The Therapy Book

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy

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Copyright © 2009 by John Board. All rights reserved. No portion of this e-book, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise — without written permission of the author, John Board.

Published by Gill Harley Ltd March 2010

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Contents Contents Preface Introduction The therapeutic effect Important information

A-Z of therapies How to find your way around this book

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A Actinotherapy Acupressure Acupuncture Acutonics Adventure Therapy Alexander Technique Amatsu Therapy Animal Assisted Therapy Antiretroviral Therapy Apitherapy / Bee Venom Therapy Aromatherapy Art Therapy Attachment Therapy Aura Therapy Aura-Soma Auriculotherapy Australian Flower Essences Therapy Authentic Movement Therapy Autogenics Aversion Therapy Ayurvedic Medicine

14 15 16 18 20 22 23 25 26 27 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 43

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B Bach Flower Remedies and Flower Essence Therapy Bates Method Behaviour Therapy Biofeedback Therapy Biorhythms Therapy Bowen Technique Brachytherapy Breathwork and Holotropic Breathwork Therapy

45 46 48 49 50 52 53 55

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C Chakra Balancing Chelation Therapy 2

2 8 9

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Chemotherapy Chinese Herbal Medicine Chiropractic Therapy Cognitive Analytic Therapy Cognitive Therapy Coherence Therapy Colloidal Silver Therapy Colon Hydrotherapy or Colonic Irrigation Colour Therapy Conversion Therapy Counselling Therapy Cranio-Sacral Therapy Crystal Therapy Cupping Therapy

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D Dance Therapy Deep Tissue Bodywork Therapy Destruction Therapy Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Diathermy Therapy Distance Healing Therapy Diversional Therapy Dream Therapy Drug Therapy Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

81 82 83 85 86 87 88 90 91 93

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E Ear Candling (Hopi) Therapy Electroconvulsive Therapy Electrotherapy EMDR Therapy Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Energy Medicine Enzyme Therapy Equine Assisted Therapy Existential Therapy Expressive Therapy

95 96 98 100 101 102 104 105 106 108

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F Family Therapy The Feldenkrais Method

109 110

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G Gerson Therapy Gestalt Therapy Grief Therapy Group Therapy Gua Sha Therapy Guided Imagery Therapy Gyrotonic Therapy 3

59 61 63 64 66 67 68 70 71 73 74 76 77 79

112 113 115 116 117 118 120


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H Hair Analysis Therapy Hakomi Therapy Hawaiian or Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy Heliotherapy Helminthic Therapy Herbal Medicine Hippotherapy Holistic Medicine Homeopathy Hormone Replacement Therapy Humour Therapy Hydrotherapy Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy HypnoBirthing Hypnotherapy

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I Immunosuppressive Therapy Immunotherapy Indian Head Massage Information Therapy Infra-red Therapy Interpersonal Psychotherapy Iridology Isopathy IV Therapy

146 147 149 150 151 153 154 156 157

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J Jin Shin Do Jin Shin Jyutsu Journaling Therapy Juice Therapy

159 160 161 163

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K Kinesiology Kirlian Photography Korean Hand Acupuncture

165 166 168

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L Laser Therapy Life Coaching Light Therapy Light Touch Therapy Live Blood Microscopy Logotherapy Lymphatic Massage

170 171 173 175 176 177 179

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M Magnet Therapy Manual Therapy Marma Therapy 4

122 123 125 126 127 129 131 133 134 135 138 139 140 142 143

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Martial Arts Therapy Massage Therapy Matrix Energetics Medical Herbalism Meditation Therapy Mega-Vitamin Therapy Meridian Therapy Mesotherapy Meta-Aromatherapy Metamorphic Technique Microwave Resonance Therapy Molecular Reform Therapy Morita Therapy Moxibustion Therapy Multimodal Therapy Music Therapy Myofascial Release

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N Narrative Therapy Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Naturopathy Neuro Cranial Reconstruction Therapy Neuro Emotional Technique Neuro Linguistic Programming Neurofeedback Therapy Neuromodulation Technique Nutritional Therapy

208 209 211 212 214 215 216 218 219

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O Occupational Therapy Ortho-Bionomy Therapy Osteopathy Oxygen Therapy

221 222 224 225

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P Panchakarma Therapy Past Life Regression Therapy Phage Therapy Photo Therapy Photodynamic Therapy Physical Manipulation Therapy Physical Medicine Physiotherapy Phytotherapy Pilates PIP Scans Play Therapy Polarity Therapy Pranic Healing Therapy Primal Therapy 5

185 186 188 189 190 191 193 194 195 197 198 199 201 202 204 205 206

227 228 230 232 233 235 236 237 239 240 241 243 244 246 247

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Prolotherapy Provocative Therapy Psychic Therapy Psychosocial Interventions Therapy Psychotherapy Pulmonary Therapy

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Q Qigong Quantum Touch Therapy

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R Radiation Therapy or Radiotherapy Radionic Diagnosis Rapid Eye Therapy Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy Reality Therapy Rebirthing Therapy Reconnective Healing Therapy Recreational Therapy Reflexology Reiki Reparative Therapy Respiratory Therapy Retail Therapy Reverse Therapy Rolfing Therapy

260 262 263 264 266 267 269 270 272 273 275 276 277 278 279

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S Sandplay and Sand Tray Therapy Seitai Sex Therapy Shamanic Healing Shen Therapy Shiatsu Shock Therapy Sociotherapy Sonopuncture Sound Therapy Speech Therapy Stress Management Therapy Structural Energetic Therapy Swimming Therapy Systemic Therapy

281 282 283 285 287 288 290 291 292 293 295 296 298 299 301

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T Tantric Massage Therapy TENS Therapy Therapeutic Touch Therapy Thermotherapy Theta Healing Thought Field Therapy (TFT) 6

249 250 251 253 254 255

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Thrombolytic Therapy Time Line Therapy Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis Traditional Chinese Medicine Trager Approach Transcendental Meditation Transpersonal Therapy Trigger Point Therapy Tui Na

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U Unconditional Positive Regard

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V Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Vibrational Healing Therapy Visceral Manipulation Therapy Visualisation Therapy

327 328 329 331

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W Watsu

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X Y Yoga Yuen Method

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Z Zero Balancing

Glossary

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311 312 313 315 316 318 320 321 323

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Preface Why I wrote this book As a practising hypnotherapist, I always have the client’s welfare at the forefront of my mind. And if I feel that the type of therapy that I’m offering may not be the best one for them or their condition, then I always let them know. But it’s not always easy to tell this to a client … especially if I don’t know what to recommend instead. So rather than just saying ‘sorry’ and showing them the door — leaving them frustrated and wondering in which direction to turn — I felt that I needed to have a complete “toolkit” of other possible therapies. That way, I could recommend a more suitable therapy for them. How I wrote this book That’s when I started to search for comprehensive and unbiased information on other therapies. But, at first, my search was quite futile. All I could find was a handful of the well known therapies, but not much else was easily available. So my mission began, starting alphabetically from A to Z. Hours of research turned into weeks and weeks, and the more I searched, the more diverse were the therapies I found. Then, as I gathered information about each therapy, I began to format it under these different headings, to help me find what I was looking for more easily and quickly: • • • • • •

what the therapy is how the therapy works what the therapy can be used for whether it is an effective form of therapy whether there are any known side effects to the therapy where I could seek further information regarding the therapy

Thus I now had a stockpile of some fascinating information which not only proved to be educational, but also extremely enlightening. In fact, it gradually dawned on me, what I had unwittingly written was a book. It’s a therapy handbook for the therapist, yes. But this is also a book for the layman who needs to find out about which possible therapies are available, and how effective they are deemed to be. Important information So if you do find a therapy in this book that you think may be the solution to a health problem you’ve been experiencing, I’m pleased to have been of service. But it is important that you discuss it with your doctor first, before undertaking any course of treatment. John Board, DipCAH PNLP C.HT. TheTherapy Book 8


Introduction The therapeutic effect ‘Therapy’ — this one word means so many different things to different people around the world. For some it may refer to ancient practises that have been used for thousands of years, while for others it refers to the newest procedures with a strong founding in modern scientific and medical knowledge. Whatever it conjures in your mind, the intention of therapy is to provide treatment, remedy or cure for a health problem. This could be a disease, a skeletal problem, a muscular problem, a mental problem or indeed anything else that affects the human body. There are literally hundreds of different therapies being practiced around the world and new forms of therapy are being discovered or developed on a frequent basis. Within the Western world, these therapies usually fit into one or two categories: conventional, alternative and/or complementary. What is conventional therapy? Conventional, or medical, therapies are just that – conventional. They are the norm and have been tried and tested through rigorous research and study, and improved with time as technology has progressed. Conventional therapies are those that would usually be recommended by your doctor and generally speaking, they would be covered by the NHS or private medical insurance as a recognised form of treatment. Examples of therapies that are considered to be conventional include chemotherapy, psychotherapy, radiation therapy and speech therapy, to name just a few. Even with some of these, though, there are grey areas. Psychotherapy in general is considered to be an important and effective form of therapy. Yet there are some branches of psychotherapy that are actually considered to be unconventional and alternative. However, it should be pointed out that just because a therapy is considered to be unconventional and alternative does not necessarily mean that it is ineffective, doesn’t work and should be avoided at all costs. What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? ‘Complementary and Alternative Therapy or Medicine’ (also commonly known as CAM) can include hundreds of therapies which are a little less mainstream than those above. Often, though not always, these therapies are debunked by conventional Western medical practitioners, due to lack of reliable research as to their efficacy. However, CAM can include therapies which have been used for thousands of years by other nations and cultures and are still used in everyday life today – Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine are excellent examples of this. 9


Ayurveda (or ayurvedic medicine) is a complete medical system that is still used today on the Indian subcontinent, though not just as an alternative or complementary medicine; this is used in modern hospitals often as the primary health care system. Although some elements of ayurvedic medicine are becoming more commonplace in the Western world, it has not as yet benefited from the research necessary to make this a fully-fledged and recognised form of therapy here. The same can be said for Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM). Having been used for thousands of years in China, many of these therapies are now finding their way into the Western world. And although they are, on the whole, considered to be alternative, it is surprising just how many TCM therapies are now quite commonplace and are becoming considered to be more complementary. Acupuncture is a very good example of this. So the examples above highlight the fact that just because a therapy is considered to be alternative or complementary in the Western world, it does not necessarily mean it doesn’t work. It may just be a little different from the norm, or it may be considered alternative simply because it is a new form of therapy and substantial independent testing has not yet taken place. This should not mean that everything labelled as ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’ should be ignored. On the contrary, sometimes alternative therapies have cured or relieved conditions where other, more conventional methods have failed. In these cases, the ‘therapeutic effect’ has been very good. What is ‘the therapeutic effect’? A therapeutic effect is a positive consequence produced as a result of any kind of medical treatment. So for example, it could be the lessening of pain and other symptoms or, in the best-case scenario, a complete cure. This is in contrast to a side effect (and hence negative consequence), which may often be experienced in addition to relief, causing undesirable results. With conventional therapies, both the therapeutic effect and the side effect will be well documented and hence the consequences of the therapy will be expected and explained to the patient before therapy commences. However, because many ‘alternative’ and complementary therapies have not been thoroughly tested within the Western world, often the therapeutic effects and the side effects are not well documented. This means there is reluctance to try some alternative therapies and because the therapy may not be very popular, the time and expense required to thoroughly test them will not be given, resulting in a vicious circle. Alternative therapies will always remain ‘alternative’ if there is no effort to prove whether or not they work. Frequently, therapeutic effects resulting from alternative therapies are simply declared by conventional medical practitioners to be a result of the placebo effect. This suggests that the therapy itself is useless and ineffective for what it is intended, but that because the patient believes they are receiving effective treatment they actually benefit from it anyway, in a sort of psychosomatic response. 10


Having said this, it should also be appreciated that some alternative therapies may not work and patients do not feel any positive outcomes from them at all. But, for those patients who do experience positive outcomes it could be argued that whether the therapeutic effect experienced is real, or whether it has occurred as a result of the placebo effect, the patient has still benefited from it and hence the therapy should not be discounted. The main point is that any positive outcome from therapy, whether it is conventional or alternative therapy, should be considered to be advantageous, provided it is not at the cost of serious side effects or additional problems. Are these therapies safe? Many conventional and alternative therapies are perfectly safe and may produce only minor and short-lasting side effects. Because conventional therapies are well documented, these side effects should be expected and should not be dangerous. But this is not always as easy to judge with alternative therapies. For this reason, all patients seeking a practitioner for any type of therapy, whether it is conventional or alternative, should always first check that the therapy is safe, that any current health conditions they have will not be affected as a result of the therapy, and that the practitioner has the proper credentials in order to be administering the therapy. If all of these guidelines are followed, then both alternative and conventional therapies should be safe. In conclusion, although it should be appreciated that not all types of alternative therapy will be effective, there is no reason to suggest that all therapies grouped under the ‘alternative’ banner should not be considered. It is important to remember that all new types of therapy, whether they are developed in a medical setting or not, should be considered alternative until they have been thoroughly tested and until they have been accepted and are used frequently. Only then can a therapy be considered to be conventional, and hence all therapies will start life as ‘alternative’. Provided that a therapy is safe and that the side effects produced are minor, any therapy that results in therapeutic effect should be considered as a form of treatment and should be given credit as such. After all, only with new therapeutic developments will cures and treatments be found.

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Important information Please read this before continuing Many of the therapies in this book are what are known as complementary or alternative therapies, and often there is little or no scientific research to prove whether or not they are effective. In cases like these, the term often used is “no scientific evidence had been found” to determine their efficacy. However, the reader should know that, in many cases, the term “no scientific evidence has been found” also means “no scientific evidence has been looked for”. This is because it is a very expensive and time consuming process for a therapy or treatment to be put through and pass the battery of tests required by the various medical authorities before they will endorse it, which is why funding for these tests is usually derived from the pharmaceutical industry. But there is no vested interest for the pharmaceutical industry to fund an array of tests into complementary and alternative therapies when they are unlikely to profit from the results. In other words, the research and testing into most alternative or complementary therapies will probably not lead to the development of a new and profitable drug. And in fact, if the therapy is found to be effective, it may even lead people away from taking prescribed medicines. If people have been using a therapy for thousands of years, there’s a good chance that it has something to recommend it. Many such therapies are derived from the East and thus built on a completely different system of science which is not recognised by modern Western science. So please bear all of the above in mind when reading the term “no evidence has been found” throughout this book, and use your common sense. And the same goes for the term ‘pseudoscience’, which is often said of something that has not been proven by modern Western science. It does not necessarily mean that its proponents have tried to find scientific evidence for its efficacy and failed. Disclaimer However, nothing in this book is in any way prescriptive, and so you are advised before undertaking any course of treatment or therapy, of any kind, to always discuss it first with your doctor.

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A-Z of therapies Here you will find a comprehensive A-Z list of health therapies with explanations about what they are, how they work and how to get more information on them. Just click on the initial letter for the therapy you’re looking for.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ How to find your way around this book It’s easy to navigate your way around The Therapy Book. You can either

To A-Z

Use the Blue button on the page to go back to the A-Z index of therapy articles.

Use the Back arrow button in your toolbar to go back to your previous view. If the Back button is not displayed, go to View>Toolbars>More Tools> and then check the box called Previous View in the Page Navigation Toolbar section.

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Or you can use the Green button on the page to go back to your previous view.


A Actinotherapy What is actinotherapy? Actinotherapy is a type of medical therapy, and it is a general term that may be used to describe, or in place of, other terms that include radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy. The exact definition of actinotherapy can be as simple as the therapeutic use of ultraviolet light. Or it can mean the treatment of disease (especially cancer) by exposure to radiation from a radioactive substance. How does actinotherapy work? How actinotherapy works depends upon exactly which form of the therapy is being used. Please see the individual entries for radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy for further information. What can actinotherapy be used for? As stated above, in general terms, actinotherapy is used for the treatment of disease and most commonly for the treatment of cancer. Is actinotherapy an effective form of therapy? Please see the individual entries for information on the effectiveness of actinotherapy. Are there any known side effects with actinotherapy? As above, please see the individual entries for information on the side effects of actinotherapy. Where can you find further information on actinotherapy? As above, please see the individual entries for further information on actinotherapy.

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Acupressure What is acupressure? Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses the same principles as acupuncture. But instead of inserting needles at points around the body, pressure is applied by hand or via a variety of different devices. Acupressure has been commonly used in Asia for several thousand years, and like acupuncture, is only recently becoming accepted as a therapeutic treatment in the West. How does acupressure work? According to traditional Chinese medicine, we all have an energy flowing through our bodies and this is referred to as our Qi or Chi. When we become injured or suffer an emotional event, this energy flow can be interrupted, in turn leading to long-term health issues. By using pressure on the designated acupoints of the body, this energy can again flow freely, resulting in aided blood flow and therefore assisting the body’s natural healing processes. This also results in encouraging a general wellbeing. The body’s energy circulates via a series of channels, called meridians, which connect the various acupoints. There are known to be 20 meridians and about 400 acupoints and often, the point at which the acupressure is applied may be nowhere near the point of the injury. What can acupressure be used for? Acupressure can be used as an aid, or to stop, literally hundreds of different conditions. In addition to promoting a general wellbeing, acupressure can be used for physical conditions such as a massage therapy: to relieve muscular tension, to stop headaches, stiff necks and backaches. It can be used to counteract the effects of hay fever, for example, and to stop feelings of vertigo or to reduce insomnia. Acupressure also aids with numerous emotional conditions, such as resolving anger, dispelling fear, healing the body of the effects of grief, improving concentration and making you less sensitive to what others think of you. Is acupressure an effective form of therapy? At present, there have not been enough clinical evaluations to determine whether or not acupressure is an effective form of therapy. Beyond the assumption that acupressure therapy acts as a placebo (i.e. that a change in symptoms which occur as a result of acupressure therapy are based on the power of suggestion alone), there is no scientific proof that this therapy works. However, when you consider for how many thousands of years acupressure has been used in Asia, you would assume that there must be some benefits to this therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with acupressure? There are no recorded side effects as such, just recommendations as to who and who should not use acupressure. This includes pregnant women and people with a heart condition, and therapy should not take place just before or within 20 minutes of completing heavy exercise, bathing or consuming a large meal. It should also not be relied upon as the sole form of treatment if you are ill and should not be used at an acupoint where you have a mole, bruise, cut, varicose vein or any break in the skin. One advantage with acupressure is that you can fairly easily apply the therapy to yourself as you don’t need any special tools or training to do so. However, this should be done with caution and any warnings described along with the various acupoint treatments should be heeded. Where can you find further information on acupressure? Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation

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Acupuncture What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a Western term which means “puncturing with needles”. It involves inserting needles into the patient and manipulating them, at any of the 360 or so points around the body. The needles are far smaller than those used for giving injections, as they do not need to be hollow and the lengths vary with the type of treatment. The origins of acupuncture can be traced back as far as 4,000 years, and it is thought to have begun in China where the ancient practice of this therapy is known as classical Chinese acupuncture. Medical doctors in China have been commonly using acupuncture in hospitals for about the last 50 years, and although this form of the therapy is referred to as a traditional Chinese medicine, it is actually a modernised form of the ancient therapy. Over the last few decades in particular, there has been much interest in acupuncture in the Western world. So much so that a Western form, called medical acupuncture, 16

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy has been developed and introduced. This form practiced by Western doctors is more simplified and it’s not necessary for them to first study the traditional theories and techniques as is based on scientific method. How does acupuncture work? The traditional Chinese medicine and classical Chinese acupuncture methods are based on the principle that a person’s health is a balance of yin and yang – two opposing but complementary forces: Yin represents the blood and yang represents a person’s vital energy, known as Qi or Chi. In order for these two to function in harmony, acupuncture serves to encourage the free-flow, or regulate the flow, of both where required. In Chinese treatments, the needles — which are called filiform needles — are inserted at points of the body that follow the fourteen channels, or meridians, using the traditionally identified acupuncture points. In Western medical acupuncture, treatments are based on the scientific method, using medical knowledge of the body and how our physiology and biochemistry are affected by the needles. Medical acupuncture therefore has no reference at all to either the acupuncture points or meridians used in the Chinese therapies. What can acupuncture be used for? In China, the most common use of acupuncture today is as an alternative to anaesthetics during surgery. When inserted at certain points around the body, the needle serves to block out the pain that would otherwise be felt at the point of surgery. This is of course very beneficial to patients who might otherwise be at risk under anaesthetic. Chinese doctors also find acupuncture useful for the treatment of some types of heart disease, and for treating high blood pressure, as well as appendicitis and asthma. In the Western world, acupuncture is recognised as a complementary therapy to various conditions, such as acute and chronic pain, anorexia, constipation and diarrhoea, headache and muscle spasms to name a few. The World Health Organisation has actually listed around 40 conditions that can be successfully treated with acupuncture. Is acupuncture an effective form of therapy? Opinion is divided as to the effectiveness of acupuncture, be it the traditional Chinese medicine form or medical acupuncture form, and there are criticisms of both. When you consider the fact that this has been a therapy used in China for thousands of years, you would assume that it must be an effective form of treatment. And whilst there have been preliminary trials to find out the overall effectiveness of acupuncture, Western understanding of the Chinese-used acupuncture points is still very inadequate.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Trials have shown that acupuncture might be an effective therapy for preventing nausea and possibly neck pain and headache. But there is far too little evidence to support claims that it can help stop people smoking. Are there any known side effects with acupuncture? Small effects such as minor bleeding and dizziness are the most common side effects, though if you have acupuncture therapy with a reputable practitioner who follows the usual safety guidelines you would expect to find in the Western world you should not be at risk. However, you should be aware of the injuries that could occur from improper insertion of the needles, which include: • • • • • •

brain damage kidney damage nerve injury piercing the lung or heart and pregnancy termination stroke

But if you have a qualified practitioner, these would be extremely unlikely to happen. Where can you find further information on acupuncture? The British Acupuncture Council The British Medical Acupuncture Society American Academy of Medical Acupuncture

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Acutonics What is Acutonics? Acutonics is a form of alternative therapy that was developed by Donna Carey and Marjorie de Muynck who have been working together on this since 1995. When compared to many of the ancient traditional Chinese medicine therapies, on which this is partly based, this is a very new form of alternative therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Acutonics is non-invasive and is said to be a powerful form of re-harmonising the body’s energy field via the application of sound and vibration. This sound and vibration is applied by using specially designed tuning forks that are then custommade using space grade aluminium. Acutonics is the trademarked name of a form of therapy more generally known as sonopuncture therapy. How does Acutonics work? Acutonics uses the energy points identified by Oriental medicine, much like acupuncture does. But instead of inserting needles, this form of therapy is noninvasive and uses sound and vibration only. The founders of Acutonics linked the power of music and sound to the healing and general well-being of the body — a premise that goes back thousands of years. The special tuning forks are struck on an ‘activator’ and then placed on the relevant part of the body or may be held near the ears. Because of the ability for sound waves and vibration to penetrate deep into the body, it is said that Acutonics can be more effective than traditional medicine at reaching difficult to get to places inside the body. This in itself would suggest that this form of therapy is far safer than any type of invasive treatment. The sound waves then result in stimulating the body’s energy field and hence promoting both healing and inner well-being, which is said to be vital to a person’s overall well-being. What can Acutonics be used for? Comparable to many other similar therapies, Acutonics can be used as a general tool to aid the body’s spirit. It has also been used to treat a number of other ailments, very differing in type, such as: respiratory, gynaecological, musculo-skeletal, urogenital, gastrointestinal, emotional and psychological, in addition to many other chronic and debilitating conditions. Is Acutonics an effective form of therapy? From a scientific and wholly conventional medical viewpoint, there is nothing to suggest that Acutonics would be an effective form of therapy. As a relatively new form of therapy, little or no proper scientific testing has taken place to prove or disprove whether this works and the medical world remains sceptical. However, there are known to be hundreds of case studies made available to the general public by the Kairos Institute of Sound Healing. These describe actual cases where Acutonics has been effectively used as a form of therapy to treat various ailments. So this in itself suggests that there must be some positive effects from an Acutonics treatment. Are there any known side effects with Acutonics? Acutonics is a painless process as there is very little contact and nothing invasive about it, so it can therefore be useful at points around the body where acupuncture for example might be risky. 19


There is no evidence to suggest that there are any side effects with Acutonics therapy. Where can you find further information on Acutonics? Wikipedia entry on sonopuncture Kairos Institute of Sound Therapy

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Adventure Therapy What is adventure therapy? Basically speaking, adventure therapy is a form of therapy that puts both adults and/or children into situations where there is a certain element of perceived risk, though within a safe environment. The intention of adventure therapy is to build the participants self-esteem, to encourage cooperative games, problem-solving, trust building and team building, by introducing them to particular environments that should elicit a certain type of reaction and behaviour. Adventure therapy can take the form of wilderness expeditions, adventure-based outings and long term residential camping. How does adventure therapy work? Since the 1930s, there have been camping programmes aimed at ‘troubled’ youths, as organisers have realised the potential of presenting the individual to an environment very different to what they are used to. By giving the individual the perception that there is a risk of danger if they do not work together, the individual will come to trust and rely on the other people around them. When the danger is passed and the task is complete, self-esteem and team building results from it. The idea behind this form of therapy provided to troubled adolescents of today works in the same way. It has the benefit of the individual being relatively confined (in that they are in the middle of nowhere and hence have nowhere to escape to) and therefore can be easily observed.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can adventure therapy be used for? One of the most prevalent uses for adventure therapy is for adolescent behavioural issues, for the reasons mentioned above. In addition, adventure therapy can be very useful for aiding adolescents who have either a drug or drink addiction, again because they can be closely observed and would have no way or sourcing either drink or drugs where they are. Various types of adventure therapy are also very useful for children who are generally disadvantaged, whether this is for financial reasons or because they have a disability. Adventure therapy can work particularly well for these groups because of the increase in self-esteem they usually experience. Finally, to a certain extent, adventure therapy can be used by companies for their employees, particularly for team building, though this is not as common. Is adventure therapy an effective form of therapy? There have been some studies into the effectiveness of adventure therapy, though these were not really taken far enough to reach a definitive conclusion. There is a certain amount of ‘theory’ behind adventure therapy, but this in itself has been questioned. However, the many positive outcomes that have occurred following individuals participating in adventure therapy would tend to suggest that it is effective. The problem is that its critics want proof as to ‘how’ it is effective i.e. how it actually works. Are there any known side effects with adventure therapy? As with most outdoor activities, there is always a certain amount of risk involved, and risk is inherent with this kind of therapy in that the whole point is that you’re put in a situation of perceived danger. However, danger should only be perceived and not actually likely to result in any harm, because there are very strict parameters put in place and everything is done in a ‘safe’ environment. Having said that, accidents can happen, though the number of incidents reported as a result of adventure therapy is very low indeed. Before considering sending a child on an adventure therapy course, you should carefully investigate the company and make sure that they are reputable and have all the correct safety guidelines in place. Where can you find further information on adventure therapy? Wikipedia entry on adventure therapy Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society (Canadian based)

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Alexander Technique What is the Alexander Technique? The Alexander Technique was developed by F. Matthias Alexander between 1890 and 1900. Alexander was experiencing vocal problems which doctors had told him were not the effect of any medical condition, so he set about trying to find the cause himself. When studying himself in the mirror prior to talking, he noticed that his body would tense up, and hence have an effect on his vocal chords. By realising that this was the problem, he then spent the next eight years training his body to react differently, and thereby breaking the habit that he had grown into, and eventually restoring his voice to what it used to be. How does the Alexander Technique work? The Alexander Technique works by re-educating us both physically and mentally to do common every day things differently and therefore reducing the amount of unnecessary tension experienced by our bodies. By breaking particular habits that we’re not even aware that we have got into, such as bad posture, i.e. the way we sit or stand, we can alleviate strains that we are putting on our bodies. By receiving instruction from a teacher who is trained to know what to look for, you can begin to enhance your personal performance in many ways. The idea is that once you have received the instruction and are aware of your problems, you can continue to help yourself in every day life. What can the Alexander Technique be used for? The Alexander Technique is stated to be useful for a large variety of people whether they have known problems or not. One of the most common uses is for posture-related pain, such as back and neck pain caused by bad posture. In addition, it is used by athletes to improve both breathing and for getting maximum results for minimum effort. Performers use it to improve poise and voice and people also use it for help with breathing difficulties; for improved self-reliance and wellbeing; during pregnancies to cope with the change in body shape and preparing for a stress-free birth; and in the workplace for understanding effective workplace set-up. Is the Alexander Technique an effective form of therapy? Many subjects of the Alexander Technique will testify as to the effectiveness of the therapy, though in the medical world it is regarded as merely an optional extra to standard medical treatment and that it should not be used in place of medical treatment. However, the NHS (National Health Service – UK) do regard the Alexander Technique as a complementary treatment to such things as repetitive strain injury, 22

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy back problems, stuttering and posture and balance problems, to name a few. But its effectiveness has not been thoroughly researched. And the limited research that has been conducted has generally shown that whilst there has been some improvement with the patient, this was not totally conclusive. Are there are known side effects with the Alexander Technique? The first drawback with the Alexander Technique is the length of time it can take to ‘learn’. Commonly between 20 and 40 lessons may be required to reach a desired effect, which is obviously time-consuming and those learning may become bored or demoralised with this. The therapy cannot be used to change structural deformities, but only help the patient in the way in which they compensate for these and hence aid movement. Generally there are no side effects, bar one, which is very rare – occasionally the subject or patient may find that by undoing one habit they are opening old emotional wounds that they came to terms with by developing the habit in the first place. This could then potentially lead to the requirement for further treatment, sometimes medical. Where can you find further information on the Alexander Technique? The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (UK)

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Amatsu Therapy What is amatsu therapy? Amatsu has developed from an ancient Japanese therapy and is used to correct many musculo-skeletal problems, for pain management and for rehabilitation after injury. In addition it works to restore general health by addressing physical, emotional and nutritional stresses on the body. Its origins go back at least 3000 years, and the present form of amatsu practised today has only been adapted from the original form following advancements in knowledge of the human anatomy. Only since 1995 though, has the art of amatsu been shared with the Western world when Japanese tradition was broken, and there are now a growing number of trained practitioners here.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy How does amatsu therapy work? In a hands-on way, amatsu is a form of push, pull massage, working to realign joints. But practitioners also work with clients by giving nutritional guidance, stress management and postural management, in order to address the body as a whole. This is because amatsu is based on the five factors for health and harmony, called the Godai. These five factors are: physical (musculo-skeletal), emotional (mind), nutritional (food), energy (life force) and interaction within our environment. If the five factors of the Godai are balanced, the person will be well balanced, physically and mentally. What can amatsu therapy be used for? There are many problems which can be treated with amatsu, the most common of which are: back problems, headaches and migraines, sports injuries, sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, sprains and strains and knee problems, to name a few. When used in conjunction with nutritional consultations, stress management and postural guidance, amatsu is capable of providing an all-encompassing therapy for the body, mind and soul. Is amatsu therapy an effective form of therapy? You would expect that a form of therapy that has been used for thousands of years must be effective. Added to this, the fact that amatsu has been adapted along with medical advancements would suggest that this is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with amatsu therapy? There are no known side effects with amatsu therapy, and it is in fact safe for people of all ages, from newborn babies to the elderly. Practitioners in the UK are specially trained over the course of two years and are members of the Amatsu Therapy Association (ATA). The ATA is regulated by the Institute for Complementary Medicine. Where can you find further information on amatsu therapy? Amatsu Therapy Association British School of Traditional Japanese Medicine – for amatsu courses

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Animal Assisted Therapy What is animal assisted therapy? Animal assisted therapy is a type of therapy that involves the use of animals as an essential part of the person’s treatment. Usually the animal in question will have been chosen because of their own characteristics, and matched to the person’s problem. Animals typically used are: dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, elephants, birds, dolphins and other small animals. Horses are very commonly used for animal assisted therapy, though this has its own classification, under equine assisted therapy. How does animal assisted therapy work? As many pet owners will appreciate, owning a pet can be a very rewarding experience as well as providing companionship, physical comfort, the increased opportunity to meet others and instilling responsibility. Animal assisted therapy works by adopting these same principles. What can animal assisted therapy be used for? Animal assisted therapy is thought to be a useful tool for people with mental difficulties, including autism spectrum syndromes, people with behavioural problems or medical difficulties and to help promote a general emotional well-being. For people with physical issues, it can aid fine motor skills and balance, and is also a useful aid for both educational and motivational purposes by encouraging long or short-term memory, increasing vocabulary and improving a person’s interaction and involvements with others. Is animal assisted therapy an effective form of therapy? There seems to be no doubt as to the advantages of owning and looking after a pet or pets. Animal assisted therapy is a commonly used form of complementary therapy to treat a variety of emotional, physical and psychological problems, therefore there must be substantial advantages to this therapy. Some analysis has taken place, which has shown moderate improvement in subjects using animal assisted therapy, though more analysis is needed overall. Are there any known side effects with animal assisted therapy? There are no known detrimental side effects to animal assisted therapy, though there is the possibility of risk being involved, depending on the animal in question. Dolphin therapy for example, has been highly criticised, both for the possible dangers to the patient and to the dolphins themselves.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on animal assisted therapy? Wikipedia entry on animal assisted therapy A resource page from Psych-Net-UK

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Antiretroviral Therapy What is antiretroviral therapy? Antiretroviral therapy is a form of treatment of infection by retroviruses, though it is most commonly associated with the treatment of HIV/AIDS. This therapy is also known as ‘Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy’, or HAART, when several (usually three or four) different antiretroviral drugs are taken in combination. Antiretroviral therapy is still a relatively new form of therapy for the treatment of HIV and AIDS and although it is somewhat readily available in developed countries, people in developing countries, where the number of those infected is highest, as yet do not have the access they should to this therapy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is aiming to provide global access to antiretroviral therapy in order that all sufferers of HIV/AIDS are able to prolong their lives. How does antiretroviral therapy work? HIV/AIDS is a virus that attacks the host by replicating itself and by making the host’s immune system open to further attack by other viruses. What antiretroviral therapy does is to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus. Thus, when drugs are administered in combination (as with HAART), both the replication of the HIV virus and the destruction of the immune system can be slowed. There are different kinds and different combinations of antiretroviral drugs used in combination antiretroviral therapy, depending on what phase of the virus’s lifecycle the host is in. What can antiretroviral therapy be used for? Antiretroviral therapy can be used for the treatment of all retroviruses, though it is primarily used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Is antiretroviral therapy an effective form of therapy? First it should be noted that although antiretroviral therapy is a treatment for the HIV/AIDS virus it is not a cure and no cure currently exists for this virus. However, it 26

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy is recognised by health organisations around the world, including the WHO, that antiretroviral therapy is extremely important in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and that this therapy should be made available to all. As mentioned, it is not a cure for the disease, but it can help to slow the reproduction of the virus. By slowing the reproduction this in turn also limits the damage to the immune system and means that the host is less likely to become infected with other diseases. The result is a longer and better quality of life. Are there any known side effects with antiretroviral therapy? It is a very common problem for patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy to suffer from side effects, some of which can be serious, though these side effects do vary with the particular drugs and between patients. There is a long list of reported side effects with some of the common drugs, just a few of these include: abdominal pain, headache, hepatitis, liver failure, myopathy, nausea, pancreatitis, vomiting and xeroderma (dry skin). Where can you find further information on antiretroviral therapy? Avert – Introduction to HIV and AIDS treatment BBC News article “Many still denied HIV drug access”. WHO – Antiretroviral Therapy

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Apitherapy / Bee Venom Therapy What is apitherapy and bee venom therapy? Apitherapy is the use of honeybee products for medicinal reasons, to heal or recover from a variety of illnesses. The products used can include honey, pollen, propolis (a resin-like substance used to seal small holes in the hive), royal jelly and bee venom. Apitherapy refers to the general use of bee products, whereas bee venom therapy includes only the use of bee venom. Apitherapy has been used for thousands of years, as it’s known that ancient civilisations appreciated the healing and health properties of honey in particular. Bee venom therapy is a far newer form of healing, its properties having been discovered in the late 1800s.

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How does apitherapy and bee venom therapy work? As mentioned above, the qualities of apitherapy in general have been appreciated for many thousands of years. But today, when the term apitherapy is used, it more commonly refers solely to bee venom therapy. Bee venom therapy works through the active components found within it. The most pungent of these is melittin, which is a very powerful anti-inflammatory substance. However, the venom as a whole contains many different proteins and peptides that would all work together to have a desired effect. Some effects may be neurotoxic or immunogenic – see ‘side effects’ below. What can apitherapy and bee venom therapy be used for? There are over 500 diseases and/or conditions that can be treated or prevented using apitherapy, according to apitherapy.com. These include allergies, cardiovascular diseases, blood diseases, neurology, dermatology and cancers. Bee venom therapy in particular is popularly linked with treatment for autoimmune diseases and multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as arthritis and tendonitis. Is apitherapy and bee venom therapy an effective form of therapy? There is little medical evidence on the effectiveness of apitherapy and bee venom therapy, although there have been a number of extensive studies performed over the years. One such study determined to show whether bee venom therapy does in fact have any positive effect on MS. But rather than prove the positive, many of the mice subjects actually experienced worsened conditions. Are there any known side effects with apitherapy and bee venom therapy? The most important side effect that you must be aware of is the potential for anaphylactic shock when using bee venom therapy. Anaphylactic shock is the body’s reaction to an allergen and can be fatal if not treated within minutes as the airways can be constricted. The problem with this is that you may be allergic to bee stings but not know. So any bee venom therapy should be taken with the utmost caution. Where can you find further information on apitherapy and bee venom therapy? Apitherapy.com Bees Online

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Aromatherapy What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds from a large variety of plants. Aromatherapy is a generally used term that covers a number of different traditions, including its use as a complementary medicine, and is widely recognised in the Western world. But despite origins that go back thousands of years, today’s interpretation of aromatherapy is very much a modernised version with the use of distilled plant volatiles, and is most popularly used for massage. How does aromatherapy work? Aromatherapy is commonly delivered in one of four different ways • • • •

aerial diffusion, for example burning oils to help fragrance a room direct inhalation to aid decongestion and respiration in vitro, via oral application, the rectum or the vagina topical application, as used in massages, therapeutic skin care, compresses or in baths

Aromatherapy can work in one of two ways. The first is the actual effect that the aroma has on the brain, especially the limbic system. The limbic system includes the functions of our emotions, behaviours and long-term memories. The second is the direct pharmacological effect, in other words, how the oils actually chemically affect the physical body. Different essential oils would affect different areas. What can aromatherapy be used for? As mentioned, probably the most common use for aromatherapy today is as an aid to massage. The use of different essential oils will stimulate or sensitise the skin, thereby increasing the muscular benefits which massage promotes. Aromatherapy oils are now commonly used for burning in homes, to serve as both a fragrance and for their benefits through inhalation. Users can choose which oils to burn depending on their current mood and emotions as many of the oils are relaxing. In France in particular, aromatherapy is regularly used alongside mainstream medicine for the assisting properties the essential oils provide with, for example, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial treatments. Is aromatherapy an effective form of therapy? There has so far been insufficient scientific research to suggest that aromatherapy in general is an effective form of therapy. However, it is widely accepted that the

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy scents, whether released directly as a part of aromatherapy or not, can have a direct effect on our brains and therefore help with relaxation and mood. There have been a limited number of studies as to the effectiveness of aromatherapy when administered in vitro, giving antibacterial and antiviral effects. As with many alternative therapies, aromatherapy is considered useful by the medical and scientific world only as a complementary therapy, as there is no proof that aromatherapy can actually cure any diseases. Are there any known side effects with aromatherapy? The key issues with aromatherapy usually occur when the essential oils come into direct contact with the skin and body. In their undiluted form, essential oils are very strong and can easily irritate the skin. Generally, oils should always be diluted when being applied topically, such as for massage. However, even in their diluted form you may be allergic to it and therefore the person applying the oil must always check first with a small amount of their diluted oil to see whether your skin is going to have an adverse reaction before starting the massage, so that they can choose a different oil if necessary. It is not recommended that you ingest essential oils because, again, these can have very adverse effects as some oils are highly toxic to your internal organs. For this reason, aromatherapy oils should always be kept out of the reach of children. Where can you find further information on aromatherapy? The Aromatherapy Council Website

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Art Therapy What is art therapy? Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy which is used so that the individual client or group can express themselves and their emotions through the use of various art materials. The expression of their art is the primary form of communication between the individual concerned and the art therapist and is hence very useful for people who have difficulty expressing themselves for whatever reasons. 30


The individuals, or clients, themselves are not expected to have had any previous artistic experience and are not expected to produce masterpieces. But the art therapist should be highly trained in this field and will usually have a degree in Art and have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Art Therapy. Art therapy has its roots in the early 1900s, when the first drawing assessment for psychological purposes was introduced. Further testing came into effect in the 1920s and again in the 1940s. How does art therapy work? Art therapy works in two ways: Firstly, it is used as a direct form of ‘therapy’ for the person involved — in that being creative and artistic can be both relaxing and satisfying, thereby promoting emotional well-being and mental health. Secondly, it is used as a form of communication. Art therapists are trained to recognise the messages being depicted, so that they can determine the clients underlying thoughts and feelings and help the client to have a better understanding of themselves. What can art therapy be used for? Art therapy is useful in a number of situations where the client would usually find it difficult to express themselves verbally, either because they do not have the mental capability, or because they have an emotional issue which makes it too painful to talk about, or they simply are not very good at expressing themselves. However, this is not always the case, because, as mentioned above, art can be useful as a form of therapy in its own right. Commonly, art therapists will work with clients who have learning difficulties, whether they are adults or children, for adult mental health reasons, within child and family centres, within the prison service and for palliative care. Is art therapy an effective form of therapy? Art therapy is effective in so far as it is recognised that by participating in a creative experience, clients will benefit from the positive effects of this. Unlike therapies which come under the ‘alternative therapies’ banner, it should be remembered that art therapy is a psychotherapy, which deals with emotions rather than trying to heal physical wounds. As such, art therapists are highly trained and have gained a recognised qualification and hence this in itself should be proof that this is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with art therapy? There are no side effects with art therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on art therapy? The British Association of Art Therapies

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Attachment Therapy What is attachment therapy? Attachment therapy can refer to two quite different forms of therapy, both aimed primarily at children. One is complementary and controversial, whilst the other is far more mainstream and accepted within psychotherapy circles. It can be difficult to distinguish between the two, because there is some overlap in the names, which have been used to describe the therapies. The mainstream form of therapy has attempted to shy away from the ‘attachment therapy’ label because of the controversy surrounding this term, and because this term is not related to attachment theory in any way. Hence attachment therapy would usually refer to the following: Classed as a complementary and alternative medicine and used primarily with children who are suffering mental health issues, particularly relating to attachment. For the most part, this refers to children who have suffered the loss of a parent or primary caregiver and is commonly seen in those who have been fostered and/or adopted. However, this is a controversial form of therapy and is not practised in mainstream therapeutic settings. An alternative name for attachment therapy is ‘rebirthing therapy’. Please read the rebirthing therapy entry for further information on this and attachment therapy in general. The second type of attachment therapy is based on actual scientific study and attachment theory, and is hence a recognised and accepted form of psychotherapy. For the purpose of distinguishing between the two, we will call this ‘attachment based interventions therapy’, and this will be covered in more detail below.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy How does attachment based interventions therapy work? There are a number of different approaches to attachment based interventions therapy: The ‘Circle of Security’ is an educational programme aimed at parents and caregivers to educate them on psychotherapy interventions that can be used with children who are considered to be at risk of developing normal patterns of attachment. By educating the caregiver, the child is at a lesser risk of developing these problems. Along a similar line is ‘Attachment and Behavioural Catch-Up’ (or ABC). This is a training programme aimed chiefly at surrogate caregivers (i.e. foster parents) of infants and it educates the caregiver on providing nurturance. The New Orleans Intervention focuses on children under five who have been maltreated and subsequently placed in foster care and is practiced in the US state of Louisiana. What can attachment based interventions therapy be used for? Attachment based interventions therapy, as previously stated, is a type of therapy designed for children who have been placed into foster care and/or adopted. This may be following a separation from their birth parents, for whatever reason, and for treating the mental health issues (particularly related to attachment) which have arisen as a result. Is attachment based interventions therapy an effective form of therapy? There has been a great deal of study into the psychology behind attachment theory, and though there have been some setbacks caused by the bad name of attachment therapy, it is recognised that this is an effective and important form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with attachment based interventions therapy? There are no known side effects with attachment based interventions therapy. Where can you find further information on attachment based interventions therapy? Wikipedia entry on child psychotherapy Wikipedia entry on attachment theory About.com – an overview of attachment theory

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Aura Therapy What is aura therapy? Aura therapy is a non-invasive healing technique, based on the belief that all humans have an aura or vital energy field. The colours that are identified in a person’s aura reveal what, if any, diseases are present. Although the origins of aura therapy are not know, there are references to it as long ago as 5,000 years, as ancient texts have made reference to auras as energy fields. How does aura therapy work? There are two major different types of aura therapy: aura colour therapy and Therapeutic Touch. Aura colour therapy involves directly trying to re-balance a person’s aura, so that the colours they radiate are those of a healthy person. A healthy person would have a very clear and distinct aura that should have all the seven colours of the rainbow. Once it is identified which colours are missing, these colours are introduced either by irradiating the person’s body with coloured lights or by placing coloured gemstones on the person’s body. Clients may also be advised to wear clothing of particular colours. Therapeutic Touch (TT) works on the principle that when a person is not healthy, their aura will have blockages that can be healed through the transfer of energy via the practitioner’s hands. The practitioner will identify, using his or her hands, where the blockages are. Although it is called therapeutic touch, there is no physical touching involved and the client would be fully clothed. (There is a separate entry on Therapeutic Touch that has further information on how this therapy works.) What can aura therapy be used for? Aura therapy, although described as being a ‘healing technique’, does not physically heal a person’s body. Instead, it aims to heal the damage or imbalances being caused to the person’s aura to bring the aura back into physical, emotional, mental and spiritual balance. Therefore, aura therapy is used more for the purpose of helping the client to feel well-being and peace, which can include feelings of ecstasy or spiritual transformation. Is aura therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, aura therapy is not a form of medical treatment and is not recognised as a valid form of therapy by the medical world. There have been no real scientific studies into the validity or efficacy of aura therapy or into the existence of a human energy field. It is considered a New Age treatment, and is fairly widely accepted in New Age circles. Are there any known side effects with aura therapy? There are no known side effects or precautions of aura therapy. 34


Where can you find further information on aura therapy? Information specifically related to aura therapy in general is difficult to come by. You can find more information on Therapeutic Touch under its own entry.

