A

Acupressure is considered to be one of the oldest healing traditions in the world. It is based on the same Chinese concepts of meridians and acupoints as acupuncture. Practitioners use finger pressure on the appropriate points in order to maintain the flow of life energy (chi or qi) along the meridians (body energy pathways), thus allowing the healthy functioning of the internal organs and preventing disease from occurring. Acupressurists also treat those who have disease by aiding the body in releasing blocked energy. Acupressure can be used to relieve many common complaints, such as: headaches, back pain, constipation, asthma and fatigue. Other forms of treatment that incorporate Acupressure include: AMMA, Acuyoga, Shen Tao, Do In, Jin Shen, Jin Shen Do. Acupressure techniques are also an important element of reflexology and the Japanese massage therapy, Shiatsu.

Acupuncture originated in China many thousands of years ago and is one of the most widely practiced forms of natural medicine in the world today. Like Acupressure, Acupuncture seeks to adjust and balance the chi energy flow. Needles of varying lengths and widths (depending on body area) are inserted into selected acupuncture points along the meridians. Points are selected according to observation, questioning and other forms of diagnosis. The acupuncturist then manipulates the needles by twirling, gentle pumping , flicking or stroking. Acupuncture treatment is carried out according to the unique needs of the individual patient . Some common ailments and complaints that may be helped through acupuncture include: arthritis, headaches, menstrual imbalances, allergies, back pain ,sinusitis and tinnitus.

The Alexander Technique was founded by F. Matthias Alexander in the 1930's. The technique is based on the belief that poor posture and movement patterns become habits and can be the underlying causes of many ailments and complaints. Practitioners of the Alexander Technique first assess the problems through observation and then teach, using a "hands-on" approach, correct postures and movements. Patients are taught how to properly align their heads, neck and spine. The Alexander Technique does not claim to cure any disease, but has been shown to be very effective in relieving neck, back and joint pain, chronic muscle tension, fatigue and many stress related problems.

Applied Kinesiology

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote health, well-being and appearance. Plants, herbs and flowers are distilled to separate the oils and hydrosols (water, containing water-soluble parts of the plant and essential oils). Aromatherapy is employed and often effective in treating skin problems, muscular and rheumatic pain, anxiety and stress disorders, digestive complaints, PMS, and problems with menstruation and menopause.

Ashtanga Yoga (also known as Power Yoga) is a dynamic form of Hatha Yoga. It consists of a sequence of postures which flow together continuously in time with the breath, offering a dynamically aerobic, challenging and meditative practice. More physically challenging than other yogas, Ashtanga will increase your strength, stamina and muscle tone as well as giving you increased flexibility. The combination of movement and deep breathing creates heat, and helps realign and detoxify the body. It is an effective method of stress relief, and also helps to create inner harmony in the body, which can help reduce a wide range of physical symptoms from weight problems to menstrual trouble. Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient practice which was re-discovered this century by Krisnamacharya and his disciple K. Pattabhi Jois.

Ayurveda is the oldest healthcare system we know of and has been in use since 4000 BC. It evolved in India as a practical and philosophical way of life. The emphasis is on harmony for the whole being. Rather than our bodies being separate, solid units, isolated from the rest of nature, Ayurveda holds that the body is part of the natural continuum, so that we are part of the world around us. In addition, our feelings and thoughts are recognised as being as real as our physical bodies - all is seen as a dynamic pattern of energy which constantly renews itself. Ayurveda divides people into one or any combination of three "types" - pitta, vata and kapha. Each type has different emotional and mental characteristics and is susceptible to different sorts of ailment. In addition, the 5 elements and the chakra system are used in Ayurvedic treatment. A vital principle of Ayurveda is that the body has an inner supreme intelligence which mirrors that of the universe as a whole. Ayurveda concentrates on creating a balance, based on the individual's type, which will allow the body's own wisdom and healing force to come into play.

