Alternative Therapy Links
HELPP has offered a variety of alternative therapies at health events throughout Midlothian. See below for a brief definition of some alternative therapies. Most of the information originated from external sites. Links are provided at each topic.
If you can't find the information you are looking for, or if you would like us to feature a website or therapy that is not listed, please contact Linda
Links to external websites are purely for information and HELPP takes no responsibility for the content of them
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE (IHM)
Indian Head Massage is a treatment based on old Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement. IHM is also used to aid the condition and health of the hair, particularly when combined with the use of natural organic oils.
Indian Head Massage is used by practitioners to help reduce stress and fatigue, increase mental clarity, and relax and rejuvenate the receiver. A treatment will last between 20 minutes to one hour. Further information can be found at the Complementary Healthcare Information Service
REIKI (pronounced Ray-key)
Reiki a system of natural healing which evolved in Japan from the experience and dedication of Dr Mikao Usui. Dr Usui was inspired to develop this healing system from ancient teachings after many years of study, research and meditation. He spent the rest of his life practising and teaching Reiki. Today Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have trained in the tradition passed down from Master to student.
The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is a very simple process. The recipient simply lies on a couch and relaxes. If they are unable to lie down the treatment can be given in a sitting position, the main thing is for the recipient to be as comfortable as possible. There is no need to remove any clothing as Reiki will pass through anything, even plaster casts. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms. A full treatment usually takes 1 to 1½ hours with each position held for several minutes. Further information can be found at the Complementary Healthcare Information Service
CRYSTAL MEDITATION
Crystal Healing is a healing modality that works directly with the light, color, beauty and perfect geometric forms that the mineral kingdom provides to assist us in balancing all aspects of our being. It is an advanced healing art that has the capacity to influence the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Specific stones are placed upon the chakras, or spiritual energy centers, of the body. Source: webcrystalacademy.com
HOPI EAR CANDLES
This natural therapy to relieve conditions such as blocked ears, sinusitis and rhinitis has been used in Britain for over ten years and is used by natural health practitioners. It is an ancient therapy used by the Shamen healers in Asia and has been traced back to the Indians of North and South America.
Ear Candles have a purely physical function. A light suction (chimney effect) and the movement of the flame create a vibration of air in the ear candle, generating a massage effect on the eardrum.
This induces a pleasant feeling of warmth and balance of pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses. It is soothing and helpful for earache and headache, ear noise, stress and nervousness. More information can be found at Complementary Healthcare Information Service.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.
Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. Source www.naha.org
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is a Complementary Therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it is in a state of "imbalance", and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively.Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing. More information can be found at the Association of Reflexologists