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Aura-Soma What is aura-soma? Aura-soma is categorised as an energy therapy that is chiefly based on colour and divination and the idea that colour itself is a universally understood language. Vicky Wall, a British pharmacist and chiropodist who claimed that she could see auras around people as well as around animals and plants, developed aura-soma. When she became blind, she retained this ability and started developing ‘equilibrium bottles’ which would become the centre of the aura-soma therapy. How does aura-soma work? Equilibrium bottles are small bottles that are filled with equal amounts of two different coloured liquids. The bottom half is a mixture of water and herbs, whilst the top half is essential oils, which by nature floats on top of the water. At present, there are 107 different equilibrium bottles available, of which four bottles are chosen by the client. Each bottle is symbolic of emotional, mental and spiritual attributes that will reveal their ‘gifts, challenges and opportunities’. One of these four is then chosen by the client and used as an ointment on the parts of the body where the chakras correspond to the colours of the bottle. What can aura-soma be used for? Rather than being a physical cure to illness, aura-soma is more a therapy for the soul. The practitioner, by understanding the equilibrium bottles chosen, can assess and help the client assess their unconscious mind and essentially ‘counsel’ the client with the aim of helping them have a better understanding of themselves. Is aura-soma an effective form of therapy? In so far as a client receiving counselling to help them have a better understanding of themselves, then it could be argued that aura soma is an effective form of therapy. What is questioned about the effectiveness is the theory behind the equilibrium bottles and the client’s choices.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with aura-soma? There are no known side effects with auro-soma therapy. Where can you find further information on aura-soma? Aura-Soma website

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Auriculotherapy What is auriculotherapy? Auriculotherapy is also known as auricular therapy or sometimes ear acupuncture. However, ear acupuncture is actually quite a different type of therapy. It is based on the idea that the ear is a micro system and that the whole body can be represented within the ear, and hence manipulating the ear in some way can treat ailments across the whole body. A French doctor, Dr. Paul Nogier, developed auriculotherapy in the 1950s after noticing a local healer treating sciatica by cauterising the ear. Fascinated by the correlation, he began to investigate this relationship between the ear and the rest of the body. Dr. Nogier created a ‘map’ to indicate which parts of the ear related to which parts of the body, which was essentially an inverted foetus. Auriculotherapy is performed using a number of different implements to stimulate the different parts of the ear, including needles, electrical stimulation, massage or laser. How does auriculotherapy work? By using the determined points in or on the ear that relate to the part of the body which is diseased, the idea is that this is a form of treatment to alleviate or cure a problem. What can auriculotherapy be used for? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), auriculotherapy is an effective form of treatment for about 300 different conditions, particularly good for treating addictions and compulsive disorders – including eating disorders, OCD (ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), amongst others — as 36

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy well as for the treatment of pain. It is said to have a 95 per cent success rate at stopping people smoking. Is auriculotherapy an effective form of therapy? A number of studies have been carried out as to the effectiveness of auriculotherapy, with varying results. One study in 1984 concluded that it was not an effective procedure for curing chronic pain. Yet another study in 2006 concluded that auriculotherapy was effective at significantly reducing the pain suffered and hence the analgesic consumption required “during oocyte aspiration in IVF”. So these two studies do contradict each other somewhat in their findings. The fact that the WHO has recognised auriculotherapy as an effective form of treatment and diagnosis would suggest that there must be a certain amount of credence to its efficacy. Are there any known side effects with auriculotherapy? There are no obvious side effects to auriculotherapy. But there will always be a certain number of risks where the ear is involved. By visiting a practitioner who has specific experience with auriculotherapy, you should limit the risks involved. Where can you find further information on auriculotherapy? Holistic Web Directory of Practices offering Auriculotherapy in the UK

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Australian Flower Essences Therapy What is Australian flower essences therapy? Australian flower essences therapy is a flower essences therapy that uses just plants and flowers native to Australia, and may also be referred to as Australian bush flower essences. The idea is that the essences of the flower contain healing properties; healing in the sense of the word to include mind, soul and spirit, rather than physical therapeutic healing. Use of flower essences therapy as a whole has been around since Egyptian times, and Australian flower essences therapy has been used for generations by Australian aboriginals. The use of flower essences came more to the forefront in the 1930s when English physician, Edward Bach, developed remedies which came to be

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy known as Bach flower remedies (Bach flower remedies and flower essence therapies in general are given in more detail in their own entry.) Australian flower essences therapy is recognised as being an independent form of the therapy because of the many diverse plant species found in Australia, where there is the highest number of flowering plants and also some of the oldest in the world. How does Australian flower essences therapy work? Australian flower essences therapy works by encouraging treatment of a problem in a person’s mind, which is where it is thought the root of many physical problems lies. By creating an infusion from the flower essences that are immersed in water and then diluted with brandy, flower essences can be taken orally, usually by having a few drops placed onto or under the tongue. The process of infusion in water is said to release the healing properties and spiritual elements of the flower which can nourish and heal the physical body, in turn encouraging the natural healing abilities of the mind, or vice versa. What can Australian flower essences therapy be used for? As mentioned, Australian flower essences therapy works on the basis of the mind’s control of the body. This implies that if you are emotionally imbalanced then your body becomes physically imbalanced too. From this, we can conclude that flower essences therapy can be used for all sorts of emotional and physical issues. It can also be used to treat allergies, asthma, arthritis, anxiety, headaches, vomiting and snoring, amongst others. Is Australian flower essences therapy an effective form of therapy? No studies have concluded the efficacy of Australian flower essences therapy, and it is believed by sceptics that this works only as the result of a placebo effect and nothing else. Hence if you believe in the possible positive effects from Australian flower essences therapy, it is worth trying it. Are there any known side effects with Australian flower essences therapy? No, Australian flower essences therapy is stated to be perfectly safe and free from any side effects and is suitable for both adults and children. It is not possible to overdose, and if the wrong remedy is chosen it simply will not work rather than have any negative effects on the body. Where can you find further information on Australian flower essences therapy? Internet Health Library entry on Australian flower essences therapy Infoholix.net list of practitioners

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Authentic Movement Therapy What is authentic movement therapy? Authentic movement therapy was started by Mary Starks Whitehouse in the 1950s, and is an expressive improvisational movement, performed individually or within a group. Whitehouse was a trained psychotherapist with an interest in dance, which she began to integrate into sessions with clients. She developed this further into dance movement therapy with an emphasis on the principles of Jung’s (a Swiss psychiatrist) ‘active imagination’ theories. The process later became called authentic movement because the participants would move about in an authentic, or genuine manner — in other words, the movements they made were completely spontaneous and un-directed. How does authentic movement therapy work? Participants will start in a relaxed and comfortable position with their eyes closed so that they become aware of their body-mind processes. Shortly after, they would experience stimuli within themselves that would drive them to movement or to making sound. This could be movement of any kind, and is basically whatever the participant feels like doing. What can authentic movement therapy be used for? Authentic movement is said to bridge a gap between therapy and meditation and allow the participant free movement to express their inner selves. When performed in a group, there will be witnesses and ‘movers’. The witnesses do not try to interpret the movements in any way — just observe. And once the movement is over, the movers can talk about what they felt and what their experience was like; similar in ways to a group therapy session. Is authentic movement therapy an effective form of therapy? Authentic movement therapy relies on the participants being able to see into themselves and letting go of inhibitions so that they are able to move in a spontaneous way. If the participant is not able to do this, for example because they feel embarrassed, then they will not be able to benefit from the therapy. Therefore it could be argued that this only becomes effective if participants are of a certain mind-set in the first place. Are there any known side effects with authentic movement therapy? There are no known side effects associated with authentic movement therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on authentic movement therapy? Think through the Body – paper on authentic movement Institute for Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapy

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Autogenics What is autogenics? Autogenics therapy, or autogenic training as it is sometimes known, is a relaxation technique, which was developed by Dr. Johannes Schultz, a German psychiatrist, in the early 1930s. Dr. Schultz had been influenced by the work of a fellow psychiatrist who had discovered that when patients could induce a self-hypnotic state, they experienced a general feeling of well-being, and problems such as anxiety or headaches disappeared. The technique is practised usually three times a day for about 15 minutes and involves a series of visualisations that bring about a state of relaxation. The purpose of the state of relaxation is to help reduce stress and stress-induced psychosomatic problems — i.e. disorders of the mind rather than physiological. It can be practised in a variety of positions, including sitting and lying, and the client remains fully clothed throughout, and without the need for any kind of equipment or apparatus. It is a completely non-invasive type of therapy. How does autogenics work? The ‘client’ will have a number of sessions with the practitioner during which they will learn a number of body awareness exercises and relaxation. These are techniques that they can use themselves throughout their life, long after their sessions with a practitioner have ended. The idea is that the relaxation techniques help the body to turn off the feelings of ‘fight and flight’, which lead to stress, and bring about a balance of rest and relaxation. What can autogenics be used for? The chief benefit is to alleviate stress, and obviously any problems associated with stress, as well as insomnia, anxiety and nerves. It is also used to enhance

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy performance and healing and to increase overall wellbeing, confidence and selfesteem. Is autogenics an effective form of therapy? Some reports suggest that success rates with practitioners of autogenics therapy are very low, whereas others suggest that scientific studies have shown it to be an effective tool in preventative medicine and an effective remedy to many different stress-disorders. Provided that the client is able to relax their body in the way specified, there is really no reason to believe that relaxation of the body would not be helpful in some way or another. Are there any known side effects with autogenics? There are no known side effects with autogenics therapy and there are no risks involved in practising it because the therapy is totally non-invasive. Where can you find further information on autogenics? The British Autogenic Society

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Aversion Therapy What is aversion therapy? Aversion therapy is very similar to shock therapy, in that it uses shock, as well as other unpleasant sensations, which practitioners purport help the client to break unhealthy habitual behaviours or addictions. How does aversion therapy work? The client is given some sort of unpleasant stimulus while experiencing the object or experience that they are habituated to or addicted to. For example, an alcoholic may have a substance that induces vomiting introduced into his favourite tipple. A client who chews her nails could have them coated in an unpleasant-tasting substance. Or a gambling addict may be administered shock treatment while watching a spinning roulette wheel, or taking part in a game of poker.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The idea is that any pleasant associations the client has with the habitual behaviour or addiction will then be eradicated by the unpleasant experience, and thus they will break the habit, addiction or behaviour. What can aversion therapy be used for? Aversion therapy is said by its supporters to be useful for any habit, behaviour or addiction that a client would like to break free from. This can include: • • • • •

alcoholism gambling nail-biting smoking violence

Aversion therapy, like conversion therapy, was also used in the past to help a client to change their sexual orientation. But this was when homosexuality was considered to be deviant behaviour. It was not successful in its results and anyway, today, people are more enlightened about homosexuality. The use of aversion therapy in such a way is now considered to be a breach of the conduct and professional guidelines of the main psychology professional associations in the US and in Europe. Is aversion therapy an effective form of therapy? Aversion therapy has had mixed results in tests on its efficacy. When there was some initial progress made by the client, they tended to return to their undesirable behaviours or addictions once the deterrent was removed. However, there is some growing research support for the drug Antabuse, combined with behaviour therapy, in treating alcoholism. But most aversion therapists are moving away from using chemicals or electric shocks as the stimulus. Instead, they are turning to a method known as ‘covert sensitisation’ — in other words, visualisation techniques. Are there any known side effects with aversion therapy? Aversion therapy does not have a good reputation because in the past, some clients have felt abused by their behaviour being deemed to be a mental illness, particularly in the case of homosexuals, and there have been several fatalities as a result of aversion therapy. In the US, some states are pushing for tougher regulatory control over such therapies and therapists. But where the client is voluntarily entering into aversion therapy, and the stimulus itself is not considered to be harmful to their health, there should be no side effects.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on aversion therapy? Wikipedia article on aversion therapy

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Ayurvedic Medicine What is ayurvedic medicine? Ayurvedic medicine, or ayurveda as it is also known, is an ancient alternative medical system used frequently today on the Indian subcontinent. The word ‘ayurveda’ translates roughly as ‘knowledge of life’, ‘knowledge of a long life’ or ‘science of life’. In this case, ‘life’ (or ‘ayus’) refers to the body, mind and soul and the factors responsible for sustaining the body to prevent decay and death. Ayurveda is the protection of the ayus through therapeutic measures in order to retain physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony and is one of the only ancient systems of medicine that includes a complex form of surgery. The ‘medicinal’ element of the therapy comes from the use of minerals, metals, herbs, and vegetable and animal materials. Ayurveda is being used in the Western world in more recent years, though is commonly limited to the use of massage, dietary and herbal advice. How does ayurvedic medicine work? Ayurvedic medicine therapy works on the principle that healing and health occurs by balancing the mind, body and soul. This includes eating the right foods at the right times, and maintaining purity of the mind and soul as it is believed that the mind must be clear to enable it to work efficiently in conjunction with the body. The belief therefore, is that a healthy body results from a healthy mind. The huge variety of herbs, minerals, metals, chemicals, animal parts, and fruits and so on all have benefits to different parts of the body, and for curing different illnesses, though these should be used under consultation with a trained practitioner. What can ayurvedic medicine be used for? There are various elements of ayurvedic medicine, though as a generalisation, ayurveda can be used for just about everything. 43


It is a fully recognised medical system of health care in India and is used on a daily basis. Practitioners there undergo five-and-a-half years of training in ayurveda before they can practice it. Is ayurvedic medicine an effective form of therapy? The fact that this form of medicinal therapy has been used for thousands of years would tend to suggest that this is an effective form of therapy. However, in the Western world there has not been substantial testing of its efficacy. The US based National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine agrees that trials have not been properly conducted as yet. Even in India, Western-type scientific trials have not been conducted and hence scepticism around the world for ayurvedic medicine therapy remains high. Are there any known side effects with ayurvedic medicine? There are safety concerns with ayurvedic medicine’s use of certain herbs, metals and minerals, and the fact that they could have toxic effects on the body, as well as other risks. Cases of these problems are well known throughout the medical world. Where can you find further information on ayurvedic medicine? Ayurvediccure.com – a web portal for ayurveda Internet Health Library entry on ayurvedic medicine

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B Bach Flower Remedies and Flower Essence Therapy What is flower essence therapy? Flower essence therapy is the use of flower essences to heal the body, mainly through the mind, by assisting emotional and spiritual balances to correct imbalances in the body and soul. Flower essence therapy has been used since Egyptian times in one form or another and has more recently been adapted into various methods. Bach flower remedies is one of the key flower essence therapies practiced in many countries around the world. Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath, developed Bach flower remedies in the 1930s. All but one of the remedies does not affect or treat the physical body, just the body’s spiritual and emotional conditions. How does flower essence therapy work? Flower essence therapy extracts the essence of the flower, commonly by a process of infusion with water, although for Bach remedies this can also be achieved by collecting dew from the flowers, or by boiling the flowers. The essence is then heavily diluted into a mixture that is half water, half brandy. For this reason, the liquid, which is sold as the essence, does not have any characteristics, like smell or taste, of the original flower, and the flowers used are always non-toxic in nature. The remedies are reported to work by capturing the ‘energetic signature’ of the flower involved, which is then transferred to the user. Obviously there are various different remedies using different plants that are all good for different conditions and they may be used singly or in conjunction with others. What can flower essence therapy be used for? As stated, Bach flower remedies are not used to actually cure physical conditions, but to help promote a healthy mind and spirit, hence they are useful for such things as anxiety, insomnia, depression and stress which are diseases of the mind rather than diseases of the body, though this is not a comprehensive list. Is flower essence therapy an effective form of therapy? There have been controlled clinical studies of Bach flower remedies and flower essences therapies in general, none of which have found that these therapies work in any way other than acting as a placebo.

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Are there any known side effects with flower essence therapy? There are no known side effects with flower essence therapies or with Bach flower remedies. This is because the flowers used are not toxic and are heavily diluted prior to use. Where can you find further information on flower essence therapy? Dr. Edward Bach centre, England The British Association of Flower Essence Producers

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Bates Method What is the Bates Method? The Bates Method is the common term used to describe a method developed by Dr William Bates, an ophthalmologist and physician from the United States, which it was claimed could give patients better eyesight without the use of glasses. William Bates (1860-1931) developed a theory around the year 1919, that many eye problems are the result of strained vision habits and that by helping a patient to relax these strains, he could improve their eyesight. This theory later became known as the ‘Bates Method for better eyesight’. How does the Bates Method work? Bates believed that eyestrain was habitual and originated in the mind. So the main premise behind the Bates Method was to help patients relax their eyes and hence the strains being put on them. He believed that this could be achieved if the patient became self-aware of these strains. There were several ways in which the Bates Method was recommended. ‘Flashing’ is the process whereby the patient repeatedly opens and closes their eyes in front of an eye chart. It was stated that this would rest the eyes and that when the patient reopened their eyes they could do so without straining them. ‘Palming’ involves placing the palms of the hands over closed eyes so as to achieve a greater extent of relaxation to correct straining in response to light. Bates claimed 46

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy that if the patient could achieve a state whereby their eyes were not straining to see whilst palming, they would instead see a field of black. ‘Visualisation’ involves visualising an object without strain, as Bates believed that if a patient could do this, they would also be able to see the object without strain. ‘Shifting and Swinging’ is regularly shifting one’s gaze from point to point. Bates believed that it was not good for the eyes to try to focus too hard on one particular point because the natural reaction of the eyes is to constantly shift their vision. ‘Sunning’ involves exposing the closed eyes to sunlight because Bates believed that much strain was in response to light conditions. He stated that if the eyes are exposed to sunlight they could unlearn the typical light strain suffered. What can the Bates Method be used for? Bates believed that eyestrain was responsible for a great many ophthalmic problems. These included refractive errors, such as myopia and astigmatism, which are usually compensated for with glasses; eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and conjunctivitis; diseases of the optic nerve and retina; and normal conditions such as floaters. Is the Bates Method an effective form of therapy? The Bates Method was controversial when Bates developed his theories and remains controversial to this day. The methods have not been adequately proved to improve eyesight and some of his main theories behind the methods were, and still are, rejected by the mainstream. Are there any known side effects with the Bates Method? Whilst most of the Bates Methods are totally harmless, there is some concern for patients who follow his recommendations. The first is regarding overexposure to sunlight – you should never look at the sun, whether through your hands, with your eyes closed or even with sunglasses on. The second concern is that whilst patients try the Bates Method, they are not seeking conventional treatment and could end up doing more damage with the delay in seeking attention. The third is that some patients may believe they are doing themselves good and stop wearing their prescribed glasses. Where can you find further information on the Bates Method? BBC Inside Out – Natural Vision Correction article College of Vision Education Bates Association for Vision Education Quackwatch – Fallacies of the Bates System

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Behaviour Therapy What is behaviour therapy? Behaviour therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, phobias and other forms of psychopathology. Behaviour therapy was first used in the 1950s as a development of the idea that all human behaviours can be studied scientifically. It was developed in the UK, the USA and South Africa all at about the same time, though each of these countries had their own approach. The most recognised forms of behaviour therapy were by operant conditioning and respondent conditioning. In more recent years, behaviour therapy has been linked with cognitive therapy to form ‘cognitive behaviour therapy’, and most recently an area called ‘third generation behaviour therapy’ is being particularly studied. How does behaviour therapy work? Operant conditioning is based on the idea that an ‘operant’ (i.e. ‘operator’) is influenced by his or her environment, and that they can modify their ‘voluntary behaviour’ to act on consequences. Respondent conditioning, also known as classical conditioning, is a form of conditioning to get the ‘patient’ to react in a certain way to certain stimulus. What can behaviour therapy be used for? There are numerous conditions and behavioural problems that behaviour therapy can be used for. These include eating disorders, such as anorexia and obesity, substance abuse, depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and relationship assistance. Is behaviour therapy an effective form of therapy? Behaviour therapy is recognised as an effective form of therapy and much research into the effectiveness has been performed since its beginnings in the 1950s. Many professionals believe that behaviour therapy is at least as effective as prescribed medication for treating certain disorders like ADHD and depression. Are there any known side effects with behaviour therapy? There are no known side effects with behaviour therapy. And in fact it is a far safer way of treating particular disorders that would usually rely on prescription drugs, because of the potential problems found with medication, such as overdose and addiction.

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Where can you find further information on behaviour therapy? International Association of Behaviour Analysis British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

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Biofeedback Therapy What is biofeedback therapy? Biofeedback is a type of alternative medicine therapy. It is based on the idea that the ‘patient’ is able to change the way they react to certain stimulus by recognising how their body physically reacts to something and thereby being able to change that reaction. A psychologist and neuroscientist, called Neal Miller, who discovered that rats could be trained to control certain bodily functions — such as heart rate and blood pressure — introduced the idea of biofeedback to the world in the 1950s when it was discovered by accident. This was previously believed to be an uncontrollable physiological process that is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls such automatic functions as breathing. How does biofeedback therapy work? Biofeedback works by measuring a patient’s bodily functions, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, skin temperature and muscle tension, and relaying that information directly to the patient so that they themselves can observe how their body is acting and reacting. Usually these bodily functions would be things that we do automatically and unconsciously. So by ‘seeing’ them, we are raising awareness and conscious control over our bodies. The idea is that when we can see what our body does at any given time, we can understand and learn to interpret that and change it. What can biofeedback therapy be used for? There are a number of ways in which biofeedback therapy can be used depending on how the body’s functions are being monitored.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Monitoring by electromyogram (EMG) is the most common form of biofeedback therapy. Electrodes measure muscle tension, and when the patient can learn to recognise how tension feels by ‘seeing’ this on the display, they can learn how to control this tension. Hence this is used mainly as a relaxation technique to help headaches, neck pain and backaches, though it can also be used for patient rehabilitation after suffering a stroke or heart attack. Other common methods include ‘peripheral skin temperature’ which can be used for reducing stress, and frequency and severity of migraines; ‘galvanic skin response training’ which can be used to treat emotional disorders such as anxiety, stuttering and phobias; and ‘heart rate variability’ (HRV) which is used to treat stress-related disorders. Is biofeedback therapy an effective form of therapy? Whilst the principals behind biofeedback therapy are accepted as being of help to many conditions, some conditions which have been claimed to be helped by it, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), are viewed as showing potential, but not actually proven. However, it is accepted that by teaching the body about how it is acting and reacting is effective, though biofeedback therapy is criticised as being an expensive way of doing this. This is because it is believed that the same outcome could be reached by using self-hypnosis, relaxation training and meditation. Are there any known side effects with biofeedback therapy? There are no known side effects with biofeedback therapy, though it may interfere with some medications, such as insulin, and therefore patients with diabetes should be careful. Where can you find further information on biofeedback therapy? Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Mayo Clinic – FAQs on biofeedback therapy

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Biorhythms Therapy What is biorhythms therapy? Biorhythms are the cycles that our bodies go through on a periodic basis which affect our physical, emotional and intellectual physiology. Therefore, biorhythms therapy is the study of these rhythms and acting upon them. 50


Three different individuals, who were not associated in any way, first suggested the theory behind biorhythms between 1897 and 1902. A professor of psychology noted that fevers and other illnesses were affected by rhythmic changes in mood and health, and concluded that there was a 23-day physical cycle and a 28-day emotional cycle. A nose and throat specialist, who whilst studying illnesses found there also to be a 23-day physical and 28 day emotional cycle too, reiterated this. A university professor then suggested the correlation between a rhythmic cycle and brain levels, in that the brain’s mental ability, the ability to absorb information and general alertness, ran in a 33-day cycle. How does biorhythms therapy work? The idea is that an individual can have a biorhythms chart produced. Or you can produce the chart yourself if you work out the mathematical theory. The chart is based and calculated solely on your birth date. The chart shows your physical, mental and emotional levels – which are calculated using the 23, 28 and 33 day cycle. From the chart, you will be able to calculate which are likely to be your good days and which will be your bad days. What can biorhythms therapy be used for? There is no science behind biorhythms, and the theory is largely hypothetical. Therefore there is no medical or physiological benefit from having a biorhythms chart produced. The chart can simply be used as a sort of prediction as to which days you may feel good about yourself and which days you won’t. You can then choose to do what you like with this information. Is biorhythms therapy an effective form of therapy? Biorhythms is not accepted as having any scientific validity and is simply based on numerology. It is often referred to as ‘pseudoscience’. Although there may be some truth in the fact that our bodies go through cycles, studies carried out on biorhythms have been inconclusive. Those which have supported the theory cannot be relied upon because of inaccuracies and statistical and methodological errors, whilst the majority of studies have simply found the theory not to be valid. Are there any known side effects with biorhythms therapy? There are no side effects with biorhythms therapy. Where can you find further information on biorhythms therapy? Biorhythms4u Personal Biorhythms

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Bowen Technique What is the Bowen Technique? The Bowen Technique, or Bowen therapy, is a holistic form of manipulative body therapy. To the untrained eye, the Bowen Technique appears to be massage, though in fact the movements used on the body are quite unique – a gentle, rolling motion is used with very light touches. A self-proclaimed (i.e. not officially trained) osteopath, named Tom Bowen (19161982), developed the original Bowen therapy in Australia. His technique was then interpreted by others and has only been used outside of Australia since 1986. How does the Bowen Technique work? The Bowen Technique is applied using very light touches around certain points of the body which are said to stimulate the body to respond by healing itself because the technique is increasing sensory awareness. A session may last from half an hour to an hour, and after each point has been stimulated the practitioner will pause for a couple of minutes before moving on to the next point. The pause is said to allow the body time to react and benefit. What can the Bowen Technique be used for? The Bowen Technique can provide an overall feeling of deep relaxation, and because it is said to stimulate the body into healing itself it can provide a feeling of well-being and balance throughout the body. Therefore it is used by people simply to maintain feelings of wellbeing and relaxation even if they are not suffering from any ailments. In addition, the Bowen Technique can also be used to treat certain conditions such as people overcoming sports injuries or accidents and with a number of other problems, such as frozen shoulder, headaches, foot problems, menstrual problems, allergies, asthma, dizziness, incontinence, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and skeletal and muscular problems, to name a few. Is the Bowen Technique an effective form of therapy? There have only been three studies into the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique. The first two had questionable results due to lack of methodology, though improvements were found in patients being treated with the Bowen technique. The third study did apply strict methodology but has only recently been presented and hence the findings are not yet published. However, the Bowen Technique is now being widely used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and North America and in Europe and, since 1998, has been increasingly used in primary care in the UK – all indications that this is an effective form of therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with the Bowen Technique? There are no reported side effects with the Bowen technique. And because this therapy uses a very light touch there is very little pressure put on the body, and hence little or no potential for adverse effects. Where can you find further information on the Bowen Technique? The Official Bowen Association UK

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Brachytherapy What is brachytherapy? Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy (or radiation therapy) which is commonly used in patients who have localised cancers, such as prostate cancer, and to treat cancers of the head and neck. The term brachytherapy comes from the Greek word ‘brachy’, meaning ‘short’. The therapy is performed by placing a radioactive source inside or next to the area to be treated. This therapy may also be known as ‘endocuriotherapy’ or ‘sealed source radiotherapy’. You can read more about other forms of radiation therapy in the radiotherapy article. How does brachytherapy work? As mentioned above, brachytherapy uses radioactive sources which are placed inside or next to the area which needs treatment. There are five main types of brachytherapy: mold brachytherapy, interstitial brachytherapy, intracavitary brachytherapy, intravascular brachytherapy and strontium plaque. These treatments vary according to what is being treated and use different sources of radiation. Interstitial brachytherapy, for example, uses insertion into tissue and this method is used for prostate cancer, whilst intracavitary brachytherapy places the radioactive source into a body cavity. On the other hand, mold brachytherapy uses a sealed source that is just placed close to the skin but not in contact with it.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can brachytherapy be used for? Brachytherapy is primarily used for localised cancers and those affecting the head and neck because it can be accurately directed at the cancer with less likelihood of affecting other tissues in the body. As mentioned, interstitial brachytherapy may be used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Intravascular brachytherapy is usually used for coronary in-stent restenosis. Intracavitary brachytherapy is commonly used for gynaecological issues. Is brachytherapy an effective form of therapy? It would appear as though brachytherapy is an effective form of radiation therapy for the conditions mentioned above, because the radioactive sources can be accurately placed as required within or near the body. Having said this, there are still risks involved with this type of radiation therapy (see below). Are there any known side effects with brachytherapy? The most common side effects would seem to be from the treatment of prostate cancer. Some are relatively minor side effects and will pass in a short time, though others are more serious and may be permanent. Short term side effects are mostly urinary in nature. Side effects may be produced as a result of the radioactive seeds that are used, as occasionally these can move out of the prostate and into the urinary tract. If this occurs, the urine must be filtered in order to recover the seeds. A far more serious side effect is impotence. Percentages of men suffering impotence after treatment are difficult to interpret because they can vary according to the seriousness of the cancer. Where can you find further information on brachytherapy? Cancer Research UK information on brachytherapy for prostate cancer Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group Wikipedia entry on brachytherapy

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Breathwork and Holotropic Breathwork Therapy What is breathwork therapy? Breathwork therapy is a general term used to describe several different forms of conscious alteration of our breathing patterns when used for psychotherapy or meditation. One such variant of these is ‘rebirthing-breathwork’ (which is different to rebirthing therapy), whilst another, holotropic breathwork, is discussed here. Holotropic breathwork was developed by a doctor, Stanislav Grof, as a way of selfexploration and healing, based on both modern research combined with mystical and spiritual traditions and practises. The word ‘holotropic’, means ‘moving towards wholeness’. How does holotropic breathwork therapy work? Holotropic breathwork involves five stages and is usually done in groups, though can also be done individually. The five elements are: group process, intensified breathing, evocative music, focused bodywork and expressive drawing. Within groups, people work in pairs so that one experiences whilst the other watches and helps if necessary. The main aim of holotropic breathwork is to reach a heightened state of self-psychic awareness that in turn aids the psyche’s natural healing process. What can holotropic breathwork therapy be used for? Holotropic breathwork is reported to induce a higher state of consciousness and, according to Grof, there are four main categories experienced: • • •

•

sensory and somatic – includes hallucinations, greater awareness of bodily impulses, and being able to feel where energy is blocked biographical and individual unconscious – can involve revisiting repressed memories, unresolved conflicts and unintegrated traumas which can benefit the person by being able to now deal with these perinatal – is experiencing emotions, images and physical sensations believed to have been felt during birth. Grog believes that our birth is a very traumatic event and that by having these experiences can release the trauma and also deeply ingrained negative beliefs which we have had since birth transpersonal – can include having past life memories, out of body experiences, oneness and spiritual encounters

Is holotropic breathwork therapy an effective form of therapy? Some studies have shown holotropic breathwork to be an effective form of therapy in that it produced positive results with some patients for whom other psychotherapy had not worked. Another study concluded that holotropic breathwork has helped reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. However, the therapy has also been criticised from a medical (see ‘side effects’ below), and spiritual point of view. Holotropic breathwork is quite widely considered by sceptics to be nothing more than a project for believers in psychedelic mysticism. 55


Are there any known side effects with holotropic breathwork therapy? There is concern over the ‘intensified breathing’ element of holotropic breathwork, as intensified breathing is essentially forcing oneself to hyperventilate. Hyperventilation can be dangerous and can lead to seizure and psychosis in some vulnerable people. Where can you find further information on holotropic breathwork therapy? Association for Holotropic Breathwork International International Breathwork Foundation

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C Chakra Balancing What is chakra balancing? Chakra balancing therapy is based on the ancient Indian beliefs of the chakra model; chakra means a wheel or circle of life. In both ancient Indian and ancient Chinese healing systems, the chakras play a central role in the body’s healing. There are six main chakras – each one is positioned along the spine, starting from the base of the spinal column, up to the top of the skull, and each one relates to a particular colour and to a particular organ or gland. When we are healthy, the colours of the chakras are clear and well defined; though when we are unwell these colours become unclear and will lead to toxins collecting and causing further problems. Because the chakras are recognised as so important to the body’s energy, it is important that they are maintained. Chakra balancing seeks to re-balance and uphold the chakras so that our bodies have the right conditions in which to heal themselves. How does chakra balancing work? By balancing your chakras, you are encouraging your body to be at its best health, and this balancing can take place in a number of ways. Chakra balancing can use colour – this could include wearing clothes of a particular colour and eating foods of a particular colour depending on which of your chakras needed attention. Balancing can also be performed through the use of crystals, healing and hypnotherapy, hence chakra balancing therapy can actually be a culmination of several other therapies. What can chakra balancing be used for? Chakra balancing therapy is not specific to one particular physiological problem. Rather, it addresses our bodies as a whole and attempts to re-align our centres of energy (the chakras) to result in an overall feeling of health and wellbeing. Is chakra balancing an effective form of therapy? There is wide acceptance of chakras existing in Asia and this is becoming somewhat accepted in the Western world too. But there is no scientific theory to suggest or support the notion that chakra balancing therapy is an effective form of therapy. 57

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy It is possible that by using chakra balancing therapy, you will notice positive effects. However, some believe that any such effect is merely a placebo result. Are there any known side effects with chakra balancing? There are no known side effects with chakra balancing therapy. Where can you find further information on chakra balancing? Wikipedia entry on the chakra Worldwide Health – article on chakra balancing

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Chelation Therapy What is chelation therapy? Chelation therapy is the process by which heavy metals are removed from the body by the use of chelating agents. It is more recently being used in alternative medicine to treat several other conditions. Chelation therapy was first used medically during World War I as a treatment for poison gas. It was able to remove arsenic from the body which was present in the gas. Then after World War II, many navy personnel were suffering from lead poisoning and a different chelating agent was introduced, called EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid). Over the years several others, used for removal of different metals, have also been introduced. However EDTA is actually approved in the US for treating lead and other heavy metal toxicity. Some chelating agents are used in alternative medicine and also as nutritional supplements. How does chelation therapy work? The chelating agents used in chelation therapy all have attractions to different metals. When the appropriate agent is introduced to the body (which can be done intravenously, orally or by injection into a muscle) they chemically bond with the metal ions and produce a water-soluble substance. As a water-soluble substance the metal is far less dangerous, and is able to enter the bloodstream and be excreted naturally from the body. 58

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can chelation therapy be used for? Beyond the obvious uses mentioned above, chelation therapy is also being used in a number of alternative medicine instances. EDTA is used by some to treat hardening of the arteries and chronic heart disease, and has also been used on patients with autism. Is chelation therapy an effective form of therapy? Chelation therapy is recognised for its effectiveness as it was originally intended, as a process to rid the body of toxic heavy metals. However, its use and effectiveness in alternative medicine is yet to be determined. As a treatment for coronary heart disease, chelation therapy is currently being studied, though it will be some years before a report and findings are produced. As for autism, there is no scientific evidence that chelation therapy is an effective treatment for autism. Are there any known side effects with chelation therapy? Side effects are possible with chelation therapy, though are not the norm; these could include: headache, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, fever, drop in blood pressure and hypocalcaemia — and more commonly a burning sensation at the site of delivery. If chelation therapy is not administered correctly, side effects can be more serious. There have been several reports of deaths of patients who were receiving chelation therapy. Where can you find further information on chelation therapy? Internet Health Library entry on chelation therapy

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Chemotherapy What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy, in the most common sense of the word, is a medical treatment that is used to treat some types of cancer. There are over 70 different drugs available at this time which may be used independently or in combination, though all of these have the common purpose of killing cells within the body and hence the cancer. 59

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Interest in chemotherapy drugs dates from the early 20th century and was actually the result of chemical warfare research conducted during World War 1 and 2. Quite by accident, it was discovered that ‘mustard gas’ was very effective in killing white blood cells and, seeing the potential for medical advantages, research began to be conducted. Since then, many other drugs have been developed to treat cancer and drugs are still being developed frequently today. How does chemotherapy work? Chemotherapy may be given to a patient orally, in the form of tablets or capsules, or may be injected directly into the bloodstream. The drugs then make their way around the body, looking for cells that are dividing, and then damaging those which are. The reason why this works is because when humans are fully grown, our cells do not divide very often (unless they need to, to repair damage); hence chemotherapy drugs will more often than not be able to seek out the cancerous cells which are dividing. When the drugs find a dividing cell, they damage the genes within the nucleus of the cell. Different drugs target the cells at different stages and hence when more than one drug is used in combination, there should be more chance of killing the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy may also be used alongside other treatments, such as radiotherapy, or it may be used alone. What can chemotherapy be used for? Obviously chemotherapy is used for cancer, but is not effective on all types of cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, chemotherapy works very well on testicular cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.For other cancers, chemotherapy won’t be able to cure it on its own, but may be able to in combination with other treatments. Sometimes, chemotherapy is used after cancer-removing surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Is chemotherapy an effective form of therapy? Chemotherapy is recognised as an important and effective form of therapy for treating certain kinds of cancers, as stated above. And for other cancers it can be very useful when used in conjunction with other methods of treatment. Are there any known side effects with chemotherapy? It is well known that chemotherapy can often produce side effects. A major reason for side effects happening is because of the way the drugs work. By targeting cells which are dividing, the drugs are not necessarily only targeting cancerous cells because there are some cells in the body which are always dividing and growing; examples of these include the skin, hair follicles, bone marrow and the lining of the digestive system. Hence, common side effects will include hair loss and thinning, fatigue and sickness.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy However, it should be noted that different drugs will affect people in different ways, so not everybody will suffer these common side effects. Further details can be found by reading the information within the links below. Where can you find further information on chemotherapy? Cancer Research UK – chemotherapy Cancer Backup

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Chinese Herbal Medicine What is Chinese herbal medicine? Chinese herbal medicine, or Chinese herbology as it is also called, is the production and prescription of crude medicines based solely on the combination of specific herbs. Chinese herbal medicine as a profession has been practiced for hundreds of years, whilst herbs have actually been used for thousands of years for their medicinal purposes. Chinese herbal medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and like TCM is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world. How does Chinese herbal medicine work? Chinese herbal medicine is based on the usage of herbs whose efficacy was determined thousands of years ago. There are 50 ‘fundamental herbs’, i.e. these are the most important herbs that are essential to the concoctions. There are two ways in which you can receive Chinese herbal medicine. The first is by using medicines called ‘Chinese patent medicine’, and the second is by visiting a practitioner and having some medicine produced specifically for you. Chinese patent medicine is basically pre-mixed herbal formulas made into tablet form for ease. These are standardised medicines, so would be ones that are used for the most common of ailments, though they obviously cannot be tailored to the

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy individual. These are available from a variety of suppliers on the internet and sometimes in health food stores. Or, by visiting a practitioner, you will receive a Chinese herbal medicine that is unique to your illness or problem and will be produced by the practitioner on the spot. What can Chinese herbal medicine be used for? Chinese herbal medicine can be used for treating literally hundreds of different conditions, including: coughs and colds, rheumatism, infertility, ulcers and tumours, reducing anxiety, constipation and to promote digestion, to name just a few. Is Chinese herbal medicine an effective form of therapy? As with traditional Chinese medicine as a whole, Chinese herbal medicine has been used for many centuries, which would tend to suggest that it is effective as a form of treatment for many ailments. In the West, Chinese herbal medicine is considered to be an alternative form of medicine which may be complementary to other treatments, although there is generally no medical grounding for its effectiveness. More and more studies are being conducted to check this, though. Are there any known side effects with Chinese herbal medicine? Many herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine can be toxic to the human body. Usually if toxic herbs are used as the main ingredients, other ingredients are then given to counteract the toxicity and therefore avoid further problems. For this reason, if you are visiting a practitioner you should be sure that they are highly experienced and have the skills necessary to treat you effectively, and to ensure that they can take the steps necessary to protect you from harm. Where can you find further information on Chinese herbal medicine? Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine UK Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.com

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Chiropractic Therapy What is chiropractic therapy? Chiropractic is an alternative and complementary form of therapy that concentrates on the musculoskeletal system and the effects this has on the nervous system and health in general. In this respect, chiropractic therapy is also a holistic therapy. The term chiropractic comes from the Greek, meaning ‘hand concerned with action’, and was developed in the 1890’s by D.D. Palmer. Palmer was interested in a number of health philosophies and having reputedly helped a deaf man regain his hearing, he surmised that disrupted nerve flow was the cause of all disease and that misaligned spinal vertebrae affected the nerve flow. Hence, he concluded that realigning these would bring back good health. Palmer went on to form the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1897 where he trained others in his methods. Later, his son, B.J. Palmer, followed in his father’s footsteps. Chiropractic therapy has always been considered to be complementary and alternative, although this form of therapy has become far more widely accepted over the last few decades. How does chiropractic therapy work? There are two ‘schools’ of chiropractic therapy currently in existence. The more traditional, though less common, type of chiropractor is known as “straight” and follows the ideologies developed by Palmer, which include ‘metaphysical definitions and vitalistic qualities’. The second type of chiropractor is known as a “mixer”. These therapists work more alongside mainstream medical practices and may also use osteopathic and naturopathic ideas. There are a variety of treatment techniques that chiropractors can use. The most commonly used technique is spinal manipulation. This involves taking the joint past the normal range of movement, then using a sudden force creating a release accompanied by an audible sound. Other procedures used in chiropractic therapy include giving nutritional and dietary recommendations, encouraging physical fitness and exercise, Trigger Point Therapy and postural advice. What can chiropractic therapy be used for? Most commonly, patients seek chiropractic therapy because of back and neck pains and other neuromusculoskeletal problems. The most common issue addressed by chiropractors is lower back pain. Is chiropractic therapy an effective form of therapy? Because there has been quite considerable debate as to whether chiropractic therapy is just pseudoscience, there have been many wasted years when proper research and scientific study could have taken place. Chiropractic therapy is only 63

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy really now being seriously considered as an effective form of treatment and research is being conducted, mainly into spinal manipulation. Generally, opinion is mixed as to the efficacy of chiropractic therapy and most research to date has not been entirely conclusive either way. Are there any known side effects with chiropractic therapy? Chiropractic therapy is generally a safe form of therapy, and provided that you use a qualified chiropractor who takes the time to discover your health history, you should not suffer any side effects. Spinal manipulation can often result in increased pain, though this should be temporary in nature. Rarely, far more serious complications can arise, resulting in permanent disability and even death. There are also contraindications that should be observed, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, though, as above, a competent practitioner should highlight these. Where can you find further information on chiropractic therapy? The General Chiropractic Council Action for Victims of Chiropractic Wikipedia entry on chiropractic

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Cognitive Analytic Therapy What is cognitive analytic therapy? Cognitive analytic therapy was developed using mainly the ideas behind cognitive therapy — as well as an amount of psychoanalytic therapy — by Dr. Anthony Ryle primarily for use in the UK’s National Health Service. It is what’s known as a ‘brief’ or short-term therapy and is hence designed to be used with a patient or client over a specified, relatively short time period (when compared to other conventional psychotherapies which can last a lot longer). The reasoning 64

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy behind this method is so that it can be used within the NHS where funding is limited and so that as many patients as possible can be treated in an affordable manner. Cognitive analytic therapy is now being used across the UK and in several European countries too. How does cognitive analytic therapy work? Cognitive analytic therapy works by using the same principles as cognitive therapy (which has its own entry). The therapist and client work together, making this very much a two-way process, to find out how problems the client has had in the past were coped with and how this now affects their everyday lives. By recognising the coping procedures that are in place, they can be changed and improved into a more positive framework. Because both the therapist and the client are very involved, the client has the opportunity to become more understanding of the processes which are affecting them and is able to gain skills that they can use long after the treatment has finished. Therapy usually lasts for between four and twenty-four sessions, though the norm is sixteen sessions. What can cognitive analytic therapy be used for? Cognitive analytic therapy is being used with a range of disorders, though is particularly recognised for its use with depression, anxiety and personal and relationship problems. Is cognitive analytic therapy an effective form of therapy? Having been used in the NHS for some years now and also being used in private settings across the UK and into Europe, it would tend to suggest that cognitive analytic therapy is an effective form of therapy for the above-mentioned problems. Are there any known side effects with cognitive analytic therapy? There are no known side effects with cognitive analytic therapy. Where can you find further information on cognitive analytic therapy? Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy

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Cognitive Therapy What is cognitive therapy? Cognitive therapy is a psychotherapy developed by Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist, in the 1960s. Psychotherapy had previously focused on trying to determine what the patient was unconsciously feeling and being driven by (known as ‘behaviourism’). But Beck believed that it was what the patient actually thought and how they interpreted things that were the key – a term scientifically called ‘cognition’ – to therapy. Beck focused initially on depression and came to several conclusions about the driving force behind depression, which included the fact that the patient will have selective abstraction, over-generalisation, magnification of negative factors and minimisation of positive factors in their lives. Cognitive therapy therefore attempts to identify and change these ways of thinking and hence to influence the patient’s emotions and behaviour. Cognitive therapy is sometimes treated in addition to using elements of behavioural therapy, and this form of therapy is hence called ‘cognitive behavioural therapy’. How does cognitive therapy work? Cognitive therapy works usually on a one-to-one basis between therapist and client and begins with determining the client’s thoughts and beliefs and evaluating the validity of them. For example, if the client makes a statement, there will be a discussion to evaluate whether there is any truth to the statement. Next the therapist will assess what the client expects and/or predicts, followed by assessing what the client acknowledges as the cause for certain events. In this way, the therapist can help the client to understand why they are feeling the way they are, sometimes by making an association with an event in their past, such as loss, rejection or criticism. What can cognitive therapy be used for? Cognitive therapy is most helpful for treating depression and is actually considered as the most accurate psychological theory of depression. It can also be used for similar problems such as anxiety and for general personal and relationship problems. Is cognitive therapy an effective form of therapy? As cognitive therapy is recognised as the most accurate theory for the causes of depression, then it is safe to say that this is an effective form of therapy for treating depression in particular and is commonly practiced throughout the Western world to this day. Are there any known side effects with cognitive therapy? There are no known side effects with cognitive therapy. 66


Where can you find further information on cognitive therapy? Cognitive Therapy Today The Beck Institute

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Coherence Therapy What is coherence therapy? Coherence therapy is quite a new form of psychotherapy based on the theory that behaviour and symptoms of mood and thought are coherently produced by the body. Coherence therapy was developed in the 1980s and 1990s by Bruce Ecker and Laurel Hulley after they analysed the effectiveness of a number of psychotherapy sessions. They were interested to find out why it was that some sessions had no effect on the client whereas a small number had outstanding effects for the better. By studying the successful sessions they were able to reach conclusions as to why this occurred. It was that the therapist did not get involved in trying to counteract the symptom, and would basically let the client recognise for themselves a powerful event which was causing them to have the symptom. They began using this idea in their own therapy sessions and produced very successful and fast results. How does coherence therapy work? Coherence therapy is based on the principle that our bodies react in a certain way to certain events as a kind of coping mechanism, and that this process is coherent in that the body knows what it is doing, even though to our minds this process can be unconscious. In contrast to many types of psychotherapy which attempt to change the client’s symptoms because they are thought of as being irrational and disorderly, coherence therapy actually embraces the symptoms as being sensible and logical and are there as a way of coping.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The therapist essentially leaves the client to reach conclusions, and by doing so they will go through a process of change and the symptom becomes no longer necessary. What can coherence therapy be used for? Coherence therapy can be used to treat depression and a number of other emotionally caused disorders, such as: anxiety, agoraphobia, alcoholism, compulsive behaviour, sexual problems, attention deficit, bereavement problems, eating problems, interpersonal problems and others. Is coherence therapy an effective form of therapy? As a relatively new form of therapy, there have not been any significant independent studies into coherence therapy effectiveness, though its developers do claim very good results. Currently, coherence therapy is considered to be one of the most well respected forms of post-modern therapies. Are there any known side effects with coherence therapy? There are no known side effects with coherence therapy. Where can you find further information on coherence therapy? Coherence Therapy.org Psych Resources.net

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Colloidal Silver Therapy What is colloidal silver therapy? Colloidal silver is a liquid containing microscopic particles of silver that was historically used by the medical profession as a mainstream antibiotic. It was found that at a particular concentration of colloidal silver (five parts per million or higher) that it could kill many different infectious bacteria and was therefore very useful as an antibiotic. It was commonly used up until about 1938. But the methods for producing it were costly and pharmaceutical companies looked to other, cheaper drugs. 68