 

B

Bach Flower Remedies are 38 homeopathically prepared plant and flower based remedies, each one devised to treat a different feeling. They help you to manage the emotional demands of everyday life. The Bach Flower Remedies were created by Dr Edward Bach, a Harley Street doctor in the 1930s who believed that "a healthy mind ensures a healthy body". He devised a system of seven major emotional groups under which people could be classified, such as fear, uncertainty or loneliness. He then categorised 38 negative states of mind under these groups and formulated a plant or flower based remedy to treat each of these states. The Bach Flower Remedies work by stimulating the body's own capacity to heal itself by balancing negative feelings, helping you to feel better about yourself and get more out of life. The remedies are safe and simple to use, and suitable for both children and adults.

Biofield Healing is a hands-on approach which works with the "biofield" - the energy field which surrounds and permeates the human body. This biofield also extends from the body in what is known as the aura. Health can be defined as a state of "wholeness" and complete well-being on every level - the word "heal" is actually derived from the word "whole". The physical problems we experience in our bodies are mirrored in a more subtle form in the biofield. In fact, before disease appears in our physical bodies, a state of "dis-ease" has usually already begun to manifest on the other planes, including the biofield. Treating the body alone is sometimes not enough to discover the real root of the problem, when balance needs to be restored in the biofield too. Biofield therapists work by locating and releasing blocked areas in the biofield. They do this by directing chi through the client's body and aura. Buried emotions and memories can surface and be experienced as they leave the body. Many physical and emotional problems can be healed or alleviated as a result.

 

 

C

Chinese Herbal Medicine is rooted in the ancient practices of Chinese medicine and dates back some 4,000 years. Chinese herbalism is still widely accepted and used in China and it is increasingly practiced in the West . Most herbal preparations are derived from plants, although minerals and animals are sometimes used. The plant material is first dried and then often combined with other herbs into a formula or remedy to suit the needs and progress of the patient. Chinese Herbal Medicine may be used for a wide range of ailments including: digestive disturbances, menstrual problems, migraines, asthma and skin diseases. Herbal treatment is often combined with other therapies such as acupuncture.

Complementary Medicine - (see Holistic Health)

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is based on the work of the American osteopath, William Sutherland in the 1930's. Dr. Sutherland discovered that the central nervous system and the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal chord (cerebrospinal fluid) fluctuate in a rhythmic cycle. These fluctuations bring nutrients, peptides, hormones and other essentials substances to all the cells of the body and wash away waste products. Through subtle, and very gentle manual manipulation of the skull, spine, and sacrum, practitioners can remedy any structural distortions that in turn affect these fluctuations. This treatment may benefit a wide range of common health problems and medical disorders such as colic, ear infections, migraine, and dizziness in the elderly.

Crystal Therapy is based on the ancient use of crystals for energy balancing and healing by the Incan, Mayan and Egyptian civilizations. Crystals and gems are placed on and around the body in order to help a person focus and enhance healing energy. Crystals may also be placed in specific locations in order to absorb negativity. Another method of using crystals for healing is to use the water from which crystals or gems have been soaking. There are many crystals to choose from and each has a specific attribute. Healers believe that uncut stones are most effective. Red jasper, amethyst, rose quartz, malachite and quartz are examples of commonly used crystals. Crystal Therapy may be helpful for both physical and emotional problems such as wound healing following surgery, stress and stress related problems.

E

Earth Wisdom : Teachings for Self Knowledge This wisdom originated from ancient peoples who lived close to the Earth. They observed the natural world for patterns and designs that inform us about all of life. This wisdom, the basis of their successful existence over thousands of years, has been passed down in an oral tradition and is held in designs called wheels (traditionally glyphs).

These designs form a holistic yet pragmatic structure that stimulate the mind and thought patterns to release the wisdom of balance. This awakening of individual human consciousness, with each person taking responsibility for their own balance, helps create balanced societies where families and communities operate in respect and harmony with each other and the natural world.

