrument called the kithara and was able to observe the calming effect of the music he played to the people and animals around him. He discovered that the seven keys in the Greek system of music were capable of triggering various emotions, and that some sounds and instruments could cause chaotic and stressful emotions. He described his discoveries as a form of “musical medicine”.
TAPPING/EMOTION FREEDOM TECHNIQUE - is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure. People who use this technique believe tapping the body can balance the energy system and treat pain. According to its developer, Gary Craig, a disruption in energy causes all negative emotions and pain. Though still being researched, EFT tapping has been used to treat people with anxiety and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Similar to acupuncture, EFT focuses on the meridian points — or energy hot spots — to restore balance to your body’s energy. It’s believed that restoring this energy balance can relieve symptoms a negative experience or emotion may have caused. Based on Chinese medicine, meridian points are areas of the body through which energy flows. These pathways help balance energy flow to maintain health. Any imbalance can influence disease or sickness. Acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure to these energy points. EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure. Proponents say the tapping helps you access your body’s energy and send signals to the part of the brain that controls stress. They claim that stimulating the meridian points through EFT tapping can reduce the stress or negative emotion you feel from your issue, ultimately restoring balance to your disrupted energy.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) - It is classed as an alternative therapy as it is used instead of Western Medicine. It has its origins in ancient China, with a history dating back thousands of years. The practice has evolved and developed over centuries, influenced by various philosophical and cultural traditions. TCM encompasses a wide range of practices including herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy. The development of TCM is closely tied to the cultural and social context of ancient China. It has been shaped by the ideas and beliefs of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Over time, TCM has made significant contributions to modern healthcare practices worldwide. Its emphasis on holistic approaches to health and well-being continues to influence medical systems beyond China's borders. Today, Traditional Chinese Medicine is recognised as an important component of global healthcare. Its historical roots provide valuable insights into different ways of understanding health and illness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on several fundamental principles, including the concept of Yin and Yang. According to this theory, the universe and everything within it are made up of two opposing yet complementary forces - Yin represents darkness, coldness, and stillness while Yang represents light, warmth, and activity. In TCM, health is believed to result from a balance between these two forces within the body. Another key principle in TCM is the Five Elements theory which categorises the world into five basic elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element corresponds to specific organs in the body as well as particular emotions and seasons. The interactions between these elements are believed to influence health and disease. The Meridian system is also central to TCM theory as it describes a network of channels through which Qi (vital energy) flows throughout the body. Twelve main meridians correspond with specific organs and bodily functions. Practitioners use various techniques such as acupuncture or acupressure to manipulate these meridians to restore balance and promote healing.
WRITING-BASED THERAPY - also known as expressive writing, is a therapeutic approach that utilises the act of writing to process emotions, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. It involves techniques such as journaling and structured writing exercises, which can provide clarity and emotional release. Writing therapy can be practiced individually, in groups, or guided by a mental health professional, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. The practice can help individuals cope with trauma, improve mental health, and foster personal growth by allowing them to express unspoken thoughts and feelings. Writing therapy is not limited to formal settings; it can also be done remotely, providing a sense of anonymity and comfort for some individuals. Overall, writing therapy offers a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing, making it a valuable resource for mental health support.