Colloidal silver has more recently made a come-back for people seeking alternative medicines, though anyone considering its use should take note of the warnings and side effects below. How does colloidal silver therapy work? In terms of killing bacteria, colloidal silver works by slowing down the production of enzymes and other proteins and may have this effect on human enzymes too. What can colloidal silver therapy be used for? Colloidal silver was historically used as an antibiotic and apparently kills up to 650 known bacteria, including very serious diseases such as cholera, malaria, diabetes and syphilis, as well as being useful for treating burns and skin conditions. Is colloidal silver therapy an effective form of therapy? Despite having been used in the early 20th century in mainstream medicine, colloidal silver has not been properly tested using today’s standards.This means that there is no overriding evidence to suggest that colloidal silver is actually an effective form of therapy for any of the above-mentioned conditions, although it is being used in alternative medicine circles to some effect. Basically, there may be some truth to its efficacy, but it is not available over the counter as a product that has a therapeutic value. In the US, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has banned any products that have not been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness, including colloidal silver. This means that the product is only available as a dietary supplement and cannot be sold by anyone (in the US) who is claiming that it has therapeutic value. Are there any known side effects with colloidal silver therapy? The use of silver products in general can be very dangerous, and hence any use of colloidal silver or any other silver products should be done with extreme caution. A condition called argyria is known to be commonly associated with silver products, including colloidal silver, which is thought to occur both through ingestion and by application to the skin. One symptom of argyria is discoloration of the skin, though argyria has also been known to lead to death. Other reported conditions include brain and nerve damage, kidney damage, stomach upset and headaches. Where can you find further information on colloidal silver therapy? Colloidal Silver Information and Uses UK Colloidal Silver Products

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Colon Hydrotherapy or Colonic Irrigation What is colon hydrotherapy? Colon hydrotherapy may also be referred to as ‘colonic Irrigation’ or simply as a ‘colonic’. It is an alternative medicine type of therapy which is not recognised by the medical world as having any real benefit on an everyday level, though it may be prescribed as a treatment for constipation. Around the beginning of the 20th century, colon hydrotherapy was actually quite commonly used as doctors were more interested in the benefits of cleansing the colon. However, the procedure fell by the wayside as surgical procedures became more commonplace, and has only in more recent years made a return as an alternative therapy. How does colon hydrotherapy work? Lying on your side, a tube is inserted into the rectum and warm water is passed through it. This water then circulates around the colon which encourages it to empty its contents; a process which is also aided by the therapist gently massaging the abdomen. Waste products then leave the colon via the tube. The process usually lasts for about 45 minutes, though this depends on the individual. If the therapist thinks it’s worthwhile, the process will continue as necessary or may be shorter. What can colon hydrotherapy be used for? Colon hydrotherapy as a recognised treatment by the medical world is generally only used to treat severe cases of constipation. In alternative medicine colon hydrotherapy is thought to be useful for cleansing and detoxifying the body of faecal matter which collects over time in the large intestine. It is thought by some, that allowing this matter to remain inside the body can be harmful and poisonous to it. As well as the overall positive effect of colon hydrotherapy, it is also believed to be useful for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, allergies, fatigue, multiple sclerosis and back pain. Is colon hydrotherapy an effective form of therapy? Aside from being recognised as an effective form of therapy for constipation, colon hydrotherapy has not been proved to be useful for any of the other conditions stated above and although the process is gaining in popularity, there is actually no scientific support or medical evidence to back the general effectiveness of colon hydrotherapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with colon hydrotherapy? In general, colon hydrotherapy is a safe procedure and if performed by a professional hydrotherapist there should be no problems. The only side effect is that sometimes it can take a few days for regular bowel movements to start again. There are reports of deaths following colon hydrotherapy in the 1980s, though these were as a result of unsanitary conditions. Where can you find further information on colon hydrotherapy? The Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists

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Colour Therapy What is colour therapy? Colour therapy is an alternative medicine based on the assumption that colour and light can be used to balance a person’s bodily energy, whether they are lacking physical, emotional, mental or spiritual energy. Colour therapy has ancient roots, as references have been found to it in ancient Egyptian culture, and traditional Chinese medicine refers to the different colours in the body which correspond to different organs. The chakra of ancient Indian therapies is also colour related. Colour therapy is also referred to as chromotherapy or colourology. How does colour therapy work? By applying colour and light to certain parts of the body, it is believed to be able to heal the body’s problems. Some practitioners believe that applying the wrong colour and light can have negative effects, and hence it is very important that the right combination is used. Colour can be applied to ‘acupoints’ (the same points as used in acupuncture), by a variety of means and devices including coloured fabrics, gemstones and candles or via a special machine called a Bioptron, which uses coloured lenses. Treatment may also be given in combination with hydrotherapy and aromatherapy for added effect. 71


What can colour therapy be used for? Colour therapy is said to be good for general health and wellbeing, though there are also specific conditions which the seven colours can be used for. These include: • • • • • • •

red – is said to be the colour of life and is good for circulatory functions and anaemia amongst others orange – is said to make us alert and cheerful and apparently is used to positive effect for treating mental illness and depression yellow – is said to assist with the metabolism and glandular activity green – is said to assist bronchitis and whooping cough as well as diabetes and generally help with secretion blue – this is a relaxing colour which is said to alleviate headaches and migraines, stomach pains and cramps and is generally said to help with all sorts of pain indigo – this is a cooling colour and is used for treating eyes, nose, ears and mental problems violet – is said to be a meditative colour and is used for treating the lymphatic system and the spleen. It is also used to calm the nervous system, relax muscles and soothe organs

Is colour therapy an effective form of therapy? There have not been proper methodological or analytical studies performed on the effectiveness of colour therapy, and tests which have been performed have been questioned as unverifiable and as using selection bias. Colour therapy is not recognised by the medical world as an effective form of treatment and is thought by many to be pseudoscience, who also suggests that any positive outcome could just be a placebo effect. Are there any known side effects with colour therapy? There are no known side effects with colour therapy. Where can you find further information on colour therapy? International Association of Colour

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Conversion Therapy What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy is also known as ‘reparative therapy’ or ‘sexual reorientation therapy’, and is a therapy designed to convert homosexual men and women into heterosexuals. In the late 1800s, some believed that homosexuality was a disease and that it could therefore be cured by various techniques. Hence a huge plethora of methods were tried to convert people into being what was considered ‘normal’. The 1950s and 1960s saw the height of conversion therapy, until the early 1970s when homosexuality was declassified as a mental disorder. Since then, any conversion therapy is now being frowned upon, and in both the US and the UK it is believed that conversion therapy does not help and can in fact be dangerous. How does conversion therapy work? As mentioned above, many different techniques have been tried for conversion therapy, so the way it works really depends on which technique is being used. These have included various surgical procedures including hysterectomy, vasectomy, castration and lobotomy; Use of drugs such as: • • • •

hormone treatment aversion therapy – which involves exposure to a stimulus whilst at the same time being subjected to some form of discomfort electroshock treatment psychoanalysis

Electric shock treatment and the use of nausea-inducing drugs are still used by some therapists today, and this is known as aversion therapy. But mostly conversion therapy performed today is by psychoanalytic conversion. This involves investigating unconscious parts of a patient’s mind and bringing these to the conscious mind. What can conversion therapy be used for? Conversion therapy is basically for the use of converting the sexual orientation of homosexual people, whether they are gay, lesbian or bi-sexual, into heterosexuals and eradicating their same-sex desires and behaviours. The main use of conversion therapy these days is in order to give a choice to men and women who are homosexually inclined, but who wish to change because they are unhappy with this. Is conversion therapy an effective form of therapy? It is generally regarded in both the medical and mental health worlds that conversion therapy has little or no effect in changing a patient’s sexual orientation, and some treatments are even considered to be dangerous.

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Are there any known side effects with conversion therapy? Some methods of conversion therapy treatment are considered to be potentially harmful, such as electro-shock treatment. In addition, other forms of treatment are thought to be harmful to a patient’s mental health because they encourage feelings of guilt and anxiety. Where can you find further information on conversion therapy? Pro conversion therapy National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality People Can Change Against conversion therapy American Counselling Association American Psychiatric Association

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Counselling Therapy What is counselling therapy? Counselling therapy covers a very broad spectrum of therapies designed to help people get through problems faced in their everyday lives – people who are, for all intents and purposes, perfectly healthy in mind and body, and simply need some help coping with a particular problem. The term ‘counselling’ was first used in 1908 by Frank Parsons, a teacher and writer on social reform. There are now many definitions of counselling therapy, depending on what it is being used for and depending also on how the counsellor or therapist prefers to define what they do. How does counselling therapy work? Counselling therapy is generally regarded as a form of counselling which helps people who are otherwise sound in themselves. So it differs from some forms of 74

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy psychotherapy where the patient or client is considered to have an underlying mental problem.The main driving force behind counselling therapy is the idea that ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Most of the time, a client will visit a trained counsellor who will simply listen to their troubles without interfering, making any assumptions or criticising. Many people find that simply talking about their problems does help to overcome them although, of course, a counsellor is also trained to help people come to terms with issues and to move on, for example if they have suffered a loss. For other types of counselling therapy, the counsellor is trained to offer help and advice. What can counselling therapy be used for? As mentioned above, counselling therapy covers a very broad spectrum and can therefore be used for a huge number of problems and issues. Some of the more obvious forms of counselling are: family and relationships, grief counselling, marriage counselling, trauma counselling, student counselling, pregnancy options counselling, sexual counselling. It should be remembered that counselling therapy is not just for emotionally related problems. It can cover a whole host of other areas too, for example: career counselling, credit counselling and vocational counselling. Is counselling therapy an effective form of therapy? Counselling therapy in general is considered to be a very effective form of therapy which is practised and accepted across the Western world. Charities like Relate have an excellent reputation for offering relationship counselling and sex therapy in particular to the general population. Are there any known side effects with counselling therapy? There are no known side effects with counselling therapy. Where can you find further information on counselling therapy? Being such a wide and varied form of therapy, it is difficult to specify one particular source, although here are a couple of links to websites which may be of some use: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Relate

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Cranio-Sacral Therapy What is cranio-sacral therapy? Cranio-sacral therapy (sometimes referred to as craniosacral or cranial osteopathy) is an alternative form of medicine which is often also used as a complementary medicine to other therapies, such as massage and chiropractics. Cranio-sacral therapy was developed by an American osteopath, named Dr. William Sutherland, in the early 1900s. Whilst studying osteopathy, it struck him that the bones in our skulls were actually able to move and that these movements were directly related to our physical, mental and emotional health. It was believed that when these bones are restricted in their movement, it affects our body’s natural ability for self-healing and in turn can lead to deeper problems both physically and mentally. How does cranio-sacral therapy work? Cranio-sacral therapy is performed on a person who is fully clothed and usually lying down, face up. The therapy will last about an hour and begins with the therapist gently placing their hands on the body in an attempt to ‘tune in’ to the body and its workings and to analyse the cranial rhythm. The therapist will then attempt to change the cranial rhythm, usually resulting in a feeling of deep relaxation. Further sessions are usually advised, during which the relaxation will occur again, in addition to the release of tension which extends beyond the therapy session. What can cranio-sacral therapy be used for? As well as promoting a general well-being, raising vitality and aiding the body to selfheal, cranio-sacral therapy can be used for a number of other conditions, including physical pains, diseases, emotional and psychological disturbances. It is said to be suitable for people of all ages and conditions, including babies and children and the elderly and frail because the treatment is so gentle and noninvasive. Some of the conditions which cranio-sacral therapy is said to have helped include: autism, back pain, bronchitis, depression, dyslexia, frozen shoulder, hyperactivity, immune system disorders, insomnia, migraine, spinal curvatures, sports injuries, and stress-related illness amongst others. Is cranio-sacral therapy an effective form of therapy? There are a number of criticisms with regard to the effectiveness of cranio-sacral therapy, which dispute the background theory of the therapy and also the practice of the therapy. These criticisms include the fact that there is no scientific evidence for the existence of ‘cranial bone movement’ as stated by Dr. Sutherland. There is also no evidence to suggest that the body has a ‘cranial rhythm’ and that this is in any way related to 76

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy disease and our general health. Finally, there is a lack of scientific evidence to suggest that therapists are actually able to detect a ‘cranial rhythm’. Are there any known side effects with cranio-sacral therapy? There are generally no side effects with cranio-sacral therapy, and only a very small proportion of people have ever experienced any side effects. It should be noted that cranio-sacral therapy is not regulated either in the UK or in the US — which means that there is no legal requirement for therapists to be trained. There are, however, two organisations in the UK that offer training courses and accreditation, so if you are seeking a therapist you would be advised to find one who is ‘qualified’. Please refer to the websites below. Where can you find further information on cranio-sacral therapy? The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK The Cranio Sacral Society

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Crystal Therapy What is crystal therapy? Crystal therapy (or crystal healing, as it is also referred to) is an alternative healing therapy based on ancient beliefs that crystals have healing and spiritual powers. Crystals, or charm stones, used by different cultures were either naturally occurring or sometimes manufactured, as in the case of some Mayan archaeological finds. The most direct reference to crystal healing can be found in ancient Egypt, and there are also references to it in India and in traditional Chinese medicine, dating back about 5,000 years. Crystal therapy has more recently been adopted as an alternative therapy by New Age healers in the Western world.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy How does crystal therapy work? Crystal therapy works on the assumption that all humans have an energy field, and that when we are unwell, this field becomes unbalanced and we lose our body’s natural rhythm. It is believed that crystal therapy can help the body to become re-attuned and rebalanced and hence find its natural rhythm again. This is because crystals have such perfect atomic structures and it is alleged that they resonate this perfection. Hence when a crystal is in close proximity to the body, it will channel this perfection through, encouraging the body to heal itself. What can crystal therapy be used for? Crystal therapy is used on a wide scale for general well-being, both physically and mentally. It is said to be able to bring deep levels of relaxation, and hence is also very useful for meditation purposes. Deep relaxation encourages the body to relax and heal and aids in stress relief. Crystal therapy is often used on an amateur level, though there are also trained practitioners who are said to be able to channel the energy from the crystals more effectively. Is crystal therapy an effective form of therapy? There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that crystal therapy is an effective form of therapy or ‘healing’ and it is generally considered by the medical and scientific world to be a ‘pseudoscience’. Crystal therapy is an alternative and complementary medicine and should not be used in place of proper physiological care. It is believed that any positive effects from using crystal therapy are merely a placebo effect. Are there any known side effects with crystal therapy? There are no known side effects with crystal therapy. Where can you find further information on crystal therapy? The Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations The Sceptic’s Dictionary on Crystal Power

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Cupping Therapy What is cupping therapy? Cupping therapy, or ‘fire cupping’ as it is sometimes known, is a traditional Chinese medicine which has been used for thousands of years. In more recent years, it is becoming more commonly used in the Western world. Cupping therapy is an alternative form of therapy, and is often used in combination with other therapies or alongside recognised medical treatment. How does cupping therapy work? Cupping therapy is a therapy which is grouped in with acupuncture. This is because it is applied directly to the skin and because it uses the same points on the body as acupuncture does, though is generally only applied to the back. A ‘cup’, usually made of glass, is heated with a naked flame and then pressed down onto the skin where it creates a vacuum. The cup is then left there, allowing the suction created by the vacuum to raise that particular area of skin by a few millimetres, which is said to help the body’s inner energy, or Qi, to re-focus. It is believed that pain is caused by the stagnation of our body’s energy flows, which occurs when we have been injured or are ill. Using cupping therapy, the energy flows, including body fluids (i.e. blood and lymph) which can be made to move freely again, therefore assisting in the repair of the injury or illness. What can cupping therapy be used for? Cupping therapy is said to be particularly useful for relieving pain in stiff or damaged muscles around the back and shoulders. It is also used for respiratory problems such as bronchitis and for helping to soothe the effects of a common cough and cold. Other conditions which cupping therapy has also been known to be used for include anxiety, stress and tiredness, cellulite reduction and digestive disorders. Is cupping therapy an effective form of therapy? There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that cupping therapy is an effective form of therapy. However, it has been used for thousands of years and this would tend to suggest that a therapy which has lasted this long must be effective to a certain extent, otherwise use of it would have died out many years ago. Are there any known side effects with cupping therapy? Cupping therapy is generally considered to be a safe form of therapy. However, those who have been treated will be left with circular marks on their skin which are similar to bruises. These marks usually disappear within about a week though and will not stay permanently.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The only real risk with cupping therapy is the possibility of being burnt or perhaps blistering if you have sensitive skin, though if you are using a registered and qualified practitioner, this should not be an issue. Where can you find further information on cupping therapy? British Acupuncture Council

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D Dance Therapy What is dance therapy? Dance therapy (or dance movement therapy as it is sometimes called) is a psychotherapeutic form of expressive therapy in order to help people with emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical conditions. Dance therapy is considered to have been started by Marian Chace, an American dancer. She believed that the body and mind were unified and that one had a direct effect on the other. She therefore realised the great potential which dance had in helping people with a variety of problems and began teaching and lecturing on the therapeutic benefits of dancing. Chace went on to found the American Dance Therapy Association in 1966, before passing away in 1970. In the UK, dance therapy is now sometimes being referred to as dance movement psychotherapy. How does dance therapy work? Dance therapy is not intended to be an ‘artistic’ form of dance, rather an expression of the client’s emotions. Therapists are professionally trained in dance therapy to acknowledge and support the client’s movements. By encouraging and changing the client’s movements, the therapist is able to diagnose and therefore help to solve their psychological problems. What can dance therapy be used for? Dance therapy can be used for a large variety of conditions by the majority of the population – basically anyone who can move can partake in dance therapy. This includes people who are suffering from emotional problems or distress, people who find it difficult to communicate their feelings and people who may have a physical condition which limits their speech, as well as those who have suffered a trauma which has affected them either physically or mentally; people who are generally healthy but feel that there is perhaps something not right in their lives, or people who essentially want to improve themselves with personal growth, greater communication skills and self-exploration. Dance therapy is said to bring a number of benefits to those using it, including expressing and managing emotions, improving social interaction skills, developing behaviours for coping, increasing personal independence and maximising avenues of communication.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is dance therapy an effective form of therapy? There have been several studies into the effectiveness of dance therapy which have shown some positive results, though further studies are really required to be able to form a sound opinion regarding dance therapy and its benefits. Are there any known side effects with dance therapy? There are no known side effects with dance therapy. Where can you find further information on dance therapy? The Association for Dance Movement Therapy UK American Dance Therapy Association

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Deep Tissue Bodywork Therapy What is deep tissue bodywork therapy? Deep tissue bodywork, or deep tissue massage therapy as it is also known, is a form of massage categorised as an alternative medicine which involves more focused massage, working on one particular part of the body. There are several versions of deep tissue bodywork therapy practised today, but the founder is said to be Therese C. Pfrimmer who, in 1946, developed a partial body paralysis which she was able to ‘massage out’ using her own unique technique. Pfrimmer did not previously have any experience with massage therapy, though this encouraged her to do so and she became very recognised in the field. Her technique became known as Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy. How does deep tissue bodywork therapy work? Deep tissue bodywork therapy is a more focused form of massage than general massage therapies because it concentrates on the muscles which are situated deeper within our bodies and their connecting tissues. When a person is injured or is suffering chronic muscle tension, the muscles, tendons and ligaments become very inflexible and painful and can result in inflammation of the area concerned, as well as blocking circulation and possibly limiting general movement. 82


Deep tissue bodywork therapy aims to unblock and release these clumps of muscles, tendons and ligaments in order to relieve the pressure and associated problems. This is performed using some strokes which are used in conventional massage, but mainly the touch is far slower and with deeper pressure. If pressure is applied too quickly, the muscle will retract in defence and can cause further damage. What can deep tissue bodywork therapy be used for? Deep tissue bodywork therapy is not used as a general relaxant, as conventional massage is, but is focused on specific injuries or problems. The conditions commonly treated by deep tissue bodywork therapy include repetitive strain injury, sports injuries and other injuries, osteoarthritis pains, chronic pain and postural problems to name a few. It is also suggested that it can be used to treat other, more serious underlying conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s and muscular dystrophy. Is deep tissue bodywork therapy an effective form of therapy? It has been suggested that deep tissue bodywork therapy can be very effective in reducing the pain associated with muscular injuries and that when used in conjunction with more conventional medicine can aid a speedier recovery. Are there any known side effects with deep tissue bodywork therapy? In the normal course of deep tissue bodywork therapy, there should not be any side effects or risks if performed by a qualified therapist, though this form of therapy is not recommended for people who are prone to blood clots. Pregnant women and those with osteoporosis should seek medical advice before trying deep tissue bodywork therapy. Where can you find further information on deep tissue bodywork therapy? American Association for Bodywork Therapies of Asia

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Destruction Therapy What is destruction therapy? Destruction therapy is a new and alternative form of therapy which does not have any rooting in medicine or a psychological background. In short, it involves destroying things! 83


Destruction therapy, or destructotherapy as it’s also known, was developed by three Spaniards in 2003 (who now call themselves the Stop Stress Group) to offer what they believed was a safe environment for people to release stress, anger and aggression. Sessions were originally offered in a town called Lubia (100 miles from Madrid), where clients pay a fee for the privilege of smashing something up. The idea is now beginning to catch on in Spain and events are being organised for the general public to come along and smash a variety of items. How does destruction therapy work? Destruction therapy works on the premise that everyone, at some point in their lives, needs to release some stress and anger. The inventors of destruction therapy primarily aimed the therapy at office workers to begin with, because they recognised that office workers can suffer a large amount of stress and tension. For a fee, you can destroy an inanimate object – items often used include cars, computers, televisions, washing machines, fridges etc. You are given a safety helmet, goggles, overalls and the all important sledgehammer. What can destruction therapy be used for? As already mentioned, the main point of destruction therapy is to release pent-up anger, stress and tension in a controlled and safe environment. Is destruction therapy an effective form of therapy? Although destruction therapy has no theoretical or medical background it is steadily becoming appreciated for its benefits. It has long been recognised that a great deal of stress in people’s lives is caused in the workplace, and the idea of destruction therapy is to give workers somewhere where they can safely release this stress and tension. As the inventors point out, it is far better to release anger and stress in this way than to take it out on another person. Are there any known side effects with destruction therapy? Provided that destruction therapy is undertaken in a safe and controlled environment and that safety equipment is used, there should be minimal chance of danger. Probably the main danger would simply be straining or pulling a muscle as this is quite a physical form of therapy. Where can you find further information on destruction therapy? Stop Stress Group Kuoni – Destructotherapy Days (pdf)

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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy What is dialectical behavioural therapy? Dialectical behavioural therapy was developed specifically to treat people with the psychosocial condition ‘borderline personality disorder’, although it is also used to treat other conditions as well. Dialectical behavioural therapy was developed by Marsha M. Linehan, an American psychologist, who blended cognitive behavioural therapy with Zen Buddhism practises of the East. How does dialectical behavioural therapy work? Borderline personality disorder is renowned as being a very difficult condition to treat, and hence dialectical behavioural therapy was developed specifically to try to address this difficult condition. The idea that the therapy is ‘dialectical’ means that truths are not merely stated as given, but are worked towards. For example, an argument is put forward in one session where the client and therapist will discuss both sides of the argument and reach a conclusion together. This ‘truth’ is then carried forward to the next session and in effect means that truths are seen as a development over time and a method for finding a middle ground for the client and therapist to work with. The Zen element of dialectical behavioural therapy comes into play because one of the key parts of Zen Buddhism is being ‘mindful’, and this is something which people with borderline personality disorder have difficulty with. What this means is that these people find it difficult to live in the present and are usually very detached from their experiences. Being mindful gives them greater control over themselves and therefore helps greatly with their condition. Dialectical behavioural therapy involves four components: Individual sessions, skills training group, out of hours telephone contact and a consultation group. There are four modules or stages of treatment: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. What can dialectical behavioural therapy be used for? The most common use of dialectical behavioural therapy is for people suffering with borderline personality disorder, although the therapy has also been tried for treating various other conditions too; for example, to treat eating disorders. Is dialectical behavioural therapy an effective form of therapy? Having been developed specifically for borderline personality disorder, this is where dialectical behavioural therapy has been most useful, and a number of studies have shown this to be an effective form of therapy for treating this disorder. So far the efficacy of dialectical behavioural therapy has not been proven in treating other conditions. 85

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with dialectical behavioural therapy? There are no known side effects with dialectical behavioural therapy. Where can you find further information on dialectical behavioural therapy? National Institute of Mental Health Advances in Psychiatric Treatment – ‘Dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder’ article

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Diathermy Therapy What is diathermy therapy? Diathermy therapy is an alternative form of medicine which uses electrically induced heat, by way of high-frequency currents, to treat muscular pains and injuries. Diathermy therapy can also refer to a surgical technique used for sealing or cutting blood vessels, which is used in conventional medicine. The benefits of using heat for therapeutic reasons have been recognised for thousands of years. The Romans, for example, built hot spring-water bathhouses where the whole body could be submerged and benefit. The first study of electrically produced high-frequency currents was developed by a French physiologist, Arsene d’Arsonval, in the 1890s, and his ideas were later expanded by a German physician who built a prototype machine. It was not until 1925 when a doctor in the United States began studying the physiological effects on animals that diathermy therapy really began. How does diathermy therapy work? By heating deep muscular tissues, cellular metabolism and blood flow increases which in turn helps to repair the tissue. In addition, heat helps the tissues and muscles to relax and stretch which eases the stiffness commonly associated with muscle injuries. There are three methods of diathermy therapy in use: Shortwave diathermy, ultrasound diathermy and microwave diathermy. Shortwave diathermy is when the part of the body which is being treated is placed between two capacitor plates which are connected to a diathermy machine. Ultrasound diathermy machines generate high-frequency acoustic vibrations. As the tissues vibrate they produce their own heat source. Microwave diathermy uses radar waves, and it is the least effective for treating deep muscles as it is unable to penetrate that far into the body. 86

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can diathermy therapy be used for? Diathermy therapy is used for treating painful and stiff joints and muscles, as well as arthritis, bursitis, sinusitis and pelvic infections. Is diathermy therapy an effective form of therapy? Diathermy therapy has been used for several decades as a routine part of the therapies performed by physiotherapists, so this would tend to suggest that this is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with diathermy therapy? The biggest potential side effect is the risk of superficial burns, though when treated by a trained therapist this risk should be minimal. Other potential side effects include an increased menstrual flow for female patients, and patients who have a pacemaker who may find that this is affected. There are also a number of precautions concerning particular people who should not be treated with diathermy therapy. These include patients with metal implants; patients who have a sensory impairment, as they may have difficulty being able to tell whether they are burning; patients with haemophilia because of the risk of haemorrhage; and pregnant women because shortwave diathermy can affect the foetus. Where can you find further information on diathermy therapy? Research has been unable to find any good sources of further information on diathermy therapy, though if you are interested you may be able to find out more from a local physiotherapist.

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Distance Healing Therapy What is distance healing therapy? Distance healing therapy is a general term used to cover a wide variety of different therapies which can reputably be used from a distance to heal or help a client with problems. Distance healing therapy can therefore use many different techniques. But the underlying factor is that it is done from a distance, i.e. the client does not have to be present in order to be healed. It is very much an alternative form of healing and is complementary to conventional methods of healing. 87


How does distance healing therapy work? How distance healing therapy works very much depends on the type of healing being used. There are many methods used for actually ‘channelling’ the healing power through to the client. One such way is by radionics, whereby a machine can actually be used to analyse what is wrong with the client and offer treatment. Radionic diagnosis has its own entry where you can find further information about this form of therapy. Other healers will use methods like Reiki or crystal healing. What can distance healing therapy be used for? Distance healing therapy can be used for a variety of conditions, though it generally promotes health and well-being, in addition to helping the body’s immune system to cope with problems and become re-balanced. It is also said to help with relaxation, easing stress and anxiety, depression and back pains. Is distance healing therapy an effective form of therapy? There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that distance healing therapy is an effective form of therapy for any of the conditions mentioned above and that any positive effect experienced is merely a placebo effect. Distance healing therapy is generally considered to be a pseudoscience. Are there any known side effects with distance healing therapy? There are no known side effects with distance healing therapy. Where can you find further information on distance healing therapy? Research could not find any general information websites on distance healing therapy, though there are many websites for individuals who practice distance healing. Here are just a couple of them: Philip Chave – distant spiritual healer Distance Healing UK

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Diversional Therapy What is diversional therapy? Diversional therapy is a healing method which promotes physical and recreational activities for people of all ages and backgrounds, and is based on the principle that all people have a right to both leisure and recreation.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy It is called diversional therapy because the aim of the therapist is to divert the client’s attention from problems they are experiencing. This is done by introducing a programme of leisure and recreation into their lifestyles and daily routine. How does diversional therapy work? The theory behind diversional therapy is very simple – to get people involved in activities to keep them occupied with the intention of helping them in a variety of ways, as discussed below. Diversional therapy can be used in many different settings and would usually be under the supervision of a trained and qualified diversional therapist. The therapist will work with clients either individually or within a group, developing a range of activities for the client to participate in. The activities used within a programme can be very wide ranging, and will obviously depend on who they are being tailored to. This means that the therapist needs to consider whether the client has a disability or condition which would restrict their participation in a certain activity because restriction goes against the whole idea of diversional therapy. Activities may include arts and crafts, games, gardening, outings, spiritual activities, cultural activities, educational sessions, exercise and music, to name just a few. What can diversional therapy be used for? Diversional therapy is designed to keep the client’s mind off of problems they may be experiencing, to increase self-esteem and to encourage involvement with an aim of making friends, becoming part of the group and hence improving social skills. In the greater scheme, this can benefit people mentally and emotionally, and physical activity can help them health-wise as well. Diversional therapy is used in a variety of settings, such as within care homes and day centres for the elderly or for people with mental illnesses, and for people with physical or mental disabilities. Is diversional therapy an effective form of therapy? Studies have shown that diversional therapy can be an effective form of therapy, though more comprehensive studies need to be conducted to fully appreciate the benefits of this form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with diversional therapy? There are no known side effects with diversional therapy. The only risks are if clients are persuaded to participate in activities beyond their capabilities which could result in injury both physically and mentally, but there should be no chance of this happening in a monitored environment with a qualified therapist. Where can you find further information on diversional therapy? Although diversional therapy is practiced within the UK, research found no organisations specifically related to this therapy there. However, diversional therapy appears to be a popular form of therapy in Australia. 89

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The Diversional Therapy Association of New South Wales Diversional Therapy Association of Australia

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Dream Therapy What is dream therapy? For thousands of years, people have been trying to give meaning and interpretation to dreams. This is because dreams have long been considered to contain hidden messages. In ancient Greece and Egypt, dreams were seen to be messages from the gods and only people with special powers were able to interpret them, though more recently the interpretation of dreams has been linked with psychoanalysis. Psychologists like Freud and Jung believed that dreams had important meanings and were a pathway into our conscious and subconscious mind. Dream therapy is sometimes the name given to this interpretation of dreams because it is believed that by unravelling the meaning of our dreams, we are able to answer questions and solve problems. Dream therapy is also a term used to refer to a practice whereby we try to alter our dreams, especially recurring ones, which are disturbing and painful and which are causing us other problems. How does dream therapy work? Dream therapy and the interpretation of dreams is a very individual process and often there is no right or wrong answer when trying to interpret what dreams mean. If you go to a dream therapist or a dream counsellor, that person is not usually specifically trained in this area. But they may be a trained psychotherapist who has the experience to work with clients and to help them to interpret their dreams and therefore understand their problems. Once problems are understood, a solution is usually much easier to come by. Dream therapy will often help people answer questions which they haven’t yet asked and are hence in the sub-conscious mind. However, another type of dream therapy actually addresses dreams which are a direct result of a trauma and are therefore very much in the conscious mind. By working to change the content of a recurring dream, the client will benefit in more ways than one. 90


What can dream therapy be used for? Dream therapy that deals with dreams which are understood to be in the conscious mind can greatly benefit people that have suffered some sort of trauma in their lives. It has been found to be particularly effective with female rape victims. Because dreams are recurring they are more easily remembered, so dream therapy actually attempts to change the dream. By thinking of pleasant images and memories, then thinking of the dream or nightmare they often suffer and a different, more positive ending to this, they can eventually change the outcome in the dream they experience whilst asleep. By improving a client’s dreams, the client will benefit by sleeping better and will generally feel more positive and healthy all round. Dream therapy which is focused more on the subconscious mind can be used as a way of interpreting problems we are experiencing and hence finding a way of dealing with them. Is dream therapy an effective form of therapy? Studies into the effectiveness of dream therapy as a form of altering our dreams, proved to be quite successful with female rape victims. Using a psychotherapist to aid in interpreting our dreams may have some effectiveness. However, the use of general dream interpretation methods, such as ‘dream dictionary’ books and websites on the subject, should be taken with a pinch of salt. Are there any known side effects with dream therapy? There are no known side effects with dream therapy. Where can you find further information on dream therapy? Dream Psychology – full text of Sigmund Freud’s work on dream analysis Paranormal Dream Therapy

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Drug Therapy What is drug therapy? Drug therapy is a very broadly defining term used to describe a patient treatment programme which involves the use of drugs.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Drug therapy may also be referred to as drug treatment, pharmacotherapy or simply as medicine or medication and is the use of drugs or pharmaceuticals. The term drug therapy helps to distinguish between a method of treatment which involves surgery, and one which involves just the use of drugs. Drug therapy has evolved over thousands of years from the practice of herbalism and herbal medicine (which you can read about in its own entry) which has been passed down through the generations in just about every culture on Earth. In fact, many drugs which are used in the present day are still derived from plants and herbs. The more modern-day approach to drugs began in the 1880s and is credited to German physician Robert Koch, who discovered that disease was transmitted by bacteria. In the following decades, further discoveries were made such as Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin. How does drug therapy work? Since the early 1900s, there have been hundreds of drugs which have been either discovered or artificially manufactured in the fight against disease. Often these drugs have been developed specifically for certain diseases, and hence there are many different ways in which they will work against the disease. What can drug therapy be used for? There are five broad classifications for types of drugs used in drug therapy and what they are generally used for, and these are: • • • • •

antipyretics – used for reducing fever analgesics – used as painkillers anti-malarial drugs – for treating malaria antibiotics – for preventing or slowing germ growth antiseptics – for the prevention of germ growth at or near the site of wounds, cuts or burns

Is drug therapy an effective form of therapy? Drug therapy is constantly evolving and previously assumed boundaries are being crossed as more and more drugs are developed to fight disease. Although drugs which were discovered many years ago are still used and are still effective, pharmaceutical companies are always trying to improve on these and to find cures for diseases which, as yet, have no cure. Hence the effectiveness of drug therapy is always changing, and we suggest you search for details on a specific drug if you are interested in finding out more. Are there any known side effects with drug therapy? As already mentioned, there are literally hundreds of different drugs available for drug therapy, and because these work in different ways and are used for treating different conditions, they will all have different effects on the body.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Side effects can be common with some drugs, and rare with others, but they will all affect people differently. Therefore, as above, please search for information on a specific drug if you would like to know more. Where can you find further information on drug therapy? Drug therapy is a huge field with much background and further reading available; the links below will give you a starting point: Wikipedia entry on medication Patient.co.uk – information on specific drugs NHS Direct

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Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy What is dyadic developmental psychotherapy? Dyadic developmental psychotherapy is a type of therapy developed specifically to meet the needs of children and adolescents who have been adopted and/or fostered and who are thought to have resulting emotional disorders. Dyadic developmental psychotherapy was developed by Daniel Hughes, using a basis in attachment theory, who believed that children’s emotional distress was a result of earlier separation from caregivers or from when the child was an infant and was mistreated. He also believes that children who have suffered neglect were far more likely to develop problems as adolescents and adults in forming attachments. How does dyadic developmental psychotherapy work? Dyadic developmental psychotherapy is an experiential type of therapy which is intended as family-focused to help children form relationships with their caregivers. It is therefore important that the family, or main caregiver, is present at the session. Using experiences, the therapist helps the child to feel safety, security, empathy and acceptance through playful activities and other exercises. Once the child is comfortable, feels that they are in a safe environment and realises that they are loved and cared for, the trauma which initially caused the problem can be addressed. By addressing the trauma in what is considered to be a safe environment, the child is supposed to feel that it is ok to share the anger and shame they have experienced 93

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy with somebody who is empathetic. Once the trauma is shared, the child is able to integrate and process this in a coherent way. What can dyadic developmental psychotherapy be used for? Dyadic developmental disorder is stated as being most effective for children with reactive attachment disorder and complex traumas which are stopping them from forming attachments. It is used as a therapy for both children and adolescents, though there is criticism as to its methods when used with adolescents. Is dyadic developmental psychotherapy an effective form of therapy? Opinion would appear to be mixed as to whether dyadic developmental disorder is an effective form of therapy. Some studies have concluded that it is the only effective form of therapy for this kind of condition in children and that it remains effective in on-going studies, though these studies have been criticised as not being completely ‘evidence based’ and for including leaps. Are there any known side effects with dyadic developmental psychotherapy? There are no known side effects with dyadic developmental disorder. Where can you find further information on dyadic developmental psychotherapy? Wikipedia entry on dyadic developmental psychotherapy

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E Ear Candling (Hopi) Therapy What is ear candling therapy? Ear candling therapy may also be referred to as ‘ear coning’, ‘Hopi ear candling’ or ‘thermal auricular therapy’. It is an alternative medicine which is used to aid the clearing or loosening of ear wax and to remove toxins from the body. The exact origin of this therapy is unknown. This is because while some manufacturers of ear candles claim that they are ‘Hopi’ ear candles, the Hopi tribe of North America say that they have never used this practice and have repeatedly asked the manufacturer to remove any reference to their name. How does ear candling therapy work? One end of a hollow candle is inserted into the client’s ear whilst the client is lying on their side. The candle is then lit which creates a mild suction through the formation of a vacuum, drawing out wax. However, other sources suggest that there is no suction and the wax is not drawn out, rather the air flow created by the burning candle circulates within the ear which does break down material but does not remove it into the candle. When the candle burns to about two inches above the ear, it is extinguished and the procedure is repeated with the other ear. Often an item will be placed in between the candle and the ear so as to stop any hot wax dripping into or around the ear and causing burns. This might be a paper plate or a dampened cloth wrapped around the base of the candle. What can ear candling therapy be used for? It is reputed that ear candling therapy can be used for a number of conditions in addition to simply clearing the ear of wax. Conditions include sinusitis and rhinitis, headaches and migraines, hay fever and sore throats, asthma, catarrh, vertigo and Meniere’s disease. And clients have reported improved hearing as well. Is ear candling therapy an effective form of therapy? Ear candling therapy is generally considered by the medical world to be an ineffective and dangerous form of therapy. There have been a number of studies into the effectiveness of ear candling therapy which have concluded that it is ineffective in removing ear wax, let alone in treating the other conditions stated above. 95


Some studies have found that the materials allegedly collected inside the candle were actually residues from the candle itself and nothing from inside the ear. Are there any known side effects with ear candling therapy? There are a number of risks with ear candling therapy which should be considered before having treatment. Ear candling therapy should be practised with great care and it is advised that it’s not attempted on your own, but should be done by someone who has had experience. The ear canal should be examined before and after the session and some sort of filter should be used to protect the skin from dripping wax otherwise there is serious risk of burns. In addition, placing a candle in the ear could have other effects such as obstruction of the ear canal and perforation of the ear drum. Where can you find further information on ear candling therapy? There are many websites which sell ear candles, and therefore are biased in their opinion as to how effective ear candles are. But here are two websites which explain the processes in more detail. Hopi Ear Candles Hope-e-Candles Ltd

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Electroconvulsive Therapy What is electroconvulsive therapy? Electroconvulsive therapy is also known as ‘electroshock’ treatment. It is a treatment which involves the production of electrically produced seizures in the patient as a form of therapy and psychiatric treatment. It was recognised as far back as the 16th century that producing seizures in a patient could be a successful form of treatment for psychiatric disorders, and the first documented case was in 1785.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Convulsive therapy was officially adopted as a practice in 1934, using drugs to induce a seizure, and by 1937, the use of electric shocks began. During the 1940s and 1950s, in particular, the practice of electroconvulsive therapy was very widespread. Then, from the 1950s to 1970s, its use declined as antidepressant medication became more mainstream. Electroconvulsive therapy is still used around the world today though the number of patients treated is still declining. In the UK, there are about 12,000 people receiving this treatment per year and a total of about one million people worldwide. How does electroconvulsive therapy work? Patients are first given a short-acting anaesthetic and a muscle-relaxant — and sometimes a drug which inhibits production of saliva. Electrodes are then placed on the head, the position of which is determined by the type of treatment being given. Almost all patients in the UK, and most in the US, receive bilateral electroconvulsive therapy, where the electrodes are placed on either side of the head. Alternatively, it may be unilateral electroconvulsive therapy where both electrodes are placed on the same side. An electrical stimulus is passed through at a level which ensures that an effective seizure will take place, though this must not be too high a level because of resulting risks. What can electroconvulsive therapy be used for? In the UK, the main condition treated with electroconvulsive therapy is ‘mood disorder’, as well as schizophrenia. Is electroconvulsive therapy an effective form of therapy? Studies have found that electroconvulsive therapy can be an effective form of therapy for treating depression where other methods of treatment have failed. And it is accepted as a recognised form of therapy when a condition would otherwise be considered life-threatening, such as severe depression. Are there any known side effects with electroconvulsive therapy? Reports have suggested that there are no physical risks other than those which are associated with a brief general anaesthetic, though there are usually side effects. These include confusion and memory loss, though the confusion is only short term, usually disappearing within about an hour of treatment. There is some controversy over long-term memory loss, although with current standards for treatment this should not be such an issue today.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on electroconvulsive therapy? Wikipedia entry on electroconvulsive therapy Patient Plus BBC News Article (20/12/2000)

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Electrotherapy What is electrotherapy? Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy for the treatment of a number of different conditions which can include recognised medical treatments, as well as some alternative medical devices and treatments. There are several other forms of treatment which use electrical currents. These are different to electrotherapy though and should not be confused with it. These include electroconvulsive therapy, which is used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, and shock therapy which is a controversial form of aversion therapy used to discourage addictions and bad behaviour. Both of these therapies have their own entries where you can read more about how they work. French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne is credited as being the father of electrotherapy, having started to experiment with the use of electricity from the 1830s onwards. For the next 40 or so years, he continued to develop and fine-tune electrotherapy, and in so doing concluded in 1855 that an alternating current was far better for producing muscle contractions than a direct current. Electrotherapy has been in use since Duchenne’s discoveries, and is now used for several different forms of treatment, as below. How does electrotherapy work? There are several uses of electrotherapy, which work in differing ways. The most common applications are: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation); EMS (electro-muscular stimulation, also known as NMES (neuro-muscular electrostimulation); microcurrents (also known as MENS); galvanic currents and interferential and Russian currents. 98


These different forms of electrotherapy are used in differing ways according to what they are treating; see below for further information. TENS is detailed in its own entry where you can read all about how this form of electrotherapy works. What can electrotherapy be used for? There are a variety of uses for electrotherapy – it can be used for rehabilitation purposes, such as following an accident or a stroke in which the patient has lost use of muscles. EMS (or NMES) would be used in this instance as it stimulates the muscles. Other treatments include for pain therapy and control (TENS, in particular, is used for this), as well as relaxation of muscle spasms, increase in local blood circulation, maintaining and increasing range of motion and for post-surgical muscle stimulation in order to prevent venous thrombosis. Is electrotherapy an effective form of therapy? Opinion is mixed as to the effectiveness of electrotherapy because whilst there have been published research articles which report successful treatments, the theories behind the treatment are still not fully understood. TENS, for example (as you can read in its own entry) does not have research backing to prove that it actually works as a form of pain relief, yet it is frequently used and prescribed. Are there any known side effects with electrotherapy? There should be no side effects with the use of electrotherapy when used within the prescribed boundaries. Where can you find further information on electrotherapy? Electrotherapy on the web – an educational resource Database of electrotherapy

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EMDR Therapy What is EMDR therapy? EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a type of psychotherapy developed specifically to help to resolve symptoms experienced as a result of a traumatic event. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro, an American psychologist, in 1987, as a therapy to resolve symptoms and their psychological consequences. It was mainly used for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, studies showed its effectiveness in treating a larger range of psychological traumas too. Since its development, two forms of EMDR therapy have evolved – the original method which uses the theory that eye movements help to enhance the processing of traumatic memories; and the other which believes that the eye movement part of the therapy is not necessary. How does EMDR therapy work? EMDR is based on the principle that often when people suffer a traumatic event, the memory of this event is unprocessed, and essentially becomes stuck in the mind. This means that certain sounds, smells etc can trigger the memory and the person will re-live the event. Although many of the psychological elements of this therapy are based on other treatments, the unique part of EMDR is the fact that this utilises eye movements and also sometimes other bilateral auditory and tactile stimulation which it is believed can help to speed up the recovery process. The client will be asked to remember a picture from their traumatic memory and as they do so, they are also focusing on another stimuli – either the therapist will direct their eye movements or there will be auditory tones or hand tapping. By creating these new connections to a memory, it is thought that they are re-forged and processed in a different way. This results in the memory losing its intensity and becoming less distressing and therefore easier to manage. What can EMDR therapy be used for? As originally intended, EMDR is used for dealing with traumatic events and disturbing memories and particularly PTSD, although it has also been tried with a number of other conditions too including treatment of complex post traumatic stress disorder and attachment disorder. And although it is thought this would be effective with other conditions too, further studies are required to be sure of this. Is EMDR therapy an effective form of therapy? A number of studies have shown that EMDR is an effective form of therapy for the treatment of PTSD and that the eye movement element of the treatment does help to 100

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy facilitate recovery. Further studies are required to check its efficacy with other conditions. Are there any known side effects with EMDR therapy? There are no known side effects with EMDR Therapy. Where can you find further information on EMDR therapy? EMDR Training and Consultancy EMDR Association United Kingdom and Ireland The EMDR Institute EMDR International Association

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Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) What is EFT? EFT is an alternative psychotherapeutic medicine based on the idea that disturbances in the body’s energy field are the cause of negative emotions. EFT was developed by American, Gary Craig, in the mid 1990s, who adapted the work of an associate which was based on tapping certain points of your body to alleviate emotional and physical problems. The tapping points used are the same as those used in traditional Chinese medicine for procedures like acupuncture, but in EFT the ‘meridians’ are not punctured like in acupuncture, just tapped on. This means that EFT can be performed by anyone in a huge variety of settings. How does EFT work? EFT therapy works on the assumption that our bodies have an energy field, and that when this field becomes disrupted, it causes all sorts of physical and emotional problems.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy By tapping the pre-determined points of our body it is believed that we can force the energy field back into alignment and harmony and therefore ridding our body of its problems. What can EFT be used for? It is said that EFT therapy can be used for a whole multitude of conditions, including depression, pain management, phobias, allergies, weight loss, headaches, trauma, eating disorders and addictions, to name a few. Is EFT an effective form of therapy? There have been just three studies into the effectiveness of EFT therapy. Two of these showed that there appears to be positive outcomes as a result of using EFT therapy, whilst the third concluded that any positive results were impossible to differentiate from the placebo effect. However, many websites report on how successful EFT is and include testimonials from clients who have been successfully ‘cured’ of various problems. This in itself would tend to suggest that there must be some truth to the effectiveness of EFT. Are there any known side effects with EFT? There are no known side effects with EFT. Where can you find further information on EFT? World Center for EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques UK

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Energy Medicine What is energy medicine? Energy medicine is a term used to include a large number of alternative and complementary therapies which are all practised under one general concept. That concept is that our body’s ‘energy field’ and imbalances within that field are what

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy lead to illness and poor health, and that by re-balancing the field, our health can be restored. It is believed that energy medicine therapy has been practiced in some form since as far back as 5,000 years and it has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. The exact term ‘energy medicine’ has been in use since the 1980s when the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine was founded. How does energy medicine work? As energy medicine covers a large range of different therapies it is difficult to specify exactly how it works, though many of the therapies classified as energy medicine direct their attention to the meridians or acupuncture points as determined in traditional Chinese medicine. Some of the therapies classed as energy medicine include: colour therapy (chromotherapy), Therapeutic Touch, acupuncture, aura-soma, Reiki, magnet therapy, light therapy, Quantum Touch and sonopuncture – all of these therapies have their own listings with further information regarding exactly how these work. What can energy medicine be used for? Exact conditions which can be treated with energy medicine will vary with the specific therapies, though it is generally believed that energy medicine therapy will assist in improving a person’s overall health and well-being. Is energy medicine an effective form of therapy? Again, effectiveness will vary with the specific form of therapy. Whilst some energy medicine therapies have been shown to be effective, many are considered to have little or no medical or scientific proof as to their effectiveness. Are there any known side effects with energy medicine? As above, any possibility of side effects experienced with energy medicine will greatly vary depending on the type of therapy used, and each one should be individually analysed before deciding to go ahead with any treatment. Where can you find further information on energy medicine? Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Energy Medicine (ACPEM) Magick Formula.com Wikipedia entry on energy medicine

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Enzyme Therapy What is enzyme therapy? Enzyme therapy is the consumption of enzymes usually in food supplements, as a way of aiding digestion and hence helping our body’s overall health. Enzyme therapy was developed in the 1920s by Dr Edward Howell when he noticed the benefits a co-worker was experiencing from eating raw foods, rather than cooked foods. He concluded that because the natural enzymes which occur in the foods we eat are often diminished by cooking, the body has to work that much harder in the digestion stage in order to produce the digestive enzymes needed to break down our food and to extract the benefits from the food. Recognising that people do generally prefer to cook their food rather than eat it raw, he set about creating enzyme supplements and founded the National Enzyme Company in 1932. How does enzyme therapy work? Enzymes are naturally occurring in the foods that we eat, though when the foods are cooked the enzymes are destroyed. This means that our bodies have to work extra hard to produce our own enzymes and this can often lead to problems like bloating, wind and indigestion because of the difficulties our bodies have in the digestion process. By taking enzyme food supplements, we are re-introducing the enzymes which would usually occur naturally in our foods and are aiding the body in the digestion process. According to Dr Howell’s research, these supplements can digest 75 per cent of the food we eat before it has even reached the lower stomach. What can enzyme therapy be used for? Different enzymes are good at digesting different food types, though the overriding benefit to the body is a more rapid digestion of our food, which in turn will decrease digestive problems such as bloating, and will also allow our bodies more time to concentrate on remaining healthy in general. Is enzyme therapy an effective form of therapy? Research has been unable to find mention of any studies which could prove or disprove the effectiveness of enzyme therapy. Are there any known side effects with enzyme therapy? No reference to any side effects could be found, and it is generally understood that there should not be any side effects considering you are only giving the body something which it already produces naturally.

