Not every pain or physical dysfunction we experience can be traced to a physical cause such as injury trauma or disease. Medical professionals have recognised for decades that in some patients the pain has a psychogenic root. Psychogenic pain is defined as a pain disorder associated with psychological factors. Clients will often come to complementary therapists for support with their physical issue after feeling dismissed by the medical profession once tests such as MRI scans have failed to...
Today there is a rapid growth in aromatherapy treatments for cancer sufferers. The main aims are to help the body relax, relieve stress, anxiety and pain. In contrast to the theories of many years ago, research has shown that specialist massage of muscle and soft tissue does not spread cancer cells. Treatments are often short valuable sessions, which include gentle soft-tissue massage with specifically chosen essential oils. For those in palliative care, the idea is to provide a sense of...
I distinctly remember my doctor telling me I was just a ‘headache-y’ person when I was younger. I was at the GP again, in floods of tears because I just couldn’t take the headaches anymore. When I hit my teens I had a couple of migraines, but thankfully they didn’t take root and I haven’t had any recurrences.
I was recommended over-the-counter painkillers and, finally, prescription medication. This helped a small amount but I hated being reliant on it and, after years of being on the...
Whether you are new to complementary therapies or an experienced practitioner, taking the time to sit down and learn more about the different options that are out there can be a daunting task. With so many of us leading busy, hectic lives, finding ways to learn more about well-being without adding to our already full schedules can be a challenge.
We’ve put together a quick list of some of the top free podcasts available through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and other great podcasting...
Generally speaking, the NHS advise expectant mothers to avoid taking unnecessary medicines or treatments, as anything taken into your body may affect your unborn baby. However, there is evidence to support the use of some complementary therapies during pregnancy and labour alongside other recommendations from healthcare professionals.
Here are three complimentary therapies that can help alleviate symptoms during pregnancy.
Aromatherapy and massage for anxiety and...
Pregnancy is a time of change: planning for a shift in your life; getting your home ready for a small, vulnerable new person; sharing your joy… Pregnancy is a time when you're hyper-aware of your changing body, too. Being heavier than usual makes everything more of an effort. A shifting centre of gravity can literally throw you off balance. You may feel as if you're carrying the next David Beckham or an aspiring Rockette. Ouch! Pregnancy may be a wonder of nature, but it's not easy....
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is described as a chronic pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand, caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. It can be caused by repetitive bending and extension of the wrist, as in keyboarding, or by medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.Being a remedial massage therapist, I was pretty much devastated to be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when I was told that I would need surgery and there would be a...
With more than 250 different variations of massage therapy available around the world, understandably, it can get a little confusing. This is why we want to take a closer look at the therapy, massage therapy has so many benefits and there are types to suit a variety of needs, from injury prevention and recovery, to relaxation.
Today we're speaking to massage and holistic therapist, Outi Holmes about the benefits of deep tissue massage and the common reasons why people may seek...
The back and pelvis are core to everything we do, a central structure around which our bodies can move. They provide the foundation which sets us up for health, and fewer niggles, aches and pains. It’s also a great basis for sports, which rely on our bodies being able to move effectively. When you are running, a stable and healthy back and pelvis are key to effective and efficient movement.
Your head is held up high so you can look forward. Your posture is...
Massage is a treatment which aims to relax, revive and heal the body. There are many different styles of massage, used to treat a range of emotional and physical health problems. But with so many styles, how do you decide which type is best for you?
A massage can be quite daunting for a first-timer. If you’ve taken the first step to contact a therapist, the next thing is booking a treatment and well, turning up.
So, what exactly is a massage?
A massage is the stroking, kneading,...
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