Therapies

Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy)

Physiotherapy is the treatment and prevention of an injury and disease by natural means. Modern physiotherapy may include any of the following: - acupuncture/acupressure, reflexology, electrotherapy, exercises, Life style advice, massage, manipulative therapy, postural training, Pilates and relaxation. We all abuse our bodies from time to time and we gradually wear out, as we get older. Physiotherapy can help by improving and assisting the body’s own natural healing mechanism.

Acupuncture/Acupressure

Acupuncture has been effectively used in China for thousands of years, where they believe that disease arises out of an imbalance in chi (energy). This may be caused by physical, physiological or emotional problems including overwork, severe stress or trauma. Acupuncture involves the stimulation of appropriate points on the body with fine needles, heat (moxa) or finger pressure. Acupoints or tsubo can be shown to be points of lowered electrical resistance. Although we do not know how all forms of acupuncture work, scientists have shown that point stimulation releases some of the body’s natural chemicals (endorphins). Traditional Chinese medicine stimulates the body’s natural healing properties and in seeking to restore balance to the body it offers a holistic approach and not just symptomatic relief.

Manipulative Therapy and Massage

I believe that physical therapy has become far too reliant on electrotherapy and set mobilising procedures that do not treat the person as an individual having an aetiology that is unique to him/her. Other manipulative therapies could also be accused of symptomatic treatment. Osteopathy and Chiropractic are only as good as the individual practitioner.

I used to practice very gentle massage and manipulative procedures that take into account the energy make up, circulation, lymphatic and hormonal make up of the patient. Each organ of the body is related to a particular muscle, vertebra, peripheral joint as well as having reflected pathways on the hands, feet and other parts of the body.

There is occasionally a need to adopt a less than subtle approach to massage and manipulation as in the case of Connective Tissue Massage and forced manipulation of a joint that has been out of alignment for some considerable time. (Full details of these methods are found in my first book).

Cranio-Sacral Therapy (C.S.T.)

This is a comprehensive holistic therapy that can effectively treat almost any condition from physical injuries and functional disorders (digestive, menstrual, respiratory etc.) to emotional disturbances and persistent symptoms of obscure origin. It treats the whole person and is not limited to the head or conditions affecting the head, although it does have a special role to play in the treatment of cranial compression due to birth trauma. The Cranio-Sacral system consists of the Membranes (or Meninges) which surround the brain; the Cranial bones and Sacrum which attach to these membranes; the Fascia which radiates out from the membranes to all parts of the body, enveloping every nerve and nerve pathway, and the Cerebro-Spinal Fluid - a vital and potent fluid produced from within the central nervous system along the neurological pathways to every structure of the body.

All of these structures pulsate in a symmetrical balanced rhythmic motion (the Cranial Rhythm) associated with the production and absorption of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid and reflected out through the Fluid and Fascia to the body. Blockage or restriction of this fluid will result in dysfunction and disease. Blockage may result from injury, infection, inflammation, structural imbalance, emotional tension or any kind of disease. Treatment consists of the practitioner placing his/her hands very gently on the body, identifying areas of restriction or tension, and following the subtle internal pulls and twists manifested by the Cranio-Sacral system until the points of resistance are encountered and released. Treatment is generally soothing and pleasant, creating a sense of ease, calm and relaxation. (The use of C.S.T. are discussed in my books).

Reflexology

Reflexology is an umbrella term describing different treatment approaches developed from the ancient knowledge that the body is reflected in miniature in the feet, hands and other areas. Gentle pressure on these areas can promote deep relaxation, pain relief and restore health. It has existed as a form of therapy for over four thousand years, with records found in Egypt, India and the Far East. By touching reflected points, it is thought that connections are established involved the circulatory, nervous and endocrine systems, thus involving the whole body. Eastern philosophy also recognises a link with the system of meridians, where it is postulated that vertical lines of energy link corresponding areas. These can all be affected by physical, mental or emotional tension resulting in altered energy states that may be detected and treated on the feet. Controversially, I see no logical difference between acupressure and reflexology in spite of two differing philosophies.

Chakra Healing

The Chakras are represented as points on the surface of the body of vital energetic significance. From each of the points, a fan shaped whorl of spiralling energy emanates through the more subtle bodies of the etheric, emotional and mental. Each Chakra is related to an endocrine gland, meridian, internal organ, spinal level, reflected area, colour, sound, gem and emotion. It is said that there are 7 Major Chakras and 21 Minor ones. I obtained my acupuncture doctorate following my thesis on the association of acupuncture to the Chakras. I have developed my own unique ways of balancing the Chakra energies and have taught scores of other practitioners these methods. It is also the subject of my third and fourth books.