These designs, which have been translated to have a resonance and relevance for our lives today, focus on powerful images of the healthy human organism. In this way, the energy of attraction is invoked, focusing on what we want rather than on limitations. Through this lens we see all potential. The people's creativity is boundless; their discernment is keen; they walk with will, able to choose and respond with self-authority to whatever life presents. In this way we begin to strengthen the individual as the basis of strengthening the collective to create a culture that is self organising now and in the future.

Emotional Healing
A unique approach to helping resolve emotional issues with a blend of spiritual healing and a counselling approach.

Non-contact healing is given at the start of the session and takes place, as needed throughout. The healing energy has the effect of more easily accessing, bringing to consciousness and releasing emotional trauma than counselling on its own is able to achieve. Alongside the healing I use counselling techniques to help you explore and work through - at your own pace and according to your own wishes- whatever comes up for you.

If I work with you over the phone or internet I send distance healing at the same time as counselling. Clients often talk of feeling held in a kind of "golden light" that feels very nurturing and safe. They sense that this allows them to be present with and explore mental and emotional states that would feel too "scary" or unpleasant without the support of the healing energy.

Emotional Healing can be of help for many states of mind and emotions that are distressing and, at times, chronic.

F

Feng Shui

H

Hatha Yoga

Herbal Medicine is the use of whole plants, or parts thereof, for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of good health. It is the oldest form of medicine known and has been practiced for thousands of years in all cultures throughout the world. Today Herbal Medicine is a blend of traditional and modern science. Herbalists view their clients from a holistic perspective and believe that it is best to use the whole plant to stimulate the body's own healing ability. Herbs are chosen carefully to suit the person as well as to treat the disease condition. Herbal medicine can treat almost any condition. Some common complaints treated with Herbal Medicine include: skin problems, digestive disorders, heart and circulatory problems, and gynecological disorders.

Holistic Health

Homoeopathy is a holistic form of medicine that aims to help the body heal itself. The name homeopathy comes from the Greek work homios meaning "like" and pathos meaning "suffering." Therefore the word" homeopathy" means treating like with like. This means that a substance that causes symptoms of illness in a well person can also be used to cure similar symptoms when they result from illness. The minute substances used in treatment are called homeopathic remedies. Homeopaths believe that treatment works according to a set of rules known as the "Laws of Cure", and these state that: 1) a remedy begins to work from the top of the body downward; 2) it works from the inside out and from major to minor organs and 3) symptoms clear in reverse order of their appearance. Homeopathy can treat many physical and psychological complaints including: indigestion, childhood illnesses, gallstones, depressions, burns, sports injuries, allergies and hyperactivity.

Hypnotherapy

I

Infinite T'ai Chi (see Tai Chi, Infinite T'ai Chi)

Iridology is an ancient diagnostic science which has recently gained more acceptance in the West. Iridologists study the iris of the eye under a microscope to find any abnormalities that may be present. The iris has over 28,000 nerve endings, all of which are connected to the brain via the hypothalamus. An iridologist studies the exposed nerve endings in the irises, all directly connected to the brain on the iris stalk. An iris analysis reveals genetic strengths and weaknesses, congested or irritated zones and the interactions between the various bodily systems. Iridology can monitor the movement towards disease states and toward health. As bodily tissues become inflamed, white inflammatory or congestive discoloration are apparent in the relevant zone. The majority of people seeking an iris diagnosis have already had pathology tests without being able to pin-point the root cause of their problems. An iris analysis can provide a virtual blueprint of the root cause of the patients' problem.

