A - Z Of Therapies

The therapies currently available at the Northampton Clinic include:

Acupuncture | Aromatherapy | Beauty Therapy | Chiropody | Counselling | Cranial Osteopathy
Food Sensitivity Testing | Homeopathy | Hypnotherapy | Kinesiology | McTimoney Chiropractic | Nutritional Therapy
Osteopathy | Physiotherapy | Reflexology | Reiki | Remedial Massage | Western Medical Acupuncture | Zero Balancing

Many of the therapists are happy to talk to possible patients before the initial consultation.

For information ring reception

Acupuncture

What is it?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing which aims to balance a person's inner energy to promote good health and well-being. Fine sterile stainless steel needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points to bring about widespread benefits to a person's physical body and their general state of mind and emotions.

What happens during Acupuncture?

After an initial detailed case history lasting about 2 hours, the acupuncturist will check a patient's wrist pulses and sometimes also their tongue. Treatment then starts on a weekly basis, with sterile needles being inserted as appropriate to create the desired changes in the patient's energy. Sometimes a process called moxibustion is used - with the skin being gently warmed by a traditional herbal preparation. The frequency of treatment decreases gradually as the patient starts to maintain any improvement.

Who is it for?

Acupuncture can be used as a general treatment which may be beneficial to a wide range of conditions - for example anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, high blood pressure, indeterminable aches and pains, infertility, menstrual and menopause problems, migraines, skin conditions, insomnia and many more.

It does more, however, than cure symptoms, working more to restoring overall balance to make a person feel better from within.

Aromatherapy

What is it?

Aromatherapy is the use of pure, essential plant oils to promote health and well-being. Essential oils can be used for inhalation, compresses, bathing and massage. Aromatherapy works at a physical and emotional level: in massage, oils are taken through the skin to reach the blood stream to act on your muscles and other body systems. At the same time, the smell of the oils has an effect on your feelings.

What happens during Aromatherapy?

At the first visit a thorough consultation will cover medical history, diet, posture, skin, general health and the stresses and strains of your life. From this the aromatherapist will blend oils to help you individually. The choice of oils may change from visit to visit as your well-being changes. A specialised massage technique used with the oils forms a major part of the treatment. 'You may also be advised on home use of oils in ointments, baths, etc. This first visit will take up to 2 hours.

Who is it for?

Aromatherapy aims to balance your body systems and feelings. Aromatherapy has been successfully used to help many different types of conditions including stress-related problems, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and skin conditions.

Beauty Therapy

What is it?

The beautician provides all aspects of Beauty therapy including waxing, manicures, pedicures, eyelash tinting and perming, airbrush tanning, eyebrow shaping and facials.

She also offers

Indian Head Massage
Aromatherapy
Arasys Inch Loss and cellulite reduction
Dermalift nonsurgical face lifting treatment

Chiropody

What is it?

A Chiropodist is a health care professional who provides comprehensive treatment of the feet and gives advice about footcare and footwear.

What does a Chiropodist do?

The Chiropodist carries out a general assessment of the feet, and a determination of the patient's chief complaint.

When to see a Chiropodist?

If you have any foot problems, foot pain, redness, swelling or any other unusual signs on the feet, it is time to seek professional help.

If you are unable to get down to deal with your own feet or are not able to see what you are doing clearly, it is time to seek professional help.

Common Foot Problems

Corns and callous
Nails - Ingrown, Thickened, Fungal
Excessive sweat
Athlete's foot
Warts (verrucae)
Flat feet
Heel pain
Chilblains
Dry skin
Cracked heels

Counselling

What is it?

Counselling occurs when a counsellor meets with a client in a private and confidential setting to explore a difficulty the client is having. Counselling is a way of facilitating choice or change or reducing confusion. Being accepted and respected by the counsellor, the client can gain self-respect and confidence to move forward.

What happens during Counselling?The counsellor will encourage the client to look at aspects of his life, relationships and himself. There may be some exploration of early relationships to discover how he has come to react and to find a point where it is possible to initiate some change. Client autonomy is the ultimate aim - for the client to make his own choices and decisions.

Who is it for?

