Complete Therapies Agency - Dictionary of complementary therapy definitions and descriptions, holistic therapies, alternative therapies

A to Z of Complementary Therapies and Treatments

A list of definitions and descriptions of therapies available. This is not an exclusive list and if you can offer an update on a current definition and description or would like to add a therapy definition please Email Us

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Aromatherapy is the inhalation and bodily application of essential oils from aromatic plants. Helps to relax, balance, rejuvenate, restore, and enhance body, mind, and spirit. The basic principle is to strengthen the self-healing process by indirect simulation of the immune system. Types of aromatherapy include cosmetic, massage, and olfactory aromatherapy; each offers a unique use of essential and carrier oils to help improve a person's health.
Common Uses : stress, asthma, digestive disorders, depression, neck and back pain, skin problems.

Acupressure is a massage technique that applies pressure to specific points on the body related to acupuncture points. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), stimulating certain points by pressure encourages the flow of vital energy (Qi) along the meridian pathways. Common Uses : back and neck pain, headaches, skin complaints, sports injuries, insomnia.

Acupuncture influences health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along the 'meridians'. The acupuncturist will assess and adjust the flow and distribution of 'Qi' in order to promote health and healing. Needles are inserted into the skin at certain specific points along the meridians (this is not harmful), and left there for about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the treatment given. Common Uses :back and neck pain, headaches, skin complaints, sports injuries, insomnia.

Alexander technique in short is a series of lessons to improve posture, increase freedom of movement, and reduce physical tension. Clients are guided through a series of movement exercises to teach awareness of the body. The goal is to break through the unconscious habits of poor posture and movement to find more efficient ways to move. Clients often report increased feelings of well-being and overall improvement in physical, emotional, and mental health. Common Uses : shoulder tension, back pain, stiff necks, correct posture.

Allergy Therapy Most people can eat a very wide range of foods without any problems although they may have likes or dislikes that influence what they choose. However, some people react badly to certain everyday foods and eating them may cause uncomfortable symptoms or, in rare cases, a severe illness. There are many different reasons for unpleasant reactions to food. These unpleasant reactions are food intolerances. These include food allergies, which are reactions that involve the body’s immune system. Allergy therapy attempts to identify and minimise such allergies. Common Uses : allergies, illness, poor diet.

Ayurveda (science of life), and ancient health care system originating from India, is based on the principle that disease is the natural end result of living out of harmony with our environment. Ayurveda views symptoms of disease as the body's normal way of communicating disharmony. To help clients create an optimal environment for health, Ayurveda offers a detailed science of diet and herbalism, aromatherapy, colour therapy, sound therapy, and touch therapy; it recommends how to use the senses to interact with the environment to create balance. Common Uses : allergies, ME, arthritis, strokes, migraines.

Baby Massage Teaching massage techniques to mothers to use on their babies. Massage helps to reinforce the loving bond between parent and child, and safe and soothing massage helps babies to sleep. Common Uses : enhances mother-baby bond.

Bach Flower Remedies are a subtle way of using plants to heal our “emotional maladies”. Bach flowers are gentle, effective, and completely free of harmful side effects. Bach Remedies were developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), a Harley Street Clinic physician and prominent bacteriologist, homeopath, and researcher. Dr. Bach believed that mental attitude plays a vital role in maintaining health and recovering from illness. Common Uses helps us to deal constructively with the negative behaviour patterns.

Bowen Technique is a remedial therapy that is non-intrusive, gentle and very effective. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points on the body with the aim of disturbing muscles, soft tissues and energy within the body. This helps improve balance and harmony. Common Uses : shoulder tension, back pain, stiff necks, anxiety.

Chair Massage please see Seated Acupressure.

Chiropractors Chiropractic treatments fall somewhere between those provided by a trained spinal doctor and a physical therapist. The term chiropractic literally means 'through the hands', so much of what chiropractors do is hands-on manipulation of the patient's spine and back. Special tables allow chiropractors to place patients in traction or compression. Sometimes the entire spine is 'popped' by applying strong pressure between each vertebrae. Other times chiropractors may use a twisting motion to force neck vertebrae back into alignment. Common Uses Neck, Shoulders, back and Hips.

Colour Therapy Colours have the ability to influence all our states of being - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Colour therapy makes use of colours to influence a patient's life and promote health and well-being. Common Uses : mental well-being, stress, depression. Colour therapy has also been used in corporate branding and logo design.