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Where can you find further information on enzyme therapy? Enzymes Inc

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Equine Assisted Therapy What is equine assisted therapy? There are several different types of ‘therapy’ which may be included under the umbrella of equine assisted therapy. Therapeutic horseback riding, also known as equine-assisted activity, which is intended for people with special needs, is widely practised around the world and does not involve the use of a trained therapist. Equine assisted therapy (EAP) on the other hand, does involve the use of a therapist and there are two types of this: hippotherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy. Hippotherapy has its own entry and equine assisted psychotherapy is discussed here. EAP is a psychotherapy which uses the combined skills of a horse professional and qualified therapist who work with clients and horses to reach treatment targets. It is usually a short term therapy because it is said to be intense and effective at producing positive results. How does equine assisted therapy work? EAP is experiential, meaning that the therapy work is very hands-on and involved, and clients are able to learn about themselves and others by taking part in the activities with the horses. These activities will encourage clients to develop a number of skills such as teamwork, assertiveness, leadership, responsibility, relationships, confidence and problem solving, for example. The end result is to make the client feel more positive about themselves, other people and their surroundings and when they can do this, problems such as depression can be cleared from the mind. What can equine assisted therapy be used for? EAP can be used with a variety of conditions and with a variety of age groups to treat behavioural issues, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety,

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communication problems, attention deficit disorder and relationship problems, working with youths, families, groups and individuals. Is equine assisted therapy an effective form of therapy? It is believed that EAP is an effective form of therapy in helping or curing the above conditions, and as stated it is a ‘brief’ therapy and therefore has fast, positive results. Are there any known side effects with equine assisted therapy? There are no known side effects with equine assisted psychotherapy. Where can you find further information on equine assisted therapy? Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Equine Assisted Therapy

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Existential Therapy What is existential therapy? Existential therapy is a type of psychotherapy which has some grounding in the philosophical concept of existentialism. Existentialism is the belief that all humans are able to make their own choices and that our lives are not dictated by authorities, deities (gods) or religion. In making our own choices we are creating the meaning and essence of our lives and hence giving ourselves purpose. There appears to be some debate as to what exactly existential therapy is because of differences in opinion between psychotherapists who purport to practise it. However, it is supposedly based on the ideas of the forefathers of existential philosophy, Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche in the 1800s. Their ideas were further explored by the likes of Jean-Paul Sartre, and later began to be integrated into therapy by Emmy van Deurzen who founded the Society for

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Existential Analysis and the International Society for Existential Psychotherapists and Counsellors. How does existential therapy work? Existential therapy works with people who are perhaps feeling lost in the world, and have feelings of meaninglessness and aloneness. It does this by exploring the meaning of problems through a philosophical rather than a more typical psychoanalytic approach which would look at the clients past and make associations. Existential therapy is based in the present and encourages the client to focus on making their own decisions in the present day rather than relying on past experiences. Existential therapists will work to get the client to face their anxieties, not to try to eliminate them, by encouraging the client to see that they are in charge of their own life and that they can manage these anxieties and make their own choices. The result is that the client is able to feel more free and in control of their life. What can existential therapy be used for? Existential therapy is generally used with people who are having trouble taking control of their lives, and who may be feeling like their life has no meaning. It is useful for people who need to increase their self-awareness and who are willing to take more control of their lives and to make positive changes for better outcomes. For example, existential therapy may be used as a form of therapy for people undergoing relationship or family counselling as it can address control issues and how these affect relationships. Is existential therapy an effective form of therapy? Existential therapy, although it has its roots in the 19th century, has only in the past few decades really began to emerge as a plausible field of psychotherapy. Add to this the fact that most psychotherapy is based on scientific principles, not philosophical ones, and this means that study into the true effectiveness of existential therapy as a form of treatment have not really taken place. Hence it is difficult to surmise as to whether or not it is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with existential therapy? There are no known side effects with existential therapy. Where can you find further information on existential therapy? Society for Existential Analysis Existential Psychotherapy Wikipedia entry on existential therapy

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Expressive Therapy What is expressive therapy? Expressive therapy may also be known as creative arts therapy. It involves the use of different kinds of creative arts with the purpose of enabling the client to be expressive and hence heal their problems. Expressive therapy may be used as an umbrella term. Hence the therapist does not specialise in one form of therapy over another, but rather uses a combination of different creative arts in order to achieve the best result possible for the client. There are several different kinds of expressive therapy, and these include art therapy, dance therapy and music therapy. Each of these therapies has their own entry where you can discover their backgrounds and how exactly they work. How does expressive therapy work? As mentioned, expressive therapy is really an umbrella term which may include any or all of the different kinds of expressive therapies (i.e. art, music or dance). So how exactly this works will depend on which type of therapy is being utilised. The overall aim is that a client can heal by using their imagination to be creative, and in so doing, they are able to examine their own feelings, emotions and more, and heal any problems on a mental level. Expressive therapy is particularly useful for people who would commonly have problems expressing their feelings through verbal communication. What can expressive therapy be used for? Please see the individual listings for further information about what each of these may specifically be used for: art therapy, dance therapy and music therapy. Is expressive therapy an effective form of therapy? As above, please see the individual listings. Are there any known side effects with expressive therapy? There are no known side effects with any type of expressive therapy. Where can you find further information on expressive therapy? You can find further information in the individual listings, or visit the website below. International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

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F Family Therapy What is family therapy? Family therapy is sometimes also called ‘couple and family therapy’ or ‘family systems therapy’ and is a type of psychotherapy similar to relationship counselling, working with both couples and/or families. Family therapy was not developed by just one person, but there are many people in the field who have contributed to make this therapy into what it is today. Mostly these people have a psychoanalytic background, though the theory behind family therapy comes from ‘systems theory’ and ‘cybernetics’ (the study of complex systems – as families are thought to be), and secondly from behavioural therapy and cognitive psychotherapy. More recently, family therapy has further developed to incorporate ideas which are feminist and postmodernist, as well as various other psychological theory backgrounds. How does family therapy work? Family therapists will usually have a session with more than one member of the family attending. This gives the therapist the opportunity to see how these family members integrate with each other as often their habits displayed at the session will be the same or similar to their habits at home. Family therapy presents an opportunity for the therapist to point out emerging patterns seen within the family, and so is more concerned with what is going on ‘between’ people rather than ‘in’ people, although some therapists in this field will also look at the latter. By pointing out behaviours, it is believed that the family system can change and become more harmonious. However, some therapists are more interested in working out the problems of the individuals rather than the whole family system, on the assumption that if you help each family member as an individual, the whole family system will benefit. What can family therapy be used for? In addition to the obvious use of helping family relationships, family therapy can also be used for a number of other issues too, for example: child, adolescent and adult mental health, couple relationships, emotional disorders, eating disorders, domestic violence, self-harm, drug and alcohol misuse, child and adolescent behaviour and refugee support.

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Is family therapy an effective form of therapy? Research has shown that family therapy is an effective form of therapy which can be used in many different situations, including helping those conditions mentioned above. Are there any known side effects with family therapy? There are no known side effects with family therapy. Where can you find further information on family therapy? American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Institute of Family Therapy AFT Association for Family Therapy

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The Feldenkrais Method What is the Feldenkrais Method? The Feldenkrais Method is generally seen as a complementary medicine whose theory is based on the assumption that the mind and body are one entity and that one directly affects the other. The Feldenkrais Method is a movement based therapy which can be used for a number of reasons, and was developed by Dr Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984). Feldenkrais was a physicist and judo instructor, who believed that good health was directly related to functioning well, in other words, maintaining overall well-being and being able to apply ‘Awareness Through Movement’. This is a mind/body exploration which not only concentrates on physical well-being, but mental well-being too. Feldenkrais Method therapy is now used in two forms by practitioners, who receive extensive training before becoming fully qualified. The first method is known as ‘Awareness through Movement’ and the second is ‘Functional Integration’.

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How does the Feldenkrais Method work? In Awareness through Movement (ATM), the teacher directs the students verbally through a number of movement sequences. The particular movement sequences used varies very much, depending on the teacher, and many will have their own unique style. Because Feldenkrais believed that how we move is directly associated with how we see ourselves, ATM is intended to do just as it says – improve awareness of ourselves through movement, by observing and paying attention to the way we move. In Functional Integration, the teacher will actually use their hands to guide how the student moves, though the movements are extended from the student’s natural patterns. In this way, the student is not feeling forced, but feels safe and has the opportunity to study the movement in detail. The teacher can also teach the student to move freely and easily, and can address specific problems of the participants. What can the Feldenkrais Method be used for? Feldenkrais Method therapy can be used as a general source of relaxation and wellbeing for people of all backgrounds and ages, as well as increasing vitality and eliminating pain from movement. It is also regularly used by performers, such as dancers, musicians and artists as well as athletes because Feldenkrais Method therapy can improve performance. Is the Feldenkrais Method an effective form of therapy? Feldenkrais Method therapy is believed to be effective in its main objective, which is discovery of the body and its movements. Practitioners are quick to point out that even though this is considered to be a ‘complementary medicine’, it is not, however, a treatment or cure for certain conditions. Are there any known side effects with the Feldenkrais Method? There are no known side effects with Feldenkrais Method therapy. Where can you find further information on the Feldenkrais Method? The Feldenkrais Guild UK International Feldenkrais Federation

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G Gerson Therapy What is Gerson Therapy? Gerson Therapy is a nutrition-based, holistic therapy which has seen much controversy since it was first developed in the late 1920s. Dr Max Gerson developed the Gerson Therapy after experimenting with eliminating certain foods from his diet, in an effort to cure the migraines he frequently suffered from. When he was successful, he set about developing the therapy as a whole, believing that all the many toxins in the environment are what cause ill health and poison the human body. This includes all of the pesticides and chemicals which appear on produce, as well as the poor quality of processed foods. So he developed a diet with the aim of ridding the body of these toxins and maintaining health through the benefits of a revitalized immune system. How does Gerson Therapy work? Gerson Therapy is not a quick fix by any means, as it is recommended to be used over the course of six to 18 months. A process, called by Gerson ‘hyperalimentation’, occurs when the individual drinks 10-13 glasses of fresh, organic juices every day, each hour, as well as three large vegan and organic meals plus numerous other fruits and vegetables throughout the day too. It is believed that by flooding the body with all of these natural nutrients, the body can begin to rid itself of all the years of accumulated toxins. Gerson also developed a coffee enema with the purpose of stimulating the liver to produce bile which would in turn flush out toxins from the liver, as well as a number of supplements to replace lost minerals and to help digestive processes. All food in the diet must be organically grown and fresh and cannot include any processed foods or drinks. It is also salt-free, and Gerson bans tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceuticals as well. What can Gerson Therapy be used for? It is claimed that Gerson Therapy can be used for hundreds of conditions which have been deemed incurable by conventional medicine, including cancer. Is Gerson Therapy an effective form of therapy? Despite the claims that it has been successful in curing 99 per cent of 1,500 conditions described as incurable, there is little undeniable evidence of this. The Gerson Institute is quick to provide testimonials of satisfied patients. But without backgrounds of those patients and total numbers of patients with that particular illness having been successfully treated, there is no way to properly verify the information. We cannot know whether or not it was just pure luck, or something else. 112


Regarding claims that Gerson Therapy is the cure for cancer, the American Cancer Society has stated that there is no scientific evidence of this and that the principles used are not widely accepted in the US medical community. Are there any known side effects with Gerson Therapy? For people who wholeheartedly start the Gerson therapy ‘diet’, there are bound to be a number of side effects felt because the body is suddenly having to change its ways after many years of getting used to the foods we eat. So patients will feel different and may have some ill effects. Where can you find further information on Gerson Therapy? The Gerson Institute Gerson Support Group

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Gestalt Therapy What is Gestalt therapy? Gestalt therapy is a psychotherapy which, unlike many other forms of psychotherapy, concentrates on the present moment rather than events which have happened in the past. It has an emphasis on personal responsibility and examines how the client experiences, and therefore copes or changes, their current environment. Gestalt therapy was developed by Fritz and Laura Perls and Paul Goodman between the 1940’s and 1950’s. The word ‘gestalt’ is German, and roughly translated means ‘whole or complete pattern/configuration’. It is a humanistic psychotherapy in that it helps the client to overcome symptoms whilst making them become free of problems and unfinished issues which may be blocking them from feeling good, fulfilled and able to ‘grow’. It is also a very experiential psychotherapy. How does Gestalt therapy work? Gestalt therapy seeks to recognise the environment and reality in which a person is living in and what their relationship with their world is. By working with any internal conflict which is as a result of this relationship, and by resolving unfinished business, the client can be helped to change their interaction with their environment, and hence improve their quality of life. 113


What can Gestalt therapy be used for? Like most forms of psychotherapy, Gestalt therapy can be used with individuals, whether they are children or adults, couples, families and groups, and can help with a number of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma and also for people who feel that they have essentially ‘lost their way’ in life. Gestalt therapy concentrates on making them better as a whole, not just on fixing a mental problem, for example. Is Gestalt therapy an effective form of therapy? There has been some research into the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy, though considering what a widely used therapy it is, research has actually been quite limited. However, seeing as Gestalt therapy is so widely used and accepted in psychotherapy terms, this would suggest that this is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with Gestalt therapy? There are no known side effects with Gestalt therapy. Where can you find further information on Gestalt therapy? The theory behind Gestalt therapy is very complex and there are many sources of detailed articles and essays on the subject which you can read to find out more fully what and how Gestalt therapy works. Here are a few links to some of the major websites from where you can start: Association for Advancement of Gestalt Therapy Gestalt Centre UK Association for Humanistic Psychology Gestalt Therapy: An Introduction

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Grief Therapy What is grief therapy? Grief therapy is not to be confused with ‘grief counselling’ as the two are in fact different. Where grief counselling is used for the more common, or uncomplicated, feelings of grief which arise from loss, grief therapy deals with far more complicated reactions and uses clinical tools. Grief therapy, for example then, would deal with people where their grief reaction is far more prolonged than with common grievances, and/or where they have developed some sort of behavioural symptom. How does grief therapy work? Grief therapy aims to help the client to separate from the person they have lost, by identifying the problems they are having and hence solving these problems so that the client can move on. The client is encouraged to talk about the deceased and to recognise whether the emotions they are feeling over their loss are of an expected level. They are then encouraged and allowed to realise that they can have feelings of anger or guilt, or other negative feelings, whilst at the same time remembering positive feelings about the person who died, such as good memories. Often the client may have blockages in the mourning process which will need to be dealt with, and may include unfinished business with the deceased, such as things they had meant to say to them or do with them. So the client is encouraged to see that their loss is final and are encouraged to look at life beyond grieving. What can grief therapy be used for? Generally grief therapy would be used with clients who have suffered the loss of a loved one or of a close friend, though this could also be the loss of a pet or following a community disaster or trauma. Different people deal with loss in many different ways, and complicated grief reactions can occur at any time, sometimes long after the loss, and hence are not always first identified as grief. Is grief therapy an effective form of therapy? It has proved difficult to measure the effectiveness of grief therapy because of the difficulty in actually measuring grief. But it would seem that grief therapy is an effective form of therapy in at least helping the client to deal with their grief even if it doesn’t ‘cure’ their grief altogether. Are there any known side effects with grief therapy? There are no known side effects with grief therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on grief therapy? What is Grief Counselling & Therapy?

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Group Therapy What is group therapy? Group therapy is a term which can be used to cover a whole host of different therapies, though is generally regarded as a type of psychotherapy where one or more therapists will treat a small group of clients rather than just individuals. Group therapy was initially started as a way of cutting costs and increasing efficiency as the benefit was obviously being able to treat multiple clients in the space of time it would usually have taken to treat one. However, psychotherapists quickly saw that group therapy actually had additional benefits to the clients too, and it began to be offered to clients on a more regular basis. How does group therapy work? How exactly group therapy works will depend on what condition is actually being treated, though group therapy will obviously have a number of commonalities. Often group therapy is a ‘talk-based’ therapy where clients are encouraged to share their feelings and ideas. The major benefit over individual one-to-one therapy is that each client can see that they are not alone in suffering with the condition they have, and this is very helpful in helping them to cope and overcome the problem. Group therapy also benefits clients in discovering what has worked well for other sufferers and gives them the chance to try different methods. Group therapy is also a much more supportive environment for clients than individual therapy would be and can encourage social skills. What can group therapy be used for? Group therapy can be used as a form of treatment for the majority of psychotherapies which are commonly practiced today. Is group therapy an effective form of therapy? The effectiveness of group therapy depends to a certain extent on what condition is being treated. However, group therapy as a whole is believed to be a successful and effective method of therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with group therapy? There are no known side effects with group therapy. Where can you find further information on group therapy? American Group Psychotherapy Association A directory of UK Groups

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Gua Sha Therapy What is Gua Sha therapy? Gua Sha is an ancient medical treatment which is still commonly used today by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and also as a ‘folk’ technique across China, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Gua Sha translates literally as ‘to scrape for cholera’ and is sometimes referred to by the French name ‘tribo-effleurage’. It is an ancient technique which essentially scrapes the skin and can be used for a variety of conditions, both as a preventative measure and a remedial treatment. Gua Sha is becoming more commonly practiced in the Western world now with the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine increasing. How does Gua Sha therapy work? Gua Sha is commonly used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, but is not only restricted to their use as it is commonly used across Asia by the general population who treat themselves and family members with this therapy. By ‘folk’ this means that it is used by folk — in other words, the common people, and that it is safe for folk to use. Gua Sha therapy involves repeated pressured strokes over the skin, which is usually lubricated, much like scraping, as the translation of the name suggests. A smooth edge is used, which could be any number of implements such as a coin, animal bones or jade though commonly this is a ceramic Chinese soup spoon.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Pressure is applied and then moved down the muscles or along the acupuncture meridians. Each stroke would be about four to six inches long. This process forces the blood out of its vessels and can leave blemishing on the skin, which usually disappears within a few days. The marks are said to not be painful, despite looking that way! What can Gua Sha therapy be used for? There are many conditions which Gua Sha is commonly used for. These include: reducing fever, treating muscle and tendon injuries, helping circulation, headache, fatigue due to exposure to heat or cold, sun-stroke, digestive disorders, pain, urinary and gynaecological disorders, and coughs and dyspnea, though this list is by no means exhaustive. Is Gua Sha therapy an effective form of therapy? As Gua Sha is considered to be an alternative therapy in the Western world, there have not been any studies into its effectiveness. However, as this practice has been used for thousands of years and is still commonly used across many countries to this day, it would tend to suggest that there must be a certain amount of effectiveness in the use of it as a therapy. Are there any known side effects with Gua Sha therapy? The only known side effects are the possibility of blemishes on the skin which will go within a few days. Linked with this is the possibility that the marks will be mistaken for physical abuse. Where can you find further information on Gua Sha therapy? Chinese Medicine – What is Gua Sha?

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Guided Imagery Therapy What is guided imagery therapy? Guided imagery therapy is an alternative medicine relaxation technique, much like meditation, which can be used by everybody, not just trained therapists. Guided imagery has been used in one form or another for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed that imagery was very important and thought 118

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy that having a strong image of a disease could actually cause the symptoms to occur. On the other hand, the Navajo Indians of North American believed that they could picture themselves healthy to rid themselves of illnesses. There is also a fully recognised psychotherapy method, called guided affective imagery, which is practiced by qualified psychotherapists who use guided mental imagery and discussions to work through problems. How does guided imagery therapy work? Guided imagery therapy works by directing your thoughts to lead your imagination to finding a relaxed and focused state and is based on the principle that your mind and body are connected. In other words, by imagining something, your body reacts in some way. This principle is used in guided imagery therapy, because by imagining a peaceful thought or image, the body will react by becoming more relaxed. Guided imagery therapy can be ‘guided’ by somebody, for example, a practitioner, or an audio tape, or it can be guided by the individual. Because of this, it can be done by just about anyone, in any situation. What can guided imagery therapy be used for? The main benefit of guided imagery therapy is to create a sense of relaxation and to diminish stress. Other benefits will stem from this. A relaxed state, for example, will aid the body in healing, learning and creativity and has also been used to aid performance. Athletes can use it for relaxation, although they can also use imagery techniques to help directly with their performance, for example, visualising a golf hole, or a racing track. Is guided imagery therapy an effective form of therapy? There have been a number of clinical studies into the effectiveness of guided imagery therapy when used for a variety of purposes, and results have been very positive. Studies included effectiveness in boosting immunity, with menstrual stress, depression, lowering blood pressure, slowing heart rates, treating obesity, insomnia and phobias. Are there any known side effects with guided imagery therapy? There are no known side effects with guided imagery therapy.

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Where can you find further information on guided imagery therapy? Holistic Online Information on Guided imagery Therapy Academy for Guided Imagery Eupsychia.com – information on guided imagery

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Gyrotonic Therapy What is Gyrotonic therapy? Gyrotonic therapy encompasses use of the Gyrotonic Expansion System (GXS) and Gyrokinesis, and is an exercise system which was created by Juliu Horvath. It is a system which has been compared to Pilates but is said to offer far more opportunity for bending the limbs than Pilates does. Juliu Horvath was a ballet dancer who sought asylum in the United States in the 1960s. When he developed an injury he was unable to dance anymore, and began to practice yoga. He developed a system based on yoga, called ‘Yoga for Dancers’, which was later developed into Gyrokinesis. Gyrokinesis is a series of exercises which do not require the use of equipment, whilst Gyrotonic exercises make use of equipment specially designed by Horvath. How does Gyrotonic therapy work? Gyrotonic therapy is performed using Gyrotonic exercise equipment, and the exercises are performed in conjunction with breathing techniques which also help to aid aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation. This in turn encourages neuro-muscular rejuvenation. The benefit of the Gyrotonic system is that it enables freedom of movement and fluidity of exercises. The apparatus are not weight based, but based on a pulley system. So the user will not experience the jarring usually associated with lifting weights on conventional apparatus. 120


What can Gyrotonic therapy be used for? Gyrotonic exercises are said to be able to offer the same benefits as yoga, tai chi, gymnastics, dance and swimming combined. The system stretches and strengthens muscles and connective tissues and is hence good for dancers and athletes, though the way the system is designed means that it can be used by people of varying body strengths and types too, and hence the general population could benefit greatly from this system for maintaining a healthy and strong body. Is Gyrotonic therapy an effective form of therapy? There are no specific studies relating to the effectiveness of Gyrotonic therapy, although the producer, Horvath, used these systems himself to recover from injury and is said to have put many years of study and self-exploration into the design of the equipment. This says nothing concrete about its effectiveness. But it can be assumed that this is still a good method of exercise for people looking to maintain their fitness levels. Are there any known side effects with Gyrotonic therapy? There are no known side effects with Gyrotonic therapy. However, as with all forms of exercise there will be precautions and preparation that should be followed prior to starting. Where can you find further information on Gyrotonic therapy? Gyrotonic.com official website

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H Hair Analysis Therapy What is hair analysis therapy? Hair analysis may refer to two different concepts: • •

the chemical analysis of hair samples which is often used in forensic toxicology and is a recognised and important form of analysis the concept used in alternative medicine as a form of diagnosis of health issues and is a somewhat controversial and unrecognised form of therapy

It is this second concept that this article will be discussing in more detail. The use of hair analysis as an alternative therapy first began in the 1970s. A Californian paediatrician, named Dr Lodge-Rees, further developed an experimental idea of using animal hide to test for mineral content and therefore the healthiness of the animal, by using instead human hair. Since this time, there have been numerous studies into whether hair analysis therapy is an accurate and hence effective form of therapy. And whilst there are positive indicators, the general consensus is that this is, and will remain, an alternative therapy. You can read more about these arguments below. How does hair analysis therapy work? The client will provide a hair sample, which is usually instructed to be taken from the nape of the neck. This will be a small clump of hair measuring between ¾” to 1” in length, not just one strand. The hair is then analysed by a mass spectrometer which measures for the presence and amount of minerals and sometimes metals which appear within the hair. A report is then generated showing the client where they may be lacking in minerals and nutrients. Often, depending on the company involved, a programme of nutritional and mineral supplements may be recommended to address any deficiencies. Some companies may also attempt to make further diagnosis from the hair sample, by suggesting far more serious complications and possible illnesses. It is more these hair analysis therapy companies which customers should be most wary of. What can hair analysis therapy be used for? Hair analysis therapy is generally used as a means of testing a client’s overall health. An analysis is supposedly able to pick up deficiencies in minerals and metals and hence suggest what the client may be lacking in terms of nutrition by suggesting a different diet and/or nutritional and mineral supplements.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is hair analysis therapy an effective form of therapy? Hair analysis therapy is a somewhat controversial form of alternative therapy with differing opinions as to its effectiveness. The medical world does not disagree that hair analysis can be useful in certain respects. Within forensic toxicology, it is very useful, for example, and it can also be useful for analysis of a population. For instance, it can be used to make comparisons between different groups of people, i.e. one group suffering from a particular disease and one group that is not, as this can be used to compare differences on a more general level. However, it is not recognised that hair analysis therapy alone can be used to diagnose specific diseases. The main problems within this field of alternative medicine are that there do not appear to be standardised methods and techniques used for actually analysing the hair in the first place. Secondly, there is a lack of standardisation in the interpretation of the results. And finally, there is a lack of agreement as to what treatment is necessary. Proponents of hair analysis therapy claim that mineral deficiencies and heavy metal poisoning can be determined by a hair analysis, and that this in turn can identify more serious conditions. It is true that some heavy metal toxicities can be determined by hair analysis, but this should not be considered a generalisation. Are there any known side effects with hair analysis therapy? There are no known side effects with hair analysis therapy. Where can you find further information on hair analysis therapy? Quackwatch article on ‘Commercial Hair Analysis’ About.com article on ‘Study Questions: Reliability of Hair Analysis’ The Trichological Society

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Hakomi Therapy What is Hakomi therapy? Hakomi therapy is a type of ‘somatic’ or ‘body’ psychotherapy which takes a holistic approach, drawing on many different theories and belief systems. The ultimate aim is to help people change the way they interact with the world and in so doing change core beliefs, resulting in a far more harmonious way of living. 123


Hakomi therapy was developed by therapist Ron Kurtz from the 1970s and into the 1980s. In 1981, the Hakomi Institute was founded in order to increase awareness and educate others in its ways, although in the late 1980s, Kurtz actually left the institute to further develop his method. He has now created a variation on Hakomi therapy which is more mindfulness based. The word ‘Hakomi’ is a Hopi Indian word which on a basic level means ‘who are you?’ This word was chosen because of its links to mindfulness, and because of the ultimate aims of Hakomi therapy. How does Hakomi therapy work? Hakomi therapy is based upon five principles: mindfulness, non-violence, organicity, unity and mind-body connection. These principles are foremost in a therapist’s work with a client which generally utilises six stages to work towards a final goal: • • • • • •

create a relationship between therapist and client whereby it “maximises safety, respect and the cooperation of the unconscious” establish mindfulness — this is when the therapist will help the client to study how they organise their experiences evoke experience — having looked at how experiences are organised within the mind, the client and therapist attempt to make contact with the associated core feelings, memories and beliefs state specific processing — when the client is ready the therapist will help them to transition to state-specific processing, the three states being mindfulness, strong emotions and child-like consciousness transformation — at this point, the client becomes aware that healing experiences are possible and begin to occur integration — once new healing experiences occur, the therapist can work with the client to make connections between these and the rest of the client’s experiences, hence aiming for a complete healing process

What can Hakomi therapy be used for? It is stated that Hakomi therapy can be effective in many different therapeutic situations — whether it is work on an individual basis, with couples, with families or in groups. It is said to be most useful for people who are looking for personal growth and change and who are prepared to strive further than their known limits. The Hakomi Institute states that “Because Hakomi attends to the very nature of being human, it is easily adapted to support whatever tasks and adventures people pursue.” Hence this would suggest that the uses for Hakomi therapy are essentially endless. Is Hakomi therapy an effective form of therapy? There has not been a great deal of study into Hakomi therapy on its own as an effective form of therapy and in addition, therapies which utilise mindfulness techniques are not always immediately accepted in the mainstream. For these reasons it is difficult to say with complete accuracy whether or not Hakomi therapy is an effective form of therapy. 124


Are there any known side effects with Hakomi therapy? There are no known side effects with Hakomi therapy. Where can you find further information on Hakomi therapy? The Hakomi Institute Hakomi Education Network Hakomi UK

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Hawaiian or Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy What is lomi lomi massage therapy? Lomi lomi massage is the traditional name for the massage therapy sometimes referred to as Hawaiian massage. Rather than simply being a massage therapy though, lomi lomi is more of a holistic healing tradition which is gaining in popularity in Europe and Japan and is obviously especially popular in Hawaii too. Polynesian settlers brought traditions of massage therapy with them when they first landed on the Hawaiian Islands, and this form of massage evolved into a healing practice as well. It was practised all over the islands by people of all ages and was immensely popular. However, when American missionaries arrived in 1820, they prohibited what were considered ‘heathen’ worship and healing practises and hence lomi lomi as a medical practice was forced underground. However, the laws did not ban lomi lomi as a massage therapy and this continues to this day. How does lomi lomi massage therapy work? Lomi lomi massage therapy is performed using several parts of the body in addition to the palms and fingers, including knuckles, forearm, elbows, knees and feet as well as inanimate objects such as sticks and stones. The massage is given from head to toe using continuous and flowing strokes which are gentle yet deep and are said to be performed by ‘loving hands’ (an alternative name for lomi lomi). The massage encourages energies to flow throughout the body which might otherwise have been blocked, and generates an overall feeling of deep relaxation. 125

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can lomi lomi massage therapy be used for? Despite having lost much of the traditional uses of lomi lomi massage therapy, many practitioners do use massage in combination with other elements, such as asking clients to partake in prayer, meditation, changing their diets and other self-help remedies in order to promote overall health and well-being. Generally nowadays though, lomi lomi massage therapy is used chiefly as a form of massage. Is lomi lomi massage therapy an effective form of therapy? Having been used popularly for hundreds of years in Hawaii as a therapy, and over the last hundred or so years as a popular form of massage, would tend to suggest that lomi lomi massage therapy is an effective form of therapy. This is also further backed-up by the fact that lomi lomi is now gaining in popularity around the world. Are there any known side effects with lomi lomi massage therapy? There are no known side effects with lomi lomi massage therapy. Where can you find further information on lomi lomi massage therapy? Aloha International – Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage

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Heliotherapy What is heliotherapy? Heliotherapy is a type of light therapy. It is a term which has been adopted by the tanning and spa industry to describe this, a medical form of light therapy, which is essentially a glorified term for sunbathing! This article will briefly describe the specifics of heliotherapy. But you can find out more about light therapy in general within the light therapy entry. Heliotherapy is exposure to light, usually within the UVA and UVB range for medical reasons. This can include direct sunlight, though usually it involves the use of tanning beds, booths and lamps. How does heliotherapy work? Heliotherapy works by subjecting the patient to levels of light which would usually be pre-determined by a doctor depending on the condition that is being treated. Several conditions may be treated in this way, and how they work depends on the condition. 126

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Sessions are often given at the doctor’s office, though it is becoming more common now for doctors to prescribe sessions in a tanning bed such as at a tanning or spa centre. What can heliotherapy be used for? Heliotherapy can be used for several different conditions, including skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, plus Vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Is heliotherapy an effective form of therapy? Heliotherapy would appear to be an effective form of therapy which is recognised by the medical world. Are there any known side effects with heliotherapy? There are risks with heliotherapy, just as there are with regular exposure to the sun and UV rays. If treatment is undertaken as prescribed, then the possibility of side effects should be very minimal. Where can you find further information on heliotherapy? You can read more about light therapy in general in the light therapy entry, plus the following website: Guide to Heliotherapy

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Helminthic Therapy What is helminthic therapy? Helminthic therapy is the use of parasitic worms, known as helminths, in order to treat autoimmune diseases and immune disorders. Just the thought of what is involved in this therapy may be enough to put some patients off (see below). But helminthic therapy is so far proving to have very successful treatment results. It has stemmed from much research into why certain autoimmune diseases, disorders and allergies are so much more rarely found in people living in less developed countries, whilst in developed and industrialised countries the numbers have been steadily increasing for some time.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy There are several reasons as to why scientists believe this is happening, but the chief reason is that in developed countries people are now far less exposed to bacteria, parasites and viruses. There is such an emphasis here on cleanliness and sanitisation. Hence naturally occurring parasites which can actually do humans some good, are not being seen so often. How does helminthic therapy work? Helminthic therapy works by using parasitic worms, known as helminths. Being parasitic means that they feed off of their host by living inside the human body, and although sometimes this is not good for humans because the helminths can disrupt our nutrient absorption and cause disease, certain types of helminths can actually do more good than harm. There are two types of helminths which have been shown to be effective – hookworms (cecator americanus) and pig whipworm eggs (trichuris suis ova), and the patient is ‘infected’ with one or the other. Hookworms have a relatively long lifespan inside the human body of five years and hence, once they enter the body they will stay there during this time and further treatments are only required at five-yearly intervals. The pig whipworm eggs on the other hand have a very short lifespan of just two to three weeks and hence regular doses are required. What can helminthic therapy be used for? Helminthic therapy is currently most commonly being used to treat Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, dermatitis and allergies including hay fever and food allergies. Is helminthic therapy an effective form of therapy? Research and actual treatments of helminthic therapy are showing extremely favourable results. It would appear that helminthic therapy is generally far more effective than orthodox medicines. Are there any known side effects with helminthic therapy? It should first be pointed out that although these are parasites, these particular helminths have been chosen for a number of reasons: First, they cannot reproduce in humans, and hence the numbers (or dosage so to speak) can be strictly controlled. Secondly, these helminths do not have the ability to cause additional disease in the human body and cannot be used as a driving force for infection by other parasites, bacteria or viruses. Thirdly, they are completely compatible with existing medication and can hence be used in conjunction with such. Finally, if need be, they can be easily eradicated from the host.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy All of these conditions mean that the potential for serious side effects and implications are limited. In addition, when compared to conventional medications which are commonly used for treating these conditions, the side effects suffered with helminthic therapy are actually very minimal and far less problematic than with medications. There are very few side effects with pig whipworm eggs, though there are more reported with hookworm. There has been a huge range of side effects reported, and they vary substantially from person to person. But they have included a rash at the site of inoculation, diarrhoea, bloating, cramping, nausea and fatigue. Where can you find further information on helminthic therapy? Wikipedia entry on helminthic therapy Helminthic therapy website

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Herbal Medicine What is herbal medicine? Herbal medicine is also referred to as herbalism, herbology and phytotherapy, though all these names encompass the main principal, which is the use of plants and plant extracts as a traditional or folk medicine. Plants have been used by people all over the world for thousands of years, and there is in fact evidence of plant use going back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, more and more plants have been ‘tried’ for different conditions, sometimes with negative effects, until today when we now have a very comprehensive list of ‘safe’ plants and their benefits. There are several traditions of herbal medicine in use around the world today – the ayurvedic system from India, Chinese herbal medicine, the system based on Greek and Roman sources, Unani Tibb medicine and shamanic herbalism. However, plants are also used in a great many common drugs used by conventional medical practices, such as opium and aspirin. And it is estimated by the World Health Organisation that 80 per cent of the world’s population uses herbal medicine in some form or another within primary health care. 129

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy How does herbal medicine work? Herbal medicine can be looked at from two viewpoints: First, plants are commonly used by pharmaceutical companies for a huge number of common drugs, therefore indicating that we make use of herbal medicine in our everyday lives. But secondly, there is the use of herbal medicine in more ancient traditions. This is practised by herbalists, and is more a form of alternative medicine using the plant in its raw form. Herbalists will have an extensive knowledge of which plants can be used for which conditions and may treat a client with just one herb or a combination of several, depending on the illness. What can herbal medicine be used for? Herbal medicine can be used for a huge variety of conditions. Follow the links below for further information. Is herbal medicine an effective form of therapy? Over the last 15 years, there has been a huge rise in the number of studies and/or research papers written on herbal medicine and its effectiveness. But coming to an overall conclusion on whether or not herbal medicine is an effective form of therapy seems to be difficult because of the standards of testing. It is reported that often the trials which show the most positive results have been the worst conducted, and vice versa, and hence there needs to be a standard for testing. However, as mentioned above, many plants are already used in conventional medical practices and commonly used drugs, proving that these particular ones have been tested for efficacy. It should only be a matter of time before testing is conducted to a certain standard. In the meantime, the fact that herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years would tend to suggest that it must be good for something! Are there any known side effects with herbal medicine? Side effects and risks with taking common drugs which have been manufactured using plants are usually very minimal. But, of course, all information leaflets received with drugs should be read thoroughly before using them. Using herbal medicine in its more raw form can present a number of risks and possible side effects because many of the plants used can be toxic. An experienced practitioner in herbal medicine should have the knowledge required so as not to put the client in any danger though — but caution should be used all the same.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on herbal medicine? Wikipedia entry on herbalism National Institute of Medical Herbalists American Herbalists Guild

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Hippotherapy What is hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is a type of therapy which is specifically designed for use with horses in order to improve physical, occupational and speech functions of the clients who use it. It is called this because it comes from the Greek word for ‘horse’, which is ‘hippo’. Hippotherapy is one of several therapies which utilises horses for its treatment, although is different in that it does not teach riding skills. Instead, it uses the movement of the horse and direct interaction with the therapist to improve motor skills of the rider. Hippotherapy has developed as a therapy since the 1960s when therapeutic riding centres began opening up across North America and Europe. Around this time, horses began to be viewed as an important extra in various forms of physical therapy and the process became known as hippotherapy. How does hippotherapy work? Hippotherapy works in several ways – first, it can help both adults and children with neuromusculoskeletal problems to aid in improving their posture, coordination, balance, muscle tone and general motor development. Second, the horse provides both a physical and sensory input for the rider. There is a rhythmic movement, which encourages the rider to move with the horse and when the horse changes gait, the rider has to adjust.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Thirdly, there are benefits to the rider’s speech and language skills as the movement of the horse has been found to cause natural reactions which encourage speech and language. What can hippotherapy be used for? Hippotherapy can be used for a number of medical conditions, including cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury and stroke, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay and sensory integration disorders. In addition, hippotherapy can help with many physical impairments too which are not directly related to any of the above conditions. For example, abnormal muscle tone, impaired coordination, impaired communication, impaired sensory-motor function, poor postural control and impaired balance responses. Is hippotherapy an effective form of therapy? Hippotherapy has been growing in popularity over the last 30 years, which would tend to suggest that there is adequate evidence of its effectiveness as a form of therapy. Hippotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments. It does not use a therapist trained as a ‘hippotherapist’ but rather between one and three other therapists who are trained within their own fields. These are physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists that use horses as an additional means of therapy. Are there any known side effects with hippotherapy? There are no known side effects with hippotherapy. Where can you find further information on hippotherapy? American Hippotherapy Association BBC News article on Hippotherapy Riding for the Disabled

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Holistic Medicine What is holistic medicine? Holistic medicine, or holistic health as it is also known, is frequently associated with alternative medicine, although it is in fact being used more regularly in conventional medicine practice in the Western world. Unlike ‘alternative medicine’, holistic medicine uses all possible avenues as a way of treatment, including drugs and surgery if necessary. The main principle behind holistic medicine is that it looks at the body and mind as a whole and considers external factors which can affect either. These factors can include the lifestyle and spiritual, social, environmental and nutritional values of the patient or client. It is described as an ‘approach to life’. Holistic medicine has its background in the ancient traditions of China and India where they believed that living a healthy life was living in harmony with nature. Later, Socrates believed that treating one part of the body was futile unless you treated the body as a whole. How does holistic medicine work? Holistic medicine looks at the whole when a person is ill. So rather than just treating the obvious ailment, practitioners attempt to find the root of the problem and can recommend treatments or changes in lifestyle which will support the body’s natural healing process. For example, if you have a headache and take medication to get rid of that headache, all you are doing is blocking the pain you experience, though not actually addressing what was the cause of the headache in the first place. Holistic medicine attempts to use the headache as a sign that something is wrong and work from there. What can holistic medicine be used for? The principles of holistic medicine can be applied to just about everything. And rather than just being something that is recommended because you are ill, holistic medicine, and more correctly, holistic health, can actually be a part of your life. By adopting the principles in our everyday lives we will support a much healthier body and mind which will lead to our better overall health. Hence holistic medicine is about making lifestyle changes. Is holistic medicine an effective form of therapy? The fundamentals of holistic medicine are becoming more and more accepted as people realise that health is directly connected to our lifestyle and environment. And the fact that holistic medicine is now being regularly practised alongside conventional medicine practices would suggest that it is definitely an effective form of therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with holistic medicine? There are no known side effects with holistic medicine. Where can you find further information on holistic medicine? American Holistic Health Association Holistic Community

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Homeopathy What is homeopathy? Homeopathy is an alternative medicine which is based on the assumption that illness is caused by disturbances in our life force, and that this life force is able to react and change to both internal and external causes, referred to as ‘the law of susceptibility’. This law states that by having negative thoughts, our minds can more easily attract diseases. Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, in the late 1700s. Hahnemann discovered that when certain remedies were taken by a healthy person, they actually caused symptoms of other illnesses. He set about testing a huge variety of drugs with the assumption that whatever symptoms the drug produced, it could also cure — i.e. a like for like basis, which came to be called the ‘law of similars’. Believing that by taking the drug in large doses would only make an illness worse, he developed extremely diluted versions of the substances and named his therapy homeopathy. After a rise to popularity in the 1800s, homeopathy began to be criticised and since the early 1900s its use has very much declined. Homeopathy is still practised around the world though, and is having a rise in popularity in countries like India where it is now considered to be a part of traditional medicine. How does homeopathy work? Homeopathic practitioners will select remedies for treatment of a client after a consultation in which they discuss the client’s physical and psychological state, as this is an important aspect to consider when choosing the remedy. Remedies will then be chosen by consulting various guides which list the symptoms with the treatments, and the client will be given the appropriate remedy. 134


What can homeopathy be used for? It is understood that homeopathy can be used for a very large number of illnesses and diseases. There are approximately 3,000 different remedies in use today, though each one would not work with just one disease, and many different remedies may in fact be needed to treat a single disease. Is homeopathy an effective form of therapy? Even as homeopathy was rising in popularity in the early 1800s, there were already strong criticisms as to its effectiveness. The main criticism is that the remedies use such highly diluted drugs that there is no chance that the remedy could actually contain enough of the drug to have any effect at all, beyond a placebo effect. In addition, there is no scientific evidence from clinical studies which is able to prove that homeopathy does have any effect, and because the principles seem to oppose the fundamental principles of modern medicine, it is highly regarded as pseudoscience. Are there any known side effects with homeopathy? Homeopathy is generally considered to be a safe form of therapy with only very rare occurrences of side effects being reported. Where can you find further information on homeopathy? Questions and Answers about Homeopathy HomeoWatch – sceptical guide to homeopathy British Homeopathic Association National Center For Homeopathy

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Hormone Replacement Therapy What is hormone replacement therapy? Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is also commonly known as hormone therapy (HT). It is usually used in one of two ways – as a menopausal treatment, and 135

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy as a treatment for transgender or transsexual people who wish to make the change from man to woman, or woman to man — although these are not the only reasons. For menopausal treatment, HRT uses drugs to artificially increase the hormones which are being naturally reduced as the body goes through the menopausal changes. For men and women receiving HRT for transgender purposes, the hormones are designed to replace those which naturally occur in men and women, with those of the other sex. How does hormone replacement therapy work? Obviously the general aim of hormone replacement therapy is to ‘replace’ hormones, whether it is replacing ones which are diminishing, or replacing ones which are there with ones which are not naturally there. There has been a certain amount of controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women in recent years, since a study was released which suggested that the standard artificial hormones usually used could be associated with increased risks of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke. Since this time there has been more interest for menopausal women in natural hormone replacement therapy, which you can read all about in its own entry. You will also find further information as to how HRT works for menopausal women there. For transgender treatment of a female to male, hormones are taken which are intended to increase features commonly associated with men (called secondary sex characteristics). The hormones used are called androgens, and the most commonly known and frequently used one is testosterone. Testosterone causes the following changes: deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, enlargement of the clitoris, redistribution of fat, increased muscle development especially in the upper body, increased sweat and changes in body odour, increased libido and acne, amongst others. For transgender HRT for a male to female, the hormones taken are called estrogens and these are deigned to give the man more womanly features which include: enlarging of the breasts, thinning of skin, redistribution of body fat, reduced body hair, reduced muscle development, decreased libido and change in odour and sweat production amongst others. But HRT is not able to completely change a man from a woman and a woman from a man. It is merely a treatment which can give the person certain features which are more characteristic of the opposite sex and hence make that person more comfortable with themselves. There are surgeries available (called sexual reassignment surgery) which can make further physical changes. But, at present, these are not as advanced to be able to completely change sexes of a person — for example, a transwoman would not be capable of becoming pregnant, and a transman would not be capable of producing sperm. What can hormone replacement therapy be used for? As already described, hormone replacement therapy is generally used for menopausal women and for transgender or transsexual who wants to change so as to appear more like the other sex. 136


Hormone replacement therapy may also be used by men (for example, athletes) who wish to have a hair-free body. Is hormone replacement therapy an effective form of therapy? As regards the effectiveness of HRT for menopausal women, it is generally considered that it is by no means essential. But it can be helpful for some women in combating additional problems such as depression. In the transgender and transsexual world, it appears that HRT plays an important part in the well-being of people who feel that they have the wrong gender as it allows them to become more like the gender they feel they should be. As mentioned above though, HRT on its own is not capable of completely changing a person from one sex to another. Are there any known side effects with hormone replacement therapy? Menopausal women taking standard HRT should be aware of the risks which were highlighted in the Women’s Health Initiative study. This found there to be increased risk of contracting breast cancer, having strokes and of heart attacks. Natural hormone replacement therapy may be a safer option, but there are also risks with this. The best advice for menopausal women who are concerned about their changes is to discuss the options with their doctor. For transgender and transsexual people there are also risks in taking hormone replacement therapy. For transmen taking androgen, contraindications can include coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, migraines, sleep apnoea, elevated red blood cell count, renal failure, severe hypertension, breast cancer and uterine cancer. For transwomen taking oestrogens, contraindications can include oestrogen sensitive cancer (e.g. breast cancer), liver, kidney, heart disease, or stroke, peripheral vascular disease, sickle cell anaemia and hypertension amongst others. Where can you find further information on hormone replacement therapy? Wikipedia entry on HRT for the menopause — also see the entry on natural hormone replacement therapy. Female to male Wikipedia entry on HRT for female to male Forge Forward – information on testosterone and HRT Male to female Wikipedia entry on hormone replacement therapy for Male to Female Transgender Expressions – MtF hormone FAQs

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Humour Therapy What is humour therapy? ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ is true to a certain extent — as it is believed by the medical world that laughter can extend our life expectancy, improve our health, and improve our overall well-being. There are actually several forms of therapy related to this, including humour therapy, clown therapy, laughter therapy and laughter meditation. However humour therapy is actually practiced as a psychological therapy. Humour therapy is sometimes also referred to as ‘therapeutic humour’. It encourages discussion of humorous experiences through watching or reading humorous materials, which can in turn also lead to laughter and bring the client the benefits associated with laughter too. How does humour therapy work? Humour therapy can take place in groups or just with individuals, and will involve exposure to some sort of humorous material – this could be a book, a film, a story or anything else of a humorous nature. Whilst the client is watching, listening or reading, they may laugh and hence there will be therapeutic benefits of laughter. However, this isn’t the only result of humour therapy. Once the film or show, or whatever the source of humour is, has finished the client or clients are encouraged to discuss their own humorous experiences — i.e. what they found funny and why. This discussion can be beneficial to the client in several ways — because it encourages communication, interaction with the group (if applicable) and it can aid the therapist in helping the client too, by giving a basis for discussion of other matters. What can humour therapy be used for? Humour therapy can be used to give people the benefits associated with laughter. These benefits include helping to protect the heart, lowering blood sugar levels, decreasing stress levels, increasing the immune system and strengthening muscles. In addition, humour therapy can benefit people with psychological and mental problems. Is humour therapy an effective form of therapy? It would appear that laughter is undisputed as being a good form of therapy and hence the benefits that laughter will bring from humour therapy can be considered to be effective. The difficulty with humour therapy is that it would usually be more effective as a therapy performed in a group setting. However, different people find different things funny, and hence finding something that all members of the group will find funny is a difficult task.

