Are you interested in some relaxing complementary therapies, but not sure which to try? Geraldine Kelly, our resident therapist, explains each of the main types of complementary therapies.

Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.

Arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the therapy.

Drink plenty of water after the treatment.

 

Aromatherapy.

Most stress-related problems are very successfully treated with aromatherapy. Some of the essential oils have powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be used to treat such infections as occur from viral, bacterial or fungal infestations of the body. Some essential oils contain plant hormones or influence the endocrine system in such a way that these can be used to help with problems related to the menstrual cycle.

Indian Head Massage.

It is believed that three of the major energy centre’s of the human body can be found in and around the head. These are the brow, the crown and the throat. Acting on a physical, mental and subtle level, Indian head massage stimulates these important energy centres, so helping to maintain the important balance of energy within the body, which in turn promotes a sense of well being, positive energy and relaxation. Indian head massage includes massage of the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp, face and ears. It is a wonderfully relaxing therapy that is safe and very effective at relieving aches, pains, stress and rebalancing energy flow to provide deep sense of peace, calm and tranquility. There is no need to undress to receive the treatment.

Reiki.

Reiki is the name given to a system of natural healing which evolved in Japan from the experience and dedication of Dr Mikao Usui. There is no need to remove any clothing as Reiki will pass through anything, even plaster casts. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms. A full treatment usually takes 1 to 1½ hours with each position held for several minutes. It is possible to heal at any level of being: physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Acute injuries can be helped to heal very quickly but more chronic illness takes longer.

Hot Stones Therapy.

Stone massage therapy has been used in many different cultures for many years. Healers used rocks from the river beds and warmed them either in hot coals or hot water. Placing the hot stones on cloth on the body and arranging them along the energy centres of the body would help to relax the muscles and reduce pain or discomfort, boosting a healing process. Hot Stone therapy can help in the treatment of for following problems; muscular aches, pains, and strains, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, back pain, and insomnia. It also helps to improve circulation and can help reduce stress, anxiety, tension and depression.

Hopi Ear Candles.

Hopi ear candles can be used to heal the ears mind and spirit. A Candle is placed in your ear, when alight this soothes and acts like a massage creating a peaceful crackling noise, its excellent for removal of excessive or blocked wax, leaving you totally relaxed and with a sense of ´peace of mind´.

Ear Acupuncture.

Ear acupuncture can be a very effective method for helping to relieve acute pains and chronically stiff joints. For some problems it can be more effective than body acupuncture. It can reduce anixety, stress etc to promote relaxation and increase a persons sense of well being.

Bach Flower.

The Bach Flower remedies are 38 plant and flower based remedies, each one devised to treat a different feeling. They work by stimulating th bodys own capacity to heal itself, by balancing negative feelings helping you to take control, feel good anout yourself and get more out of life.

Reflexology.

Reflexology identifies reflex areas on the feet and hands that are linked to other areas and organs of the body in the same zone. Congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body. Reflexology does not claim to cure or diagnose conditions.

Reflexology has been shown to be effective for Back pain, Migraine, Arthritis, Stress related disorders, Infertility, Sleep, disorders.