Counselling/Psychotherapy It is thought that our past experiences can distort our perceptions of the present. This can affect our feelings about ourselves, our relationships, and the way we react to events and other people. The object of psychotherapy is to help us explore the reasons why we think, feel, or behave in certain ways in order for us to change these patterns. Common Uses : Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Phobias etc.

Craniosacral therapy is a subtle and profound healing form which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair. In a typical craniosacral session, you will usually lie (or sometimes sit) fully-clothed on a treatment couch. The therapist will make contact by placing their hands lightly on your body and tuning in to what is happening by ‘listening’ with their hands. Contact is made carefully so that you will feel at ease with what is happening. Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children, and the elderly, as well as adults and people in fragile or acutely painful conditions. Common Uses : Reported to aid almost any condition, raising vitality and improving the body's capacity for self-repair.

Crystal Healing is to assist the body in healing itself. A Crystal has a perfect atomic structure, which gives out a resonance of perfection, a blue print for the human body to follow. The healer will help you to help yourself. There is a strong emphasis on self empowerment for the patient. The intension is that each patient receives that which is for their highest good and in "tune" with their healing journey at this time. During the crystal healing session you will be asked to either lay on a couch or to sit in a chair. The healer will help you to relax usually with a visualization or music. Crystals will be placed on or around you, in some instances a combination of both. Common Uses : Deep Relaxation, Self Development, Stress Relief, Improved Self Confidence, Focus, Self Awareness.

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Common Uses : Relaxation, tension, neck tension, headaches, stress, muscular pain and injury.

Ear Candle Therapy Also known as Thermo-Auricular Therapy, Hopi Ear Candle treatments offer real and marked benefits for many problems and conditions associated with the ear, nose and throat areas. This therapy is widely used by doctors in Europe and America as an alternative to conventional treatments such as antibiotics, ear syringing and grommets. A deeply relaxing, calming and soothing experience. A lighted ear candle is placed with its base in the ear. A light suction action and the movement of the flame create a vibration of air in the ear candle, generating a massage-like effect on the eardrum. This induces a pleasant feeling of warmth and a balance of pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses. Common Uses : Earache, headache, ear noise, stress and nervousness.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments for over five thousand years, but without the invasiveness of needles. Instead, simple tapping with the fingertips onto specific meridians on the head and chest while you think about your specific problem. This combination of tapping the energy meridians and voicing positive "reminder phrases" works to clear the "short-circuit" - the emotional block - from your body's bioenergy system, thus restoring your mind and body's balance, which is essential for optimal health and the healing of physical disease.

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement. It involves balancing, healing, and enhancing energies by integrating people, buildings and landscape to achieve harmony with nature. The goal to optimise the flow of Qi, or vital energy force of the universe, to result in good health and relationships, prosperity, career growth, happiness, and more. Common Uses : Stress, environmental problems, fatigue, migraines.

Herbal medicine is based on the use of leaves, flowers, stems, berries, and roots of plants to prevent, relieve and treat illness. Herbalists assess your health using your medical history, observations based on pulse and tongue diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, and iridology. After making an evaluation, the herbalist will suggest individual herbs or herbal combinations to be beneficial to your particular condition(s). Common Uses : Acne, eczema, psoriasis, depression, PMT, IBS.

Homeopathy uses various plants and minerals in very small doses to stimulate a sick person's natural defences. The medicines are individually chosen for their ability to cause in overdose the similar symptoms the person is experiencing. Since one's symptoms are actually efforts of the body to re-establish homeostasis or balance, it is logical to seek a substance that would, in overdose, cause the similar symptoms the person is experiencing. Common Uses : Menstrual disorders, allergies, asthma, migraine, eczema.

Hydrotherm. A deep, profoundly relaxing and beneficial system of massage. Experience a wonderful feeling of total revitalization, regeneration and harmony. Your entire treatment is carried out while you lie face up on warm Hydrotherm water filled cushions, assisting in perfect spinal alignment. No more face holes, cricked necks, dangling arms – just pure comfort! Whether you want a gentle and restorative Aromatherapy massage, an invigorating and stimulating treatment to ease joint and muscle tension, specific remedial/sports massage, or physiotherapy, all can be effectively carried out using Hydrotherm. Pressure can be adapted to suit the needs of the client. If your Hydrotherm therapist is trained in other disciplines such as Reiki or Reflexology, then these treatments can also be carried out in the same blissful comfort.