J

 

K

Kinesiology - ( see Applied Kinesiology)

Kundalini Yoga

M

Macrobiotics - the word "Macrobiotics" is derived from the Greek and means, "Great Life". Macrobiotics is a way of life that has been advocated and practiced in many cultures for thousands of years and is based on the natural laws and the principles of polarity. The most popular application of macrobiotics is the use of diet, both as a nutritious and wholesome way of eating and as a natural way of healing. A macrobiotic diet classifies all foods as either Ying or Yang. The aim is to eat a perfect balance, taking into account the individual's different Ying - Yang needs. The dietary principles of macrobiotics have revolutionized the vegetarian and natural food movement for the past 50 years. Advocates of macrobiotics have been most responsible for introducing healthy products to the general public such as tofu and tempeh, and the proper way of preparing seasonal vegetables. The incorporation of a macrobiotic diet may be useful in the treatment of arthritis, cancer, depression, digestive disorders and skin problems.

Massage Therapy is a very general term for a wide range of therapeutic approaches. Massage Therapy has roots in both Eastern & Western Cultures. It invites the practice of manipulating the muscles and soft tissue for the improvement and maintenance of health and well-being.

Meditation is a generic term for many practices that involve the total relaxation of the body and the focusing of one's awareness ( perhaps on an outside object, ones' breathing, through chanting etc.) in order to achieve a state of inner peace and harmony. Many religions encourage meditation in order to help the person to achieve a closer relationship with a Supreme Being. Other practices and philosophies employ meditation techniques to help people gain insights and awareness of self and others. Many practitioners incorporate meditation into their therapies in order to treat and heal the whole person and this reflects the basic tenet of the mind-body connection that is part of all holistic practice.

N

Naturopathic Medicine

P

Past Life Therapy

Pranic Healing is one of the oldest and most widespread methods of treatment for physical illness. The healer uses a type of energy that is sometimes called prana, magnetism or vitality. This energy can be consciously directed by the healer toward the patient, so that the healer's vitality replaces or reinforces that of the patient. The healer uses his chakras to assimilate the prana, convert it into healing energy, and then distributes this energy. The patient's chakras receive the energy, which vitalize her physical body and more especially, her endocrine gland system, thereby bringing about physical and emotional health.

Q

Qi Gong (or Chi Gung) is an ancient Chinese exercise system that attempts to stimulate and balance the flow of "qi" ("chi") or vital energy, along the meridian pathways. Qi Gong focuses on learning how to feel and move energy inside the body. Some of the basic Qi Gong drills involve standing still for anything from minutes to hours at a time, sensing the movement of energy in the body. Other Qi Gong exercises involve gentle, rhythmic swinging or stretching movements to generate and conserve energy. The Qi Gong practitioner aims to avoid stress on joints and muscles and directs the learners' awareness inside the body. As a result, Qi Gong practice develops tremendous inner power in a flexible body. Qi Gong is used to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, enhance immune function and threat a variety of health conditions.

R

Raja Yoga

Reflexology of some form has been used throughout the world since ancient times, but the earliest record of its use is approximately 2330 BC in Egypt. Modern reflexology was founded during the 20th century by Dr. Eunice Ingham. Reflexology is a treatment that is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all the such as dementia and colic.

Reiki Rei means universal and Ki means vital life force energy; Reiki, therefore, means universal life-force energy. Reiki is a form of healing based on tapping into the universal flow of energy that permeates all living things. It is believed that Reiki originated with the Tibetan Buddhists and its knowledge was passed from Master to disciple. Reiki was rediscovered in the nineteenth century by the Japanese minister, Dr. Mikao Usui and was further developed by Dr. Chujiro Hayashi. Reiki is a form of hands-on healing and energy balancing that harmonizes the body, mind and spirit. A Reiki session allows one to reconnect with the all-knowing One within. People suffering with a wide range of conditions and illnesses be they mental, emotional or physical, may benefit from a Reiki treatment, especially when conventional medicine has not been able to help.

