The use of aromatic plants was originally part of herbal medicine. The distillation of essential oils from aromatic plants forms the basis of aromatherapy offering us a natural way of caring for our health.

Aromas are reported to produce different thoughts by opening up memories. These can relax, uplift, calm or energise. Essential oils massaged into the skin can have a physical effect on the body such as reducing inflammation.

A personal prescription of a blend of essential oils would be made for you after a consultation and would be based on your individual needs. This bespoke mix can be inhaled through an inhalator, massaged into the body either in a carrier oil, moisturiser or shower gel. The oil can also be placed into a vapouriser and as the mix warms the essential oils scent the room. To enhance the beneficial properties of the aromatherapy oils the products can be taken for home use on a daily basis, or as prescribed.

Aromatherapy may promote a feeling of relaxation, calmness and well-being and provides a very effective treatment for stress relief.

Aromatherapy has been shown to be beneficial for treating:

• Dementia and Alzheimer's
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Menopausal Symptoms
• Arthritis
• Motor Neurone Disease

For more information on how aromatherapy can help follow this link to the Therapy Directory website.

Reflexology has been practised for thousands of years by the Indians, Chinese and Egyptians. In the 1930's it was brought to the west by a therapist Eunice Ingham. She observed that tension and congestion in any part of the feet mirrored tension and congestion in the corresponding part of the body. It was introduced to the UK in the 1960's.

Reflexology is the study of the reflexes of the feet and hands which are believed to correspond with every gland, organ and part of the body.

The reflexology treatment will be carried out when you are in a comfortable position on the couch, you will be asked to remove your socks and shoes if reflexology is being given to the feet. After a lower leg and foot massage reflex points on each foot (or hand) will be gently pressed using thumbs and fingers.

Reflexology can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Digestive Disorders - in particular reflexology may help with settling digestive disorders
• Back and Joint Pain -
• Multiple Sclerosis - helps to stimulate internal organs while the patient is inactive.
• COPD - because patients can become less active reflexology can help to stimulate internal processes and organs, often enabling patients to regain their mobility to some extent.
• Motor Neurone Disease - according to the MND Association reflexology can be used to help improve the quality of life of sufferers.
• Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage technique is successful in reducing Lymphoedema.
• Pre-conception - focusing on the endocrine system, reflexology can help to correctly balance the hormones creating the ideal internal environment for getting pregnant.
• Pregnancy - reflexology can help with pregnancy related problems, treatments can be adapted to suit both physical and emotional needs on an individual basis, working towards a natural birth and can help induce labour.
• Post Natal Care - the ability to re-balance the hormone levels and get the metabolism working efficiently can be influenced using reflexology, as well as being used to help stimulate breast milk and uterine contractions to get a client's figure back.

Reflexology is very good for regulating all body functions and systems, helping to release stress and tensions throughout the body. For more information visit the Therapy Directory page on Reflexology here.

Reflexology Lymph Drainage

RLD is an award winning reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. It is an unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc(Hons), whilst working in cancer care. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology.

Lymphoedema is defined as tissue swelling due to the failure of lymph drainage. After breast cancer, a person may experience psychological or emotional difficulties due to altered body image, and a swollen limb can exacerbate this. Research suggests that survivors with lymphoedema are more likely to suffer psychological and emotional difficulties, be more disabled, and experience a poorer quality of life than survivors without the condition. Improved breast cancer survival rates suggest that approximately 2:3 women survive the disease beyond 20 years. This means that more people are living longer with this debilitating effect for which there is currently no cure.
(Information from www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk)

Reiki, pronounced "ray-key", is a simple yet powerful technique in which energy is channelled through the hands of the therapist to the recipient, which activates the body's own natural ability to balance itself. Many ancient cultures had knowledge of hands on methods of touch therapy and have referred to the transference of Universal Life Force Energy to promote well-being. Reiki was one such method which was revived in the middle of the 19th century by Dr Mikao Usui in Japan.

A treatment will involve lying down fully clothed on the couch. Hands will be gently placed on or above certain parts of your body while you relax. You may experience warmth, coolness, tingling or other sensations as the energy flows through your body.

Most people experience a deep sense of relaxation which leaves a feeling of peace and calmness which may stay with you for some time improving sleep patterns and reducing anxiety.

Reiki can prove beneficial for many patients, and is particularly suited to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy as it is a safe, non-invasive treatment. The MND Association have also added Reiki to their list of complementary therapies to help sufferers.

For more information visit the Therapy Directory Reiki page here.