Hypno-birthing is a unique method based on hypnosis, which gives you all the tools and techniques to feel comfortable, in control and relaxed as you work with your body in childbirth. The philosophy works on the premise that fear leads to tension, which in turn leads to pain. By breaking the perception that pain is a necessary accompaniment to labour, mothers-to-be are empowered to experience childbirth feeling confident and in control. Common Uses : Pain control, relaxation, joy-full birthing experience.

Hypnotherapy The client is guided to a state of focused relaxation, when the subconscious mind is open to suggestions. A hypnotherapist facilitates communication between the right and left sides of the brain with a person in a state of consciousness somewhere between walking and sleeping. The uses for Hypnosis are as diverse as the Human mind. Common Uses : Smoking cessation, eating disorders, self-confidence, stress, emotional trauma etc.

Indian Head Massage A gentle massage of the shoulder, neck, head and face using a range of massage techniques. This helps you to relax, and improves your mental and physical health. Common Uses : Shoulder tension, neck tension, headaches, stress.

Iridology The study of the iris of the eye as a means of detecting signs of health or illness, usually aimed at reaching a medical diagnosis. Common Uses : Stress, diagnose illness, eye problems.

Jin Shin Jyutsu physio-philosophyis the ancient art of harmonizing body, mind and spirit with gentle touch. It facilitates balance in the body's energy systems, which promotes health and well being. A Jin Shin session begins with listening to the pulse, which reveals to the practitioner information about the current flow of energy and state of being of the client. It indicates where he or she needs help. It is thought that all disease begins with blockages of energy, and the pulse shows the practitioner the specific energy points that need to be held to restore the harmonious flow, without creating additional stress in the client's mind about the condition. Common Uses : Pain relief, stiff or strained muscles/joints, respiratory conditions, appetite imbalance, reproductive difficulties, stress management, anxiety and emotional projects.

Kinesiology Kinesiology is a method of detecting and correcting various bio-energetic imbalances and stresses within the body through muscle testing. It is a touch therapy which links Chinese acupuncture points, meridians (energy channels) and energy balance with Western anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The aim is to achieve balance in the body by releasing energy blocks and by reducing toxic load. This therapy promotes health and well-being of the whole person, and is often used to diagnose allergies. Common Uses : Nerve reflexes, weak muscles, allergies.

Lymphatic Drainage is a delicate form of massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, improving the metabolism, helping the body to eliminate waste and toxins and providing a boost to the immune system. Common Uses : Regulating the immune system, clears blockages, eliminates toxins.

Massage is one of the most ancient forms of therapy, physiologically increasing circulation throughout the body, helping people to relax and stimulating the workings of various bodily systems. Massage can be used to help the body 'relearn' movement and posture and counteract the effects of stress on everyday life. Common Uses : Poor circulation, stress, fatigue, muscular pains, rheumatism.

Meditation Found in different forms, and in all cultures of the world, meditation generally aims to clear the mind of crowded thought and worry by concentrating on a single element, such as a single thought, repeated word or mantra, or act of breathing. While many meditative techniques are motionless, examples such as Tai Chi, Aikido and Yoga require certain movement. The aim is to take control of the mind and guide it to a more virtuous direction. Common Uses :Mental awareness, stress, relaxation.

Naturopathy / Nutrition Therapy Naturopathy is a distinct and total philosophy of life and health that addresses the individual rather than just his/her symptoms. The practitioner emphasises that the body has the power to heal itself and that illness is a reaction to disharmony and imbalance. The cause could be physical or psychological, but health is regained provided nothing interferes with the natural process of healing and recovery. Naturopaths usually incorporate other holistic therapies such as osteopathy, homeopathy, and herbalism. Common Uses : Skin disorders, asthma, allergies, arthritis, digestive problems.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming / NLP studies the structure of how humans think and experience the world. It provides you with an instruction manual of how the mind works and introduces you to your unconscious mind. It provides you with techniques that will support change in either your life or others and will give you a map of how to achieve success in your life. In essence, NLP coaches and connects people to their internal strengths. Common Uses : Personal Growth, Phobias, Habits, Anxiety.

On-Site Massage please see Seated Acupressure

Osteopathy is based upon manual manipulation of the body to alleviate pain, restore freedom of movement, and enhanced the body's own healing power. Manual manipulation stimulates the body's ability to fight disease, and the importance of preventative medicine is emphasised - encouraging patients to eat sensibly and avoid health destroying habits. Common Uses : Pre-menstrual tension, back and neck pain, migraines, asthma.

