Which therapy is for me?
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical well being. Essential Oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be utilised to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways, including massage, baths, and inhalations. These are ready absorbed through the skin and have gentle physiological effects. Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions.
Massage
Massage is simply the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body - the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A massage therapist's hands are his most important tool through which he not only treats the patient but also detects physical and emotional problems. The massage therapist palpates the patient's body to determine the condition of the tissues and the likely source of any pain, and thus the correct form of remedial treatment.
Massage works through the various body systems in one of two ways, a mechanical action and a reflex action. A mechanical action is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement, thereby cleansing them of acids and deposits. This mechanical action breaks up fibrous tissue and loosens stiff joints.
A reflex is created when treatment of one part of the body affects another part of the body, much like pressing a light switch on a wall to turn on a light in the centre of the room. Just like this electric connection, so too are different parts of the body connected to eachother not just by flesh and bone but by nerve pathways, or flows of energy known as 'meridians'. So, by using reflex action, some therapists will treat a patient's stomach complaint by massaging the arms, and will alleviate pain in the legs by massaging the lower back.
Reiki
Reiki is a system of healing originating in Japan. The word "reiki" means "universal life energy", the vital energy around and within all living things.
How does it work?
Japanese reiki is a form of touch therapy in which the therapist uses a both the laying on of hands and distant healing techniques. The therapists treats those parts of the body he or she senses are emitting weak energy, by laying his or her hands close to the site of the problem, this enables energy to start to flow through the therapist's hands to the patient.
History of Reiki
Reiki first started at the turn of the century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese doctor. Dr Usui developed his healing system from Buddhist teachings and as a result of extensive travels, research and meditation. This system of healing is also based on Sanskrit teachings.
What does a Reiki treatment entail?
During a Reiki treatment, patients lie on a massage table to facilitate their relaxation. The practitioner's hands rest lightly in a sequence of positions on their fully clothed body, the aim being to provide a gentle warming vital energy.
Reflexology
This treatment is sometimes called zone therapy and is a therapy in which the nerve endings primarily in the feet are stimulated by specific massage techniques to effect changes in another part of the body and thereby create health and help overcome disease.
How does it work?
The body is divided into different zones represented by a point in the foot or hand. Nerve endings are imbedded in the feet and hands that then travel to the spinal cord and to various parts of the body. Stimulating these nerve endings thereby helps promote relaxation, improve circulation, stimulate vital organs in the body and encourage the body's natural healing processes. Unlike conventional medicine, reflexology works on the underlying problems within the body and works through the body's nervous system. Sometimes lactic acid can be felt in the foot in the form of little crystals. This is a sediment due to poor eating or lack of exercise and can be crushed and reabsorbed into the body thereby allowing the lymph system to eliminate the waste product.