Counselling is for anyone who is finding it difficult to cope with various aspects of their lives. They may be experiencing:

work related stress
relationship difficulties
family problems
worries about health
bereavement
domestic violence
sexual abuse
eating disorders
anxiety
depression

Cranial Osteopathy

What is it?

Cranial osteopathy is an exceptionally gentle, yet very powerful system or natural healing based on the regular movement patterns of the body induced by the cranial rhythm.

Sensitive and trained hands can feel the cranial rhythm throughout the body as a regular pulsation occurring 6-12 times every minute.

Cranial osteopathy is concerned with the palpation diagnosis and balancing of the cranial sacral mechanism. A freely moving fluid and balanced cranial rhythm is conducive to a state of health, well-being and self-healing.

What happens during Cranial Osteopathy?

Treatment is exceptionally gentle. The practitioner simply places his or her hands very gently on the patient's head (or other appropriate part of the body) and by application of the softest of pressures, balances the subtle twists, pulls, and asymmetries reflected through the system. The pressure is often so slight that the patient may not even be aware that anything is happening - at least until the beneficial effects are felt.

Who is it for?

Cranial osteopathy is extremely gentle and can therefore be used in acutely painful or delicate conditions also for babies, children and the elderly.

It promotes healing at a very profound level, often resolving the cause(s) of conditions and diseases.

It can treat many conditions which are cranio-sacral in origin which are therefore not dealt with by any other means e.g. compression of head during birth with its many after effects, learning difficulties, hyperactivity etc. facial restrictions and effects of head, spine and pelvic injuries.

Food Sensitivity Testing

What is it?

Food Sensitivity Testing is completely painless but very accurate way of assertaining which foods you are sensitive to at the present time.

From the results gained, your Therapist will he able to discuss ways in which you can modify your diet in order to promote natural healing of the body.

What happens during Food Sensitivity Testing?

The initial part of the consultation will take the form of addressing post medical history leading up to the present day symptoms. The test is based on Applied Kinesiology (muscle tesfing). The patient stays fully clothed for the duration.

Who is it for?

Everybody can benefit from re-assessing their diet. It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from I.B.S. migraine, fluid retention, mood swings, fatigue, candida, P.M.S.

Homoeopathy

What is it?

Homoeopathy is a complete and scientific system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognises that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs treatment, not the disease.

What happens during Homoeopathic Treatment?

The initial consultation will last for up to two hours because as well as asking all about any physical and emotional symptoms the homoeopath will explore other areas such as responses to food, environment, and emotional issues. With this information she will build a picture of you as an individual and prescribe accordingly.

Who is it for?

Homoeopathy can be used for a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, both acute and chronic. As tiny doses of natural substances are used during treatment homeopathy is particularly suitable and effective when used for babies, children and pregnant women.

Homoeopathy can be used to support belle at times of emotional intensity e.g. bereavement. Homoeopathy offers an opportunity not only to relieve symptoms but also to increase levels of health and well-being.

Hypnotherapy

What is it?

Hypnosis is a state of relation similar to that daydream state between waking and sleeping. Hypnotherapy is the use of this state of relaxation to access the subconscious to deal with personal problems.

What happens during Hypnotherapy?

In a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, when the client is ready, the state of hypnosis is induced using a gentle, spoken technique. At all times the client remains in control and after the initial session treatment will vary according to the needs of the client. By working with the subconscious mind, with the help of the therapist, the client is able to find those incidents that are causing problems and to make the changes necessary.

Who is it for?

Hypnotherapy is most successful for those people who are receptive to new experiences, who are willing to make discoveries about themselves, by challenging their understanding of themselves.

Very many problems can be successfully treated through curative hypnotherapy. They include:

stress smoking migraine, tension, blushing
anxiety weight control phobias, irrational fears
relaxation lack of confidence habits, such as nail biting
Treatments normally consist of a series of hour long sessions, in which the therapist works with the person, to identify the roots of a problem.

Kinesiology

What is it?

Kinesiology tests muscle responses using gentle pressure to identify imbalances in the body. It is a holistic treatment that enhances your body's powers of healing and can bring genuine relief from a variety of common ailments.

The results enable the practitioner to determine structural, nutritional, and emotional and acupuncture meridian imbalances, and to select the most effective type of treatment for you.

What happens during Kinesiology?