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Are there any known side effects with humour therapy? There are no known side effects with humour therapy, short of laughing so hard that you injure yourself! Where can you find further information on humour therapy? Humour Therapy for Cancer Patients Holistic Online Humour Therapy

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Hydrotherapy What is hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy is the use of water for treating diseases and for soothing pains, and was previously known as ‘hydropathy’. Water has long been recognised for its beneficial properties. Bathing featured heavily in Egyptians, Romans and Greeks lives. And for Romans particularly, bathing in hot natural water springs was very popular and was believed to increase circulation. Water has also long been popular for exercising and is well appreciated for the benefits this can bring. How does hydrotherapy work? Hydrotherapy can work in two ways – firstly mechanically, and secondly thermally. By mechanically, this means the natural massaging movements of the water against your body and the benefits of such. And when the water has been pressurised — for example if it is jetted — the body will react to the sensations this produces by increasing circulation and relaxing muscles. By thermally means the reaction of the body to temperature, whether this is hot or cold temperature, as either can be used. When the body is immersed in hot water, the reactions experienced are soothing and calming and hence the body will slow down. Cold water, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, essentially shocking the organs into faster operation, and so invigorates the body. Water also has another effect on the body. When you are submerged in water, the body becomes partially weightless and hence has a relieving effect from the constant pull of gravity which our bodies suffer from. 139


As well as the obvious submersion in water, there are also various other methods used in hydrotherapy, each with their own techniques and benefits. These include douches, cold rubbings, wraps and packs, saunas and steam baths, and herbal baths. What can hydrotherapy be used for? Hydrotherapy in general can be used to aid circulation, to boost the immune system, to stimulate digestion and for pain relief, though as stated above benefits do vary with the actual method used. Is hydrotherapy an effective form of therapy? There have been numerous studies into the effectiveness of hydrotherapy, for which results were positive in favour of it being effective in the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions. Are there any known side effects with hydrotherapy? There are no direct side effects with hydrotherapy, though there are precautions which should be followed for people who suffer from a variety of conditions. These include precautions for those who suffer from diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, multiple sclerosis, pregnant women, heart disease, very high or very low blood pressure, the elderly and children, sciatica, pelvic inflammation, rheumatism and people who are prone to bladder or rectal irritation. Where can you find further information on hydrotherapy? Holistic Online page on hydrotherapy

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also known as hyperbaric medicine, and involves the use of oxygen at higher pressures than usually experienced with atmospheric pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the use of an oxygen chamber similar to those which have traditionally been used by navies around the world for treating divers. 140

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Other medicinal benefits have been realised more recently, and hence oxygen chambers have become more commonplace in hospitals and clinics and are used for a variety of treatments in the Western world today. How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by giving the body a fast and high concentration of oxygen within an oxygen chamber, and this is done in the following way: The patient enters the chamber and the pressure inside is increased to the level required. The patient is then given a dose of 100 per cent oxygen through a hood, for a certain amount of time, depending on what is being treated. The patient may be alone in the chamber or if it is a larger chamber there could be several people in there at the same time. What can hyperbaric oxygen therapy be used for? There are 13 conditions for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been fully recognised as an effective form of treatment, and these are: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

embolisms (air or gas bubbles in the bloodstream, which may travel to the brain or lungs) carbon monoxide poisoning (from inhaling smoke or car exhaust) gas gangrene crush injury, compartment syndrome and other acute traumatic problems where blood flow is reduced or cut off (e.g., frostbite) decompression sickness (the bends) enhancement of healing for wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers exceptional blood loss (anaemia) intracranial abscess (an accumulation of pus in the brain) necrotising soft tissue infections (flesh-eating disease) osteomyelitis (bone infection) delayed radiation injury (e.g., radiation burns that develop after cancer therapy) skin grafts and flaps that are not healing well thermal burns (e.g., from fire or electrical sources)

In addition, there have been claims that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat a variety of other conditions as well, such as cancer, AIDS, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and migraines. Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy an effective form of therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is described as being ‘a well established medical treatment’ and the above 13 conditions have been specifically claimed as treatable by hyperbaric oxygen therapy by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. However, as an effective form of therapy for the other conditions, there is no proof as to its efficacy.

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Are there any known side effects with hyperbaric oxygen therapy? If hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered by professional medical personnel in a safe chamber, risk should be minimal. However, some minor side effects are likely as your body responds to the changes in pressure. Having said that, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of before undertaking treatment, even in a safe environment, such as damage to the inner ear, problems with the eyes, seizures and lung problems. Where can you find further information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society Wikipedia entry on hyperbaric medicine

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HypnoBirthing What is HypnoBirthing? Hypnotherapy during childbirth and pregnancy is becoming increasingly popular as mothers realise the benefits that this can bring to both themselves and their babies. This use of hypnosis was first written about in the 1930s, although only since the 1980s has it started to rise in popularity and since this time, several different techniques have evolved around the world. One such technique is called HypnoBirthing, though others include Calmbirth, Hypnobabies and Natal Hypnotherapy. HypnoBirthing was developed by Dr Michelle Le Claire and Marie Mongan. How does HypnoBirthing work? HypnoBirthing is a therapy which teaches self hypnosis, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques, described as a ‘complete birth education programme’. Its main aims are to relieve you of the pain usually associated with childbirth, for overcoming fears and anxieties, and being in control of the whole process. HypnoBirthing can be learned by joining a class or by a one-to-one session with a trained practitioner.

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What can HypnoBirthing be used for? Obviously the principle use for the HypnoBirthing technique is for childbirth, though the technique is also encouraged throughout pregnancy as this apparently has a positive effect on the baby when it is born, such as sleeping and feeding better. The benefits during the actual birth are for both the mother and the baby because the birth will be far more natural, as pain relief should not be needed, and hence there is less opportunity for stress and injury to the baby. For the mother, this means that she is totally in control of the birth and able to experience the whole process whilst being completely coherent. Is HypnoBirthing an effective form of therapy? There has been research into the benefits and effectiveness of HypnoBirthing, and though the research was limited, it did conclude that there was less need for analgesia during births where mothers had practiced hypnotherapy. More research into the effectiveness is required, but initial findings do seem positive. Are there any known side effects with HypnoBirthing? There are no known side effects with HypnoBirthing. Where can you find further information on HypnoBirthing? HypnoBirthing UK

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Hypnotherapy What is hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a technique whereby the patient/client is put into a hypnotised state for the purpose of helping them with a number of conditions. The word ‘hypnosis’ comes from the Greek word ‘hypnos’ which means ‘sleep’, and the modern-day technique was first developed by a Scottish physician, James Braid, in the 1840s. There is, however, reference to ‘sleep temples’ used in ancient times by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who used these places for healing, and it is believed that they used trance-like rituals in these temples. 143


James Braid though, re-examined earlier work of Franz Anton Mesmer, who, during the 18th century, introduced the idea of ‘animal magnetism’, believing that mankind was influenced by the magnetic fields generated by the planets. When Mesmer realised that he could put people into a trance-like state, he believed that he too must be magnetic and his ideas became quite popular. Braid, however, suggested that a trance-like state could be induced simply by the power of suggestion. Hypnotherapy is considered to be both an orthodox and an alternative form of medicine depending on what is being treated with it. It has been a recognised form of therapy since the 1890s when the British Medical Association commissioned an evaluation into its effectiveness for treating certain conditions. How does hypnotherapy work? Hypnotherapy is described by the Hypnotherapy Association as a “natural state of heightened awareness, where you are able to open your mind to beneficial suggestions and where you can make use of your imagination to help make positive changes in your life”. Hence what this means is that you are more open to the power of suggestion and are using your mind to control what your body feels and how your body reacts to stimuli. In this way, hypnotherapy can be used for a huge variety of reasons. What can hypnotherapy be used for? The possibilities for use with hypnotherapy are almost endless, and there are various differing forms of hypnosis. These include ‘visualisation’ where you are told to imagine a certain outcome, which is said to make it more likely to happen; ‘guided imagery’ (see the guided imagery entry); ‘direct suggestion’ e.g. ‘you feel safe’, or ‘indirect suggestion’; or ‘post-hypnotic suggestion’ when you are given a suggestion to carry out after the hypnosis has ended. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective for use in controlling and relief of pain, including for childbirth (see the entry for HypnoBirthing), for reducing anxiety and stress, for treating insomnia, for psychosomatic illnesses such as tension headaches, and for use in weight reduction programmes. Hypnotherapy is also used in more alternative medicine circles for other reasons too. To stop smoking is a very common reason for people to undergo hypnosis. Is hypnotherapy an effective form of therapy? There have been a good many studies commissioned into the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for its use with various conditions, the majority of which have seen very positive results. Hence hypnotherapy is recognised for its effectiveness in the medical world. However, studies into the use of hypnotherapy for addictions has not been quite so positive, because although initial results may be good, there are, apparently, a high number of relapses, suggesting that the effect is only temporary.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with hypnotherapy? There are no known side effects with hypnotherapy. Where can you find further information on hypnotherapy? Active Hypnotherapy The Hypnotherapy Association Hypnotherapy Info

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I Immunosuppressive Therapy What is immunosuppressive therapy? Immunosuppressive therapy, or immunosuppression as it is also known, is a process by which the efficiency of the immune system is reduced for medical reasons, usually to stop the body from rejecting an organ transplant or transplant of some other kind, or as a form of treatment for auto-immune diseases.This is in contrast to immunotherapy which works to boost the efficacy of the immune system, and you can read more about this in its own entry. Immunosuppressive therapy is a relatively new form of treatment, which was first investigated in the mid-1900s. Several immunosuppressants were identified during this time, but were not popular because of the side effects induced. By 1970, a more effective drug, called cyclosporine, brought advancements forward as this allowed kidney transplants to take place between less well matched pairings of donor and recipient. How does immunosuppressive therapy work? When a patient receives an organ transplant, that patient’s immune system can tell that the organ has been replaced and does not belong to them. Hence it sees it as a foreign body. When the immune system believes something is a foreign body it sees it as a threat and attempts to destroy it. Immunosuppressive therapy is designed to reduce the functioning of the immune system so that it does not have the capability of recognising and destroying a newly replaced organ, giving the body less opportunity for organ rejection. Immunosuppressive therapy works in a similar way with autoimmune disease. When a patient has autoimmune disease, their immune system essentially turns against them. In healthy people, we have ‘immune tolerance’ which basically means that our immune system tolerates the presence of our tissues and does not attack them. But when someone has an autoimmune disease, this tolerance level has been changed, making it highly responsive. Hence the immune system begins attacking tissues, cells or organs which should be there. Immunosuppressive therapy works to reduce this heightened level of tolerance. What can immunosuppressive therapy be used for? As already mentioned, immunosuppressive therapy is generally used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and as a measure to stop rejection after placement of a transplanted organ.

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Is immunosuppressive therapy an effective form of therapy? Previously radiation therapy (which you can read about in its own entry) was used to reduce the effective functioning of the immune system. But immunosuppressive therapy with the use of immunosuppressant drugs is now the preferred method, and is recognised as being a very important element in organ transplantation. Are there any known side effects with immunosuppressive therapy? There are a number of possible side effects for patients on Immunosuppressive therapy. These may include hypertension, hyperglycaemia, peptic ulcers, liver and kidney injury and dyslipidemia. Immunosuppressive drugs may also have adverse reactions with other medicines and prolonged usage can increase the risk of cancer. In addition to the above possible side effects, there is also the more serious risk of the development of additional diseases. The reason for this is because the effectiveness of the immune system is being reduced. The means for usually fighting off infection are not there, or are not as effective as usual. This opens the patient to attack from ‘opportunistic infection’, i.e. infection which would not usually cause disease in a healthy immune system, as well as the potential for attack from a whole host of other diseases too. Where can you find further information on immunosuppressive therapy? About.com – Series of articles on immunosuppressive drugs Wikipedia entry on immunosuppressive drugs

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Immunotherapy What is immunotherapy? Immunotherapy is a method of treatment which aims to stimulate or modulate the immune system with the intention of preventing the spread of disease or for therapeutic purposes. This is in contrast to immunosuppressive therapy which attempts to suppress or reduce the actions of the immune system. You can read more about immunosuppressive therapy in its own entry. Immunotherapy can be used for several different conditions, though it is commonly associated with cancers and allergies. This is a relatively new form of treatment 147

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy (especially for the treatment of cancer) and research is ongoing to find better, more productive forms of immunotherapy. How does immunotherapy work? The basic idea behind immunotherapy treatment is that it stimulates the immune system. The way in which this works varies with what exactly is being treated. For treatment of cancers, the immune system is being stimulated to attack the cancer by rejecting and destroying tumours. This is done one of two ways – either by immunising the patient, so that their immune system can recognise the cancerous cells, or by administering therapeutic antibodies which aid the immune system to destroy the cancerous cells. Immunotherapy for the treatment of allergies involves a programme of hyposensitisation (also known as allergy desensitisation). In this treatment the patient is given increasing doses of an allergen which has been highlighted as problematic to them with the intention of training the immune system to tolerate, and therefore not react so strongly to the allergen. This works because when someone is allergic and comes into contact with an allergen, it is the body’s reaction to the allergen which creates the discomfort experienced. By training the immune system so that it is used to the allergen, the reaction is therefore not experienced at all, or is at least reduced in severity. What can immunotherapy be used for? As already touched on, immunotherapy can be used as a treatment against varying forms of cancer. It can also be used to stop or reduce allergic reactions, and is said to be especially useful against pollen, dust and animal dander allergies as well as being of some help to patients with asthma. Is immunotherapy an effective form of therapy? In terms of the effectiveness of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer, it is still relatively early days. Some success has been found but efficacy is often limited by other factors. Despite this, further study is underway – one particular study has shown very positive results in the treatment of skin cancer, so there is hope for Immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. The use of immunotherapy for allergens has been in existence for a little longer and hence there has been more time to perfect this form of treatment. However, Immunotherapy cannot necessarily be relied upon in the treatment of allergies and research is still ongoing. Are there any known side effects with immunotherapy? Immunotherapy when used for the treatment of allergies can come with side effects. Usually the common side effects are slight allergic reactions at the site of the injection, such as itching, swelling and redness, but these are not normally serious. More serious reactions can rarely occur, including anaphylaxis and hives, which should be treated immediately.

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Where can you find further information on Immunotherapy? Wikipedia entry on allergy immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) Wikipedia entry on cancer immunotherapy

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Indian Head Massage What is Indian head massage? Indian head massage is a type of massage therapy which originated in India as part of Indian traditional medicine, known as ayurvedic medicine, and is hence an alternative form of medicine for the Western world. Indian head massage is also referred to under the trademarked name ‘Champissage’ and was introduced to the Western world in the 1970s by Narendra Mehta. The technique is based on ayurvedic principals that state that healing and health of the body is a combination of balance of the mind, body and soul. Hence, it is believed that overall health cannot be achieved unless these three essential parts are properly balanced. How does Indian head massage work? Indian head massage works to release blocks in the body’s energy field because when we have blocks, negative energy builds up and can result in many problems including stress, tension and pain, as well as other common ailments. It does not just work on the head, but includes the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. A session would normally last anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour. What can Indian head massage be used for? It is strongly believed that Indian head massage is very beneficial to people who are suffering from hair loss or baldness because it is thought that if the energy channels in and around the head are blocked this will cause hair loss, much in the same way that stress is recognised as a potential cause for hair loss for many people in the Western world. This is said to work particularly well when used in conjunction with natural oils.

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As well as the benefits to our scalps and hair, Indian head massage is used to relieve stress and tension, to increase mental clarity, reduce fatigue and anxiety and to generally rejuvenate the receiver by encouraging improved circulation and restoring joint movement. Is Indian head massage an effective form of therapy? Because Indian head massage is considered to be an alternative form of medicine and therapy, testing into its effectiveness has not generally taken place in the Western world. However, Indian head massage is gaining in popularity as people who try out this form of massage therapy are seeing for themselves the benefits it can bring, whether or not you believe in the principles behind it. Are there any known side effects with Indian head massage? There are no known side effects with Indian head massage therapy. Where can you find further information on Indian head massage? Massage Therapy UK Indian Champissage

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Information Therapy What is information therapy? Information therapy is not a type of therapy in the healing sense of the word, but it is therapeutic in that it can be beneficial when used alongside health care. Information therapy is exactly as it sounds – the provision of information which is given in a health care setting. The aim of the therapy is to ensure that the patient is well informed as to the details of their condition, the treatment of that condition, and the medication or procedures that might be used. How does information therapy work? Information therapy is essentially the same as a patient looking up information about their condition and treatments for that condition on the internet, or at the library. But

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy there is a fundamental difference – the information provided is geared specifically to that patient and is given to them by a healthcare professional, such as their doctor. What this means is that the patient remains fully informed, and is given very specific information rather than finding generic information on the internet or elsewhere. The problem with generic information is that it is not always specific to their exact condition and treatment regime, and can hence lead to confusion. What can information therapy be used for? Because information therapy is not itself a specific form of treatment, but is the provision of information, there are no bounds as to what it can be used for. Is information therapy an effective form of therapy? Again, because information therapy is not itself an actual form of treatment, its effectiveness cannot be judged as such. However, it is recognised that the provision of information to patients is a very important part of any treatment plan because it ensures that the patient is fully aware of what is wrong with them and how it is going to be treated. To a certain extent this should then serve to relax the patient because they will know what to expect rather than reading generic information about a condition and potentially panicking about it. Are there any known side effects with information therapy? There are no known side effects with information therapy. Where can you find further information on information therapy? Center For Information Therapy

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Infra-red Therapy What is infra-red therapy? Infra-red therapy may refer to one of two different types of therapy which use infrared light. The first is also known as laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, and uses low level, or near, infra-red as a form of chemotherapy treatment. This is an emerging field, and is becoming recognised as potentially important in the medical world. You can read more about laser therapy in its own entry. The second type of infra-red therapy is a more alternative form of medicine that may be used complementary to conventional medicine. This therapy is also known as infrared deep heat therapy and as infrared sauna therapy. As the second name suggests, it makes use of an infra-red sauna for treatment purposes. 151


There are a number of conditions which are purportedly eased or cured through infra-red therapy, and it is this form of therapy which shall be discussed in more detail here. How does infra-red therapy work? Infra-red therapy uses ‘far’ infrared heat. This is a form of energy which can heat objects and humans directly rather than heating the air around and in between them. Infra-red therapy will usually take place within a specially built sauna. These saunas are not like conventional ones which produce steam to heat the air within the sauna, but they radiate infrared heat which is able to penetrate the body directly. The saunas may be known under several different names, but all apply to the same concept – infrared saunas, far infrared saunas, far infrared therapy cabins and infrared whole body deep heat therapy cabins are the most commonly used terms. Heat has long been recognised as an effective form of therapy for numerous conditions, and hence by directly penetrating the body, infra-red therapy can be far more effective than a conventional sauna, and in fact is usually considered to be safer (see below). What can infra-red therapy be used for? Infra-red therapy produces a form of deep heat therapy which is able to penetrate and warm the body. When the body is warmed there are a number of conditions which can be improved and eased. The most common of these is general pain relief as deep heat is said to warm aching muscles and joints, such as those associated with back, neck and shoulder problems, and is also said to be good for improving circulation. As the body becomes hotter there are also a number of other benefits that may be achieved. The body sweats in an effort to cool down, and as this happens the skin and body can be detoxified and purified. This in turn may lead to other advantages such as cellulite and general weight loss. Is infra-red therapy an effective form of therapy? Currently, infra-red therapy is more recognised as an alternative form of treatment and one which can be used alongside more conventional ones. There has been little scientific study into the real health benefits of this form of therapy, yet indications would suggest that it is effective when considering how frequently conventional saunas are used for health benefits. As there are very few dangers with infra-red therapy, it is really the sort of alternative treatment which may be worth trying for yourself to see whether it does work for you. Are there any known side effects with infra-red therapy? Infra-red therapy is reported to be a very safe form of therapeutic treatment. Unlike the UV rays which our bodies are subjected to from the sun, infrared heat is perfectly harmless. This is in fact the same technology which is used to keep premature babies warm, for example. 152

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Because the heat is able to penetrate the body, infra-red therapy can be considered to be safer than a conventional sauna. A conventional sauna heats the air which then comes into contact with the skin. This in turn means that the whole body is being subjected to very high temperatures, which in reality are not good for us. Infrared saunas, in contrast, heat the body from the inside and are hence far more effective. Where can you find further information on infra-red therapy? Creighton University School of Medicine – Alternative medicine pages on infra-red sauna therapy Aetna – Bulletin on infrared therapy Inner Health – UK company providing infrared deep heat therapy

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Interpersonal Psychotherapy What is interpersonal psychotherapy? Interpersonal psychotherapy is a brief (as in time-limited) psychotherapy which was developed as an out-patient treatment for adults with moderate or severe, nondelusional clinical depression. There is said to be no theoretical basis for the origin of the therapy. The current framework was developed in the 1980s by Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman in the US to be used as a placebo in psychotherapy research. However, it was discovered that interpersonal psychotherapy was actually quite effective itself and became a recognised form of psychotherapy. Since being developed for adults with clinical depression, the technique has also been modified for use with adolescents and with older adults, as well as for a number of other conditions too. How does interpersonal psychotherapy therapy work? Interpersonal psychotherapy works on the belief that psychological problems which we experience are because of communication problems which have been developed due to attachment styles. This follows from the belief by many attachment theorists that loss and irregular attachments form the framework of human psychopathology, which interpersonal psychotherapy indirectly addresses.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Interpersonal psychotherapy will usually run for between 12 and 16 sessions of an hour each, which would occur once a week. What can interpersonal psychotherapy therapy be used for? As mentioned above, interpersonal psychotherapy was initially developed to treat adults with clinical depression, but has now been modified to work with a number of other conditions too. These include post-partum depression, bipolar disorder, bulimia nervosa, substance misuse, somatisation and couples counselling. Is interpersonal psychotherapy therapy an effective form of therapy? Interpersonal psychotherapy has been shown to be a successful form of therapy in the treatment of depression. For the treatment of bulimia nervosa, the results showed promise. Also, preliminary findings for interpersonal psychotherapy being effective for treating other conditions, including adolescent depression, post-natal depression, bipolar disorder and dysthymic disorder were good. Further studies are under way to discover whether interpersonal psychotherapy would be an effective form of therapy for a number of other conditions too. Are there any known side effects with interpersonal psychotherapy therapy? There are no known side effects with interpersonal psychotherapy. Where can you find further information on interpersonal psychotherapy therapy? International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK Interpersonal Psychotherapy

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Iridology What is iridology? Iridology, also known as ‘iridodiagnosis’, is an alternative medicine which works on the belief that our eyes are our windows to our whole body’s health and that by studying the eyes, practitioners can determine information about our health.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Rather than being a method of treatment, Iridology seeks to make the client aware of illnesses and problems that they may be susceptible to.The principle behind iridology was first described in a work published in 1665, though this was not really developed until the 19th century by a Hungarian physician, named Ignaz von Peczely. It is believed that he linked two occurrences of similar streaks in the eyes of an owl and a patient who had both suffered broken legs, and hence thought that this was a sign of the physical condition. How does iridology work? Using equipment to examine the eye, such as a magnifying glass, cameras and torches, the different elements of the eye are studied and compared to an ‘iris chart’. The iris chart shows the iris divided into about 80 to 90 different zones and each zone corresponds to a part of the body. By examining the iris it is believed that changes in other bodily tissues will be highlighted in the iris because the nerve fibres here respond to these changes. Because iridology is not actually a therapy in the therapeutical sense of the word, i.e. it does not aim to cure or ease illness, the idea is that by studying the iris, the practitioner can inform the client what diseases or problems they are most likely to encounter in their lives. Therefore iridology is more a counteractive measure. What can iridology be used for? As mentioned above, iridology aims to inform and not cure — hence the diversity of iridology is limited only to what the iris charts can tell the practitioner. Is iridology therapy an effective form of therapy? Iridology is not recognised as being an effective form of therapy, because it is not accepted by the medical world. Any studies which have taken place have not been able to prove its efficacy and clinical data is actually unable to support the correlation between the iris and the rest of the body. Iridology is therefore considered to be a pseudoscience. Are there any known side effects with iridology? There are no known side effects with iridology. Where can you find further information on iridology? Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists The Skeptics' Dictionary – Iridology

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Isopathy What is isopathy? Isopathy therapy is a therapy which grew from homeopathy and hence has similar principles. But whilst homeopathy treats ‘like for like’, isopathy therapy treats the patient with the actual disease or things that are a product of the disease. However, many so-called vaccines used in homeopathy are actually a form of isopathy anyway. Isopathy therapy was developed by Dr. Johann Joseph Wilhelm Lux in 1823. He believed that by giving a product of the disease, known as a ‘nosode’, you could cure the disease. Isopathy therapy is still practiced by some today and the isopathic principles are quite commonly used in the treatment of allergies. How does isopathy work? Isopathy therapy is really a more basic form of homeopathy. This is because, where homeopathy works by having to think about something which would produce the same effects in the body as the illness it is suffering from, isopathy therapy identifies the illness and then treats you with a diluted form of it. What can isopathy be used for? It is believed that the uses of isopathy therapy are endless, seeing as you are treating a disease with a disease essentially. Therefore, if the disease can be recognised and you have access to the substances required, anything could be treated. The difficulty, and hence restriction as to what can be treated, does lie in the fact that substances may not be easy to come by. So although the disease may be identified you may not have the materials which relate to it. Is isopathy an effective form of therapy? Despite the fact that homeopathy is highly regarded as pseudoscience, there is actually some sense in the use of the isopathy therapy principles. Whilst isopathy therapy may not be recognised as something most people would be happy to try out on a regular basis, the principles are actually widely used in conventional medicine. In vaccinations for example, usually there is a small dose of the actual disease that the vaccine is being given to protect against. And also in the treatment of allergies, isopathic principles are used by giving the patient a little of what it is they are allergic to, in order to desensitise them. However, the use of isopathic therapy as an effective alternative medicine is not proved and the same arguments regarding the effectiveness of homeopathy apply here too.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with isopathy? The only side effects with isopathy therapy would be the usual side effects of the illness you are trying to cure. Where can you find further information on isopathy? There is very little information available on isopathy therapy as a single entity, because most material is regarding homeopathy in general, which merely makes mention to isopathy therapy as a spin-off. However, you can read more about how isopathic principles work in the treatment of allergies in the website below. British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy

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IV Therapy What is IV therapy? IV therapy is also known as intravenous therapy, and is the process whereby a liquid substance is supplied directly into the vein, as the name ‘intravenous’ means ‘within a vein’. It is a commonly used practice in modern and conventional medicine today in hospitals and clinics, though it is also becoming more commonly used at home too by people who need to self-administer drugs. How does IV therapy work? IV therapy is the fastest and most efficient way to administer fluids and medication to the body because it is administered directly into the vein and hence directly into the bloodstream. IV therapy can be given intermittently, or continuously, in which case it is called an intravenous drip. There are various methods in use – the needle and syringe is the simplest method, though it is only capable of giving one dose of medication at a time. Hence if more doses are required later, the vein needs to be located again for the needle to go into. Peripheral IV lines are the most commonly used in hospitals because of their ease for administering drugs. Usually the arm or hand is used for insertion of a short catheter. This then has a hub which can be connected to a syringe or an infusion line. Central IV lines, in contrast to peripheral ones, are inserted into a large vein, sometimes within the right atrium of the heart. The advantage of this is that medications can reach the heart immediately.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Central IV lines include: peripherally inserted central catheter, central venous lines and implantable ports. What can IV therapy be used for? IV therapy can be used to administer a large variety of drugs and substances and is the only option available for performing blood transfusions. Is IV therapy an effective form of therapy? IV therapy is an effective and very important form of therapy in the majority of medical practices today. Are there any known side effects with IV therapy? There are certain risks with IV therapy, though when administered by trained personnel and in a medical setting the risk should be minimal. Risks include: infection, phlebitis, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, embolism and extravasation. Where can you find further information on IV therapy? Wikipedia entry on IV Therapy IV Therapy.net

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J Jin Shin Do What is Jin Shin Do? Jin Shin Do, meaning ‘The Way of the Compassionate Spirit’, is a form of therapeutic massage developed as a combination of several ancient and modern theories and practices, and which is described as ‘Bodymind Acupressure’. Jin Shin Do was developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, a psychotherapist, drawing from the concepts of Japanese acupressure, Chinese acupuncture, Taoist philosophy, Reichian segmental theory and Ericksonian psychotherapy. Jin Shin Do is becoming used around the world and there is a Jin Shin Do certification programme available for people who wish to train as practitioners of this therapy. How does Jin Shin Do work? Jin Shin Do works on the principle that our wellbeing is influenced by our body’s energy field, called Qi, and that imbalances in the Qi caused by blockages in the channels, or ‘meridians’, need to be released. Jin Shin Do uses a number of identified points around the body which are associated with common physical problems, much like the acupoints used in acupressure and similar therapies. Clients are fully clothed for the massage, which is performed using gentle, yet deep, finger pressure on the appropriate points, and this is said to release ‘armouring’ or chronic tension and to balance the Qi. In addition, the use of spoken body focusing techniques assists the process and leaves the client in a trance-like state of deep relaxation. What can Jin Shin Do be used for? As with most forms of therapeutic massage, Jin Shin Do releases muscle tension and can relieve associated pain, plus the pain and inconvenience of other conditions, such as headaches, backaches, insomnia, anxiety and allergies, amongst other things. Is Jin Shin Do an effective form of therapy? Jin Shin Do is recognised as a major form of Asian Bodywork Therapy by the American Organisation for Bodywork Therapies of Asia, in addition to several other organisations too. However, Jin Shin Do is an alternative form of therapy and studies into its efficacy have not taken place, hence it is difficult to say whether or not it is actually an effective form of massage therapy. 159

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with Jin Shin Do? There are no known side effects with Jin Shin Do, though there are a couple of sensible precautions that should be taken, including not using certain points during pregnancy. If you have Jin Shin Do performed by a qualified practitioner who knows the contraindications, there should be no risk of side effects. Where can you find further information on Jin Shin Do? Jin Shin Do Foundation Jin Shin Do in the UK

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Jin Shin Jyutsu What is Jin Shin Jyutsu? Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese healing technique that encourages the body’s natural healing process through a combination of deep breathing and touching designated parts of the body, known as ‘safety energy locks’. Although Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient practice, its benefits were only truly discovered in the early 1900s when a Japanese man, named Master Jiro Murai, researched the technique and cured himself of a life-threatening illness. Murai then taught the techniques to others, including Mary Burmeister who took her knowledge of the therapy to the United States in the early 1960s. Since then, Jin Shin Jyutsu has increased in popularity and is now practised around the world. How does Jin Shin Jyutsu work? Jin Shin Jyutsu is an energy based healing technique which seeks to bring balance to the body’s energies and, in turn, allow the body to administer its own healing capabilities. There are 26 ‘safety energy locks’ across the body through which our energy pathways run. These are similar to the acupoints used in various alternative medicine techniques, such as acupuncture. When a pathway becomes blocked the energy flow gets disrupted causing problems with the mind, body and spirit. Energy flows are re-established by holding combinations of the safety energy locks on the body, and thereby enabling the body to begin to heal itself. The therapy is conducted fully clothed and does not require any sort of body manipulation, pressure or massage and can be administered by a trained therapist or as a self-help. 160

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can Jin Shin Jyutsu be used for? Jin Shin Jyutsu is used as a tool to enact healing in the body and for relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit. It can be used to complement other forms of therapy and is said to be useful for aiding healing of specific conditions too. Is Jin Shin Jyutsu an effective form of therapy? Jin Shin Jyutsu is an alternative medicine and there has been little medical investigation into its effectiveness, therefore it is difficult to say whether or not it is actually an effective form of therapy. However, this is based on an ancient technique and Jin Shin Jyutsu is gaining in popularity around the world which would tend to suggest that there is some efficacy in its healing techniques. Are there any known side effects with Jin Shin Jyutsu? There are no known side effects with Jin Shin Jyutsu. Where can you find further information on Jin Shin Jyutsu? Jin Shin Jyutsu Inc Jin Shin Jyutsu UK Activities

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Journaling Therapy What is journaling therapy? Journaling is a form of ‘writing therapy’, also known as ‘therapeutic writing’ of which there are several types. Journaling is the oldest form of writing therapy, known as an expressive therapy and is a self-help technique. Other writing therapies include ‘distance therapies’ which have become extremely popular in the age of the internet, and one form has actually become known as ‘internet writing therapy’. This involves writing something then sending it to the therapist. This form of therapy is beneficial because often both parties remain anonymous, so it encourages freer divulgence of feelings. Journaling, on the other hand, does not need or use the involvement of a therapist, so has many benefits because of this. How does journaling therapy work? Journaling therapy is a very straightforward and easy to use form of self-help, which basically involves keeping a personal journal. The journal is not like a daily diary which records what you have done each day, but is a place for recording feelings 161

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy and meaningful thoughts. For example, you can express things on paper that might have been keeping you awake at night because they were playing around in your head. In other words, it is believed, though not entirely understood, that by writing down our thoughts we can stop them spinning around in our heads, as this essentially opens a door and lets the thoughts out. What can journaling therapy be used for? Journaling therapy can be used by anyone and everyone without fear of feeling the embarrassment that would sometimes accompany a visit to a therapist. There are many other benefits too – by keeping your journal or a note book with you, you can write thoughts down wherever you are, which can prove beneficial if you have a sudden attack of emotions. Journaling therapy is also accessible to everyone because it does not cost anything. It is a free form of therapy because no therapist is involved. All you need to spend money on is a book to write in. Journaling therapy is good for people who may find it difficult to otherwise communicate their feelings and who let emotions and thoughts well up inside them, possibly leading to other problems such as stress, depression and anxiety. Is journaling therapy an effective form of therapy? Journaling therapy is thought to be an effective form of therapy which is available to the masses. Research into the benefits of writing therapy in general has proved that writing can be a very beneficial form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with journaling therapy? There are no known side effects with journaling therapy. Where can you find further information on journaling therapy? Wikipedia entry on writing therapy Writing4Healing – website based on internet writing therapy

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Juice Therapy What is juice therapy? Juice therapy is sometimes also referred to as ‘raw juice therapy’ or as ‘juice fasting’, and as the latter name suggests it works by fasting from general foods and going on a diet of just juices. Fasting has been used since ancient times as a form of cleansing the body and the soul, and this is essentially what juice therapy is used for, though instead of completely fasting, you drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices only. How does juice therapy work? Juice therapy is a kind of detox diet, detoxifying the body of impurities, though it is also used for its medicinal properties too. By consuming just a liquid diet our digestive system does not have to do so much work. And because the juice only contains digestible carbohydrates, they are digested very quickly, using only a small amount of our body’s energy. Between 32 and 64 ounces of juice is drunk per day, though it is sipped gradually. Typically the fruits and vegetables used will include celery, cabbage, apple, cranberry, carrot and spinach amongst others, and it is recommended that they are organically grown. Often a number of glasses of warm filtered water will be recommended as well. What can juice therapy be used for? Juice therapy may be used as a general detox to cleanse the body. Some people prefer to go on regular juice therapy diets a couple of times a year, to keep in optimal health. In addition, juice therapy may be used prior to an operation or procedure, and as a way of losing weight quickly, though is not recommended as a long-term weight control method. Some people use juice therapy as an aid to stop smoking or for caffeine addiction, whilst others believe juice therapy can be used for healing more serious conditions such as cancer, pain, depression, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and various other diseases which are reported to be incurable. Is juice therapy an effective form of therapy? For use as a detox, juice therapy is apparently an effective form of therapy for ridding the body of toxins, from the organs and the skin for example. There have been few studies into the effectiveness of juice therapy. But those which have been conducted have concluded that there are benefits to this form of therapy. However there is no proof that juice therapy is an effective form of treatment for such diseases as cancer. Are there any known side effects with juice therapy? There are a number of precautions and possible side effects with juice therapy, though these are not major side effects. Users should be careful to make sure that 163

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy they are also taking supplements, so that their body is not losing out on vitamins and nutrients needed which are not supplied within the juice. Also, citric juices and those which are highly acidic are not recommended because they can upset the body’s natural pH balance and will cause much acidity. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting juice therapy and sufferers of diabetes may find that the illness is exacerbated by juice therapy. Where can you find further information on juice therapy? TherapyNet Wikipedia entry on juice fasting

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K Kinesiology What is Kinesiology? Kinesiology therapy is also known as ‘Applied Kinesiology’ and ‘Health Kinesiology’ and is an alternative medicine technique which tests the strength of a patient’s muscles in order to make diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Kinesiology is a blend of several different techniques and theories including traditional Chinese medicine and the use of acupuncture meridians around the body. It was developed by George Goodheart, an American chiropractor, in 1964. How does Kinesiology work? Kinesiology therapy is based on the principle that for every organ illness in the body, there is a corresponding muscle. Hence by testing muscles, it is possible to diagnose illnesses, and also to build a picture of what is happening with the body’s meridian (or energy) system as a whole. Testing of the muscles is performed by a practitioner. A common method is to have the patient resist, using just the muscle in question, the force applied by the practitioner. Depending on the response, the practitioner is able to make determinations. Once problems have been determined, Kinesiology also aims to provide a totally holistic form of therapy by establishing the main problem, and then attempting to realign the balance of the meridians. This way, overall wellbeing is achieved by using various different healing techniques, depending on the individual skills of the practitioner concerned. Treatment may also include being given advice on nutrition and other aspects which affect our health. What can Kinesiology be used for? It is said that you do not have to be ill to benefit from Kinesiology therapy as it can help to maintain a healthy balance. However, there are a number of conditions which are reported to have benefited from Kinesiology therapy. These include: allergies, run-down immune systems, candida, anxiety, depression, anger, stress, fatigue, pain and sleeping problems. Is Kinesiology an effective form of therapy? There have been some studies conducted into the effectiveness of Kinesiology therapy, though generally the results reported on pro- Kinesiology websites have actually been more concerned with muscle testing in general and not specific to Kinesiology. In addition, many studies performed have failed to show clinical efficacy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Criticisms of Kinesiology therapy include the fact that the muscle testing, which forms the basis of the therapy, is very subjective as it relies simply on the practitioner’s opinion. The medical world does not agree with the correlation between muscles and illnesses, and hence Kinesiology therapy is generally regarded as pseudoscience. Are there any known side effects with Kinesiology? There are no direct side effects known with the use of Kinesiology therapy. Where can you find further information on Kinesiology? Websites pro-Kinesiology: International College of Applied Kinesiology Kinesiology Federation Websites Against Kinesiology: NCAHF – National Council Against Health Fraud

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Kirlian Photography What is Kirlian Photography? Kirlian Photography is the name given to the process by which an image is produced when an object comes into contact with high-voltage — resulting in an image of the object, as well as an aura-like corona surrounding the object. This phenomenon was discovered accidentally by Semyon Kirlian in 1939, when an object left on the photographic plate was subjected to high voltage. Kirlian believed that the resulting image was in fact the aura, or energy field, of the object. This was based on the assumption that everything apparently has an energy field around it, including humans. The basis of Kirlian Photography as a therapy was developed by a parapsychologist, Thelma Moss, who wrote about Kirlian Photography being a medical diagnostic tool 166

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Moss believed that because the human energy field could be captured in a ‘photograph’, it could be analysed for weaknesses and emotional, mental and physical problems could be diagnosed. How does Kirlian Photography work? Kirlian believed that the corona effect produced was undeniable proof that everything has an aura. Moss took her work further by suggesting that if this then was an aura, the aura could be examined for weaknesses and the colours displayed. She then used it to make a diagnosis of a person’s health. The exact method for making determinations seems sketchy. But in general it is believed that a weaker aura would indicate physical and psychological problems. What can Kirlian Photography be used for? Aside from being used to produce interesting images, Kirlian Photography is used to determine a person’s health, but is not used as any sort of treatment. The idea is that with knowledge of problems, a patient can go and get treatment elsewhere. Sometimes however, a Kirlian Photographer will also be skilled in the way of alternative medicines and may hence make suggestions as to possible forms of treatment. Is Kirlian Photography an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, Kirlian Photography is not a therapy in the sense of the word that it treats an illness, but is used to detect them. However, the theory behind Kirlian Photography is that the image is an aura, or energy field. But, in fact, it has been scientifically proven that the corona effect is actually just the reaction of moisture (which is electrically conductive), and that different colours are just as a result of the effects on the dye contained within the film. Added to this are several other environmental variables, such as changes in barometric pressure, temperature and changes in voltage. The idea that Kirlian Photography shows auras is highly disputed, and is dismissed by the medical and scientific world. Are there any known side effects with Kirlian Photography? There are no known side effects with Kirlian Photography.