Rolfing is named after its founder, Dr. Ida Rolf, an American biochemist who sought to integrate manipulative forms of treatment with bioenergetics. Dr. Rolf based her treatment on the understanding that a healthy body must be properly aligned. A Rolfing treatment involves a deep massage of the muscles and connective tissues. It does not focus on any specific area of symptoms but rather on manipulating the connective tissue to allow the body to return to a state of balance. A full course of treatment involves ten sessions, lasting about an hour each. Today, movement, psychological and other treatment modalities may be added to the sessions making for a more holistic approach. Rolfing may be used to treat any of the following conditions: musculoskeletal pain resulting from mechanical stress, poor posture and breathing difficulties.

S

Sahaj Marg (meaning Simple or Natural Way in Sanskrit) is a spiritual practice based on heart-centred meditation, adapted for the realities of even the busiest modern life. It takes the view that ordinary life with its demands of family, relationships and work is a perfect environment for spiritual growth. Sahaj Marg blends spiritual practice with managing our everyday lives. The aim is a balanced human existence. Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, human beings need to attend to both material and spiritual aspects of life to rediscover our true essence. Two aspects distinguish Sahaj Marg from other meditation practices - transmission and cleaning. Transmission is a subtle stream of essence from the central Source which is made available to us through the practice of Sahaj Marg. Over time most people experience transmission as a kind of very fine energy, a tangible experience of the highest realms of human existence. It means that meditation often feels absorbing and pleasant. The daily practice consists of meditation on the heart in the morning, 'cleaning' meditation at the end of the day's activities, and a short prayer before sleep. The 'cleaning' meditation is a process done to remove the impressions and stresses of daily life which weigh on our systems and prevent us from realising our potential for spiritual growth. There are also regular group meditations. Sahaj Marg has a guide or master called Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, (often affectionately known as Chariji) who assists in spiritual progress, regularly visiting countries all over the world.

Shamanism is an ancient healing practice (at least 20,000 years old), that has existed throughout all parts of the world, and within many cultures. The Shaman is the wise, holy person who has the ability to enter into an altered state of consciousness or the spirit world and use his/her special knowledge to heal the sufferer, foretell the future, interpret dreams and ward off evil spirits. Shamans in the traditional hunting societies were usually men and were held in the highest regard. In the more agrarian societies of Africa, India and Asia, many shamans were women, and in Korea, all shamans are female. Shamanistic practice is infused with ritual which enables the shaman (and sometimes the sufferer) to enter the spirit world. These ancient rituals often involve drumming, chanting and dancing. Today knowledgeable people may lead expeditions to the ancient sacred sights where Shamanism was practiced and in some instances these expeditions may be able to observe actual rituals still occurring today.

Shiatsu is an ancient form of Oriental massage. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture and aims to restore a balanced flow of energy within the meridians. A Shiatsu treatment incorporates healing techniques from other modalities including physiotherapy and osteopathy. A Shiatsu therapist applies pressure to individual acupoints and along meridians lines using the fingertips, thumbs, knuckles, elbows, knees and sometimes feet. For the therapist, every touch is both a treatment and a diagnosis in that the body is giving information, thus the maxim: "diagnosis is treatment and treatment is diagnosis". Shiatsu treatments usually last about an hour and are very relaxing. Treatments can be very beneficial to reduce stress, improve digestion, concentration, and promote better posture. Shiatsu is helpful in relieving back and neck pain and helping to establish a general sense of well-being.