Treatment may consist of:

Gentle massage at various locations on the body

Stimulation of acupuncture points (without the use of needles)

Dietary suggestions

Offering supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs flower essences or homeopathic remedies.

It is relaxing, and can help with stress as well as physical ailments.

Who is it for?

People with fatigue, depression, mood swings, menstrual problems, identifying allergies, menopausal difficulties, joint and muscular pain, migraines, skin problems, sinus problems, asthma, digestive disorders, food sensitivities and stress.

McTimoney Chiroptactic

What is it?

Chiropractic is a method of adjusting and balancing the spine and pelvis to relieve pain, increase mobility and improve health.

Your spine is made of vertebrae which form a movable column that houses the spinal cord. This, in turn, branches into the nerves that serve all of the body from digestion to dancing. Distortion in the spine, called misalignment, disrupts these messages most commonly causing pain but also stiffness, discomfort, tiredness even headaches.

This distortion is due mainly to accidents, poor lifting, falls, stress, repetitive strain and bad posture but there can be many other causes. These often also affect the pelvis, the foundation on which the spine rests; McTimoney chiropractors give considerable attention to balancing and aligning it.

Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints and restore the body’s alignment, nerve function and general health. They can help problems such as back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches whiplash, sciatica and sports injuries.

What happens at a treatment?

A full case history is taken, recording your demographic details. Past health history includes accidents, operations, childbirth, medication, illness and activities including work and leisure. Golf and tennis, for example are one sided sports which create their own difficulties.

Most importantly, considerable detail will be sought about your problem(s) – onset, duration, aggravating and alleviating factors. All of this builds a picture to assess your symptoms for a diagnosis, the best treatment plan and the most likely outcome.

You will be asked to undress and offered a gown so the chiropractor can examine your spine and joints (called palpation) and, as required, test reflexes, check your range of motion and perform various functional tests.

Then the chiropractor will palpate your spine from top to bottom (we don’t come in parts like a motor car) to find the cause of the problem. It’s not always where you think it is! For example. Leg pain can come from the lower back and dumb fingers from the neck.

The chiropractor will then use quick, accurate techniques to adjust the joints causing minimal discomfort. Usually two to six sessions are required, starting weekly and then gradually spacing out. After the problem has resolved, an MOT once or twice yearly is often advised to keep your body functioning at its best.

Chiropractic is holistic both in its whole body treatment and its overall care. Advise is often given, as required, on exercise, posture, diet (especially water the elixir of life), ergonomics, stress, etc.

Who is it for?

Anyone from babies to the elderly can benefit from McTimoney chiropractic. Due to the light, swift movements, the adjustments can be varied in strength to help the frail and elderly at one end of the scale and strong fit builders at the other.

Nutritional Therapy

What is it?

Nutritional Therapy is a natural way of re-establishing the balance of body systems (immune, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular skeletol) in order to promote natural healing. With optimum nutrition the body is provided with a better chance to stand up and fight for itself against against many illness and degenerative diseases which threaten most people today.

It involves dietary changes, usually backed up by on individually designed supplement programme, (vitamins, minerals) focusing on areas of nutrient imbalances which con he contributing towards, or be the cause of, a whole range of illnesses.

What happens during Nutritional Therapy?

During the first consultation (approximately one and a half - two hours) the Nutrition Consultant will analyse current and post health problems, diet, lifestyle and in some cases biochemicol test information. This will enable her to assess dietary and supplementary needs.

Dietary guidelines and a supplement programme will then he agreed with the client which will take them up to the second consultation, usually 4 - 6 weeks later. Progress will be reviewed during the second consultation (opproximately one hour) and adjustments made to the programme to carry the client through to the next consultation, usually 8 -10 weeks later. Telephone support is available between consultations of no additional cost.

Who is it for?

People of all ages who may he suffering from a wide range of health problems may benefit from Nutritional Therapy. These include hormone imbalances, digestive disorders, arthritis, mood swings, food allergies, skin problems, I.B.S., insomnia, candida, M.E., PMS, headaches, fatigue, weight problems, eating disorders, fertility problems, blood sugar imbalances and so on. A preliminary (free of charge) telephone conversation will establish how a consultation may he of benefit to you.