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Where can you find further information on Kirlian Photography? Pro- Kirlian Photography Complementary Medical Association New Human Against Kirlian Photography The Skeptic’s Dictionary

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Korean Hand Acupuncture What is Korean Hand Acupuncture? Korean Hand Acupuncture (also called Koryo Hand Therapy, Koryo Sooji Chim or just KHT) is similar in many ways to the more familiar general acupuncture of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), except that Korean hand acupuncture is performed on only the hand and not all over the body. In contrast to TCM acupuncture, which has been practised for thousands of years, Korean Hand Acupuncture was only developed in 1971 by Dr Yu Tao Woo. It is based on the principle that the hand is a micro system version of the whole body and hence all the acupuncture points and meridians on the body can also be found represented on the hand. How does Korean Hand Acupuncture work? Korean Hand Acupuncture works in the same way as whole body acupuncture. By stimulating the acupuncture points where energies are believed to be stuck and hence interfering with the body’s natural flow of energy and balance of health. Stimulation allows the energy to flow freely again. Because Korean Hand Acupuncture only uses the hand, it is sometimes preferred as a treatment over whole body forms of acupuncture, because of the ease of use and perhaps because of safety issues. 168


What can Korean Hand Acupuncture be used for? As with whole body acupuncture, Korean Hand Acupuncture is used in the Western world as a form of alternative and complementary therapy to treat a number of conditions. These conditions are wide and varied, and include: colds and flu, cough, bronchitis, tonsillitis, high blood pressure, skin conditions, stomach ache, indigestion, nausea, wind, constipation, diarrhoea and pre-menstrual tension, to name a few. Korean Hand Acupuncture can be used on just about everybody because it is easy to administer and is virtually painless, making it particularly good for children. Is Korean Hand Acupuncture an effective form of therapy? There has not been a great deal of study into the effectiveness of Korean Hand Acupuncture, but what study there has been has reported positive results. As Korean Hand Acupuncture is based upon the same principles as whole body acupuncture, it should be safe to assume that this should be just as effective as whole body acupuncture. Are there any known side effects with Korean Hand Acupuncture? There are no known side effects with Korean Hand Acupuncture. And in certain ways it is considered to be even safer than whole body acupuncture, because needle insertion takes place only within the hand. This minimises the potential for improperly inserted needles and the risks involved with this. Where can you find further information on Korean Hand Acupuncture? Koryo Hand Therapy Koryo Hand Therapy Systems

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L Laser Therapy What is laser therapy? Laser therapy is also known by several other names, the most correct of which is now low level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. But other names include cold laser therapy, laser bio stimulation and phototherapy. Laser therapy began to be considered for its benefits very shortly after the first working laser was invented in 1967. Endre Mester, of Semmelweis University in Hungary, started experimenting with it on skin cancer and immediately received some interesting results. He discovered that by applying the laser to the backs of mice whose hair had been shaved off, the hair grew back much more quickly with the laser treated mice than it did with the untreated group. Laser therapy is now being used in an increasing number of situations, particularly for its benefits in stimulating or inhibiting cellular functions. It is also emerging as an alternative medicine for treating addictions, for example in stopping smoking and for weight loss. How does laser therapy work? The exact way in which laser therapy works is still being investigated, though it is known that by using certain combinations of wavelengths and laser intensities it can aid tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. The reaction which takes place is what’s known as ‘photochemical’, as opposed to the use of heat, which might be expected with a laser. Because this is still a relatively new process, there is a certain amount of debate as to how laser therapy should be performed in order to get the best results, as there are a number of variables to consider. What can laser therapy be used for? Clinically, there are a number of uses for laser therapy, including wound healing and nerve regeneration. It is also said to increase the healing speed of fractures as well as muscular and soft-tissue injuries, for chronic pain and possibly for stopping viral and bacterial infections. In the alternative medicine world, laser therapy is being offered for a number of other treatments as well, including for stopping smoking, diet control, acne, arthritis, migraines, asthma, stress, insomnia, seasonal affective disorder and for menopausal problems.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is laser therapy an effective form of therapy? There has not as yet been a great deal of study into the effectiveness of laser therapy, though it is recognised for its effectiveness in the medical world for treating some of the conditions mentioned above. Further testing is taking place and although there have been some positive results in the treatment of acne using laser therapy, its use for helping people to stop smoking and for weight control will no doubt remain ‘alternative’. Are there any known side effects with laser therapy? If laser therapy is performed by somebody who is trained in its use, there should be no chance of side effects. However, the use of dense filter spectacles is usually recommended to avoid damage to the eyes. Where can you find further information on laser therapy? The Laser Exchange World Association for Laser Therapy

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Life Coaching What is life coaching? Life coaching is a process by which clients are ‘coached’ in order to be able to set and reach goals in their lives, and although it may be considered a form of therapy, coaches are not professionally trained as therapists or psychologists. Life coaching is a practice which has become increasingly popular over the last few years in particular. It has sprung from other areas of coaching, such as management and executive coaching, which was usually the realm of big businesses. However, a niche was seen and developed for giving the general public coaching too, and this coaching can combine a whole host of issues in order to help clients set and reach their goals.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy How does life coaching work? Although various certificates are available in the industry, there is no official regulatory standard for life coaching. This means that practically anyone can call themselves a life coach and take on fee-paying clients. On top of the potential obvious issues with this, it also means that life coaches can all have their own ways of working, so it’s unlikely that any two methods practised by different life coaches would be the same. However, usually the ultimate goal of the life coach is roughly the same across the board, and often they are said to offer life coaching in the following areas: • • • • • • • •

to achieve goals and ambitions to become more organised to improve communication skills to change or advance a career to improve health, fitness and wellbeing to reduce stress levels to increase self-esteem and confidence levels to make a complete change in life direction

What can life coaching be used for? Following on from the above points, life coaching helps people who need some assistance in making decisions. Often clients find life coaching useful if they know what they want but aren’t quite sure how to achieve it. People who are generally a little unhappy in their lives can benefit from life coaching as they are helped to realise their goals and then shown ways of achieving those goals. But life coaching is also said to be beneficial for many other reasons too, such as losing weight, becoming more motivated and generally putting a little order into your life. Is life coaching an effective form of therapy? Sceptics argue that if a client needs a little friendly advice, why not go to a friend? However, the benefit with life coaching is that clients are offered an impartial view on life and unbiased advice, which can sometimes be difficult to get from friends or family who are too close to you. Life coaching is certainly gaining in popularity as more and more people want to take control of their lives, and be able to enjoy life to the full. Whether or not life coaching is actually an effective form of therapy is a contentious issue. But at the end of the day, it seems to have worked for many people, so it is probably worth trying if you think it would benefit you.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with life coaching? There are no known side effects with life coaching. Where can you find further information on life coaching? International Coach Federation

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Light Therapy What is light therapy? Light therapy may also be known as phototherapy, and it is a process by which a person is exposed to different kinds of light to treat a variety of disorders or problems. The type of lights and the amount of time exposure is needed varies upon what condition the light therapy is being used for, though lights used include lasers, full spectrum lights, LEDs and fluorescent lights. Light therapy was developed as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but it is recently becoming more popular for treating other conditions too, such as for jet lag and for sleeping problems. How does light therapy work? The way in which light therapy works does depend on the type of light being used and which disorder is being treated. For seasonal affective disorder the best treatment is with full sunlight, though on days when this isn’t possible, products such as light boxes can be used to provide a very high intensity of artificial sunlight. This would be switched on at certain times of the day and the client would sit or stand in close proximity to it. Having to stay within one area for the effect of a light box is not always convenient, so an alternative is a light visor because you can move around with this. Dawn simulation lights are another method of light therapy and these are particularly useful for people with delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), whilst blue/red light treatment is now being used to treat acne.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can light therapy be used for? As mentioned above, there are a variety of conditions which can be treated with light therapy. The most recognised of these is for SAD, though it has also been discovered recently that light therapy can also be used to treat non-seasonal depression too. Treatment of acne, for the healing of wounds and neuropathy as well as skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can also be treated. In addition, light therapy is commonly used for tanning purposes too and is becoming increasingly popular for treating the symptoms of jet lag. Is light therapy an effective form of therapy? Studies have shown that light therapy is an effective form of therapy for the treatment of a number of conditions, including SAD, non-seasonal depression, DSPS and acne. Light therapy is considered to be a ‘viable’ treatment for jet lag and has shown benefits for skin conditions. Are there any known side effects with light therapy? There are some side effects with light therapy as well as the possibility for longerterm effects too. Side effects when light therapy is used for sleep disorders include feeling jumpy and jittery, as well as having headaches and nausea. Longer term side effects include the possibility of progressive damage to the skin via ultraviolet light. However, the majority of products available do not emit ultraviolet light and therefore should be considered to be safe. Light therapy may also trigger behavioural problems such as a manic state or anxiety, though these can usually be easily treated when light therapy is used under supervision of a clinician. Where can you find further information on light therapy? The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association Lumie – company specialising in light therapy

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Light Touch Therapy What is light touch therapy? Light touch therapy is not a therapy in itself, but is a term used to describe a number of other therapies which all come under the term ‘light touch’. Therapies included as light touch therapy include the Bowen technique, cranio-sacral therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Kinesiology, Indian head massage, polarity therapy, reflexology, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch. How does light touch therapy work? The way in which light touch therapy works really depends on exactly which form of therapy is being used. As stated above, there are various therapies which come under the classification of light touch therapy and these will all have their own unique way of working. The commonality between all of the therapies which are classed as light touch therapy is that all techniques use a ‘light touch’ rather than a heavy or forceful touch in their practice. You can read about all of the individual therapies mentioned above in their own entries. But basically speaking, these therapies use either the gentle placing of hands on particular parts of the body, gentle tapping or gentle massage. What can light touch therapy be used for? Again, what light touch therapy can be used for will depend to a large extent on which form of therapy is being used. Generally speaking these therapies are considered to be alternative medicine practices and many of them will focus on the mind, body and spirit as a whole, rather than just physical issues and will aim to treat the body’s energy field. In addition, all therapies are non-invasive and involve little or no manipulation of the body. Is light touch therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, many of the therapies which are classed as light touch therapies are considered to be alternative, and often there has been little or no scientific study into the effectiveness of each therapy. However, please read each individual entry for specific details. Are there any known side effects with light touch therapy? This will depend upon the type of light touch therapy which is being used. Where can you find further information on light touch therapy? The Association of Light Touch Therapists

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Live Blood Microscopy What is live blood microscopy? Live blood microscopy is also known by a few other names as well, such as live blood analysis, or live blood cell analysis, and involves the study of live blood cells at a high microscopic level usually within a dark field. This is a technique called dark field microscopy, although there are a couple of other methods as well. The aim of live blood microscopy is to examine the blood cells to make diagnosis and predictions as to possible health issues. Live blood microscopy is an alternative medicine technique which does not need to be performed by a doctor or member of the health profession. How does live blood microscopy work? Live blood microscopy works by taking a drop of blood from the finger tip. Because it is analysed immediately the blood remains ‘live’ and can hence tell the practitioner a lot more about the client than a specimen of dead blood does. The blood is viewed under a high powered microscope and the image is projected to either a large screen or monitor which is attached to the microscope, so that both practitioner and client can view the blood. It is said that analysis of the blood can determine such things as the state of the client’s immune system, vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, parasites, fungus, yeast, cholesterol and allergies, and some practitioners also claim that it can be used to detect the very early signs of cancer. What can live blood microscopy be used for? Live blood microscopy is not a preventative or therapeutic cure for any diseases, but merely an option for the client to analyse the quality of their blood and therefore their health. It is used to detect issues so that the client can act on this information in order to address these issues. Some practitioners may also provide a service of offering nutritional guidance to the client, so that they can advise how the client should go about making changes to their lifestyle in order to help or prevent illness. Is live blood microscopy an effective form of therapy? Live blood microscopy is described as being an ‘unestablished diagnostic test’. This means that any diagnosis made is not based on an established theory of diagnosis and hence the practitioner’s interpretation could be open to debate. There have been no credible scientific studies into the effectiveness of live blood microscopy, and for the most part, the process remains ‘alternative’ and hence its methods are debatable. 176


Are there any known side effects with live blood microscopy? There are no known side effects with live blood microscopy. Where can you find further information on live blood microscopy? World Health Center information on Live Blood Analysis See My Cells – UK Company offering live blood analysis services

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Logotherapy What is logotherapy? Logotherapy is a type of existential analysis psychotherapy, which contrary to that of the likes of Freud and Adler, concentrates on the premise of ‘will to meaning’ and hence our ability to find meaning in everything we do and experience. Logotherapy was developed by Austrian Viktor Frankl. Frankl was a neurologist and psychiatrist who further developed his theory of logotherapy during his time in a concentration camp. Here, he discovered that humans have the ability to find meaning in all forms of existence — not only the good things in life, but also the most horrible, and that this is what helped him and many others to survive the Holocaust. In the following years, Frankl published over 30 books. His most famous is titled (in English) ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’. Logotherapy has also been further developed for uses beyond typical psychotherapy. James Crumbaugh, for example, refined logotherapy so that it could be used as a recover system for the treatment of alcoholism. How does logotherapy work? The essence of logotherapy is finding a reason to live and hence to go on and get past the worst experiences in our lives. This works in a psychotherapeutic setting, because often psychological problems stem from an inability to cope with one’s life, a feeling of being overwhelmed, and an inability to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Logotherapy encourages patients to find meaning in their lives and hence to have something to live for and look forward to. This is found through the three main principles of logotherapy: 1. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the worst imaginable situations. 2. As humans, our main motivation is to find meaning in life. 3. We have the freedom to discover what gives us, as individuals, meaning. A therapist would work with a patient to attempt to guide them to find meaning in their lives, through creativity (i.e. using our talents), experiencing (i.e. our interactions with others and the world around us) and through a change in attitude (i.e. if we can’t change a situation, we should change our attitude towards that situation). What can logotherapy be used for? As logotherapy is a type of psychotherapy, there are a great number of psychological conditions for which it can be used. In addition, logotherapy may be included as part of the recovery process in the treatment of alcoholism. It is also worth pointing out that Frankl’s logotherapy could be viewed as a philosophy and a way of life, and could therefore be a useful basis for all humans (not just those who are in need of therapy) to help us to appreciate and get the most out of our lives. Is logotherapy an effective form of therapy? Logotherapy is a recognised school of psychotherapy and although information would suggest it is an effective form of therapy, it is not as widely used as some other psychotherapies. Because of this fact, there is not readily available information as to just how effective it is. Are there any known side effects with logotherapy? There are no known side effects with logotherapy. Where can you find further information on logotherapy? Viktor Frankl Institute – What is Logotherapy and Existential Analysis? Voidspace – Introduction to Vicktor Frankl’s logotherapy

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Lymphatic Massage What is lymphatic massage? Lymphatic massage therapy is more correctly known as manual lymphatic drainage, and it is a form of massage used both in the medical world and as a complementary therapy. Manual lymphatic drainage was developed by Dr Emil Vodder and his wife Dr Estrid Vodder in the 1930s, when they discovered a link between the lymph system and various conditions. Whilst treating patients with chronic sinusitis they noticed that the patients were also suffering from swollen lymph nodes, so they set about investigating the lymphatic system. As a result of their studies, they developed a form of massage therapy, which they introduced after four years of research in 1936. How does lymphatic massage work? Manual lymphatic drainage is a very gentle massage using light pressure in order to unblock the lymph nodes and clear the body of excess fluids. The lymphatic system is crucial for maintaining our body’s health and wellbeing because this is what rids the body of many toxins and infections. When the lymph nodes become congested they are unable to successfully excrete these things from the body and hence the body feels the repercussions. These repercussions could just be in the form of feeling tired and lethargic — or they could lead to more serious problems such as pain, swelling and eventually, tumours and cysts. What can lymphatic massage be used for? In addition to promoting general physical health, manual lymphatic drainage can be used to treat several specific conditions including tiredness, sinus problems, catarrh, fatty lumps, and effects of glandular fever, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and arthritic aches and pains. It is also said to be useful for dispersing cellulite. In the medical world, manual lymphatic drainage is used for the treatment of lymph oedema, which is localized fluid retention caused by blockages in the lymphatic system. Is lymphatic massage an effective form of therapy? Manual lymphatic drainage is recognised as being important in the treatment of lymph oedema and is hence an effective form of therapy for this condition. There is not a great deal of evidence which supports the use of manual lymphatic drainage for the other conditions mentioned above though. However, if any of these conditions have arisen as a direct result of a blocked lymphatic system, then it would be safe to assume that by unblocking the lymph nodes the condition can be assisted. Are there any known side effects with lymphatic massage? There are no known side effects with manual lymphatic drainage. 179

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on lymphatic massage? MLD UK Dr Vodder School North America

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M Magnet Therapy What is magnet therapy? Magnet therapy is also known by the terms magnetic therapy, magneto therapy and magnotherapy and is an alternative and complementary medicine. The use of magnets for medicinal purposes was considered back in the 1800s, though no definitive studies were conducted and the principle largely fell by the wayside. As with many other practises which are considered ‘alternative’, magnet therapy has seen an increase in popularity over recent years due to the rise of the internet and many people’s natural inclination to try self-help techniques. There are studies being conducted around the world today to discover whether or not there is any truth to claims made by followers of the practice. So until these can prove otherwise, magnet therapy remains very much an alternative form of medicine. How does magnet therapy work? Magnet therapy obviously uses magnets in some form. These could be bracelets or other jewellery, magnetic straps, magnetic blankets, magnetic mattresses, shoe insoles and even magnetised water. By having magnetic items placed around the various acupuncture points (as specified by ancient medical practices) of the body it is believed that these can act much in the same way as an acupuncture therapy would do, by helping the body to rejuvenate cells and tissues. Supporters of magnet therapy claim that because we are shielded so much from the Earth’s magnetic field that this has a profound effect on our own magnetic field and hence suggest that we need to re-introduce magnetism to our bodies. What can magnet therapy be used for? One of the chief uses of magnet therapy is said to be for relief from arthritis, as well as other muscular, tissue and skeletal aches and pains. There have been reports (on websites selling magnet therapy items) that this can be used for far more serious conditions too, such as cancer, HIV and AIDS as well as for curing arthritis and rheumatism. However these claims have been stopped in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited any claims that magnet therapy can be used to treat these, and other ‘significant’ conditions. Is magnet therapy an effective form of therapy? In general, all research performed into the effectiveness of magnet therapy has shown there to be no proof of its efficacy and the belief is that any positive results that are experienced are merely the placebo effect. 181


Are there any known side effects with magnet therapy? There are no known side effects with magnet therapy. Where can you find further information on magnet therapy? There are a great many websites on the internet selling magnet therapy products. Obviously the opinions stated on these websites as to the effectiveness of magnet therapy will be biased. Therefore, here are some unbiased/or against opinions: The Skeptic’s Dictionary British Medical Journal editorial on magnet therapy

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Manual Therapy What is manual therapy? Manual therapy is a term used to describe a large range of different therapies which are considered to be ‘hands-on’ techniques and which usually involve manipulation and mobilisation of tissues, muscles and joints. Manual therapy as a whole is an ancient practice and is used in some way or other by just about every culture throughout the world, though with obvious modifications over time and over continents. It is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine and many alternative medicines. Some of the different techniques considered to be called manual therapy include: acupressure, Bowen technique, massage therapy, manual lymphatic discharge (lymphatic massage therapy), myofacial release, rolfing, shiatsu and Tui Na. How does manual therapy work? How exactly manual therapy works will depend on the technique being used and what is being treated. Generally speaking though, manual therapy uses the hands directly (rather than a tool or implement) to apply manual force to treat the body, in order to improve mobility through contact with the joints, connective tissues and muscles.

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What can manual therapy be used for? Depending on the specific type of manual therapy being used, there are dozens of different conditions which can be treated this way. Some direct examples include massage and the positive effects this can bring. But there are also indirect uses for many of the therapies such as relieving stress, for treatment of allergies, for emotional issues and for maintaining a healthy life-force energy. Is manual therapy an effective form of therapy? The effectiveness of manual therapy does vary with which particular form of therapy is being used. With the more conventional forms of massage which are practiced regularly by qualified physiotherapists and the like, the techniques have usually been proven as being effective, but the techniques which are considered more alternative and ‘New Age’ in their approach are questioned by the medical world. Each of the types of manual therapy mentioned above have their own separate entry where you can find out more about that particular form of therapy and whether or not it is considered to be effective. Are there any known side effects with manual therapy? Generally, there should not be any side effects with manual therapy, though do consult the individual entries for further information. Where can you find further information on manual therapy? The Burnham Review – twice monthly e-newsletter regarding manual therapy and related techniques American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia Canadian Orthopractic Manual Therapy Association

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Marma Therapy What is marma therapy? Marma therapy, or marma massage, is a part of the ancient Indian medicine practice ayurveda and is said to date back to about 1500 BC. 183

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Marma therapy is based on the principle of using ‘marma points’ which are located around the body, very similar to the acupuncture points used in traditional Chinese medicine. The power of these marma points was first realised by masters of an ancient martial art who discovered which points around the body could inflict the most pain and injury on their opponents. In addition, they realised that there was a special network of points around the body, and that by stimulating one point it aided repair at another point and hence they used this for healing. Ayurvedic medicine is regularly practised as a chief form of medical care in India and the practice of marma therapy is an integral part of this even in today’s society. How does marma therapy work? Depending on which tradition is used, there are either 108 or 365 marma points throughout the body. In addition to these, there are also vital areas of the body, simply called marma. The marma and marma points are what constitute the body’s life force, and hence by using marma therapy, you are conditioning these areas to either improve or maintain good health. Massaging the marma points allows blocked energy to be cleared so that energies can flow freely again. In a marma therapy massage session, the points are massaged using specific essential oils and the massage is performed in a specific sequence with the therapist using both his hands and feet to perform it. What can marma therapy be used for? As a form of massage, marma therapy can be used to treat muscular aches and pains, back pain and sports injuries. And as an alternative medicine practice, it is believed that marma therapy has a far deeper use throughout the body, such as stimulating, and perhaps healing, the body’s organs and other systems. Is marma therapy an effective form of therapy? In the Western world, marma therapy is still a relatively new practice, as is ayurvedic medicine in general. As a result, substantial testing of the efficacy of either has not yet taken place and so medical opinions remain sceptical. However, marma therapy has been used for thousands of years in India and is an integral part of ayurveda, which is practised frequently in Indian hospitals. So this in itself would tend to suggest that there must be some effectiveness to marma therapy for it to have lasted as a form of therapy for so long. Are there any known side effects with marma therapy? There are no known side effects with marma therapy.

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Where can you find further information on marma therapy? Kerala Ayurvedic Health Clinic

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Martial Arts Therapy What is martial arts therapy? Martial arts therapy can be both an alternative and a complementary therapy for treating various medical disorders through the practice of martial arts. Martial arts has long been recognised as an important discipline for combat training, but is now more recently being investigated for its therapeutic strengths. There are various different forms of martial arts therapy and different conditions can be treated with different forms. This aspect is particularly important because martial arts can vary hugely and hence what is suitable for one condition may be totally wrong for another. Examples of some of the methods used in martial arts therapy include: boxing, karate, judo, jujutsu, wrestling, tae kwon do, and Tai Chi Ch’uan. How does martial arts therapy work? How martial arts therapy works will depend firstly on what condition is being treated and secondly what form of martial arts is used to treat it. Also, to a certain extent, the way in which the art is taught. Tai Chi Ch’uan, for example, is a good choice for treating people who have difficulties with balancing and coordination. But this would not be a good form of therapy for someone with aggression. However, there has not been enough research into martial arts therapy as yet to come up with a very clear picture of which conditions are treated best with which martial arts, and hence it is difficult to say exactly how martial arts therapy works. What can martial arts therapy be used for? Following on from the above, as there hasn’t been enough research into this field yet it is difficult to say precisely.

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But as a generalisation, these are the sort of problems that may be effectively treated with martial arts therapy: • • • • • • • • •

to improve self-esteem to improve self-confidence to improve fitness levels to develop self-defence skills to develop personal skills necessary to deal with conflict to develop mindfulness to control anger to improve body awareness to improve physical properties such as balance and coordination

Is martial arts therapy an effective form of therapy? There has been some research into whether martial arts therapy is an effective form of therapy, though the results have been ambiguous. The general opinion is that martial arts therapy is an effective form of therapy for generating positive physical effects, but in terms of psychological benefits, it has been more difficult to research and prove. Are there any known side effects with martial arts therapy? The only possible side effects are the potential for injury, though this really can happen with any form of physical exercise. Where can you find further information on martial arts therapy? Wikipedia entry on martial arts therapy

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Massage Therapy What is massage therapy? Massage therapy is a general term used to describe a multitude of different techniques which all involve some sort of body manipulation for the treatment of physiological and sometimes psychological conditions. The word ‘massage’ is a French word, meaning ‘friction of kneading’, which describes the process often used – a sort of kneading movement. However, not all forms of massage therapy use this technique and, in fact, techniques can vary hugely across the board. 186


Massage therapy has been used in one form or another for thousands of years. Techniques have grown from other techniques to the point where there are now over 80 different massage therapy methods. The popularity of massage therapy rose in the United States and the United Kingdom during the mid 1800s. And after suffering a decline in popularity, massage therapy is now at its most popular and is commonly used by many people at regular intervals. How does massage therapy work? With over 80 different massage therapies, it is difficult to say exactly how they work as each one will vary, some by just a little and others will have huge variations. The common thread between all techniques is that they involve a certain amount of ‘pressure, tension, motion or vibration’ which can be performed manually or with mechanical aids. Massage therapy which is performed manually can include using the hands, fingers, feet, elbows or forearm. The main aim is to manipulate the soft tissues and muscles of the body in order to relax them so that the flow of oxygen and blood to that particular area of the body can be restored. What can massage therapy be used for? Generally speaking, massage therapy is used for relaxation and for the resulting benefits of this, including: to relieve pain, to treat tendonitis and muscular injuries, to treat bursitis, to improve the lymph system, to reduce anxiety and ease depression and stress, to reduce blood pressure, to improve sleep patterns and to relieve headaches. Each massage therapy will vary to a certain extent and some will have been developed to treat just one specific area of the body, hence the above is just a generalisation. Is massage therapy an effective form of therapy? Massage therapy, depending on the technique, is considered to be both a recognised medical procedure and an alternative medicine and, therefore, opinion on whether it is an effective form of therapy is divided. Techniques which are alternative are often not considered to be effective by the medical world. Are there any known side effects with massage therapy? Whether there are any side effects with massage therapy will depend on what type of massage therapy is being used. Generally though, if administered by a trained practitioner there should be no risk of harm.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on massage therapy? Wikipedia entry on massage therapy How Massage Works

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Matrix Energetics What is Matrix Energetics? Matrix Energetics is an alternative medicine described as ‘a system of healing, selfcare and transformation’. It is a technique which is said to be available to the masses as anyone can learn it and practise it. Matrix Energetics is a mix of physics and quantum physics as well as ‘focused intent’ which allows the user to reach new states of awareness where they are able to work with and transform the material world. It is a complicated process to describe but is said to be one which simply works, even though the man who developed it, Dr Richard Bartlett, can’t precisely describe the mechanisms. He suggests it is easier to experience it than to try to understand it! The background to Matrix Energetics began when Dr Bartlett, a chiropractor, was treating a patient. It became apparent that by lightly touching the patient and focusing intent, very remarkable results occurred, such as bones realigning themselves. How does Matrix Energetics work? As mentioned above, the exact way in which Matrix Energetics works is quite complicated and a full description is beyond the realms of this article. However, the main concept is that Matrix Energetics is a healing technique which “utilises the principles and science of subtle energy and quantum physics, coupled with the incredible power of active imagination and focused intent to produce physical verifiable effects that often defy rational explanation” (from the Matrix Energetics website).

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What can Matrix Energetics be used for? Matrix Energetics can be used for many conditions though the majority appear to be muscular and skeletal – orthopaedic – and for things like headaches. It is said to have cured or assisted in curing serious conditions like scoliosis. Is Matrix Energetics an effective form of therapy? There are a couple of references to research on the Matrix Energetics website, which suggest that this is an effective form of therapy. Proof is given by the provision of polycontrast interference photography (PIP) scans which would tend to indicate positive effects in patients. However, because this is a relatively new technique there has not been a great deal of research conducted. And the research on the Matrix Energetics website could be deemed to be biased. Therefore it is difficult to say whether or not Matrix Energetics is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with Matrix Energetics? There are no known side effects with Matrix Energetics. Where can you find further information on Matrix Energetics? Matrix Energetics

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Medical Herbalism What is medical herbalism? Medical herbalism is one of several terms used to describe the alternative and/or complementary use of plants and plant extracts for the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. Although called ‘medical’ herbalism, this term is usually used when describing traditional or folk medicine practices which may also be referred to as herbal medicine, herbalism, phytotherapy and herbology.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy You can read all about how medical herbalism works, what it can be used for, how effective it is, and whether there are any known side effects within the herbal medicine entry.

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Meditation Therapy What is meditation therapy? Meditation is a mind focusing technique which has been used in some form for over 5,000 years and is practised by almost all religions around the world. It is a process which is considered to include elements of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices with the aim of achieving higher levels of mental concentration or mental calm. The word ‘meditation’ comes from the Latin ‘meditatio’ which means ‘contemplation’ and is practiced in two forms: ‘mindfulness’ and ‘concentrative’. Most meditation therapy will use one or the other, though there are some techniques which switch between the two. Also, the way in which it is practised varies between the religions. Religions that have practices that include meditation therapy include: Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha’i Faith, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Jainism, Sikhism and Taoism. In addition, meditation therapy has become quite popular in the western world with those who consider themselves to be New Age practitioners and secular forms of meditation therapy have also been developed for those who do not require the mystical content. How does meditation therapy work? Mindfulness meditation therapy is performed by focusing awareness on an object or a process, so commonly this could be breathing, or a visualisation or an exercise. Once focused, you clear your mind of all other thoughts and things which are bothering you, but you remain in the ‘here and now’, using your focus of attention as a sort of ‘anchor’. Concentration meditation therapy is performed by focusing on a particular object and is the form of meditation used most commonly in religious and spiritual techniques. The meditator holds their attention on the object whilst minimising distractions. What can meditation therapy be used for? Meditation therapy is most recognised as being useful for relaxation purposes, and it has been identified that there are several behavioural components to meditation too, including concentration, altered state of awareness, suspension of logical thought processes and for maintaining a self-observing attitude. 190

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy In addition, medical studies have looked at the various physiological effects of meditation therapy. It is recognised as a method of stress and pain reduction and its effects on cardiovascular and respiratory functions have also been considered. Is meditation therapy an effective form of therapy? More and more studies are being conducted into the effectiveness of meditation therapy for both its physical and psychophysical benefits. It is being increasingly used and recognised in conventional medicine. Added to this, the fact that meditation therapy has been used for over 5,000 years suggests that this is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with meditation therapy? Generally meditation therapy has no side effects. However, there is increased risk for people — particularly those with a history of mental illness or those who are not experienced in lengthy meditative sessions — of psychotic episodes. Where can you find further information on meditation therapy? Wikipedia entry on meditation therapy Meditation Community

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Mega-Vitamin Therapy What is mega-vitamin therapy? Mega-vitamin therapy, as the name suggests, is the use of very high amounts of vitamins for the purpose of either preventing or of treating various illnesses and conditions. Mega-vitamin therapy is commonly used as an alternative and a complementary medicine, though is not recognised by the mainstream medical world. Mega-vitamin therapy began to be considered as important from the 1930s, when there was some experimental evidence suggesting the possible benefits of vitamins C, E and B-3. A mega dose of vitamin E was developed in order to treat cardiovascular and circulatory complaints by a Canadian named Shute, giving it the name ‘the Shute protocol’. Experiments with vitamin C followed and the process of mega-vitamin therapy developed from there. Mega-vitamin therapy is still used today, though usually without medical approval, and studies are still being conducted. 191


How does mega-vitamin therapy work? It has been medically believed since the 1930s that vitamins are good for the body and should be an essential part of the everyday diet. By eating sensibly, and by eating a good variety of different foods, the body should be able to extract all of the vitamins it needs. So this therapy is based on the principle that if a small amount of vitamins are good for the body’s health, then a large amount should be even better. The vitamins which are most commonly used in a mega-vitamin therapy are vitamins C, A and E. What can mega-vitamin therapy be used for? Mega-vitamin therapy may be suggested for a number of reasons. It’s regularly used as a treatment for the common cold, though some practitioners are suggesting that this could be a good form of treatment for serious illnesses, for example, cancer. Is mega-vitamin therapy an effective form of therapy? Mega-vitamin therapy is largely considered to be an ineffective form of therapy by the medical world that has not been given significant proof that large volumes of vitamins are any better for the body than the recommended daily amounts. In addition, there are the worries about the adverse effects which mega-vitamin therapy can have on the body (discussed below). Mega-vitamin therapy is popularly being quoted as a treatment for cancer over the past few years, but there is currently no proof that this is correct. However, studies are being proposed to take place to test whether vitamin C may be good for cancer treatment. Are there any known side effects with mega-vitamin therapy? There are concerns regarding mega-vitamin therapy and the effect which too many vitamins can have on the body. It is reported that large doses of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may have adverse side effects. However, supporters of mega-vitamin therapy suggest that there has been virtually no evidence to suggest that deaths have been caused from overdosing on vitamins when compared to deaths from overdosing on over the counter medicines. Where can you find further information on mega-vitamin therapy? Doctor Yourself – The War Against Vitamin Therapy Wikipedia entry on Megavitamin Therapy

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Meridian Therapy What is meridian therapy? Meridian therapy is a general term used to describe a number of different therapies which are mainly classified as mind-body techniques and which have in common the fact that they are based on a theory involving the body’s life energy force. Some examples of therapies considered to be meridian therapy are Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), acupressure and energy medicine, all of which have their own entries with further information about each of them and how they work. How does meridian therapy work? The general theory behind meridian therapy comes from ancient healing techniques used in traditional Chinese medicine. This dictates that all bodily problems, be they physical or emotional, are as a result of blocked pathways in our body’s vital energy force. These pathways, called meridians, need to be unblocked in order for the body to begin the process of healing. The techniques classed as meridian therapy therefore aim to unblock and clear the body’s energy flows by using various different methods. What can meridian therapy be used for? As stated above, the main aim of meridian therapy is to clear blockages in the body’s energy field and by clearing blockages the body can set about healing itself. So in a way, meridian therapy isn’t used for one particular condition, but as a means for treating multiple conditions. Some of the conditions quoted as being helped by meridian therapy include: headaches, back pains, allergies, addictions, panic and anxiety, depression, weight loss, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain management. Is meridian therapy an effective form of therapy? The effectiveness of meridian therapy depends on a large extent to which particular form of meridian therapy is being used. However, being an alternative medicine, scepticism in the mainstream medical world is high for these sorts of therapies and without proper clinical studies having taken place, there is little proof to suggest that meridian therapy is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with meridian therapy? Whether there are any side effects associated with meridian therapy depends completely on which type of therapy technique is being used as the techniques can vary quite significantly. Please consult each individual therapy listed above for full details of risks and side effects associated with them.

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Where can you find further information on meridian therapy? The Health Oasis

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Mesotherapy What is mesotherapy? Mesotherapy is a treatment which involves injecting various pharmaceutical and homeopathic medicines into the body with the purported effect of being able to kill fat cells. The process was first researched by a French doctor, Michel Pistor, and with multinational backing in the mid-1900s human treatments were introduced. The name ‘mesotherapy’ was actually adopted by the French press in 1958 and in the years following, mesotherapy became quite a common practice and is now used worldwide, though it has only recently started in North America. How does mesotherapy work? Mesotherapy works by injecting mixtures of medicines into the subcutaneous fat layer in the body, where it is said that they are able to target fat cells, then rupture and kill them. The result is that if there is no fat cell present, the body cannot produce fat. What can mesotherapy be used for? The main aim of mesotherapy is to get rid of fat cells and hence it can be used for overall weight loss, weight loss to a specific area of the body, reducing cellulite and also for getting rid of wrinkles. In addition, it is said that mesotherapy can be used for multiple other conditions as well, including as a treatment for hair loss and for treating scar tissue. Is mesotherapy an effective form of therapy? Although mesotherapy has been used quite commonly over the past 50 years, there is actually little proof of the process being effective. This lack of clinical evidence is now becoming a cause for concern as mesotherapy is experiencing another rise in popularity and is considered by some to be a potentially dangerous form of treatment (see below). 194


There have been studies published which claim that the treatment is effective. But these studies do not give conclusive proof that the compounds do actually work to specifically target the fat calls. Are there any known side effects with mesotherapy? There is concern in the medical world as to the safety of mesotherapy. Often the mixtures of medications and other compounds are not actually declared, so it’s possible that the combinations could be dangerous. One particular drug which is commonly used, called phosphatidylcholin, is apparently unpredictable and can cause extreme swelling and inflammation at the point of injection. This drug has already been banned in some countries, though continues to be used in those countries which have not banned it. Where can you find further information on mesotherapy? The American Board of Aesthetic Mesotherapy

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Meta-Aromatherapy What is meta-aromatherapy? Meta-aromatherapy is a type of healing therapy that has been developed from traditional aromatherapy practises as a more modern approach to this ancient therapy. Meta-aromatherapy was developed by Christine Westwood in the 1990s and brings together a number of different therapies to result in a technique which is said to be particularly effective for chronic conditions. Rather than using oils for just their physiological effects, meta-aromatherapy uses them for their psychological effects too, combined with bodywork, counselling and hypnotherapy to offer a far more comprehensive form of therapy. 195


How does meta-aromatherapy work? A meta-aromatherapy session will begin with an aromatherapy massage using specially selected essential oils. Physical and psychological conditions are discussed and the massage works on particular problem areas. Once the body is relaxed further problems can be worked on. The client is encouraged to talk about feelings and events and the therapist needs to listen without judgement because any judgement can have a profound effect on the healing process. The therapist must therefore ask the right questions and talk to the ‘child within’ the client. There is strong use of metaphors. This is because metaphors can be used to represent problems and are easier to rid from the body than something which cannot be easily represented on its own. What can meta-aromatherapy be used for? Meta-aromatherapy is said to be particularly useful for treating chronic and recurring conditions, as recurring conditions especially are often as a result of psychological and/or emotional issues. In addition it is used for trauma release. Is meta-aromatherapy an effective form of therapy? As meta-aromatherapy is a relatively new and unheard of form of therapy, there have not been studies into its effectiveness. And because it combines several different alternative therapies, it is difficult to quantify any results accurately. However, there are a number of documented cases which have shown very positive results which have occurred in a very short time – a far shorter time than would be expected if the therapies used were used independently of each other. Therefore, there are encouraging signs that meta-aromatherapy could be an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with meta-aromatherapy? There are no known side effects with meta-aromatherapy. Where can you find further information on meta-aromatherapy? Complementary Medical Association The Clean Collection – ‘Healing Unresolved Trauma Through Meta-Aromatherapy’ by Christine Westwood.

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Metamorphic Technique What is Metamorphic Technique? Metamorphic Technique is a form of massage which, according to the Metamorphic Association, is not a therapy or a treatment because it does not address specific issues. Instead it is a light touch technique which aids to relax the body and to let the body take on its own healing role and can be used in conjunction with conventional or alternative medicines and therapies. Metamorphic Technique was developed in the 1960s by a British man, Robert St. John, who was a naturopath and reflexologist. He began developing an alternative to reflexology when he discovered that he had more success with his patients when he gave them a general massage rather than trying to treat specific conditions. In the 1970s, his ideas were further developed by his student, Gaston Saint Pierre, who came up with the name Metamorphic Technique and started the Metamorphic Association in 1979. How does Metamorphic Technique work? Metamorphic Technique works by applying a light touch on the spinal reflex points in the feet, hands and head. Sessions are non-diagnostic and the practitioner does not seek to find out any medical history or make any judgements regarding the client; they are simply there to give the technique. Metamorphic Technique is described as an “empowering tool for enabling people to get out of their own way, let go of past limitations and move forward in their lives”. This is because the technique reputedly clears blocks in the client’s energy pattern which allows the client to bring about their own changes, both physically and emotionally. What can Metamorphic Technique be used for? Metamorphic Technique can be used as a form of relaxation, though it is intended to provide far deeper purpose than just relaxation. Some clients are said to feel energised rather than relaxed, and the technique can also bring about improvements in the physical, mental and emotional health of the client as they are able to let go of past hurts and change old habits. It is reported that some clients can feel completely different about life after a session and find renewed inner strength and purpose. Is Metamorphic Technique an effective form of therapy? There has not been a great deal of research into the efficacy of the Metamorphic Technique, so it is difficult to conclude whether or not this is an effective form of therapy. Massaging the reflex points should bring about benefits to the body, whether or not the technique has broader results. But techniques claimed to be based in the body’s life force energy are usually labelled as pseudoscience and any positive outcomes are often thought to be just the placebo effect. 197

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with Metamorphic Technique? There are no known side effects with Metamorphic Technique and because it is a non-invasive therapy it is safe for people of all ages and of all health conditions. Where can you find further information on Metamorphic Technique? Metamorphic Association Complementary Health and Alternative Medicine

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Microwave Resonance Therapy What is microwave resonance therapy? Microwave resonance therapy is a new form of medical treatment which combines the ancient theory of traditional Chinese medicine’s acupuncture points with modern advancements in biophysics. Microwave resonance therapy was introduced by a group of Russian physicians in 1980 and within 10 years, 150,000 patients had been treated using this method. It is causing quite a lot of excitement in the medical world even though this is essentially an alternative medicine with its background in ancient practices. How does microwave resonance therapy work? Microwave resonance therapy works by directing high frequency microwaves of between 52 and 78 GHz at the various acupuncture points around the body. This is said to have a similar affect to what a treatment of acupuncture would do in that it affects the body’s life force field – or more correctly in this case, the electromagnetic field. It is believed that the electromagnetic field becomes disturbed and that by directing microwaves at the important points of the field it can be stabilised and hence influenced to aid the body to heal itself. What can microwave resonance therapy be used for? There are reports of many different conditions being successfully treated with microwave resonance therapy and these are often conditions which haven’t responded to conventional methods or medications. It is also not only successful in one particular field of medicine but in many, including: gastroenterology, neurology, urology, gynaecology, dermatology, cardiology, oncology and pulmonology amongst others. 198

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is microwave resonance therapy an effective form of therapy? Reports of the great success of microwave resonance therapy would seem to indicate that this is the next miracle cure, or treatment, for numerous diseases with many showing significant improvement and also high rates of complete recovery. It is reported that microwave resonance therapy has been used on millions of patients around the world and that the process recently won an important scientific award in the field of medicine. However, there is still relatively little information available on the process and little proof could be found which showed undisputed evidence of the effectiveness of microwave resonance therapy. Are there any known side effects with microwave resonance therapy? Microwave resonance therapy is said to be an extremely safe form of therapy for a number of reasons: it is non-invasive and non-manipulative and is therefore completely painless. There is no medication involved, meaning that there is no problem treating a patient who might otherwise be allergic to medications or who hasn’t responded to conventional medicines, and hence there are no side effects. Where can you find further information on microwave resonance therapy? TherapyNet

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Molecular Reform Therapy What is molecular reform therapy? Molecular reform therapy is a holistic approach to health which is based on the principle that a healthy body is determined by healthy cells and that by maintaining our cellular health, we will remain well and free from disease. Molecular reform therapy is said to be based on research which has taken place over the past 150 years, and which was culminated by the U.S. Congress’s Special Committee of Nutrient Investigation, established in 1975. Dr Linus Pauling led this team who developed the concept of molecular reform therapy within a report titled ‘Elements Required by Humans and Nutrients’. The concept was well received by the medical world and was predicted to become part of mainstream medical practice in the 21st century.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy How does molecular reform therapy work? Molecular reform therapy is a holistic, self-management therapy which suggests that the key to our health is through healthy maintenance of our body’s cells which is thought to be achieved by making sure we consume adequate levels of nutrients. With adequate nutrients our cells can maintain a healthy metabolism and activity, which has positive effects throughout the body. A four step method of molecular reform therapy is recommended, which involves the following steps: balanced nutrition, increasing oxygen intake, detoxification and health regulation. What can molecular reform therapy be used for? Because molecular reform therapy concentrates its efforts on maintaining healthy cells, it is not a therapy which specifically addresses one particular condition but is said to be all encompassing for general health and wellbeing. This in turn leads to optimum body functions and reinforcement of the immune system, and hence should aid the body to rid itself of any diseases which are currently present or which try to invade in the future. Is molecular reform therapy an effective form of therapy? There is little recorded evidence as to whether or not molecular reform therapy is an effective form of therapy. However, the concept behind molecular reform therapy (of keeping to a healthy diet with many nutrients) is recognised around the world as being effective for maintaining the body’s health. This therefore would tend to suggest that molecular reform therapy is an effective form of therapy. Being a self-management system as well, molecular reform therapy is easy to use and accessible to the general population. Are there any known side effects with molecular reform therapy? There are no known side effects with molecular reform therapy though care should be taken as to quantities and types of nutrients taken. Where can you find further information on molecular reform therapy? Elken Molecular Reform Therapy

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Morita Therapy What is Morita Therapy? Morita Therapy is a type of psychotherapy which, rather than trying to alleviate symptoms, it encourages the patient to build their character so that they are able to deal with life regardless of what happens, how they feel etc. The ideal result is to be able to live a fulfilling life which is not dominated by emotional states. Morita Therapy was developed in the late 1920s and early 1930s by Japanese psychiatrist, Dr Shoma Morita. The original version of this therapy was aimed primarily at the Japanese culture of the time and as a treatment for ‘anxiety-based disorders’. Since then, it has been accepted that both differences in cultures and the passing of time has warranted changing some of the theories and practice behind Morita Therapy. Hence Morita Therapy Methods (MTM) were developed for a Western audience. How does Morita Therapy work? Morita Therapy is not a cure for anxiety, stress or depression, but rather it presents the patient with a path which they can take, along which they will discover how to help themselves. It shows them how to cope with unfairness and emotional trauma, by not dwelling on the whys and wherefores, but by finding an inner strength and the ability to deal with life and ultimately to enjoy a fulfilling and happy life. There are four key stages to Morita Therapy treatment: Stage one is a rest stage where the patient must learn to switch off from the outside world and use a nonspiritually based meditation which is designed to get the patient in touch with their own internal healing peace. Stage two brings the patient back into contact with the outside world and gets them to write their thoughts and feelings into a journal in an effort to separate the two. Being outside of the house encourages the patient to get back in touch with nature, something which may have been out of their lives for a long period. Stage three is described as being hard work. For people on the programme who have suffered a physical injury, this is the stage at which they are pushed to heal themselves. It is also the stage at which the right side of the brain is utilised as creativity of various forms is encouraged. Stage four involves the coming together of the previous three stages. It encourages the patient to use what they have learnt in their everyday lives. They are not returning to their life as it was, but a new life and a new self. What can Morita Therapy be used for? Although originally developed for what was known at the time as ‘anxiety-based disorders’, Morita Therapy can be used on a much wider range of conditions. The principles of Morita Therapy can be used by those who do not have any mental health issues and who simply want to focus their lives and the way they live them, for the better. In addition, it can be used in a variety of settings – with people who have 201

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy suffered physical injury, as a way of encouraging them back to health, and for people with terminal illnesses as a way of encouraging them to live the remainder of their lives to the fullest. Is Morita Therapy an effective form of therapy? There is not a great deal of published evidence to support the effectiveness of Morita Therapy, though this is not to suggest that it is not an effective form of therapy. It has been used in Japan (its country of origin) since the 1920s, and there was enough interest in the modern Western world for it to be developed to suit this population better. This would tend to suggest that it must be recognised as an, at least partly, effective therapy. Are there any known side effects with Morita Therapy? There are no known side effects with Morita Therapy. Where can you find further information on Morita Therapy? Wikipedia entry on Morita Therapy The ToDo Institute

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Moxibustion Therapy What is moxibustion therapy? Moxibustion is an ancient therapy technique which uses ‘moxa’, commonly known as ‘mugwort herb’, which is burnt on or in proximity to the body’s acupuncture points. Moxibustion is an ancient technique used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in traditional medicines of Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet and Mongolia, and it is becoming more commonly used in the Western world too. Although moxibustion uses the acupuncture points, it is said to actually pre-date the acupuncture technique which was developed to complement moxibustion in the 2nd century BC. How does moxibustion therapy work? Moxibustion therapy uses the herb moxa in one of several forms: either processed into a wand or cigar-like stick which is burnt just above the skin, or in small cones which are burnt in contact with the skin — although there will usually be something covering the skin so as not to cause burning. 202


There are several effects caused by the moxibustion therapy. Firstly, there is the effect of the heat as it warms the acupuncture points of the body and promotes the free-flowing of the body’s energy, called Qi. This also helps the blood and lymph to circulate freely. The herb itself also has useful properties as it is said to have immunoregulatory effects by increasing both red and white blood cell production. It also stimulates production of interferon proteins which aid the immune system in targeting diseases, infections and tumours. Moxibustion therapy can also be used in combination with acupuncture needles for increased effects. What can moxibustion therapy be used for? It is reported that moxibustion therapy can be used for a large number of conditions, including: for treating the common cold, used against fatigue, for sports and muscular injuries, for arthritic, rheumatoid and osteoarthritic conditions, for neurological conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, for respiratory tract infections and asthma, for digestive disorders and for aiding reproductive conditions, such as infertility. Is moxibustion therapy an effective form of therapy? As a therapy which has been used for thousands of years and continues to be popular today, it is suggested that moxibustion therapy should be an effective form of therapy. In the Western world, where further proof is usually sought, there is not a great deal of evidence as to the efficacy of moxibustion therapy and because this is considered to be an alternative therapy, scepticism will remain high. Are there any known side effects with moxibustion therapy? There are no known side effects with moxibustion therapy except only for the risk of burns. However, if the therapy is performed by an experienced practitioner, then there should be no chance of this happening, as the practitioner will know what precautions to take. Where can you find further information on moxibustion therapy? Wikipedia entry on moxibustion therapy Acupuncture Today

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Multimodal Therapy What is multimodal therapy? Multimodal therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach which does not use just one form of psychotherapy, but many. It uses a variety of different theoretical approaches but does not necessarily adhere to their fundamental beliefs. Multimodal therapy was developed by psychologist, Dr Arnold Lazarus, in the mid 1970s as an improvement to his pioneering work on behaviour and cognitive behaviour therapy. Lazarus realised that in order to successfully treat patients, it was not just one aspect of the persona that had to be addressed, but many. You can read more about behaviour therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy in the behaviour therapy entry. How does multimodal therapy work? Multimodal therapy is based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy which aims to eliminate irrational and inaccurate thoughts and feelings. This is not achieved by following a pre-determined set of therapeutic rules, but by adapting therapy for each individual during which the therapist can draw on any number of other psychotherapeutic techniques; which ever are the most appropriate to that particular patient. Multimodal therapy does, however, follow a framework which consists of seven modalities, forming the acronym BASIC ID. These are: Behaviour, Affect, Sensation, Imagery, Cognition, Interpersonal and Drugs/Biology. This framework recognises the fact that humans are biological beings and as such we are constantly interacting with the world around us. In this sense, multimodal therapy considers the fact it is many elements of our biology which affect us, and not just one (as is the case with some other forms of psychotherapy). What can multimodal therapy be used for? Multimodal therapy can be used for a variety of conditions including depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, environmental factors and more. Is multimodal therapy an effective form of therapy? It is suggested that multimodal therapy has been recognised as one of the most effective forms of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT itself and the root of CBT, behaviour therapy, are in turn recognised as important and effective forms of therapy. Are there any known side effects with multimodal therapy? There are no known side effects with multimodal therapy. 204


Where can you find further information on multimodal therapy? Centre for Stress Management Wikipedia entry on multimodal therapy

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Music Therapy What is music therapy? Music therapy does not teach music — rather it encourages the positive effects of music in a therapeutic setting. It is considered to be an expressive therapy and is particularly useful for both children and adults who have learning difficulties, mental health problems, sensory or motor disabilities. Music therapy was first developed in the United States in the early to mid 1940s as it began to be recognised more for its therapeutic values rather than just as a way of diverting attention and entertaining patients. Musicians were encouraged to learn about the medical and physiological issues, but did not have any official training until the first music therapy course was established in 1946. Four years later, the first professional body, the National Association of Music Therapy, was established in the US. Meanwhile in the UK, musician Juliette Alvin had been training music therapists following her own work with children with learning disabilities, and in 1958 she and colleagues formed the British Society for Music Therapy. Since the 1960s, music therapy has been widely used in health, education and social services in the UK. How does music therapy work? Music therapy forms a strong relationship between the client and the therapist and allows a safe environment in which the client can express themselves through music, whether this be singing, listening or playing an instrument. Clients are not taught how to play, but are encouraged to explore and create their own musical language. The therapist can respond musically to what the client is doing and in this respect, it encourages the client further. The main aim of music therapy is to increase positive changes in the client, whether this is through development of motor skills, changes in behaviour and emotional wellbeing or improving self-confidence and self-awareness.