SHEN is a hands-on therapy in which the practitioner directs qi-energy through the client's body to relax physical tension and allow buried emotions to surface and be released. Developed by American scientist Richard Pavec in the 70's, SHEN is based on the theory that emotions are stored and felt not in the mind, but in the body. For example, we may feel "sick with nerves" when anxious or get "a lump in our throat" when trying not to cry. When we experience painful emotions, the body has a tendency to contract around them in a protective mechanism known as the "splinting reflex". Our brains are not able to reverse these contractions, so these old painful emotions remain trapped in our bodies, sometimes causing physical ailments. Often we find ourselves repeating old patterns of behaviour over and over, or reacting to minor present-day events with a surge of emotions that is more linked to past events what is actually happening now. The SHEN practitioner helps these old emotions to be released by using a series of carefully planned light hand movements on and around the client's body. The client may experience tingling or twitching in the body while this is happening, and forgotten memories of pivotal events may surface. Feelings of anger, sadness, shame or fear may be experienced as emotions are released. Normally, a series of 6 - 10 sessions is recommended. Following SHEN, clients generally report feeling more confidence, joy, peace and empowerment, and often old negative patterns of behaviour simply cease to exist. Some physical conditions also respond well to SHEN, particularly migraine, IBS and PMS.

T

T'ai Chi (T'ai Chi Ch'uan) is a Chinese Martial art that is valued for improving fitness health and longevity as well as for being an excellent self defense system. T'ai Chi originated several hundred years ago and has become one of the most popular exercises in the world. There are five major styles of T'ai Chi and all are based on certain fundamental principles rooted in ancient Chinese history. Tai Chi is symbolized by the Ying and Yang symbol which represents polar opposites that are brought into dynamic harmony and balance. T'ai Chi tries to harmonize various parts of the body, the emotions, mind and spirit, while at the same time becoming more aware of the various states of inner conflict, such as tension and relaxation, that exist in the body and mind. In T'ai Chi, all movements should be slow and continuous, without stopping. Regular practice with T'ai Chi can benefit by helping alleviate anxiety and depression, muscular tension or chronic ill-health.

Tai Chi (Infinite T'ai Chi)

"Be Still like a mountain, and flow like a great river". Lao Tze

Infinite Tai Chi is a graceful and powerful form of movement designed to promote balanced health, inner-strength, self-awareness, personal and spiritual growth. The classes include Infinite Tai Chi form and Infinite Chi Kung - breathing exercises for internal strength and some meditation and relaxation exercises to calm the mind and still the emotions. Based on the eternal and natural rhythmic movement of life, these series of movements activate the life energy which flows through all living things and encourages the the body's natural ability to heal itself, releasing blocked energies and cleansing the body of toxins. The system promotes vitality and natural health.

Tantric Yoga

Thai Massage

Tui Na is a Chinese system of massage and energy work. It was developed thousands of years ago and predates both Swedish massage and Shiatsu. Tui Nai therapists stimulate the meridians through a combination of thirteen different touch techniques. This therapy works especially well on sports and other injuries and in the healing of stored trauma in the muscles.

V

VortexHealing is a very powerful, energetic healing art which works solely with divine light and consciousness. It derives its name from a particular energy-vortex that is the interface between our physical world and a special divine healing realm that is accessed in this art. This healing realm is what makes VortexHealing so unique, for the practitioner can channel not just a very powerful healing energy-the divine energy and light of the Vortex-but also the consciousness of this special realm, which is composed of 7 divine beings whose sole intention is to manifest healing. This enables VortexHealing to perform extraordinary healings on the physical and emotional level as well as to release the deepest karmic issues we hold as human beings they are transformed directly by divine consciousness. On a more mundane level, VortexHealing is versatile and effective.

XYZ

YOGA - There is recent archeological evidence that suggests that Yoga may be over 5,000 years old. Yoga has many forms and expresses a complete philosophical system of which the highest purpose is enlightenment and oneness with the Supreme Being. Some of the most popular forms of Yoga are: Hatha Yoga which emphasizes physical postures (asanas) and breathing control techniques; Raja Yoga which emphasizes the mental aspects and involves meditation ; Ashtanga Yoga which combines elements of Hatha and Raja; Kundalini Yoga which emphasizes the movement of the subtle energies up the spine to the head thus activating major energy centers (chakras)and ultimately causing changes in consciousness; Tantric Yoga which is based on texts that emphasize the awakening of the Kundalini force and that give detailed descriptions of the body's subtle-energy centers.