ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure is a traditional chinese therapy which consists of applying pressure to special points which lie on the body's energy channels or meridians as they are called. The purpose of this is to free blockages which prevent the proper flow of Chi. The japanese version of acupressure is called Shiatsu. There is currently no evidence to suggest that either Acupressure or Shiatsu is an effective way of controling seizures. However, Acupressure does help to reduce stress levels and this can only be but beneficial.
The Shiatsu Society
Eastlands Court, St. Peters Road, Rugby CV21 3QP
Tel: 01788 555051
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese medicine which dates back to around 3000 - 4000 BC. The aim of Acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of our 'Chi' by inserting thin stainless steel needles into various points situated along the body's energy channels or meridians. The purpose of this is to remove blockages which prevent the proper flow of Chi through the body. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Acupuncture is helpful in controlling seizures.
The British Medical Acupuncture Society
3 Winnington Court, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1AQ,
Tel: 01606 786782
British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9HQ
Tel: 020 8735 0400
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
The Alexander Technique teaches us to use our bodies more efficiently in daily life.
The way our body functions is primarily determined by the co-ordination of our head, neck and back. When we interfere with this subtle relationship we create strain and distortion throughout the body.
As a result of this we may experience symptoms such as headache, backache, stiff neck and shoulders - or, more generally, a lack of poise, lack of vitality or a sense of being out of touch with our body. Since body and mind are part of one system, lack of physical poise can effect our state of mind and our ability to cope with life.
People learning the Technique come from all walks of life and may be motivated to take a series of lessons because of a particular problem or simply because they want to improve their awareness and co-ordination.
The benefits can include relief from aches and pains associated with misuse, improved physical and mental health, enhanced performance and improved appearance.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that the Alexander Technique is helpful in controlling seizures.
The Society of Teachers of Alexander Technique
20 London House, 266 Fulham Rd, London SW10 9EL
020 7351 0828
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy combines the relaxing effects of massage with the therapeutic qualities of essential oils. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants, trees and grasses. They have been used since ancient times. The oils have therapeutic properties which can help with a range of problems, they also promote a feeling of well being. A study by Dr. Tim Betts in 1995 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham revealed that out of the 30 people who suffered from epilepsy who took part in the aromatherapy trials, 6 reported that they hadn't had a seizure since and 13 said that their seizures had been reduced.
International Federation of Aromatherapists
Stamford House, 2/4 Chiswick High Street,London W4 1TH
Tel: 020 8742 2605
Web: International Federation of Aromatherapists
BIOFEEDBACK
Biofeedback or Electroencephalographic feedback is a mental technique by which people learn to control their seizure activity. There is some evidence that Biofeedback works. Biofeedback is tailored to each individual but according to the National Society of Epilepsy is only helpful in children over the age of fourteen.
BOWEN
The Bowen Association
122 High Street, Earl Shilton, Leics LE9 7LQ
CHIROPRACTIC
British Association for Applied Chiropractic
The Old Post Office, Cherry St, Stratton Audley, Oxon 0X6 9BA
Tel: 01869 277111
COUNSELLING
What is Counselling?
Counselling is not about giving advice or telling you how to live your life. The basic principal behind counselling is to allow you to spend time with your counsellor during which you are in control of the agenda. Your counsellor will listen carefully to what you say and understand how you experience your life.
Your counsellor has no interest in judging you as a person, only in helping you to understand yourself. You and your counsellor will spend time exploring how you can live your life in a happier and more satisfying way. This will mean learning to express your emotions honestly, which can feel very frightening if you have never expressed them openly before. It is the job of your counsellor to provide a supportive environment for you to do this. You will learn to understand your own thoughts, feelings and behaviour. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Counselling is helpful in controlling seizures.