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What can music therapy be used for? Music therapy is most commonly used with adults and children who have mental or physical disabilities or difficulties. It can be used to improve motor skills and sensory skills as well as other physical or developmental problems. In addition, it has proved to be very beneficial when used with psychological conditions, and according to the Music Therapy Charity, it is so flexible that “it can be used with good effect to address almost the entire range of mental and psychological problems, from the most basic to the most challenging and self-destructive.” Is music therapy an effective form of therapy? Music therapy has both clinical and evidence-based proof that this is an effective form of therapy. It is well recognised and commonly used in both the United States and the United Kingdom, where the NHS uses Music Therapy regularly and is the largest employer of music therapists in the UK. Are there any known side effects with music therapy? There are no known side effects with music therapy. Where can you find further information on music therapy? British Society for Music Therapy The American Music Therapy Association

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Myofascial Release What is myofascial release? Myofascial release is classified as a bodywork form of complementary medicine. A practitioner uses massage techniques to stretch the ‘fascia’ (the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system in our bodies) and to release attachments between fascia, muscles, bones and integument (the external covering of the body). There are various reports of the origins of myofascial release, which vary according to which method of myofascial release is being adopted, as there is both a direct myofascial release and an indirect myofascial release method. 206


Direct myofascial release is said to have been derived from a method used in the 1920s called ‘fascial twist’. Around about the same time, a German physiotherapist developed connective tissue massage in which the myofascia was stretched. Indirect myofascial release is said to have originated in the late 19th century. It used a concept developed by the founder of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, though the term myofascial release was not adopted until 1981. How does myofascial release work? Direct myofascial release involves the application of pressure and is a very similar process to that used in the technique called rolfing, which is discussed in its own entry. Indirect myofascial release on the other hand, applies a lighter pressure and is the more commonly used description for this therapy. Indirect myofascial release involves light pressure with gentle stretching which is held for between 90 to 120 seconds to allow the fascia to unwind itself. The gentle pressure is said to stimulate the area by providing heat and resulting in increased blood flow so that the body has the ability to self correct itself. What can myofascial release be used for? There are a variety of conditions which myofascial release is quoted as being able to treat. These include: chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual discomfort, sciatica, sports injuries, whiplash, dizziness and vertigo, headaches, neck and shoulder pain and tension, frozen shoulder and multiple other conditions too. Is myofascial release an effective form of therapy? There is little evidence of many clinical studies having taken place in the field of myofascial release, therefore it is difficult to say with certainty whether this is an effective form of therapy. In addition, although the technique is gaining in popularity somewhat, it is still considered to be in the alternative category of medicine. Are there any known side effects with myofascial release? There are no known side effects with myofascial release. Where can you find further information on myofascial release? Myofascial Release Myofascial Release.com Article on myofascial release, by a physiotherapist

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N Narrative Therapy What is narrative therapy? Narrative therapy is a type of psychotherapy which aims to assist patients in recounting their stories (or narratives) of their lives, which is, on a basic level, an attempt to distance that person from their problems. Narrative therapy was developed throughout the 1970s and 1980s by Australian psychotherapist Michael White and New Zealander, David Epston. In the 1990s, their approach found popularity in North America when their book ‘Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends’ was published. Despite this, and the recognition which White earned for his work in family therapy, narrative therapy is actually fairly heavily criticised for several reasons (see below). How does narrative therapy work? Narrative therapy provides a means for the patient, or client, to essentially solve their own problems. The client is encouraged to talk about their life. The therapist is there to examine what is being said and to direct the client by asking appropriate questions which can help the client to ‘externalise’ a problem or problems. Hence, the therapist plays a crucial part in the therapy. Rather than just being there to listen to an account, the therapist can evaluate the account and then play an important role in the ‘healing’ process. What can narrative therapy be used for? It would appear that narrative therapy is a quite generalised form of therapy in that it can be used in a variety of different situations and to help clients to solve many different problems that they might be experiencing in their lives. For example, narrative therapy has often been used as a technique for family and relationships therapy. Is narrative therapy an effective form of therapy? Although narrative therapy quickly gained a following and is practised in many Western countries, there have been a number of criticisms over the way in which it is conducted and as to its claims of efficacy. One concern is that because the therapist very much guides the client, there is nothing to stop the therapist’s own personal opinions encroaching on the session, and this concern has not been acknowledged by the developers. Secondly, there is concern over the fact that research conducted into the effectiveness of narrative therapy has been very much qualitative rather than quantitative, and hence cannot be relied as support of its efficacy. In summary, there is currently not much evidence which can be relied upon to support the fact that narrative therapy is an effective form of therapy. 208


Are there any known side effects with narrative therapy? There are no known side effects with narrative therapy. Where can you find further information on narrative therapy? Wikipedia entry on narrative therapy Dulwich Centre (Australia)

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Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy What is natural hormone replacement therapy? Natural hormone replacement therapy may also be referred to as ‘bioidentical hormone replacement therapy’ or BHRT. It is a treatment designed primarily to alleviate the effects of the menopause in women. Natural hormone replacement therapy uses chemically produced hormones which are identical in content and composure to those which are produced naturally by our bodies. These chemically produced hormones may be used instead of syntheticallyproduced ones and may be safer and more effective. Natural hormone replacement therapy has become a popular form of treatment for menopausal women since a study was conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) which showed unfavourable results with synthetically produced hormones. How does natural hormone replacement therapy work? Natural hormone replacement therapy works by chemically producing a hormone which is biologically identical to the hormone which is usually produced by the human body. This bioidentical hormone can then be administered by injection, orally, or commonly as a topical cream. When a woman is menopausal, perimenopausal or post-menopausal, the body slows down and eventually ceases its production of certain hormones. This is natural, as it is in preparation for these hormones not being needed by the body as the woman passes child-bearing age. However, this change in hormone levels can also have other, undesirable effects on the body. These can leave the woman feeling depressed, irritable and with hot flushes, insomnia and sweats amongst other things. Natural hormone replacement therapy can be used to counteract these effects by giving the body back these hormones. However, natural hormone replacement 209

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy therapy is not a required treatment for women going through the menopause and is totally optional. What can natural hormone replacement therapy be used for? Natural hormone replacement therapy is used primarily for women who are menopausal, perimenopausal or post-menopausal, though some pharmaceutical companies are also claiming that these hormones can be used for anti-aging effects and for treatment of age-related diseases. Is natural hormone replacement therapy an effective form of therapy? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has warned a number of pharmaceutical companies about their claims that natural hormone replacement therapy can be used for anti-aging effects and treatment of age related diseases, as there is no medical proof of such claims. There are advantages to using natural hormone replacement therapy over conventional hormone therapy. Some synthetically produced hormones can have carcinogenic properties and the study referred to above by the WHI found positive results with bio identically produced hormones over synthetically produced ones. However, it is generally considered that there needs to be more research conducted into the effectiveness and safety of this therapy. Are there any known side effects with natural hormone replacement therapy? Any kind of hormone replacement therapy appears to have risks and side-effects, although contrarily not taking any sort of hormone replacement also appears to have risks too, as it can lead to depression and dementia. If you are considering natural hormone replacement therapy, you would be best advised to discuss your options and potential side effects with your doctor. Where can you find further information on natural hormone replacement therapy? Information on the FDA website regarding the menopause and hormones National Research Center for Women and Families – article on HRT Women’s Health – website section on HRT

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Naturopathy What is naturopathy? Naturopathy is also known as naturopathic medicine, and it is an alternative healing system which promotes self-healing. Naturopathy is not a therapy in itself but includes a range of other alternative medicine therapies which use various methods to enable the body to heal itself; a premise which is central to the idea of naturopathy. Some believe that the Greek Hippocrates was the first person to suggest the principal of naturopathic medicine and it has also been used for many hundreds of years as part of ayurveda, ancient Indian medicine, and within the Nature Cure of Europe movement. Modern day usage of naturopathy began in the 1880s with the Scottish doctor Thomas Allinson, whilst in the United States the early 1900s saw popularity in naturopathy increasing until the 1930s, when it went into decline. Although it is practised in many countries around the world, it is accepted in some but criticised in many too. There are six schools now teaching naturopathy in North America and three recognised courses in the UK. How does naturopathy work? Naturopathy works in various ways depending on exactly which form of therapy is being used. The underlying principle is the belief that all humans have the ability to heal themselves and that illness is a result of environmental factors. By using various forms of therapy as a type of assistance, it is possible to get the body to respond, and in a sense ‘kick-start’ it, into healing itself. Some therapies considered to fall under the naturopathy classification include: hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, homeopathy, herbalism and acupuncture. All of these therapies have their own entries where the way they work is described in more detail. What can naturopathy be used for? This will depend to a certain extent on the type of therapy being used. But as stated above, the main principle is to aid the body to heal itself. Therefore, this would suggest that there are no limitations to what naturopathy can be used to treat. Is naturopathy an effective form of therapy? Again, the effectiveness of naturopathy will depend on the type of therapy being used. However, naturopathy is considered to be an alternative form of medicine and faith in its effectiveness is questioned by the conventional medical world. For further discussion on this, see some of the links below.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with naturopathy? Whether there are any side effects associated with naturopathy will depend on exactly which form of therapy is being used, so please see the individual entries. Where can you find further information on naturopathy? Pro naturopathy: UK General Council and Register of Naturopaths North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners Against naturopathy The Skeptic’s Dictionary Naturopathy: A Critical Analysis

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Neuro Cranial Reconstruction Therapy What is neuro cranial reconstruction therapy? Neuro cranial reconstruction or neuro cranial restructuring therapy is a manipulative type of treatment which is said to re-align and restore the shape of the skull and also to rehydrate the brain. Neuro cranial reconstruction is purportedly effective with treating a great many conditions because of the links between the head, spine and rest of the body. It is believed that by using the correct manipulation, neuro cranial reconstruction can free the body of headaches and of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dyslexia and glaucoma to name just a few. Neuro cranial restructuring is a relatively new form of therapy and as such is not frequently practised around the world. Most practitioners are in the United States, though there are also several in Australia. How does neuro cranial reconstruction therapy work? Neuro cranial reconstruction works by freeing connections between the tissues in the head. These are connections which have fused together as a result of some kind of trauma, for example, a car accident or a sporting injury, or may just be connections which happen over time as we age. When these tissues are connected, it is believed 212

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy that long-term problems occur as a result. Hence freeing these connections allows our body to perform at its peak and rids us of other ailments and conditions. The patient is specially positioned according to what area is being treated. Next a small balloon, called an ‘endonasal balloon’ is inserted into the nostril and quickly inflated then removed. Treatments are usually conducted four days in a row and four treatments may be enough, or more may be required depending on what is being treated. What can neuro cranial reconstruction therapy be used for? One of the most commonly treated conditions with neuro cranial reconstruction is headaches and migraines. But it is said that this therapy can treat a huge number of other conditions, and can also be used in place of facial plastic surgery because of the effects it has on re-shaping the face. Some of the conditions said to be treated with neuro cranial restructuring therapy include: Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, depression, concussion and head injuries, glaucoma, insomnia, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, sinusitis, snoring, strokes and whiplash though there are also many more. Is neuro cranial reconstruction therapy an effective form of therapy? Being a relatively new form of therapy which is not practised widely around the world, there has so far been little research into the effectiveness of neuro cranial restructuring therapy. Practitioners do claim to have experienced quite staggering results. But without medical evidence and properly conducted tests, there is much scepticism about the effectiveness of neuro cranial reconstruction therapy in the mainstream medical world. Are there any known side effects with neuro cranial reconstruction therapy? There are no known side effects with neuro cranial reconstruction therapy. Where can you find further information on neuro cranial reconstruction therapy? Medfinds – website definition of neuro cranial reconstruction therapy NCRDoctors.com

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Neuro Emotional Technique What is neuro emotional technique? Neuro emotional technique, or NET, is a psychotherapeutic alternative form of therapy which is based on the idea that emotional and behavioural problems are linked to physical conditions within the body. Hence, by addressing one problem you are also addressing another. NET was developed by a chiropractor named Dr Scott Walker in the early 1980s. Dr Walker was looking for a form of therapy which he could use alongside chiropracting as a stress reduction technique, in order to give his patients a fuller form of treatment. Dr Walker used Applied Kinesiology (AK) (Kinesiology has its own entry with further information about this form of therapy) and adapted AK by utilising the link between the muscles and the emotions. How does neuro emotional technique work? NET therapy works on the assumption that emotional or psychological problems can be subconsciously held within the muscles of the body. For example, if we are afraid of something, our bodies will react by tensing the muscles, even though this reaction may be totally subconscious and hence we are not really aware of doing this action. NET therapy seeks to identify how the body is reacting to certain feelings and emotions and to de-tune the body, so that it disassociates the reaction. In this way, when we are presented with the same fear, our body does not react in the same way and our fear is no longer felt. Treatment is based on the same key points of the body and meridians as used in traditional Chinese medicine. Hence by identifying the problem, the correct point can be tapped and the emotion can be released. What can neuro emotional technique be used for? NET therapy is primarily used as a stress reduction technique, though it can also be used for a variety of other psychological conditions such as fear and anxiety, depression and emotional trauma. Is neuro emotional technique an effective form of therapy? There have been several case studies into the effectiveness of neuro emotional technique therapy, which have shown positive results when treating emotional stresses. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of neuro emotional technique therapy with a wider number of psychological conditions though. Are there any known side effects with neuro emotional technique? There are no known side effects with neuro emotional technique therapy. 214


Where can you find further information on neuro emotional technique? PsychNet UK – article on neuro emotional technique therapy NetMindBody

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Neuro Linguistic Programming What is Neuro Linguistic Programming? Neuro Linguistic Programming is often shortened to simply NLP, and is an alternative form of psychotherapy based on language and communication to support self and personal change. NLP was developed by a linguist, John Grindler, and a mathematician, Richard Bandler, in the 1970s, when they aimed to determine patterns between behaviour and communication. Their work was based on that of three successful and popular psychotherapists – Virginia Satir, Fritz Perls and Milton H. Erickson. Since its early development as an alternative form of psychotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming became more popular in the 1980s and a number of studies were performed, though some results meant that its popularity again diminished. Today, as a form of psychotherapy, it is still considered by many to be alternative, and by some to be pseudoscience. It has again grown in popularity over recent years as a tool for business communication and in management and sales, as well as in sports and for inter-personal and life coaching. This is very much because of the fact that it is such an accessible form of therapy. How does Neuro Linguistic Programming work? Neuro Linguistic Programming does not diagnose or treat mental or behavioural issues as most forms of psychotherapy do. Rather it is interested in how clients perceive themselves and self-perceived problems that they have. Hence it is more of a therapeutic form of therapy rather than a psychotherapeutic one. The techniques used in Neuro Linguistic Programming do vary from practitioner to practitioner. But the general techniques include terms known as anchoring, reframing, rapport and Swish and may also involve forms of hypnosis. Generally though, Neuro Linguistic Programming works by re-programming our minds and bodies.

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What can Neuro Linguistic Programming be used for? As mentioned above, Neuro Linguistic Programming has grown in popularity again over recent years as a form of alternative therapy and is quite commonly used by life coaches and for business development. It is also quite commonly used to treat addictions and phobias and for personal development, for relationships and for enhanced sports performance. Is Neuro Linguistic Programming an effective form of therapy? Opinion is divided as to the effectiveness of Neuro Linguistic Programming. Some studies conducted in the 1980s did not find adequate empirical evidence and hence interest in the therapy dwindled. Today, it is more readily recognised as an alternative therapy rather than psychotherapy, as it was initially intended. Because of this, and because there is so little evidence to support its claims, Neuro Linguistic Programming is considered by many in the world of psychotherapy to be a pseudoscience. Are there any known side effects with Neuro Linguistic Programming? There are no known side effects with Neuro Linguistic Programming. Where can you find further information on Neuro Linguistic Programming? Wikipedia entry on Neuro Linguistic Programming The Association of Neuro Linguistic Programming The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on Neuro Linguistic Programming

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Neurofeedback Therapy What is neurofeedback therapy? Neurofeedback therapy is sometimes also referred to as neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback or as neurofeedback training. It is a type of therapy which uses a form of real-time feedback on the client’s brainwave activity which can be used for a variety of forms of therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Neurofeedback therapy has its origins in the 1920s when a German psychiatrist, Hans Berger, discovered that the brain emits small electrical currents. This became the first use of electroencephalography (commonly abbreviated as EEG), and Berger wrote a number of reports on his findings over the next few years. But it was not until the 1960s that neurofeedback therapy began to become popular. An article by Joe Kamiya was published following experiments he had conducted which showed that by use of EEG machines, clients could be trained to control the output of their ‘alpha waves’ from the brain. The concept has been developed further over recent years as it is believed that this form of therapy may be useful for the treatment of conditions such as alcoholism and other addictions, for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and for attention deficit disorder. How does neurofeedback therapy work? A client is connected to an EEG machine so that a diagnosis can be made as to their problems. This also provides a visible record which can be used to determine in later sessions whether progress has been made. Once the client’s problems are determined, a particular form of therapy can be chosen by the practitioner to best suit the condition. Often the therapy will be based on reward. This means that ‘good’ brainwave activity will be rewarded in some way, whereas ‘bad’ brainwave activity will not be, or may be punished. In this way, the client can be trained to change or self-regulate their brainwaves and in so doing, they are, in effect, changing themselves psychologically and correcting their problems. What can neurofeedback therapy be used for? As mentioned above, neurofeedback therapy is being used in a number of situations including for the treatment of addictions, for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for sleep disorders, epilepsy, psychopathic offenders and for dysphoric disorders. Is neurofeedback therapy an effective form of therapy? There has been a fair amount of research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy when used for a number of different conditions and generally results appear to be positive. The highest use of neurofeedback therapy is currently as treatment for ADD and ADHD. Are there any known side effects with neurofeedback therapy? There are no known side effects with neurofeedback therapy.

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Where can you find further information on neurofeedback therapy? The Biofeedback Foundation of Europe EEG Info – What is neurofeedback?

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Neuromodulation Technique What is neuromodulation technique? Neuromodulation technique therapy is an alternative form of therapy based on the theory that our bodies have the ability to heal themselves, and that illness is as a result of imbalances in our body’s unique healing processes. Neuromodulation technique therapy aims to identify where the imbalances are, and to prompt the body into correcting them and hence begin a process of healing. The technique was developed in 2002 by Dr Leslie Feinburg, an American doctor, who based his research of the past 20 or so years on various energy-based medicines from around the world, such as Chinese acupuncture. By merging ancient healing techniques with modern medicine he developed neuromodulation technique therapy. How does neuromodulation technique work? Neuromodulation technique therapy uses ‘muscle response testing’ to determine what and where the problems lie within the body. Once the problems have been discovered, the client will be asked to perform certain breathing exercises whilst the practitioner gently taps the relevant vertebrae on the spine. This process is said to reset the immune system which can over time malfunction. What can neuromodulation technique be used for? Because neuromodulation technique therapy is said to target the body’s immune system, there is probably no boundary as to what this therapy can be used to treat. According to the NMT website: “Neuromodulation technique often produces instantaneous, and profound results in cases of virtually all forms of illness that are provoked by faults in the function of the autonomic control system.” As a non-invasive and non-manipulative form of therapy it can be used on people of all ages and conditions as it is not a painful procedure. 218

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is neuromodulation technique an effective form of therapy? As a relatively new and alternative form of therapy, there has been little unbiased study and research into the true effectiveness of neuromodulation technique therapy. Therefore it is difficult to say whether or not this is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with neuromodulation technique? There are no known side effects with neuromodulation technique therapy. Where can you find further information on neuromodulation technique? NMT – Neuromodulation Technique website

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Nutritional Therapy What is nutritional therapy? Nutritional therapy is considered to be an alternative form of medicine, despite the fact that it is widely recognised throughout the medical world that good nutrition and diet is crucial for health and wellbeing. However, nutritional therapy remains as an alternative form of medicine because it cannot replace pharmaceuticals in treating specific illnesses. So the medical world is keen that patients do not only follow a nutritional form of therapy when they can get faster and possibly more effective treatment for their condition. Nutritional therapy is based on the idea that personal well-being and illnesses are directly affected by the diets we consume, and that through consultation with a nutritional therapist we can get the body back on track, so that it is able to fight disease effectively on its own. How does nutritional therapy work? Nutritional therapy is a very individual form of therapy, taking into account that no two people are the same; each therapy session will be designed specifically for each individual. A treatment plan will be formulated once the therapist has a detailed background on the client and this may involve using other alternative medicine diagnostic tools, such as Kinesiology (which has its own entry where you can find further information). Often the therapist will provide a ‘whole system’ approach in that they do not only advise on nutrition, but can offer advice and recommendations as to how to avoid allergens, how to help digestion and on natural detoxification. 219


What can nutritional therapy be used for? Nutritional therapy can be used to promote general well-being and good health as a programme of disease limitation, or to specifically target an illness. Often digestive and colon problems may be treated with nutritional therapy. In addition, nutritional therapy is becoming recognised as important in the treatment of children with behavioural and weight problems, such as autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which are often attributed to bad diet. Is nutritional therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, although good nutrition is recognised by the medical world as very important for good health and well-being, it is still considered to be an alternative form of medicine. This means that the medical world would not recommend that nutritional therapy be used solely as a form of treatment, but more as a complementary form of treatment, alongside conventional medical practises. Are there any known side effects with nutritional therapy? When consulting with a trained nutritional therapist there should not be any side effects with nutritional therapy, except for minor side effects which are as a result of the changes taking place within your body. Where can you find further information on nutritional therapy? Nutritional Therapy Council Nutritional Therapy Association

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O Occupational Therapy What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is the provision of a service to people who are usually disadvantaged in some way due to physical or mental disabilities. They may be unable to participate in everyday routines which most able bodied people would take for granted. Occupational therapy is the promotion of health and wellbeing through occupation. However, this does not necessarily mean occupation as in a job, but rather enabling people to participate in everyday activities so that the person can lead a more fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying life. Occupational therapy was developed at different times throughout the world – in the United States the first professional body was established in 1917, whilst in the United Kingdom the first association was formed in 1932 when the Scottish Association of Occupational Therapists was established. There are now many associations around the developed world and it is considered to be an important form of therapy for people of all ages. How does occupational therapy work? Occupational therapy works by assisting people to make the most of their lives. This can happen in many different ways as occupational therapy is tailored to the individual depending on what their specific needs are. For example, according to the British Association for Occupational Therapists, an occupational therapist may do the following: • • • • • • • •

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give advice on how the home or workplace environment can be changed (for example, ensuring wheelchair ramps are installed) help people to learn new ways of doing things (for e.g., teaching someone with reduced stamina how to conserve energy when performing daily activities) adapt materials or equipment (for example, adjusting a knife for someone after they have lost hand dexterity) consult in schools to help children overcome writing difficulties and other learning challenges assist an ageing couple to care for one another in their own home help someone suffering from depression to return to the workplace travel to developing countries or war-torn regions to set up rehabilitation programmes work with disadvantaged groups, for example the homeless, in their own community


What can occupational therapy be used for? Occupational therapy may be used with people of all ages and backgrounds who may have been born with a disability, be it mental or physical, or people who have suffered a disability as a result of an accident or from a war injury. In addition, occupational therapy is simply used to assist the elderly who may find it more difficult to perform certain daily tasks as they grow older and frailer. Is occupational therapy an effective form of therapy? Occupational therapy is recognised as an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with occupational therapy? There are no known side effects with occupational therapy. Where can you find further information on occupational therapy? British Association of Occupational Therapists/College of Occupational Therapists World Federation of Occupational Therapists

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Ortho-Bionomy Therapy What is ortho-bionomy therapy? Ortho-bionomy is an alternative form of therapy developed by a British osteopath named Dr Arthur Pauls in the 1970s. As an osteopath and judo instructor, he wanted to establish a form of therapy which would encourage the body’s own self-healing abilities. Dr Pauls named this process ortho-bionomy as a combination of three words – ‘ortho’ meaning straight, ‘bio’ meaning life and ‘nomy’ meaning the study of. Ortho-bionomy was first taught in the United States from 1976 and has since been taught extensively across Europe also. However, because it is considered an alternative therapy and is based on homeopathic principles, ortho-bionomy has not become a very mainstream practice. 222


How does ortho-bionomy therapy work? Ortho-bionomy assumes that our bodies can become stuck in unfavourable tension positions following some kind of trauma or injury suffered. When we suffer an injury, the body reacts by attempting to immobilise the affected area and to protect it by putting the muscles or tissues into a tense or spasmodic condition. However, this reaction can become customary as the body gets used to the new positioning and can lead to further problems and chronic pain. Ortho-bionomy works by addressing a combination of both physical structure and energy flows of the body. The practitioner will establish what the client’s preferred body position is, in other words, the posture at which the person is naturally most comfortable with. He will then begin the therapy with the aim of releasing the muscles and/or tissues and hence releasing trapped energy. This is performed by gently pressing into the correct area of the body and in a sense, telling the central nervous system what it should be doing. What can ortho-bionomy therapy be used for? Ortho-bionomy can be used to treat a number of conditions whether they are associated with some kind of trauma or not. These conditions include: headaches and migraines, back ache, general muscular stiffness, neck pain, arthritis, poor circulation and sports injuries. Is ortho-bionomy therapy an effective form of therapy? Because ortho-bionomy is an alternative and somewhat homeopathic form of therapy, it is not accepted in the mainstream medical world as an effective form of therapy. However, it may be effective as a complementary form of therapy, though there has been little research on this. Are there any known side effects with ortho-bionomy therapy? There are no known side effects with ortho-bionomy, and if performed by a trained practitioner there should be no risks involved as the process is a gentle and noninvasive one. Where can you find further information on ortho-bionomy therapy? TherapyNet description of ortho-bionomy

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Osteopathy What is osteopathy? Osteopathy is an alternative form of therapy, though it is one of the most recognised alternative therapies in the world and is often used as a complementary medicine based on a holistic approach. The theory behind osteopathy is that the musculoskeletal system of our bodies is what ultimately affects both our overall health and our susceptibility to disease. It was developed by an American doctor, Andrew Still, from 1874. Dr Still was disillusioned with traditional medical practices of the time which he thought were generally ineffective and barbaric. He developed osteopathy because he believed that the human body was capable of healing itself and that a physician should in fact be aiding this process. Osteopathy began as a holistic approach – by encouraging a generally healthy lifestyle and diet by abstaining from alcohol and drugs and then using manipulative techniques to improve physiological functioning. How does osteopathy work? Dr Still suggested that disease was the effect of our bones being out of place, as this in turn disrupts blood flow and the nervous system. Hence by using manipulation to re-place the bones, the normal flow would be restored. As a holistic approach, an osteopath will treat the whole person in that they will first have an extensive consultation and a thorough examination. Diagnosis is generally determined by touch, and treatment is performed in a variety of ways depending on what is being treated. This may involve deep tissue massage and other forms of massage, but this therapy is always non-invasive and is designed specifically for the person being treated. An osteopathy session may also involve being offered advice on lifestyle issues such as diet and exercise. What can osteopathy be used for? There are many conditions which can be treated with osteopathy therapy, though it is more generally considered in the present day that these are limited to musculoskeletal ones such as: muscular aches and pains, tennis elbow, mobility problems, arthritis, sciatica, asthma, back pain, joint pain, headache and migraine, problems during pregnancy, sports injuries, and tension and stiffness. Is osteopathy an effective form of therapy? Although osteopathy is considered to be an alternative form of therapy, it is generally accepted for its benefits and is widely used as a complementary therapy to more conventional medicine techniques.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Osteopathy is well regulated across the developed world which would suggest that it is recognised as an effective form of therapy and practitioners are licensed and fully trained in osteopathy. Are there any known side effects with osteopathy? There are no known side effects with osteopathy and when performed by a trained practitioner, there should be no risks. Where can you find further information on osteopathy? General Osteopathic Council British School of Osteopathy

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Oxygen Therapy What is oxygen therapy? Oxygen therapy is the term usually used to describe the long-term use of oxygen which would be used to aid patients who need more oxygen to be supplied to the lungs, because their bodies are obstructing the airflow. It is therefore often used by patients who have severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which, 95 per cent of the time, is as a result of smoking. How does oxygen therapy work? If a patient is suffering from COPD they will usually have a problem with hypoxia which will structurally change their pulmonary system. Using oxygen therapy has been shown to reverse, to some extent, the effects of hypoxia and hence reduce mortality rates for patients with COPD. Use of oxygen therapy is very long-term though, and it is usually recommended for extensive periods every day (such as for 15 hours continuously). However, certain concentrations of oxygen can also be very dangerous to patients with COPD, and hence the dangers would be discussed before agreeing on treatment. See the ‘side effects’ section below.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can oxygen therapy be used for? In the UK, two thirds of the patients on long term oxygen therapy are receiving treatment for COPD. Oxygen therapy may also be used for the following conditions: severe airflow obstruction, cyanosis, polycythaemia, peripheral oedema and elevated jugular venous pressure. Is oxygen therapy an effective form of therapy? A number of studies and clinical trials have been conducted as to the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. The results have shown that long term oxygen therapy for patients suffering with COPD have been good in that the therapy has extended their life. Oxygen therapy has also been shown to be effective in aiding people with other respiratory problems, such as difficulty in breathing when participating in everyday exercise. Are there any known side effects with oxygen therapy? Oxygen therapy is accepted more for its benefits than for its possible side effects, though there are risks involved. The main risk is for patients who retain carbon dioxide and who lose their respiratory drive when given doses of oxygen in a lesser concentration. However, when a patient is prescribed oxygen therapy, this would be done in consultation with their doctor and these issues would be addressed at that time. Where can you find further information on oxygen therapy? Wikipedia entry on oxygen therapy British Medical Journal – information on oxygen therapy

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P Panchakarma Therapy What is panchakarma therapy? Panchakarma therapy is a form of detoxification which is practised as part of the ancient Indian medical system, called ayurveda, or ayurvedic medicine. Panchakarma therapy is becoming more popular in the Western world over recent years where it may be used as just a one-off form of therapy. However, as part of ayurveda, panchakarma therapy should be performed on a regular basis as a method of prevention and treatment for a multitude of illnesses. The main theory behind panchakarma therapy is that it can prevent the accumulation of toxins (called ‘doshas’) within the body. It is believed that it is the accumulation of these toxins that causes disease and bad health. How does panchakarma therapy work? Panchakarma means ‘five actions’. Hence there are five parts to panchakarma therapy which are selected according to the needs of the client. These five actions are: nasal therapy, emesis, purging and two kinds of therapeutic enema. Panchakarma therapy is performed using special massage oils and massage techniques and the process lasts far longer than a standard ayurvedic massage would do. It should be performed by someone specially trained in panchakarma therapy. There are three treatment stages which would be undergone regardless of which of the five actions are being used. These three stages are pre-treatment, primary treatment and post-treatment. As well as detoxifying the body so as to rid it of disease-causing toxins, panchakarma therapy also revitalises the tissues and is hence often referred to as a rejuvenation therapy. What can panchakarma therapy be used for? As previously mentioned, panchakarma therapy should be used as a general detoxification of the body so as to rid the body of diseases, and when used on a regular basis it should also aid the body in preventing future diseases too. Therefore it would appear that there are no limits to what panchakarma therapy can be used for. Is panchakarma therapy an effective form of therapy? Panchakarma therapy has been used for thousands of years as part of the ancient Indian ayurvedic medicine system. It is only more recently being used in the Western world and is hence considered to be an alternative form of medicine.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy As an alternative medicine, little or no study has been done as to its effectiveness and the opinion in the medical world is generally one of scepticism. Are there any known side effects with panchakarma therapy? There are no known side effects with panchakarma therapy. Where can you find further information on panchakarma therapy? Wikipedia entry on panchakarma therapy The Ayurvedic Institute – panchakarma page The Hale Clinic – panchakarma therapy

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Past Life Regression Therapy What is past life regression therapy? Past life regression therapy is a form of therapy which may be undertaken in an attempt to address a number of psychological or psychosomatic problems, though it is also sometimes used for spiritual reasons and by people who are simply curious. Past life regression therapy was first studied in the 1950s by a number of psychologists and psychiatrists who researched the therapy and its benefits. And interest in the subject has remained quite high in the UK, the US and Australia. Some of the key people in this field include Alexander Cannon, Denys Kelsey, Morris Netherton and Edith Fiore. More recently, past life regression therapy is now being integrated with current life regression when it is called simply ‘regression therapy’, and the two psychologists most notably linked with this area are Andy Tomlinson and Hans Ten Dam. How does past life regression therapy work? Past life regression therapy would usually be conducted by a trained hypnotherapist and works by inducing a state of hypnosis in the client and then ‘guiding’ them into exploring a past life or lives. As a form of therapy, as opposed to using it for recreational purposes, clients who have been successfully treated with past life regression therapy will recount events and perhaps names and places. However, past life regression therapy is not necessarily the client remembering past life memories. It is in fact recognised that 228

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy often what is being narrated by the client is actually just from their own imagination. But whether it is real or not, this form of therapy has succeeded where others have not. What can past life regression therapy be used for? As mentioned above, past life regression therapy is often undergone by people who are simply curious as to whether they had a past life and what it was. When performed in this capacity, it is not a therapy as such but may be more of a spiritual experience. In terms of use for therapeutic purposes, past life regression therapy is used to help people who are suffering from psychological or emotional problems and would be used alongside or in place of more conventional forms of psychotherapy. Is past life regression therapy an effective form of therapy? Studies have shown that the use of past life regression therapy has been remarkably effective as a therapeutic tool in treating clients who have previously shown little or no improvement when using other forms of therapy. In addition, improvement has often been very fast, dramatic and permanent in that the client has not had a relapse. Scepticism is quite high as to whether clients are actually experiencing a past life or whether it is just the product of their imagination. However it does not really matter whether it is real or not if the therapy produces effective results. Are there any known side effects with past life regression therapy? Generally, past life regression therapy is considered to be a safe form of therapy. However, some researchers have raised concerns about risks whereby a previous personality discovered in the regression has not gone away, or the client has come out from the hypnosis in an altered state. Where can you find further information on past life regression therapy? Hypnotic Regression to Previous Lives – by the researcher Dr Ian Stevenson Past Life Regression Directory of UK Therapists International Board for Regression Therapy

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Phage Therapy What is phage therapy? Phage therapy, sometimes known as ‘biocontrol’ (as in ‘phage-mediated biocontrol of bacteria’) is a somewhat experimental form of therapy which uses bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections. Phage therapy has been used fairly extensively for nearly a century in some Eastern European countries. But the therapy is yet to become commonplace in Western Europe and the rest of the developed world for the treatment of humans, as opposed to in veterinary science and agriculture. Bacteriophages were discovered by Frederick Twort and Felix d’Herelle in 1915 and 1917 and — because this was prior to the discovery of antibiotics — there was much recognition of the importance of this discovery. The first Phage Therapy Institute was established in the city of Tbilisa in Georgia, in 1926 and from the 1940s, Russia began to undertake extensive research and development in this field too. Also during the 1940s, commercialisation of phage therapy began. But when antibiotics were discovered in 1941, these became the preferred method of treatment and hence interest in phage therapy in the Western world diminished. Development and use of phage therapy has continued throughout this period in both Russia and Georgia where it is commonly used today. However, in the Western world there are no authorised forms of phage therapy for use on humans, although it is being used for killing food poisoning bacteria. Despite this current situation, there is now renewed interest in phage therapy because of the build-up of so much human resistance to antibiotics, and hence phage therapy is again being considered as an alternative. How does phage therapy work? In basic terms, phage therapy works by cultivating phages on bacteria – this is a natural process which occurs with time. Phages are bacterium specific, which means that each type of bacteria will cultivate a specific type of phage, and this in turn means that potentially any type of bacteria can be used and cultivated. There is hence the potential for treating all manner of infections. Usually application is not given by injection, as better results are achieved orally or topically. Once the phages are inside the body, they search for the bacteria specific to their make-up and kill it.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can phage therapy be used for? As mentioned above, following the basic premise that phages can be cultivated on bacteria, it would appear to indicate that there are no limits to what phage therapy could be used for. If a new type of bacteria is discovered, then there seems to be no reason why phages could not be cultivated. Phage therapy can be used for spraying on certain food types to eliminate bacteria present on foods and is also used in veterinary and agricultural medicine. It is important to remember that at this stage in time, phage therapy is not used or licensed in most of Europe or the USA for use on humans. Is phage therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned, phage therapy is only recently being considered again as an alternative to antibiotics and hence it is early days in terms of research. Research which has been conducted to date does appear to show positive outcomes. Phage therapy has been used in Georgia for nearly a century and about half a century in Russia. The fact that this is a form of therapy which is still used today would seem to indicate that it is effective. Time will tell whether phage therapy becomes the norm in the Western world. Are there any known side effects with phage therapy? Despite the somewhat off-putting process which is used in the production of phages, phage therapy is actually a quite safe form of therapy. It is reported that phage therapy can actually be safer and have fewer side effects than traditional antibiotics. Phage therapy is also potentially faster acting than antibiotics and because they are bacteria-specific, they can target infection more easily than antibiotics. Where can you find further information on phage therapy? Rowland Institute at Harvard – Research article on phage therapy Wikipedia entry on phage therapy

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Photo Therapy What is photo therapy? Photo therapy is sometimes used as part of wider range of counselling or behaviour therapy which uses photography as a means for the client to explore their deepest feelings. Practitioners say that while looking at snapshots, their clients create the meaning that they think is coming from the photo. Thus this is a subjective judgement which gives the therapist helpful information about what the client thinks of themselves and how they see themselves within the context of their life and their relationships with others. How does photo therapy work? Photo therapy works by using lots of different techniques around photos and photography. Sometimes existing or old photos that the client has in their collection or album are reflected upon and studied, and the client expresses their feelings about them to the therapist. At other times, new photographs are posed for and taken to reflect a new narrative, reached by counselling, about the client’s life. Clients are encouraged to use today’s technology to play with the photos, to revisualise a new and more positive narrative for them, to re-set them into a new life story, and integrate them into other art therapy creative projects and or even set them into an animated dialogue with other photos. By using all these different ways of playing with photographs, its thought that the client can let go of unhelpful ways of seeing themselves and begin to visualise themselves in a healthier light. What can photo therapy be used for? Photo therapy is thought to be particularly good for emotional health issues to do with bereavement or loss, divorce, feeling socially or culturally marginalised due to race, disability or special needs, or behaving in an inappropriate way in social situations due to misreading body language and non-verbal clues. It’s also used as a tool in diversity training, conflict resolution and divorce mediation. Is photo therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned, behavioural psychotherapists find photo therapy to be a useful form of therapy when used in conjunction with other therapies. For this reason, it is difficult to assess how effective photo therapy is, taken in isolation from other therapies that are used in a treatment. There is no scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of photo therapy in itself, partly for the same reason. But practitioners of it report positive results with their clients in an anecdotal way. 232

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with photo therapy? There are no known side effects with photo therapy. Where can you find further information on photo therapy? Photo Therapy Centre Photo Therapy – book by Judy Weiser, R.Psych., A.T.R.

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Photodynamic Therapy What is photodynamic therapy? Photodynamic therapy is a form of medical technology and treatment for cancer which has its background in the early 1900s, though it has only recently come to be recognised as a feasible form of therapy. When the technique was first used by German physician, Friedrich Meyer-Betz in 1913, it was known as photoradiation therapy. Meyer-Betz’s studies were expanded upon by the work of others around the world, including American Thomas Dougherty. The therapy was renamed photodynamic therapy when it was realised that the term ‘radiation’, which had formerly been used, was producing negative associations. The product manager of a medical equipment company, John Toth, came up with the new name and wrote the first White Paper on the therapy. In 1986, Thomas Dougherty started the International Photodynamic Association. How does photodynamic therapy work? Photodynamic therapy works by using three essential components: a photosensitiser, light and tissue oxygen. A photosensitiser is a chemical compound which is given to the patient. During treatment, this compound is set into an excited state by a particular light which is directed to the tissues which are being treated. There are different levels of excited states, though during one of these levels the photosensitiser will come into contact with oxygen molecules and create a reaction, the result of which is called a ‘singlet oxygen’. This type of oxygen then reacts very quickly with biomolecules in its vicinity and destroys them.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy After treatment, the area of exposed skin will scab over within a few days and flake away, and within just a few weeks the skin is completely healed. For large malignancies, several treatments may be required. What can photodynamic therapy be used for? Photodynamic therapy is used for the treatment of malignancies, usually which are on the skin or just below the skin. Studies are being conducted as to the use of photodynamic therapy for other cancers too. But generally, and for the time being, photodynamic therapy is not effective below one centimetre under the skin, simply because the light source cannot penetrate any further than this. Photodynamic therapy is also beginning to be used for treating acne and for psoriasis, as well as being an approved form of treatment for wet macular degeneration (which can cause blindness). Is photodynamic therapy an effective form of therapy? Photodynamic therapy is recognised as being an effective form of therapy for the treatment as described above – for skin, and just below the skin, malignancies. Because of the limitations of the light needed to activate the photosensitiser compound, generally, at this time, photodynamic therapy is not effective with malignancies which are any lower than the one centimetre below the skin mark. It has also been found that photodynamic therapy is not as effective in treating large tumours. Are there any known side effects with photodynamic therapy? Generally photodynamic therapy is a safe form of therapy for the treatment of skin cancers. However, there are a few minor side effects. Firstly, the area which has been treated will commonly be painful after treatment, and secondly, the patient will be told to avoid excessive exposure to the sun for a period of time after treatment. Where can you find further information on photodynamic therapy? Cancer Research UK – press release on photodynamic therapy National Cancer Institute (US) – photodynamic therapy FAQs Wikipedia entry on photodynamic therapy

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Physical Manipulation Therapy What is physical manipulation therapy? Physical manipulation therapy is also sometimes known as joint manipulation. It is the manipulation of parts of the body in order to produce movement and to stimulate tissues, and is often associated with ‘synovial’ joints – the most common and most moveable joints within our body. It is classified as a type of ‘manual therapy’. Physical manipulation therapy is usually used as part of the treatment provided by physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. If the therapy is applied to joints within the spine, then it is more specifically known as ‘spinal manipulation’. How does physical manipulation therapy work? Physical manipulation therapy uses thrust techniques, in addition to deep tissue massage in order to re-place joints and soft tissues. It is often associated with an ‘audible click’ or pop which occurs within the synovial fluid of the joint. Because physical manipulation therapy is not usually practised in isolation, the way in which it works will depend on the techniques being used and on who is performing them — in other words, whether it is part of physiotherapy or chiropractic therapy. What can physical manipulation therapy be used for? Physical manipulation therapy can be used for a range of conditions affecting the joints. Generally, the benefits include: temporary relief of musculoskeletal pains, relaxation of muscles, release of trapped synovial fluids and their associated problems, reducing the time taken to recover from acute back sprains, temporary increase in motion, and physiological effects on the central nervous system. Is physical manipulation therapy an effective form of therapy? There have been a number of studies conducted on physical manipulation therapy which have looked at how it works and what the risks are with this. Results have shown there to be a certain amount of effectiveness in this form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with physical manipulation therapy? Because physical manipulation therapy is a type of manipulative therapy, there are risks involved, especially if treatment is on the spine. Incidents of side effects are rare, though can include strokes, vertebrobasilar accidents (VBA), vertebral and rib fractures and cauda equina syndrome, which is loss of nerve function in the spinal canal. When performed by a fully trained professional, risks should be very minimal. 235


Where can you find further information on physical manipulation therapy? Wikipedia entry on joint manipulation Peak Performance – article: ‘Joint Manipulation: Is it Safe?’ International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists

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Physical Medicine What is physical medicine? Physical medicine therapy is also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), or simply as physiatry. Physical medicine therapy deals with the rehabilitation and restoration of optimal functioning of a person who has been affected by a physical disability. The term ‘physiatry’ was first used by Dr Frank Krusen in 1938, though physical medicine as a practice was being adopted a few years prior to this. The Mayo Clinic, for example, first had a physical medicine department in 1936. The practise of physical medicine therapy became more mainstream following World War 2 when better forms of rehabilitation were sought for the returning injured soldiers to the United States. And the term ‘physiatry’ was hence accepted by the American Medical Association in 1946. Today, physical medicine therapy is primarily a form of therapy practised within the United States, though varying forms of this are also practised around the world. How does physical medicine work? The primary goal of physical medicine therapy is to enable the patient to function optimally within the boundaries or limitations of the illness they have, when it is usually recognised that their particular illness or condition does not have a known cure. Therefore, physical medicine therapy recognises that the patient has an incurable condition. So rather than try to bring the patient back to the state they were in before this condition, it works with what they have now in order for them to function as well

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy as possible within those limitations. The ethos of physical medicine therapy is therefore to treat the patient, not the disease. This optimal condition will be brought about by using a number of different approaches, including physical training and therapeutic exercise, assistive devices, prosthetics and medications, though obviously which methods are used will vary according to the patient and their particular needs. What can physical medicine be used for? A number of conditions can benefit from the treatment of physical medicine therapy, including: stroke, sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, musculoskeletal pains, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury and amputation. Is physical medicine an effective form of therapy? Physical medicine therapy is recognised as being an important and effective form of therapy for treating the aforementioned conditions. Are there any known side effects with physical medicine? There are no known side effects with physical medicine therapy. Where can you find further information on physical medicine? BBC h2g2 – article on physical medicine and rehabilitation Wikipedia entry on physical medicine and rehabilitation Association of Academic Physiatrists

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Physiotherapy What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy (known as physical therapy in the United States) is a programme of care which is usually specifically designed for the individual, according to their needs. It will be performed by a trained physiotherapist or by other healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors or osteopaths. It is believed that a form of physiotherapy was first practised as long ago as 460 BC by Hippocrates.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy But it was not until 1894 that it was first recognised as a profession when four English nurses formed the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Following this, other countries also introduced their own formal training programmes, including Reed College in the United States in 1914. Despite there being little scientific evidence to support the theory behind physiotherapy, it is commonly practised throughout the developed world as part of everyday medicine. In the UK, for example, physiotherapy is often administered within the NHS. How does physiotherapy work? Physiotherapy uses a combination of different techniques to produce the desired effect. This may include massage and/or manipulation, electrotherapy or hydrotherapy. It is also quite common for physiotherapy to simply use an exercise programme whereby the therapist will devise the most suitable exercises for the client to perform in order to strengthen or repair damaged muscles and tissues. What can physiotherapy be used for? Physiotherapy can be used for a wide range of conditions and in different environments, for example, within the NHS or in private settings. It can also be useful for people of all age ranges. The problems usually addressed by physiotherapy include conditions which have affected the muscles or bones, as well as problems with the heart, circulation and the lungs. It is thought to be beneficial for people suffering with arthritis and is very commonly associated with rehabilitation after an accident or illness. Is physiotherapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, despite physiotherapy being very frequently practised, there is actually little scientific evidence as to how effective as a form of therapy it is. Generally it is accepted as being effective because the techniques which are used have been in operation over the years, even though any evidence which has been presented has been unreliable and untrustworthy. In a survey conducted in the late 1990s, fewer than five per cent of physiotherapists asked in England and Australia admitted to regularly reviewing scientific literature regarding practice decisions. Are there any known side effects with physiotherapy? Physiotherapy may use massage, manipulative techniques and exercise as a means to aiding a patient’s problems. These techniques themselves are not without risk, but when physiotherapy is overseen by a trained physiotherapist, there should be no risk of side effects or dangers. 238


Where can you find further information on physiotherapy? NHS Direct Health Encyclopaedia entry on physiotherapy The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy American Physical Therapy Association

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Phytotherapy What is phytotherapy? Phytotherapy is the use of extracts of natural origin for therapeutic value. By ‘natural origin’ this could be from plants as well as other living organisms such as fungi. To a large extent, phytotherapy is simply considered to be just another name for herbal medicine and is widely thought of as an alternative medicine in the Western world. However, the term phytotherapy may also be used when discussing the modern study of medicines from natural sources, known as pharmacognosy. Pharmacognosy is essentially a recognised form of herbalism which is used very commonly by pharmaceutical companies to manufacture a variety of different drugs used in our everyday lives. However, because phytotherapy is largely considered to be herbal medicine, please read the herbal medicine entry for further information on how the use of plants in medicine works, what they can be used for, how effective they are and whether there are any side effects.