Quantum Touch is a method of life force energy channelled into the client using a very light touch and specialist breathing techniques at the main area of pain/discomfort and the subsequent following of any pain/discomfort within the client. These techniques may be used to help minimise the effects of any sudden onset of conditions like migraines, asthma attacks etc. The treatment may aid an initial improvement in the client’s own healing abilities. Common Uses : body aches and pains, migraines, stress relief, trauma, speedy recovery for broken/fractured bones and corresponding tendons and ligaments plus much more.

Reflexology involves the gentle manipulation of the feet and hands to stimulate the body's own healing and balancing processes. Each pressure point on the feet and hands is directly related to a particular function or part of the body. All of the organs and systems of the body have their corresponding reflex points. Reflexologist believe that applying pressure to a specific point on the foot or hand energises the corresponding zone or function of the body, getting rid of toxins and enabling the body to heal itself. Common Uses : Migraine, stress, muscular pain, tension, anxiety.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning 'universal life energy'. This life force energy can be defined as energy in all created matter - Ki. Reiki is energy healing where the practitioner serves as an open channel for transmitting the "Ki'' to others. The energy is channelled through to the client, which activates the body's own natural ability to heal itself. Reiki goes to wherever it is needed most, releasing blocked energies, cleansing the body of toxins, working to create a state of balance and harmony, and promoting relaxation and healing. Common Uses : Back pain, stomach disorders, joint pain, stress, trauma Etc.

Seated Acupressure, also referred to as On-Site massage or Chair Massage, is a hybrid of the ancient Oriental massage arts of Anma and Shiatsu. Seated Acupressure is a meridian based therapy in which thumb, finger, elbow and knuckle pressures are used to stimulate many of the acupressure points on the 12 major meridians accessible on the back, arms, hands, neck, head and legs. This press and release technique helps to stimulate and balance the flow of energy or life-force throughout the body. In turn this stimulates the circulatory, muscular, nervous, immune and lymphatic systems and promotes the release of endorphins and important mood-regulating neurotransmitters, leaving the client feeling good in a relaxed, but energised and clearly focused frame of mind. Common Uses : Work place massage, stress, tension, wellbeing, work life balance.

Shiatsu, similar to Accupressure/Acupuncture, originates from traditional Chinese medicine, believes that energy flows through the meridians of the body and that illness is a result of blockage, over activity or under activity in these pathways, which can be accessed by accupoints at various places on the body. Shiatsu means 'finger massage' in Japanese, and part of the therapy is the application of gentle pressure to the accupoints along the meridians. Common Uses : Stress, IBS, shoulder tension, headaches, back pain.

Sports Massage is based on Swedish massage, a technique that uses the application of pressure to manipulate soft tissue. It involves the use of gliding strokes, kneading movements, circular pressure of the hand and fingers, vibratory movements, brisk tapping and bending and stretching. Sports massage incorporates all of these Swedish massage movements, together with additional intensive techniques that are specifically designed to prevent and treat sports injuries. Common Uses : sports injuries, improve athlete performance, aid recovery.

Stress Management Treatments usually work on counselling clients so they are able to identify the main stress factors in their life, remove which ones they can and then how best to deal with the others. Common Uses : Stress, anxiety, tension.

Stress Massage Treatments involve short 15-minute routines that work over the client's clothing and concentrate on the scalp, head, neck, shoulders and upper back. This type of routine can easily be administered in most locations with the client sitting. While leaving the client relaxed they should also be refreshed and invigorated and able to carry on their normal daily activities. Common Uses : Stress, anxiety, tension, back pain, migraine, stiffness, shoulder pain, work life balance.

Swedish Body Massage is the original massage technique involving a sequence of movements working superficially and deeper into the tissue layers. As no two people are alike, the body massage sequence will be adapted to the client's needs. Common Uses : Stress, anxiety, tension, back pain, migraine, stiffness, shoulder pain, work life balance.

Yoga is a way of bringing the mind, body, and spirit together, leading to higher level of self-realization. There are many forms of yoga, probably the most widely one in the West is 'Hatha Yoga'; which involves learning control through the body and breath using the focus of the mind. The physical aspect consists of postures that strengthen and free the body, and breathing exercises designed to promote concentration, balance, and the flow of energy through the body. Common Uses : Breathing disorders, asthma, muscular problems, ME, self-awareness.