The following breathing techniques can help to relax or revive you in less than 10 minutes. For many of us, the search for products that can help relax us is a constant struggle, but it turns out all we need are a pair of lungs and a little time. Controlling your breath not only keeps read more »

Enthusiasts of the arts have been promoting the benefits of creative and dance therapy for ageing patients for decades, now scientists are taking note and are researching these claims. Shula Strassfeld regularly dances with her father who is 92, wheelchair bound and suffers from dementia. Shula puts on some music and moves her father’s chair read more »

Charity YoungMinds has chosen four UK schools to try out a programme of ‘therapeutic teaching’ designed to boost motivation and improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils. Research shows techniques used in this special programme do have a positive impact on young people. A typical session starts with a mindfulness activity to help students relax so read more »

New York and LA-based fitness class SoulCycle claims to work out the soul as well as the heart by incorporating visualisation and mindfulness into classic spin routines on stationary bikes. SoulCycle already takes place from 14 locations within the U.S., with a London studio set to open in 2014. Now Independent journalist Kaite Welsh asks read more »

A new study has revealed that along with other relaxation techniques, music therapy can help those suffering from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is an illness characterised by chronic, widespread pain with sufferers often experiencing a heightened sensitivity to pressure. Other symptoms include difficulties sleeping, general fatigue and stiffness in the joints. The disease requires a multi-faceted approach read more »

A recent survey carried out on the Therapy Directory website suggests that people in the UK are placing a higher importance on complementary therapies to maintain their general health. Since the late twentieth century, alternative and complementary therapies have been becoming more popular, gaining more coverage and carrying more weight within conventional healthcare. Whether used read more »

Middle-aged optimists are at lower risk of heart disease than their stressed-out contemporaries, new research has shown. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that people with a sunny disposition had higher levels of ‘good cholesterol’ – known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is thought to protect against heart disease. Happier people also read more »

My name is Ross and in many ways I’m not your average twenty something male. Having a mother who is a complementary therapist, yoga teacher and all-round holistic enthusiast has left me with a breadth of knowledge on the subject. I am also part of the team here at Therapy Directory and will be writing read more »

Non-profit health organisation Mayo Clinic and news site TIME have collaborated to publish a book about alternative health. ‘Alternative Medicine: Your Guide to Stress Relief, Healing, Nutrition and More’ looks impartially at the risks and benefits of using alternative therapies and medicines including yoga, acupuncture, herbal medicine and massage among others. The book explores in read more »

According to recent research, Thai Chi can be used to help manage type 2 diabetes. Thaijiquan, or Thai Chi as it is more commonly know, is a martial art revered for both its defense training and health benefits. People practice Thai Chi for traditional and modern reasons, but many choose it as an exercise programme read more »