British Association for Counselling
1 Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PJ
Tel: 01788 578328
CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY
Cranial Osteopathic Association
478 Baker Street, Enfield, Middx, EN1 3QS
Tel: 020 8367 5561
CRANIO SACRAL THERAPY
Developed in 1939 by William Sutherland the aim of Cranio Sacral Therapy is to move cranial bones so that some neurological problems can be alleviated. There is currently no evidence to suggest that this therapy works but that doesn't necessarily mean that it doesn't have some beneficial effect.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association
Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 07000 784735
Web: Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association
CRYSTAL THERAPY
Everything we need for our spiritual, emotional and physical health can be obtained from the earth, whether it be vegetable or mineral. Crystals have been forming deep within the earth over millions of years, each group of crystals being created with its own specific type of energy. Every person living on the earth also has their own unique energy field, developed through many past experiences and carrying the accumulated energy of all these experiences, including those which may cause disruption or blockages in the person's energy field. If not dealt with at the time, these disruptions and blockages can lead to physical and/or emotional problems or illness. Using crystals is an ancient and powerful form of healing, combining spiritual healing with the individual energies of various crystals. The healer will choose the crystals which carry the energy appropriate for the highest good of the individual. The crystals are placed at strategic points either on or around the body, or simply put within the energy field of the individual. The energy from the crystals is then merged with the divine healing energy being channelled through the healer, so causing the transformation in energy necessary for the healing process to begin.
The healing may not necessarily cure the physical illness, as the individual may still have something to learn from their condition. However, it may enable the person to see more clearly which aspects of their lives need to be changed so as to promote health and well-being. Healing may also be given before the occurrence of physical symptoms, dealing with the emotions before any illness begins to manifest in the physical body. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Crystal Therapy is helpful in controlling seizures.
Affliation of Crystal Healing Organisations
PO Box 344, Manchester, M60 2EZ
Tel: 0161 278 0096
FENG SHUI
Feng Shui Society
377 Edgware Road, London W2 1BT
Tel: 07050 289 200
FLOWER REMEDIES
Dr Edward Bach Foundation
Mount Vernon, Sotwell, Wallingford OX10 0PZ
Tel: 01491 834678
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine is probably the oldest medicine known to man. The Egyptian 'Ebers Papyrus' lists over 85 herbs and the Chinese 'Pen Tsao' contains over a 1000 remedies. The most popular book on Herbal medicine called the Complete Herbal was written by Culpepper in 1653. Some research has been carried out into the effect of certain plants on seizures but these tests have mainly been on animals. For instance: Chinaberry was found to be effective in animals. Qingyang Shen was tested positively on rats. Nine-Herb extract was tested succesfully in Japan on mice and according to a recent article in the Guardian (15/4/97), Cannabidiol one of the active constituents of Cannabis was found to be effective in reducing seizures in 7 out of 8 patients who had uncontrollable seizures.
National Institute of Medical Herbalists
56 Longbrook Street, Exeter EX4 6AH
Tel: 01392 426022
HOMEOPATHY
The idea behind homeopathy is to give a patient a minute dose of a substance which in larger doses would cause the very symptoms a patient is suffering from. In other words homeopathy works a bit like a vaccine. The idea which lies behind this is to stimulate the body so that it can heal itself.
British Homeopathic Association
27a Devonshire St, London W1N 1RJ
Tel: 020 7935 2163
HYPNOTHERAPY
National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists
12 Cross Street, Nelson, Lancs BB9 7EN
Tel: 01282 716839
IRIDOLOGY
Iridology is the study of the iris of the eye. By looking at the colour, structure and markings in the iris, a therapist can determine predisposition to certain symptoms and diseases.
International Association of Clinical Iridologists
Orchard Villa, Porters Park Drive, Shenley, Radlett, Herts WD7 9DS
Tel: 01923 856222
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Good nutrition is the basis of good health. Inadequate diet impairs the body's ability to function efficiently. This can result in illness. Stressful lifestyles, combined with convenience meals and fast food, means that in many cases nutritional needs are not being met. Improved nutrition can help in many areas.
Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy
PO Box 85, St. Albans, Herts AL3 7ZQ
Tel: 01582 792088
OSTEOPATHY
The British School of Osteopathy
275 Borough High St, London SE1 1JE
Tel: 020 7407 0222
PSYCHOTHERAPY
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
169 Great Portland Street, London W1N 5FB
Tel: 020 8660 4364
REBIRTHING
British Rebirth Society
c/o Kensho, Chapel Walk, Burgess Street, Leominster HR6 8DE
Tel: 01568 610030
REFLEXOLOGY
The ancient art of reflexology was first practiced by the early Indian, Chinese and Egyptian peoples. It came to attention in the west early in the 20th Century when it was noted that pressure on certain parts of the feet had an effect in specific parts of the body. One theory suggests that nerve endings in the feet (some 7,200) which are gently stimulated during treatment cause this effect in the body. The result is an easing of tension or congestion in the body.
