Guide to holistic therapies

Aug 8 2009

ANCIENT holistic therapies are becoming more accepted by the medical profession as a way of treating anything from arthritis to insomnia.

Acupunture and reiki are now available on the NHS with doctors acknowledging the age-old treatments can be hugely beneficial in targeting pain, stress and even quitting smoking.

More than three million people have acupuncture in the UK every year.

But there are many more treatments not available on the NHS that people are seeking out and paying for privately.

Champneys Springs in Leicestershire is a health resort that offers many alternative therapies that treat not only the body but also the mind and soul.

But do you know your reiki from your reflexology, or your metamorphic technique from your shiatsu?

Here’s a Sunday Mercury guide to alternative therapies:

HOPI EAR CANDLES

What is it? An ancient, natural therapy where one end of a cylinder of waxed cloth is placed into the ear and the other end is set alight. As the candle burns, the heat moving down creates a vacuum and the flame creates negative pressure, drawing wax and debris out of the ear canal in a ‘chimney’ effect. The clearing process can continue for 48 hours after the treatment as impurities gradually work their way up to the surface.

BENEFITS: Used to treat ear and sinus conditions, including excess ear wax. Can also help ease headaches, flu, stress and lost energy. Tinnitus can subside with regular use of ear candles which also soothe and relax.

REIKI

What is it? A Japanese healing treatment where the practitioner rests their hands lightly on or above the body over major energy centres and areas needing attention. The client may experience the flow of energy this brings as thoughts, emotions or physical sensations such as warmth or tingling. A great way to recharge the batteries.

Benefits: Can help with physical pain by clearing ‘stuck energy’ and allowing the body’s tissues to repair. Also helps to still the mind, calm the emotions and awaken the spirit, bringing inner peace and profound relaxation.

THALASSOTHERAPY

What is it? Takes place in a mineral rich warm pool with hydrotherapy jets stimulating and toning tired muscles.

Benefits: Can help poor digestion, cuts stress, improves circulation, relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, cleanses sinuses and respiratory system and aids restful sleep.