Acupuncture:

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's energy or qi moving in a smooth and balanced way through 'channels' beneath the skin. By inserting fine needles into these channels, acupuncturists believe it stimulates the body's own healing response.

To find a practitioner contact the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
Telephone: 020 9735 0404
Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk

The British Medical Acupuncture Society
Tel: 01606 786782
Fax: 01606 786783
Email: Admin@medical-acupuncture.org.uk
Website: www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a way of improving body posture and teachers believe that, by achieving postural harmony, we can improve our body functions such as circulation, digestion and breathing.

The technique was invented by an actor called Frederick Matthias Alexander, who used it to help overcome his own breathing and voice problems. Over a number of lessons, the teacher will help you to achieve a more natural posture and show you techniques that you can apply to your everyday activities.

Alexander Technique may help to ease pain, relieve stress and improve breathing. The technique is gentle and causes no harm. The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique supervises training, keeps a register of teachers and upholds a code of ethics.

For more information contact The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
Telephone: 0845 230 7828
Website: www.stat.org.uk

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is based on the healing properties of essential plant oils.

The oils are extracted from the plants and diluted in a carrier oil. Practitioners believe that each oil has a particular effect on the body or mind. There are more than 400 essential oils that can be used. They are extracted from different parts of the plants, including flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, stems and bark.

The oils are usually massaged into the body, but they can be inhaled, used in a bath or in a cold compress placed next to the skin.

Aromatherapy may help to relieve stress and tension, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

• Oils should never be swallowed, or used undiluted on the skin.
• Some oils should not be used on pregnant women.
• Massage may not be recommended for some cancer patients. Please ask your doctor whether it is safe for you, before starting your aromatherapy.
• Your aromatherapist should ask you about your medical history, allergies and any medicines you are taking before starting any therapy.

Aromatherapists who belong to a member organisation of the Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) will have been trained to AOC standards.

For more information contact: Aromatherapy Organisations Council
Telephone: 0870 7743477 (between 10.00am- 2.00pm Monday to Friday)
Website: www.aromatherapy-regulation.org.uk

Herbal Medicine:

Herbal medicines have become part of our lives, but there have been concerns over their quality and safety. A European Union directive on traditional herbal medicinal products will make sure that all herbal medicines on sale in the UK are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

At the moment the UK herbal market place is a confusing mixture of regulated licensed herbal medicines, herbal products sold as food supplements and unlicensed herbal medicines with no claims and no quality requirements. This can lead to misleading or inaccurate claims for herbal products with a lack of accurate information available as to when it is appropriate for a consumer to use a particular herbal medicine.

The new European legislation will enable consumers to purchase herbal medicines with the knowledge that they are safe and have been manufactured to an approved, consistently high quality. They will also be able to gain information from approved product packaging and manufacturer's marketing that will help them to choose the correct medicine for their particular ailment.

The above will take time and it is hoped that all herbal medicine will be regulated by 2011.

To find a practitioner contact the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Telephone: 01392 426022
Webiste: www.nimh.org.uk

Massage

Massage is a term used to describe a range of techniques such as touching, stroking, pressing and kneading the surface of the body to promote physical and mental relaxation. There are many different types of massage, some are gentle; others are more vigorous, some are based on traditional techniques and theories - others are modern in their approach. Massage may be applied to the whole body, or to just a part of it.

Massage may relieve tension and pain, and help you to relax. It may help to relieve stress-related problems such as sleeplessness and tension headaches. It may reduce anxiety and help to promote a feeling of wellbeing.

You should check with your doctor before having massage therapy. Massage is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, and may not be suitable for all cancer patients.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese word that means universal energy. Practitioners believe this energy flows through all living things, and is vital to wellbeing.

For a reiki session you lie down or sit in a comfortable position. You don't need to remove any clothes and the practitioner places his/her hands in a series of positions on or over the body. The theory is that energy flows from the practitioner to the client, who can then use that energy to improve his/her own physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing. Clients may feel sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling or nothing at all. Normally a series of sessions is recommended.

Reiki may aid relaxation, relieve stress and promote a feeling of calm. Practitioners believe it can stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and balance the emotions. It is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside conventional treatments. Reiki is a gentle and safe therapy.

Members of the UK Reiki Federation agree to uphold the code of ethics and standards of practice for reiki, and to abide by its disciplinary procedure. The Federation is developing national occupational standards for the professional practice of reiki.

For more information contact The UK Reiki Federation
Telephone: 0870 850 2209 (lines open between 10.00am- 1.00pm Monday to Thursday)
Website: www.reikifed.co.uk

Reflexology

Reflexology is a treatment in which pressure is applied to the feet to assess the patient's health and promote wellbeing. Each zone on the foot is said to correspond to a zone of the body, with energy flowing between the two points along an energy pathway.

Practitioners say that massaging these points unblocks the pathway, restores normal energy flow and improves the body's natural healing powers.

Reflexology may aid relaxation, relieve stress and promote a feeling of wellbeing. It isn't harmful, but some practitioners won't treat patients with certain medical conditions.

The International Institute of Reflexology keeps a register of trained teachers and upholds a code of ethics.

For more information on reflexology and how to find a practitioner contact:

The International Institute of Reflexology
Telephone: 0114 2812100 between 9.00am- 1.00pm Tuesday to Friday
Website: www.reflexology-uk.co.uk
OR
The Association of Reflexologists
Telephone: 0870 567 3320
Website: www.aor.org.uk

Holistic Centre - Penny Brohn Cancer Care

The Penny Brohn Cancer Care Help Centre is a holistic centre offering complementary cancer care and advice to work alongside orthodox medical treatment. They provide a combination of physical, emotional and spiritual support using complementary therapies and self-help techniques, including practical advice on nutrition.

People can access Penny Brohn Cancer Care Approach through residential courses run by an experienced team of doctors, nurses and complementary therapists. The Centre also trains over 500 health professionals and complementary therapists each year in using the Penny Brohn Cancer Care Approach to support people with cancer.

Website: www.pennybrohncancercare.org
E-mail: info@pennybrohn.org
Helpline: 0845 123 2310

Look Good ... Feel Better Programme

This is a free support service for women living with cancer offered within Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge . At beauty workshops people can receive professional advice and guidance on how to cope with emotional and appearance related side effects of their treatments.

For patients of Addenbrooke's Oncology Centre who would like to make a reservation please contact the Oncology Reception desk via the main switchboard on 01223 245151.

For more information contact:
Look Good ... Feel Better,
Albany House,
Claremont Lane,
Esher,
Surrey KT10 9DA
Telephone: 01372 470 900
Website: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Embody For You

with more than 7,500 listings www.embodyforyou.com is the largest online directory of Complementary Health & Beauty Salons, Clinics, Spas, Health Centres and individual therapists in the UK and Ireland.

Website: www.embodyforyou.com