Reflexology is an holistic therapy which means it encompasses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the self. Hands on only are used to apply gentle pressure to the feet. Trained, sensitive hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points releases blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, circulation and elimination improved. There have been no trials to our knowledge as to whether reflexology is helpful in controlling seizures.
Association of Reflexologists
27 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0870 5673320
REIKI
Reiki means Universal Life Force energy. It is a healing method which was rediscovered in the late 1800's by a Japenese Christian Minister named Mikao Usui. It was brought from Japan to the United States in the 1930's by a Japanese American woman named Hawayo Takaata. Reiki is now practised and taught in every country in the world.
The practitioner is someone who acts like a conduit or funnel through which Universal energy (Reiki) flows. When the practitioner places their hands on your body, he or she is passive and does not control how much energy your body receives, where it goes or how it is used. Your body, in its infinite wisdom, will take whatever amount of energy it needs - to wherever you need it most - for your Highest Good. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Reiki is helpful in controlling seizures.
The International Reiki Society
PO Box 1867, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7YU
Tel: 0709 1214521
The Reiki Association
2 Manor Cottages, Stockley Hill, Peterchurch, Hereford, HR2 0SS
Tel: 01981 550829
SHAMANIC HEALING
All healing is self-healing. No one heals another. We trust in helping another with their healing process, by being a catalyst and a channel for the healing energies. The Channelled energies of shamanic healing are direct and powerful. In tribal societies, healing was considered to be more than just a restoring of physical health to an individual, it meant to 'make whole'. The healer or shaman, as they were known, would primarily 'make whole' or 'harmonize' an individual. It was often viewed that sickness was an indication that there was a problem with the soul, and the physical condition was the symptom of the disharmony and evidence of a disconnection between body, mind and spirit. Good health resulting when the physical or visible body was in harmony with the invisible soul and mind. Therefore shamanic healing recognised that a cause of a problem may be either spiritual or mental.
In today's society a shamanic therapist would in no way attempt to take the place of a qualified doctor, and would always recommend that a consultation with a qualified doctor, if this has not already taken place. Present day shamanic healing can be regarded as holistic and harmonizing.
In general terms a shamanic healer aims to help a client to discover if their ill-health is a result of their way of life. So if there is a willingness to make changes in their life, then an improvement in their physical condition will often follow. It is by acknowledging that a health problem affects more than the physical body, that a healing can take place. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Shamanic Healing is helpful in controlling seizures.
SPIRITUAL HEALING
Spiritual Healing is the healing of dis-ease in the body, mind and spirit by divine energies obtained by attunement through prayer and meditation.
How does it work?
Energy is drawn from the divine energies and channelled to the patient through the energy fields of both the healer and the patient. This has the effect of charging up the energy field of the patient and enables healing to begin. In particular forms of illness or stress, these energies can be directed and applied to a particular disease, ie. Cancer, M.E., Arthritis etc., or imbalance in the life force within the person to stimulate natural recovery and to bring peace of mind.
Healing is about bringing ease and peace of mind, body and spirit, only then can real healing occur. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Spiritual Healing is helpful in controlling seizures.
Confederation of Healing Organisations
113 High Street, Berkhampstead, Herts HP4 2DJ
Tel: 01442 870660
National Federation of Spiritual Healers
Old Manor Farm Studio, Church Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middx TW16 6RG
Tel: 01932 783164
The British Alliance of Healing Associations
3 Sandy Lane, Gisleham, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 8EQ
Tel: 01502 742224
Spiritualists National Union Healing Committee
36 Newmarket, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AE
Tel: 01943 468476
YOGA
British Wheel of Yoga
1 Hamilton Place, Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7ES
Tel: 01529 306851
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