Osteopathy

What is it?

Osteopathy concerns itself with the framework of the body - bones, joints, ligaments, muscles etc. - and how it is functioning. Faults in this mechanical system can cause pain and disability. When the structure is in harmony and balance then, like a well-tuned engine, the body functions with a minimum of stress, wear and use of energy - leaving more energy for living. Osteopathy treats faults that occur to this system through injury, stress and other causes.

What happens during Osteopathy?

Osteopaths use a variety of stretching, thrusting and massage techniques to manipulate parts of your body. Your full medical history is taken, your posture and structural conditions carefully examined. Sometimes X-rays, blood tests or urine samples are required. Treatment may also include advice on posture, diet lifestyle etc.

Who is it for?

People with backache, headaches, neck, shoulder tension and joint strains - such as in the hips, knees, ankles, feet, wrists, elbows, shoulders or ribs. For discomforts associated with postural changes during pregnancy and for a pre-birth cheek on the joints in delivery. For all age groups (from the trauma of birth to the arthritis of the elderly) and for sports injuries.

Physiotherapy

What is it?

The assessment and treatment of the human body after injury, trauma, disease or surgery. The most publicly seen area of Physiotherapy is the treatment of sports injuries. However, there are many specialist areas, such as the treatment of Back & Neck Pain • Whiplash • Sciatica • Posture problems • Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) • Rehabilitation after Othopaedic Surgery • Ergonomics

What happens during Physiotherapy?

On the initial assessment, the Physiotherapist will take a full history of your existing and past medical problems. After gaining consent, a physical examination will take place to determine a diagnosis of the problem. Occasionally, your Physiotherapist may suggest further investigation e.g. xrays but this will be discussed with you. Treatments that are commonly used by the Physiotherapist are the mobilisation of joints and muscles, soft tissue release, electrotherapy, manipulation and exercise regimes. The treatment you receive will depend on your diagnosis but all intervention will be specific to you and your condition.

Reflexology

What is it?

Reflexology is an ancient system of healing based on the principle that reflex areas of the feet are linked to corresponding areas of the body. Reflexology stimulates the immune system, reduces anxiety and tension and improves circulation, thus helping to alleviate symptoms and improve general health.
What happens during Reflexology?

A reflexologist uses hands only to apply gentle pressure to the feet. Sensitive, trained hands can detect imbalances in the feet and by working on these points can release blockages in energy. This gentle therapy stimulates the body's own healing mechanisms.

Who is it for?

The therapy brings relief to a wide range of acute and long-standing conditions and is suitable for all ages. It is useful for all stress related conditions and more specifically headaches, migraine, digestive conditions, circulatory conditions, respiratory conditions, pre- menstrual tension, insomnia, back pain, sciatica, sinusitis and arthritis.

Reiki

What is it?

Reiki is a system of 'hands on' healing which originated in Japan from ancient teachings. Reiki means 'universal life energy', the vital energy around all living things.

A Reiki practitioner is quite simply a channel through which energy is drawn according to your personal needs for healing.

Remedial Massage

What is it?

Remedial massage is soft tissue manipulation and is designed to treat muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. The massage movements use various techniques (including kneading, friction and stretching) with different degrees of pressure to relax or stimulate the tissues.

What happens during Remedial Massage?

Only the particular part of your body needing to be worked on will be exposed. The masseur will work using oil to a depth of pressure you find acceptable. The length of treatment is usually half an hour and several visits may he needed.

Who is it for?

Remedial massage can help people with tight muscles or stiff joints - perhaps from sports injuries or accidents. This type of massage can be beneficial to mobilise limbs after inactivity, during pregnancy and as a support to other therapies such as osteopathy.

Western Medical Acupuncture

Western Medical Acupuncture differs in its theoretical basis from Traditional Chinese Acupuncture but there are many common features. Modem knowledge of anatomy and physiology, particularly in relation to the brain and nervous system, has led to the explanation of many of the actions of acupuncture, and this knowledge has helped in the further development of the therapy.

Acupuncture is frequently used to relieve painful conditions such as arthritis and to regulate disturbances in the body's own natural control systems.
Musculoskeletal pains throughout the body will often respond to acupuncture as will conditions such as migraine, sinus congestion, menstrual and menopausal symptoms and some digestive disorders.

