Based on an ancient Japanes form of healing where energy is transfered from one person to another. The word Reiki means universal life energy and has its roots in Tibetan Buddhism. The practitioner places their hands in 12 basic positions … Continue reading →

An ancient healing art used to treat a wide variety of conditions such as hayfever, asthma and other breathing problems. Practitioners press various points on the foot to stimulate nerves and musclesand encourage the organs to work more efficiently. The … Continue reading →

Using massage and stretching to relieve musclo-skeletal problems, sports injuries, tension headaches, arthritis. Information from: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy www.csp.org.uk

Bones and muscles are massaged and manipulated to relieve aches and pains. Cranial osteopathy gently manipulates the skull. Sometimes available on the NHS. Useful for back problems are arthritis and general pain relief. Information from: General Osteopathic Council www.ostepathy.org.uk info@ostepathy.org.uk

Patients are encouraged to use music creatively to explore their own problems. Association of Music Professional Therapists 38 Pierce Lane Fulbourn, Cambridge, UK. www.musictherapyworld.net

There are many different disciplines such as Transcendental Meditation, in which you sitwith your eyes closed and chant a mantra or Buddhist meditation and focus on positive feelings. The School of Meditation in London offers introductory lessons on the different … Continue reading →

Practitiners believe that each area of the body is represented by each of 12 areas of the iris. Ailments are diagnosedby studying changes in pigmentation. Iridologists believe that different parts of the iris relate to parts of the body. For … Continue reading →

Helps those with various addictions such as smoking and over-eating as well as nervous problems, skin disorders, anxiety, migraines, depression, insomnia and sexual problems. Information: Central Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists 28 Finsbury Park Road London N4 2JX, UK. Tel:++44(0)20 7359 … Continue reading →

Homeopathy uses natural remedies made from a variety of sources -animal, mineral and plant – which stimulate the body’s own headling powers. It is one of the most popular alternative therapies. The theory is that the remedy acts like a … Continue reading →

Many of today’s drugs are derived from plants and herbs, such as aspirin which is derived from White Willow. Herbalistsuse a great range to treat many ailments. Useful for skin and stress problems. Because of their potency they should not … Continue reading →

A healer uses their hands to transfer “healing energy” to the recipient. Some healers believe that their powers come from God or from the cosmos or universe. Some work complementary to dctors and do not charge a fee but appreciate … Continue reading →

Patients lie in a warm tank of water which has Epsom salts to aid flotation and listen to relaxing music. Useful for stress and back pain. Information: Float Tank Association PO Box 11024 London SW4 7ZF. UK Tel +44 (0)207 … Continue reading →

Special exercises are used to improve posture and teach an awareness of movement.The teacher guides the patient throught the movements to enable more graceful movements. Information from: Feldenkrais Guild UK PO Box 370 London N10 3XA. UK Tel: ++ 44(0)7000 … Continue reading →

A reader uses a deck of 25 cards decorated with ancient Egyptian figures to predict the future and create healing powers.

A therapy that helps people to understand their dreams. Said to aid those who are contemplating psycotherapy.

It is believed that bad diet and the environment pollute the body affecting the immunesystem. Detoxing usually involves a specific diet and drinking lots of water. Available from health clinics.

Crystals are placed around the body to assist relaxation and relieve stress. The healer choses a crystal which is said to have harmony with the client. It is mostly used for emotional problems, fears and mentral problems. Further information: Affiliation … Continue reading →

The aim of this therapy is to stimulate the flow of spinal fluid by placing the hands on specific areas of the head and spine to relieve tissue congestion. Further information: The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK Monomark House … Continue reading →

Colours are used to treat the body. This may include eating or drinking in specific colours or having a light shined through special filters. Useful for depression, insomnia and stress. Available through natural health clinics.

An enema, usually water, is used to remove a build-up of toxins within the large intestine. Therapists will also suggest diet and lifestyle changes.Aids ittitable bowel syndrome, bloating, constipation, skin problems, circulation and depression. Unsuitable for anyone with bowel inflammation … Continue reading →

Chiropractors use manipulative techniques to diagnose and treat conditions afffecting the spine and joints. The aim is to restore normal alignment so that the body can be encouraged to self-heal. Provides relief in cases of back injury and pain, tension … Continue reading →

Buteyeko is a series of breathing exercises used to correct and alleviate the symptoms of a number of conditions such as asthma, emphysema, allergies,sinusitis, rhinitis and hyperventilating. The system was devised by a Dr Konstantin Buteyeko, Moscow’s First Medical Institute. … Continue reading →