To have an initial discussion and to arrange a consultation please phone 01604 830423.

Zero Balancing

What is it?

Zero Balancing is a gentle yet powerful hands-on method of balancing body energy with body structure. Using finger pressure and held stretches, it invites the release of tension accumulated in the deep structures of the body. The specific quality of touch enables physical structure and energy to be engaged simultaneously in a way that harmonises the relationship between them. Zero Balancing provides a point of stillness around which the body can relax, giving an opportunity to let go of unease and pain, and the experience of a new level of integration.The name Zero Balancing arose spontaneously from a recipient's description of the session she had just received.

How did it originate?

Dr. Fritz Smith, an osteopath, physician and acupuncturist, developed the principles of Zero Balancing in 1975. He understood the importance of integrating mainstream Western scientific approaches to body structure with concepts of energy and healing used routinely in the East, Fritz Smith describes his insights into both models of health care in his book 'Inner Bridges', (available from ZBA UK). He teaches internationally, training practitioners and teachers to use and teach Zero Balancing. Zero Balancers* are also health care professionals in other fields. The ZBAUK organises the thorough training programme that leads to accreditation as a Certified Zero Balancer.

How can it help?

Zero Balancing promotes a deep sense of physical and emotional harmony, allowing our own natural healing process to work more effectively. Zero Balancing benefits a wide range of people and has extensive applications in health and in personal development. The following are some of the areas in which it may be especially useful:

Flexibility & Posture

Zero Balancing focuses on the groups of joints in the body that are involved with the smooth transmission of forces through the weight-bearing skeleton - in effect they act as shock absorbers. Zero Balancing evaluates and improves the function of these joints, working towards optimum balance and efficiency in their relationship with each other and with the whole body. This encourages natural realignment and improved posture

Stress Reduction

Zero Balancing is an effective and gentle way of dealing with accumulated stress in the body and in the mind. People feel relaxed, refreshed and invigorated after a session, more able to understand and deal with the causes of their stress.

Body Pain

Pain usually occurs in those areas where energy flow is blocked or weakened, commonly in areas of tension or overuse. Zero Balancing restores energy flow, so removing the causes of pain and improving body awareness. There is a corresponding increase in flexibility, range and performance.

General Wellbeing

Zero Balancing generates an active and conscious state of wellbeing. Pleasurable in itself, it can provide a foundation for continuing good health. If you feel good, Zero Balancing offers you the opportunity to feel even better

Reparative Touch

Natural responses to touch can become distorted by events such as trauma, abuse or prolonged physical or emotional pain. Zero Balancing establishes a clear interface between the therapist and the client in which the boundaries of touch and communication are distinct and non-intrusive. The safety of this respectful connection enables the client to reclaim their body and rediscover the positive aspects of human touch.

Personal Process

ZB can facilitate the release of outdated mental habits and patterns of emotional responses. Unresolved issues from our personal history may be held in the body and act as obstacles to personal development. ZB can help access and clear these obstructions, strengthening our ability to adapt to change and to reconnect with our essential selves.

Zero Balancing is a complement to medical health care and not a substitute for it The work is not designed for the acutely ill or disturbed person, and should not be used following surgery or a bone fracture until sufficient structural healing has taker place. Your Certified Zero Balancer will advise you whether Zero Balancing is suitable for you.

What happens during a session?

Zero Balancing is a hands-on bodywork. It is done with the client clothed and lying on his or her back. A short health history will be taken before the session starts. It is not necessary for the client to talk during the session. A session may take anywhere between twenty and forty minutes. Zero Balancing promotes a deep state of relaxation, and it is common for people to feel refreshingly rested and revitalised after the first session. It is recommended that a person has three sessions to begin with, and then decides with their practitioner what frequency would best serve them. Some people continue to have ZB regularly, whilst others find it beneficial at times when they need to be functioning at their best, or during times of particular stress, or during transitional periods in their lives.

People who receive Zero Balancing may also move into a new state of awareness from which old patterns and habits in the body and mind may be more readily released. This can manifest as noticeable changes in the way physical structure and movement are experienced, or as a shift in inner landscape so that new opportunities and choices become apparent.