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Pilates What is Pilates? Pilates, or Pilates Method, is described as a holistic ‘fitness system’ which was designed to strengthen the deep torso muscles and to hence provide the firm support that the spine requires for overall health and body fitness. Pilates was developed during the First World War by Joseph Pilates in an attempt to improve rehabilitation for many of the returning soldiers. He originally called this therapy ‘contrology’, because he believed that his method used the mind to control the muscles, and that mental and physical health are therefore directly combined. With injured soldiers, he developed a number of movements which encouraged the strengthening and stretching of important muscles, and later went on to develop what he called ‘The Pilates Principles’ which focus on the entire body and include breathing, concentration, proper alignment and control. Today, Pilates, as it’s most commonly known, is practiced by approximately 11 million people around the world and is a hence a very popular form of therapy. How does Pilates work? Probably the most common practice of Pilates uses the Pilates Principles of: flowing movement, breathing, centring, concentration, control and precision. The most important aspect of Pilates is that the mind and body become merged so that the body can be used to its greatest advantage and this is done by paying constant attention to the body and its movements. Breathing exercises help to purge carbon dioxide from the body and to aid the blood to become oxygen rich. This helps the muscles and enlivens the cells. Centring is based on the large group of muscles in the centre of the body, which Pilates calls the ‘powerhouse’, or ‘core’. This group of muscles provides the starting point for the energy required for Pilates exercises. Concentration is very important for Pilates as it requires very high levels of focus, whilst control means that the muscles should move in a controlled way so as to avoid injury and produce the best results. Finally, precision is the principle that every movement in Pilates has a purpose, and that by conducting Pilates exercises, it is vitally important that each and every part of that exercise be completed otherwise the full effect will not be realised. What can Pilates be used for? Pilates is commonly used as a general form of exercise for people who want to keep their body in good shape. It can be used to improve posture and mobility and to encourage healthy joints. It is often used by athletes as a complementary form of exercise. 240


Pilates is also recognised as providing beneficial exercise to people suffering with a range of conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and scoliosis. In addition, Pilates is said to alleviate aches and pains, help the elderly with balance and coordination and maintain and improve bone density. Is Pilates an effective form of therapy? The fact that Pilates is practiced by 11 million people worldwide would tend to suggest that this is an effective form of therapy, despite the fact it is essentially an alternative therapy and little research has been conducted into its full effectiveness. Are there any known side effects with Pilates? There are certain precautions which should be taken, as with any other form of exercise, and using Pilates has been contra-indicated for pregnant women. However, if you are training under the guidance of a fully trained Pilates expert, this form of therapy should be considered safe and without side effects. Where can you find further information on Pilates? Pilates Foundation (UK)

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PIP Scans What are PIP scans? PIP scans are a process whereby it is believed that a person’s aura, or energy field, can be photographed in order to detect blockages in that field and hence determine illnesses or problems within the body. The initials ‘PIP’ may stand for slightly different words but are used in reference to the same process. It may be referred to as ‘Polycontrast Image Processing’ or as ‘Poly-Contrast Interference Photography’. PIP scans were developed by the biologist Harry Oldfield, in 1989, and are seen as an alternative form of therapy which does not provide any therapeutic value in itself, but which aims to diagnose problems so that the client can then decide on a method of treatment. 241


How do PIP scans work? Unlike Kirlian photography (information regarding this therapy can be found under its own entry), PIP scans actually do use a form of photography for the scan. Using a digital video camera, the images are fed into a computer and through a specially designed software program where they are then interpreted. Both the client and the practitioner will view the images produced, which are said to identify blockages in the energy field (or meridians, as they are often referred to), imbalances and tissue damage. The client is then usually given their own record or print-out of the images and is provided with a recommendations report. What can PIP scans be used for? As already mentioned, the main purpose of PIP scans is to identify problems with the client’s energy field, but not to actually heal those problems. This would indicate that, assuming PIP scans do work, it could be used to diagnose a large manner of different conditions. Are PIP scans an effective form of therapy? PIP scans are an alternative form of therapy and as such this is not a recognised form of diagnosis within the medical world. Medical practitioners would not recommend that you solely rely on this form of diagnosis if you believe you may be ill or have problems, and that you should visit your family doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Are there any known side effects with PIP scans? Because there are no X-rays involved and PIP scans are non-invasive, this is seen as a totally risk-free and safe form of therapy with no side effects. Where can you find further information on PIP scans? Internet Health Library Centre for Biofield Sciences

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Play Therapy What is play therapy? Play therapy is a form of therapy generally used with children between the ages of three and 11. It can be used both as a diagnostic tool and as a therapeutic tool to help children with emotional, behavioural or mental health problems. The importance of playing has long been recognised, as has the opportunity to learn about people and their emotions when they are engaged in play. Plato, for example, is reported to have stated that “you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation”. Sigmund Freud though, was the first to publish work regarding the therapeutic use of play in 1909 and in the following years other therapists began to develop the theory. The model behind modern day non-directive play therapy is credited to Virginia Axline and her techniques are still used today in training therapists. How does play therapy work? The form of play therapy developed by Axline was very much a ‘non-directive’ approach. This means that a therapy session is directed by the child and not the therapist so that, in a sense, the therapist does not have the opportunity to place ideas into the child’s head. Hence what occurs in the session is far more authentic. A play therapist will also allow the child the potential for self-healing because one of the techniques of play therapy is to respect the child’s own ability to solve his or her problems. The play therapist will make use of a ‘toolkit’ though. This could be all manner of skills or ‘tools’ which the therapist makes available during a session in order to be able to adapt to new situations or problems which might arise. Tools might include storytelling, art, a sand tray, puppets, masks, clay, music or dance or a combination of all of these. Play therapy might be used as a diagnostic tool whereby the therapist will observe the child at play and make a diagnosis as to what is causing their behaviour. It can then be used for its therapeutic value because it is recognised that problems often do not seem to be so bad once they are shared. Children can have difficulty sharing problems vocally for a number of reasons, and therefore play therapy gives them an avenue from which to do this.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can play therapy be used for? As discussed, play therapy is generally thought to be useful for children up to about age 11. As children grow beyond this age, they tend to lose their interest in play and hence the therapy would not be as useful. Play therapy can be used to help children who have emotional problems, perhaps as the result of having suffered some kind of trauma. It can also be used to help children with behavioural problems and those with mental health problems. Is play therapy an effective form of therapy? There has been a great deal of research into the effectiveness of play therapy over the years, especially since the 1940s. Research has shown this to be an effective form of therapy for children and sometimes adolescents, depending on what condition is being treated. More recently, research is being conducted into whether play therapy is useful for aggressive behaviour and conduct disorders. Are there any known side effects with play therapy? There are no known side effects with play therapy. Where can you find further information on play therapy? Play Therapy United Kingdom British Association of Play Therapists Association for Play Therapy

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Polarity Therapy What is polarity therapy? Polarity therapy is a holistic approach which has its background in ancient Eastern practises. It is based on the theory that the human body has an energy field which can become unbalanced and blocked, leading to illness and pain.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Polarity therapy is an alternative medicine system and, by its own admission, the body’s energy field is immeasurable. Therefore it is widely considered to be pseudoscience because there is little or no scientific proof as to its efficacy. Dr Randolph Stone developed polarity therapy as a result of his interest in energies and alternative health ideas. He first began to develop the idea between 1947 and 1954, when he published seven books on the subject. But it was not until the 1970s, when the general public’s interest in alternative medicines began, that his therapy had any real followers. It is called ‘polarity therapy’ because it works with the ‘polarised’ forces, known in ancient traditions as yin and yang. How does polarity therapy work? Polarity therapy uses a holistic approach in that it attempts to address the whole of the body in its techniques. Based on the principle that there is a ‘human energy field’, practitioners will attempt to re-balance the field and restore the natural energy flow in order to promote good health and well-being. This is done via a number of methods which may include polarity bodywork, polarity yoga exercises, counselling (encouraging positive thinking) and nutritional guidance. Sometimes these are more simply referred to as touch, stretching and exercise, diet and mental emotional process. What can polarity therapy be used for? As mentioned, polarity therapy uses a holistic approach to ensure that the whole body is healthy and therefore it does not concentrate on one or more specific illnesses or conditions. Polarity therapy’s aim is to promote general health and wellbeing. Is polarity therapy an effective form of therapy? Polarity therapy is considered by the medical world to simply be another type of ‘spiritual energy’ and as such it is considered alternative and pseudoscientific. Research which has been carried out has been performed mostly by supporters of polarity therapy and is, therefore, considered not to be objective and hence unreliable. There is no medical or scientific proof as to the effectiveness of polarity therapy. Are there any known side effects with polarity therapy? Generally there should be no side effects with polarity therapy, although this may depend on how a client is being treated. For example, if treatment involves bodywork, there may be a certain amount of manipulation involved and body manipulation is not without risk. 245


Where can you find further information on polarity therapy? UK Polarity Therapy Association American Polarity Therapy Association ivillage.co.uk – article on polarity therapy

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Pranic Healing Therapy What is pranic healing therapy? Pranic healing therapy is an alternative, energy based healing technique. It uses the principle that the body is capable of self-healing, and that by increasing the body’s life force, or vital energy, this healing process can be quickened. Pranic healing therapy was developed by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, and the word ‘pranic’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘prana’ which means life-force. Pranic healing therapy is a combination of ancient healing techniques which are said to be combined with more modern concepts and practices. The technique was developed as a complementary form of medicine How does pranic healing therapy work? Pranic healing therapy is a no-touch technique which reputably directs energy at the body’s energy field. This energy is then absorbed and distributed to the organs and glands of the body and can repair anomalies within the field. The technique uses the theory that diseases will first appear as disruptions within the body’s energy field and that, if left untreated, the disease will move into the physical body where it can grow and cause further problems. If the disease is treated at the early stage it can be stopped from entering the physical body.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can pranic healing therapy be used for? Pranic healing therapy is said to be able to treat the whole body as a result of treating the body’s energy field – as it is this energy field which ultimately determines our health and wellbeing. If the energy field is healthy, the physical body is healthy, because the body is more able to bring about its ability for self-healing. This would indicate that pranic healing therapy can therefore be used to treat all manner of conditions within the body. Is pranic healing therapy an effective form of therapy? Pranic healing therapy is an energy-based healing technique, recognised as being an alternative form of therapy. As such, it is not accepted by the medical or scientific world as being an effective form of healing. Practitioners are also keen to state that this is a complementary form of therapy which should not replace conventional medicine but may be used in conjunction with it, which would tend to indicate that their belief in it being an effective form of therapy is limited. Are there any known side effects with pranic healing therapy? There are no known side effects with pranic healing therapy. Where can you find further information on pranic healing therapy? Pranic Healing.org Pranic Healing.com

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Primal Therapy What is primal therapy? Primal therapy is a type of psychotherapy which aims to resolve repressed pain and the neurosis which this repressed pain is said to cause. Usually such pain is the result of childhood trauma, or other very strong and significant events in a person’s life. Primal therapy was developed by Arthur Janov, PhD, in the mid to late 1960s. And although this therapy does contain some theories that are widely used in popular psychotherapy, the major theory behind primal therapy is not widely recognised. In fact, primal therapy remains a criticised and largely discredited form of psychotherapy. 247


Despite this situation, Janov still practices primal therapy at his own centre in California, though apart from this it is not widely practised around the world. How does primal therapy work? Primal therapy assumes that neurosis is a condition which everybody suffers to some degree or another and is as a result of (mainly) childhood trauma. Janov believes that ‘pain’ was felt from birth, and sometimes pre-birth, and that this pain becomes compounded as you grow, as certain needs are not met. Primal therapy aims to not only address these pains, but to re-live and confront them, as Janov believes that neurosis can only be cured by accessing the lower part of the brain and the nervous system. This is in contrast to many conventional psychotherapy techniques, which rely on ‘talking’ about problems and hence only accessing the higher reasoning part of the brain, according to Janov. What can primal therapy be used for? Primal therapy was developed with just one condition in mind – mental illness and neurosis. It would appear that this is the only condition that is addressed by this therapy. Is primal therapy an effective form of therapy? There has been a great deal of criticism of primal therapy by supporters of more conventional psychotherapy types. There are claims that primal therapy can be dangerous, and because there is a lack of documented proof as to the efficacy of the therapy, it has been widely discredited. All of these points would suggest that primal therapy is not an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with primal therapy? There is no evidence of there being any direct side effects with primal therapy, although several experts in the psychotherapy field have claimed that they believe primal therapy to be potentially very dangerous. Where can you find further information on primal therapy? Dr Arthur Janov’s Primal Center Wikipedia entry on primal therapy

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Prolotherapy What is prolotherapy? Prolotherapy may also be referred to as ‘proliferative Injection therapy’ or ‘regenerative injection therapy’. It is an experimental form of treatment using non-pharmacological and non-active irritant solutions which are injected into the body for the treatment of pain and for strengthening connective tissue around tendons or ligaments. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a similar treatment was used for the repair of hernias and to ease jaw pain, though it was not until the 1940s when a Dr George Hackett fully developed prolotherapy. Dr Gustav Hemwall became a pioneer of the technique and began studying and treating patients with it from the 1950s until his death in the mid 1990s. How does prolotherapy work? Prolotherapy works by injecting an irritant solution into an area of the body which has been determined to have weakened or damage connective tissue as the result of an injury or strain. The solution comprises many different ingredients and is injected into the joint capsules or where tendon connects to bone. It will not necessarily require just one injection, but many in different points may be needed. Because the solution is an irritant, it prompts the body to fight back by becoming inflamed and hence begins to repair itself. What can prolotherapy be used for? Prolotherapy is generally used for repairing tissue damage and for alleviating musculoskeletal pains such as back pain, other chronic pains and possibly conditions like tennis elbow and knee injuries. Is prolotherapy an effective form of therapy? Opinion as to the effectiveness of prolotherapy as a form of treatment is divided because of conflicting evidence. Dr Hackett reported that in a study of nearly 10,000 patients, over 99 per cent of them found relief through prolotherapy for their chronic pain. A study in 2004 though, stated that there was conflicting evidence as to the efficacy of prolotherapy injections in reducing pain. The evidence pointed to the fact that when prolotherapy was used alone, it was no more effective than the control (or placebo) injection. But when used in combination with other treatments, prolotherapy was more effective.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with prolotherapy? Studies into the effectiveness of prolotherapy have also recorded several minor side effects with the treatment, though these were short lived. Side effects included increased back pain and stiffness, though it is pointed out that stiffness should be expected anyway as a result of the body’s reaction to the irritant being injected. Where can you find further information on prolotherapy? Prolotherapy.com Prolotherapy.org

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Provocative Therapy What is provocative therapy? Provocative therapy is a type of psychotherapy. It works on a ‘reverse psychology’ basis, in which the therapist plays devil’s advocate and uses such approaches as humour, exaggeration and irony — siding with the negative half of the client’s psyche in an attempt to provoke the client into a response. Provocative therapy was developed by therapist Frank Farrelly in the 1960s as a result of becoming disillusioned with poor success rates. Immediately his new techniques began to see success in clients for which other techniques had failed to get results. Over the next 17 years, he fine-tuned his techniques within the clinical setting. In more recent years, provocative therapy has been gaining more interest. How does provocative therapy work? Provocative therapy works in the opposite way to most types of psychotherapy. Rather than siding with the positive side of the client’s psyche, the therapist sides with the negative side. In other words, the therapist appears to ally himself with the part of the client which makes them think that life is terrible and that nothing is good. The therapist uses light and warm-hearted humour such as irony, exaggeration, selfdeprecation etc. in an attempt to first sensitise and then desensitise the client, so that the client is able to see their problems in a cognitive way. There are five responses which may be provoked in the client. Usually they will display at least one of these per session. In provocative therapy, the client will respond in the following ways: 250


• • • • •

affirm his self-worth, both verbally and behaviourally assert himself appropriately both in task performances and relationships defend himself realistically engage in psycho-social reality testing and learn the necessary discriminations to respond adaptively engage in risk-taking behaviours in personal relationships — especially communicating affection and vulnerability to significant others

What can provocative therapy be used for? Provocative therapy can be used for a variety of disorders including addictions, low self esteem, anxiety, procrastination, psychosomatic pain, phobias and panic disorders, amongst others. Is provocative therapy an effective form of therapy? Although provocative therapy has been in development since the 1960s, it is only recently coming to be realised that this is a viable form of therapy which offers an alternative to more conventional forms of psychotherapy. There are a number of case studies available which show the success of provocative therapy, including those in Farrelly’s own book titled ‘Provocative Therapy’. These would tend to suggest that provocative therapy is an effective form of therapy, though there perhaps needs to be further independent study and research into it before a definite conclusion can be reached. Are there any known side effects with provocative therapy? There are no known side effects with provocative therapy. Where can you find further information on provocative therapy? Provocative Therapy Provocative Therapy UK

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Psychic Therapy What is psychic therapy? Psychic therapy is a form of alternative therapy which combines ideas from psychotherapy and spiritual guidance. It is not to be confused with psychic surgery,

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy which is a process by which disease is reputably removed from the body just by using psychic powers. Psychic therapy encourages positive personal change within people so that they can enjoy and make use of their lives to their full potential. It may be used in conjunction with other forms of alternative therapy, if the psychic therapist discovers that additional problems exist. How does psychic therapy work? Psychic therapy is performed by a practitioner who has psychic powers. It is reputed that the psychic will be able to see your aura, or energy field, and make determinations about your life, your past and your health and is therefore able to state whether there are any health issues with the client. In addition, psychic therapy is seen as a spiritual pathway in which the therapist aims to guide the client by using principles commonly used in more recognised sessions of psychotherapy. The psychic part of the psychic therapy is really a different way of working with the client by playing on their beliefs. In other words, if they believe in psychic powers, they are more likely to take note of what they are being told about themselves and how they can make positive changes in their lives. What can psychic therapy be used for? As previously mentioned, psychic therapy does not usually specifically address one issue or condition but is intended as a process from which the client can make positive changes. It may be though, that the psychic therapist identifies health issues during the session, and they may recommend other forms of alternative therapy treatments to treat this particular condition. Is psychic therapy an effective form of therapy? Being an alternative therapy technique, psychic therapy is not recognised as being an effective form of therapy and there has not been any research into its effectiveness or studies of its efficacy. In the conventional medical world, psychic therapy would be considered to be a pseudoscience and nothing more. Are there any known side effects with psychic therapy? There are no known side effects with psychic therapy. Where can you find further information on psychic therapy? Research could not find any general websites or associations of psychic therapy. Generally the sources of information on the internet are provided by proponents of psychic therapy and hence will be biased in their information. If you are interested in finding a psychic therapist, you are recommended to use a local internet search engine.

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Psychosocial Interventions Therapy What is psychosocial interventions therapy? Psychosocial interventions therapy is a type of therapeutic intervention which uses elements of psychotherapy in order to help a variety of different emotional or behavioural problems. Psychosocial interventions therapy is non-pharmaceutical, and the term is used as an umbrella term to describe various types of intervention, which may include: cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho-education and skills training which can be used depending on what is being treated and the individual concerned. The term ‘psychosocial’ refers to the individual’s psychological development in response to their social environment. Unlike ‘social psychology’, psychosocial concentrates on the individual and their behaviour rather than society as a whole. It was first used by psychologist Erik Erikson, who concentrated much of his work on social behaviours. How does psychosocial interventions therapy? Because psychosocial interventions therapy is an umbrella term, it is difficult to describe exactly how the process works because it varies with what is being treated and what techniques are being used to treat it. What can psychosocial interventions therapy be used for? There are a wide variety of conditions which can be treated with psychosocial interventions therapy, and further research is being conducted as to its effectiveness in treating other conditions too. Psychosocial interventions therapy may be used with people who have mental, emotional and behavioural problems, though it can be used in more specific settings as well, such as with victims of disasters and those who have been displaced. In this instance, it is commonly referred to as ‘psychosocial support’. Psychosocial interventions therapy may also be used in the treatment of people with drug addictions. It can also be part of a scheme of care for patients who have been diagnosed with illnesses such as cancer, as a way of helping them to deal with the changes which will be occurring in theirs and their family’s lives. Is psychosocial interventions therapy an effective form of therapy? Generally it would appear that psychosocial interventions therapy is an effective form of therapy with therapeutic value in a number of situations. Further research is being conducted all the time to determine exactly what forms of psychosocial interventions therapy are best for treating the various conditions though. Are there any known side effects with psychosocial interventions therapy? There are no known side effects with psychosocial interventions therapy. 253


Where can you find further information on psychosocial interventions? Because psychosocial interventions therapy covers a wider spectrum of therapies there are no definitive sources for further information on the subject. If you are interested in finding out more about this therapy in relation to a specific condition, you would be best advised to use an internet search engine and search specifically for the parameters you are looking for.

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Psychotherapy What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is a fairly broad term used to describe a form of therapy provided by trained psychotherapists in order to help people with a variety of problems they may be having in their everyday lives. Psychotherapy, in the modern sense of the word, first began to be developed in the early 1900s by theorists such as Sigmund Freud who, previously trained as a neurologist, began to investigate why people had problems which seemed to have no organic or biological reason. He theorised that these psychological problems had developed as a result of childhood experiences and the unconscious mind. Once this background to psychotherapy was introduced, many other theorists began developing their own ideas based on Freud’s, throughout the following decades. These theorists included Anna Freud, Carl Jung, Carl Rogers and Alfred Adler who developed their own approaches. There are now a huge number of psychotherapies that have been developed as theorists base their work on other theorists’ work. Some of the forms of psychotherapy which are practiced around the Western world today include: art therapy, autogenic training, behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive analytic therapy, coherence therapy, dance therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Gestalt therapy, group therapy, music therapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming, play therapy and rolfing. But the above is not a complete list. 254


How does psychotherapy work? How psychotherapy works very much depends on which form of psychotherapy is being used. As you can see from the list above, these psychotherapies mentioned are all very different and though they may be based on the same fundamental principles, they will work in different ways. Many of the therapies which can be classified as psychotherapy may not actually call themselves this, but they do have a similar aim. What can psychotherapy be used for? Again, there will be variations as to what exactly the different forms of psychotherapy can be used for, though the general aim of psychotherapy is to improve mental health and wellbeing and this is achieved primarily through some form of communication. This could be simply talking, or more complex means, such as expression through play or dance. Is psychotherapy an effective form of therapy? It is generally believed that psychotherapy is an effective form of therapy, though there are some differences of opinion regarding some techniques. Some on the list mentioned above may be considered to be alternative, and because they are perhaps a newer form of psychotherapy, there may not be as much evidence as to their effectiveness when compared to other forms. Are there any known side effects with psychotherapy? There are no known side effects with psychotherapy. Where can you find further information on psychotherapy? British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Wikipedia entry on Psychotherapy

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Pulmonary Therapy What is pulmonary therapy? Pulmonary refers to the lungs and respiratory, or breathing, system and comes from the Latin word ‘pulmonarius’ which means ‘of the lungs’. Pulmonary therapy, 255

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy therefore, includes medical treatment which is designed to help patients maintain, improve or recover lung functioning which has been affected as the result of an injury or disease. Although pulmonary therapy is a commonly used term, there does not appear to be a specific treatment regime which covers all types of pulmonary conditions. Rather, pulmonary therapy can include both exercises and medication depending on what condition is being treated. How does pulmonary therapy work? As mentioned above, pulmonary therapy is not just one specific type of therapy but can cover a number of diseases and conditions which have affected the lungs and respiration. Hence it is difficult to describe how exactly pulmonary therapy works, as it will vary. What can pulmonary therapy be used for? Pulmonary therapy can be used for a variety of respiratory diseases. The most commonly treated conditions include cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension and tuberculosis, amongst others. Most often, treatment will involve the use of medication, although surgery may be necessary, preceded or followed by medication. In cases of severe respiratory diseases, oxygen therapy may be necessary. You can read how oxygen therapy works in its own entry. Is pulmonary therapy an effective form of therapy? Pulmonary therapy is a very important part of the treatment of the above conditions, as often without such treatment, the patient may die because they are unable to take in enough oxygen and excrete enough carbon dioxide. Are there any known side effects with pulmonary therapy? The possibility of side effects will vary according to exactly what kind of pulmonary therapy treatment is being used, and these will be discussed with the doctor prior to commencing treatment. Where can you find further information on pulmonary therapy? For general information about pulmonology, diseases of the lungs and treatments, go to Wikipedia: Wikipedia entry on pulmonology

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Q Qigong What is Qigong? Qigong is also referred to as ‘Chi Kung’ or ‘Chi Gung’ and it is a Chinese therapeutic practice which involves movement, or movement combined with regulated breathing. The intended result is for maintaining good health, though it is also used in the medical profession as well as for spirituality, and as a component of Chinese martial arts. Although based on ancient Chinese practises, Qigong really rose to popularity in China after the death of Mao in 1976, when the Chinese people went Qigong mad! Qigong has now spread around the world and is practised by millions of people, although there is debate in different societies as to the actual therapeutic value of Qigong. How does Qigong work? The meaning of Qigong is ‘breath work’ or ‘energy work’. The word is derived from ‘Qi’ which means breath, life-force or energy, and ‘gong’ which means work. Qigong may involve either breathing regulation or exercise through movement, or a combination of both methods. These methods may be taught by attending a workshop, or school, or by using the various media available today such as books and DVDs. What can Qigong be used for? For some practitioners, Qigong is seen from the spiritual standpoint. They believe that their Qi can be drawn in from the metaphysical world and is then circulated throughout the body via the meridians (or channels). In this respect, Qigong works by promoting overall good health and wellbeing, and may also represent spiritual enlightenment and development. When considering the medical benefits, opinion is divided. There are those who believe that Qigong promotes prevention and treatment of diseases and general health maintenance, as well as prolonged life, by absorbing Qi directed at them by a Qigong practitioner. On the other hand, in Western world medical circles as well as within the Chinese government and many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong is seen as a health benefit which possibly has additional stress reducing benefits, and other benefits associated with exercise. It’s not, however, seen as an overall disease prevention and treatment programme.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Finally, Qigong is used by athletes and martial arts practitioners for building body strength and power, toughening the tissues, so that they are more able to withstand blows to them and for increasing stamina. Is Qigong an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, opinion is divided as to the real therapeutic value of Qigong. It is however, generally recognised that Qigong is good as a form of exercise and may be beneficial for encouraging lower stress levels, through the relaxation bought about by the breathing exercises. Beyond this, when it is claimed that Qigong draws its power from the metaphysical world, conventional medical practitioners become sceptical. Are there any known side effects with Qigong? There are really no reported side effects with Qigong, though, as with any form of exercise, caution should be taken. Where can you find further information on Qigong? Qigong Institute UK Taiji Qigong Foundation Wikipedia entry on Qigong Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on Chi Kung

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Quantum Touch Therapy What is Quantum Touch therapy? Quantum Touch is an alternative therapy which was developed by Richard Gordon in the late 1970s, following his experiences with the similar polarity therapy. Quantum Touch focuses on the body’s life force, called ‘Qi’ or ‘prana’; a concept which has been used in ancient Eastern traditions for thousands of years. The therapy is based on the principle that our body has the capacity for self-healing. This element of Quantum Touch came about when Mr Gordon witnessed a hands-on 258

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy healing session in which a woman was cured of scoliosis. He discovered that this ability was something that he could also achieve using great concentration and focus, and began developing Quantum Touch. How does Quantum Touch therapy work? In Quantum Touch therapy sessions, the practitioner does not actually ‘heal’ the client, as the main point of Quantum Touch is that the client has the ability to heal themselves. A healing session, therefore, will involve the practitioner aiding and encouraging the client into their own healing process which includes breathing and body awareness exercises. The practitioner does this by focusing and then amplifying life-force energies towards the client. It is said that what then occurs is as a result of vibration and resonance. As the practitioner directs the energy field around the part of the body which requires treatment, the body will vibrate at a higher frequency to match this new resonance and in so doing will allow the body’s healing process to begin. What can Quantum Touch therapy be used for? Because Quantum Touch therapy is said to increase the body’s own ability to heal, there would appear to be no boundaries as to what Quantum Touch can be used to treat. It is stated that Quantum Touch does not claim to heal specific diseases or conditions. But if the body has the ability to heal itself then it will do so; Quantum Touch essentially accelerates that process. Is Quantum Touch therapy an effective form of therapy? As an alternative form of therapy there has been little research into the effectiveness of Quantum Touch therapy, and scepticism in the conventional medical world is therefore very high. Any research that has been conducted was done so by supporters of the technique and hence cannot be relied upon as it may be biased. Are there any known side effects with Quantum Touch therapy? There are no known side effects with Quantum Touch. Where can you find further information on Quantum Touch therapy? Quantum Touch website CHIS UK – Quantum Touch courses and workshops

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R Radiation Therapy or Radiotherapy What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy as it is also commonly known, is a form of medical therapy which uses ionising radiation to treat cancer patients in an effort to control malignant cells. Although the term radiotherapy sounds similar to radiology, the two should not be confused as radiology is in fact used for medical imaging and diagnosis, not treatment. The concept of using radiation for therapeutic means was invented by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen, a German physicist, in the late 1800s, and was heavily linked with the discovery of X-rays in 1895. Rontgen discovered that X-rays had more than one use and that they could be used as a treatment for cancer. In the early 1900s, radiation therapy was further investigated, particularly by the Noble Prize winning scientist Marie Curie who discovered, amongst other things, radium. Curie’s work was extremely important for medical advances. Further advances in this field were made during the latter half of the 20th century – computed tomography, for example, was discovered by Godfrey Hounsfield allowing radiation to be delivered to patients in a 3D, as opposed to a 2D, manner. This allowed more accurate delivery and dosage to be made. Further advancements still have been made in imaging technologies over the past few decades, which have meant that dosage and delivery have been additionally improved. This has resulted in fewer side effects being suffered and better treatment success. How does radiation therapy work? Radiotherapy may be used as the primary treatment for cancer, or it may be used alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy (which you can read about in its own entry), surgery or hormone therapy. Radiotherapy is not necessarily used as a cure for cancer though it may be curative. Other reasons for using radiation therapy are for after surgery in what is called adjuvant therapy, or before surgery as neoadjuvant therapy. Also it may be used as a palliative treatment where it is assumed that a cure is not possible, but some relief and prevention of the cancer spreading can be achieved. Finally, it may be used for therapeutic treatment when the patient has more chance of survival and possibility of cure. There are a number of different methods of treatment using radiation therapy, and these will depend on the location and type of cancerous cells being treated. The 260

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy methods can be quite complex, so it is suggested that if you are interested in reading more, then please use the ‘further information’ links below. What can radiation therapy be used for? Radiotherapy is used for treating malignant or cancerous cells, though has other uses for non-malignant cells, though this usage is limited due to concerns over the risks of causing cancers through radiation (see possible side effects below). Non-malignant condition uses include treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (a neuropathic disorder), severe thyroid eye disease, pterygium, pigmented villonodular synovitis (a condition which affects the soft tissue of the joints and more), prevention of keloid scar growth, and prevention of heterotopic ossification (the formation of bone-like tissue outside the skeleton). A technique of radiation therapy, called total body irradiation (TBI) is also used for preparing the body for a bone marrow transplant. Is radiation therapy an effective form of therapy? Radiotherapy is recognised as an effective and very important form of therapy for the treatment, or ease, of cancer in particular. Are there any known side effects with radiation therapy? There are a number of side effects which are possible with radiation therapy, and although methods of treatment have advanced over the years, meaning that treatment can now be far more focused and accurately dosed, some side effects are still unavoidable and are expected. Side effects may be acute, and include: damage to the epithelial surfaces, such as the skin; damage to the mouth lining, throat, oesophagus and bowel; swelling; infertility; and general fatigue. Medium and long term side effects can include: cancer, hair loss, dryness and fibrosis. Where can you find further information on radiation therapy? Cancerbackup Wikipedia entry on radiation therapy Radiology Info

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Radionic Diagnosis What is radionic diagnosis? Radionic diagnosis therapy is more commonly known simply as ‘radionics’ and is an alternative healing system based on the concept of ‘subtle energy’ and the flow of this from one living organism to another, be they human, animal or plant. Radionics was developed by Dr Albert Abrams in the early 1900s. He claimed that he was able to detect energies being radiated from all living things and devised machinery which, it was claimed, could measure this radiation in the form of vibrations, and hence determine whether there was disease present. He then went on to invent a machine which reputably could transmit healthy vibrations to a sick person or entity and hence return them to a healthy condition. Various forms of diagnostic machines are still used to this day by practitioners in the alternative medicine field, in order to diagnose conditions and offer treatment. How does radionic diagnosis work? In terms of the actual diagnosis in radionic diagnosis therapy, this is performed with the help of a diagnostic machine. A drop of blood, or sometimes a strand of hair is presented to the machine. The frequency at which this sample is vibrating is then said to be measured by the machine which determines the health of the client. If this is a machine designed for treatment as well, it will then produce the correct vibrations to direct back at the client. Once these vibrations are absorbed by the client’s energy field, the body is able to begin a process of self-healing. What can radionic diagnosis be used for? There are apparently no limitations to what radionics can be used to treat. Both chronic and acute conditions, mental health, psychological and emotional issues, migraines, hay fever and arthritis are just a few of the conditions said to be treated with radionics therapy. Is radionic diagnosis an effective form of therapy? Radionics is largely considered to be pseudoscience. But, because this is an alternative and energy-based form of therapy, there has been little research conducted by reputable sources to be able to confirm the effectiveness of radionics therapy. Some research has been carried out in the past on the diagnostic machines which Abrams invented, and it was concluded that these were merely a complicated mass of wires and electronic parts which actually served no purpose. Are there any known side effects with radionic diagnosis? There are no known side effects with radionic diagnosis therapy. 262


Where can you find further information on radionic diagnosis? The Radionic Association of the UK The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on radionics

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Rapid Eye Therapy What is Rapid Eye Therapy? Rapid Eye Therapy is also known by a number of other names, including Rapid Eye Movement Therapy and Rapid Eye Technology. Rapid Eye Therapy is a form of therapy which promotes emotional release and is classified as somewhere between an alternative therapy and psychotherapy as it uses similar principles to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR — which has its own entry where you can find further information). EMDR is a psychotherapy which is used to help resolve the suffering of the symptoms of a traumatic event, and this is the primary aim of Rapid Eye Therapy also. The branch of Rapid Eye Therapy known as Rapid Eye Technology (RET) was developed by American Ranae Johnson, who from 1966 onwards was looking for ways to help her autistic son. In 1983, she founded the Rapid Eye Institute in order to teach RET to others. How does Rapid Eye Therapy work? Rapid Eye Therapy works by simulating the state that you would be in when dreaming and experiencing Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. It is believed that whilst in this state you are able to access traumatic events and other negative thoughts and feelings in a way in which you bypass your normal defence mechanisms. What this means is that you can access these emotions without having to relive them – something which you would generally have to do with other forms of psychotherapy. 263


Once accessed, these emotions are said to be released from the mind and hence we no longer experience the pain associated with them. Rapid Eye Therapy is guided by a practitioner, or therapist. He will first attempt to get you into the REM state, and then give the appropriate commands for the client to be able to release their traumas and emotions through the rapid blinking of the eyes. What can Rapid Eye Therapy be used for? On a general level, Rapid Eye Therapy can be used for people who are suffering from emotional problems due to traumatic experiences in their lives, and for releasing negative belief systems which may have become ingrained. Once all of these issues have been dealt with, the client is said to live a much happier and more productive life. Is Rapid Eye Therapy an effective form of therapy? Research was conducted into the effectiveness of EMDR therapy which looked at whether the eye movement part of this therapy was actually of necessity. Although earlier studies reported that eye movements were not necessary, later ones concluded that eye movement did actually make this therapy more effective. These results would therefore tend to suggest that there must be some level of effectiveness with Rapid Eye Therapy, despite the fact that this would not be conducted by a qualified psychotherapist. Are there any known side effects with Rapid Eye Therapy? There are no known side effects with Rapid Eye Therapy. Where can you find further information on Rapid Eye Therapy? You may like to read the entry on EMDR which will give some further insight into Rapid Eye Therapy and how it works. Rapid Eye Technology

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Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy What is Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy? Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (or REBT) is a type of psychotherapy which aims to settle emotional and behavioural problems, using theories developed with both a philosophical and empirical background. 264

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy is recognised as one of the first forms of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and was developed by an American psychotherapist and psychologist, Albert Ellis, beginning in the 1950s. Initially called simply Rational Therapy, the name changed to Rational Emotive Therapy in the 1970s, and then to Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy in the mid 1990s. How does Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy work? The principle behind Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy is that mental and emotional problems stem not just from external events — i.e. things that directly happen to, or affect a person — but from the way in which they perceive these events. So this implies that an event itself is not necessarily a problem, but if the person perceives it as such, it can be. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, therefore, aims to change the way in which people think about themselves with a central objective for that person to unconditionally accept themselves, others and life with happiness as their ultimate goal. This is achieved through the ABC Model which Ellis developed: A — something happens B — you have a belief/thought about that situation C — you react in an emotional way as a result of your belief of the situation What this highlights is that an event (A) does not cause your emotional reaction (C), but that the way in which you perceive that event (B) causes the reaction (C). Ellis further concluded that usually the belief (B) is an irrational one, and that this must be changed to a rational belief in order to find happiness. What can Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy be used for? Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy can be used in a number of psychotherapeutic settings. It can be used as a brief therapy in order to help people who are perhaps suffering depression or other emotional and mental issues because of an event which has happened in their lives. Or it can be used as a form of longer-term therapy for people who have more underlying mental and/or emotional issues. Is Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy an effective form of therapy? Although Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy was not widely accepted when it was first introduced in the 1950s, it is now stated that it is a widely used, accepted, and effective form of psychotherapy for reducing emotional pain, and that it is one of the most widely used therapies in the world. Are there any known side effects with Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy? There are no known side effects with Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy.

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Where can you find further information on Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy? Association for Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy Wikipedia entry on Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

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Reality Therapy What is Reality Therapy? Reality Therapy is a type of psychotherapy. In contrast to many forms of psychotherapy, it concentrates on the present and how to make the future better rather than dwelling on the past, in an effort to allow the patient to take control of their life. Reality Therapy was developed mainly by American psychiatrist William Glasser from the 1960s onwards and provided the background to some of his further work, called Choice Theory. Some of the ideas behind Reality Therapy are considered to be controversial by mainstream psychiatrists, even though this therapy is said to be becoming widely used in both the US and internationally, as well as being widely applied in education. How does Reality Therapy work? Reality Therapy is recognised as a cognitive-behavioural type of therapy because the premise is to get the patient to become aware of their actions and thoughts, and hence change them where necessary. The same as the principles of Glasser’s Choice Theory, Reality Therapy believes that humans have five essential needs and that we are always acting on these needs whether knowingly or not. The five needs are: 1 — survival 2 — connecting, belonging, love 3 — power 4 — freedom 5 — fun

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy A session will not involve discussion of the patient’s past because the theory behind Reality Therapy assumes that all human problems stem from unsatisfactory relationships. Discussion instead centres on the positives and on things that the patient can do, rather than can’t. In this way their physiology and feelings need to be changed. The therapist will aim to get the patient to reconnect with people and other things in their lives and will work through a plan in order to make this happen. What can Reality Therapy be used for? Reality Therapy may be used in educational settings such as for classroom management plans and it is stated that this is a quite popular approach in some schools, which are known as Quality Schools. Besides this use, Reality Therapy is used in general counselling and therapy for people with a variety of problems, though often relationship problems and for self development. Is Reality Therapy an effective form of therapy? Opinion seems to be divided as to the effectiveness of Reality Therapy. Psychotherapists — who prefer a more analytical look at people’s problems and who believe problems are rooted in a person’s past — tend not to favour the Reality Therapy approach. However, psychotherapists who prefer the ‘cognitive’ approach do believe that Reality Therapy is effective. Whatever the judgement as to how effective Reality Therapy is, there is yet to be extensive study into its effectiveness, so this remains a difficult question to answer. Are there any known side effects with Reality Therapy? There are no known side effects with Reality Therapy. Where can you find further information on Reality Therapy? The Centre for Reality Therapy UK Wikipedia entry on Reality Therapy

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Rebirthing Therapy What is rebirthing therapy? Rebirthing therapy is a term used to describe several different forms of complementary and alternative medicine practices. The main connecting theory behind this form of therapy is the common belief that human birth is a traumatic event and that re-visiting the birth, in some way, can have therapeutic value. 267


This may be achieved through ‘breathwork’ (breathing techniques), and in this instance the alternative therapy is called ‘rebirthing-breathwork’. Another form, called rebirthing or attachment therapy, is generally used with children who are suffering mental health problems following on from attachment disorders; often in children who have been fostered or adopted. Rebirthing breathwork shares similarities with aspects of holotropic breathwork therapy (which has its own entry where you can find out further information). This article will therefore deal with rebirthing therapy in the context of attachment disorders. How does rebirthing therapy work? Rebirthing therapy, or attachment therapy as it may also be known, is an alternative and somewhat controversial technique used primarily with fostered and adopted children, though it may be used with other children too. The therapy attempts to work with children who have attachment disorders following on from the traumatic events of separation from their birth parents, and the fact that the child now has difficulty forming new attachments with caregivers and other important people in their lives. Rebirthing therapy works by attempting to get the child to regress into a more infantile status in which they have no control over their environment or the people around them. The aim of the therapy is for the caregiver to have all of the control. Controversial elements of this therapy most often are related to an element known as ‘holding’, in which the child is forcibly held. The aim of this is to make the child have a therapeutic release of their emotions. What can rebirthing therapy be used for? As already mentioned, rebirthing therapy is used primarily with children who have attachment disorders. But it is also used with a variety of other mental health issues which are often suffered by children who have been removed from their birth parents and placed into foster and/or adoptive parents’ homes. Is rebirthing therapy an effective form of therapy? Rebirthing therapy is stated to have little understanding of attachment theories and is not considered to be part of mainstream psychology. The methods used are generally not scientifically validated as well as being potentially dangerous and abusive (see below). The general opinion of rebirthing therapy is that it is pseudoscientific and is hence not an effective form of therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with rebirthing therapy? There have been at least six fatalities of children who have been undergoing rebirthing therapy, and there has been much controversy regarding the methods used, particularly the ‘holding’ and restraint techniques.

Where can you find further information on rebirthing therapy? Kids Come First – website against attachment therapy Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children Quackwatch – Be Wary of Attachment Therapy article

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Reconnective Healing Therapy What is Reconnective Healing therapy? Reconnective Healing therapy is a relatively new form of energy work, and is an alternative therapy system. Reconnective Healing therapy was developed by Dr Eric Pearl, a chiropractor. He found that, after having treated patients for 12 years, he began to experience strange happenings in which his patients reported being miraculously cured from lifethreatening illnesses such as cancer, just as a result of his hands being near their body. Dr Pearl developed a theory based on his belief that he was ‘reconnecting’ to the universe and tapping into a set of new healing frequencies, and that these healing powers are accessible to everyone who is interested in healing others. How does Reconnective Healing therapy work? It is not entirely clear how Reconnective Healing therapy works — except to say that it reputably works by tapping into universal energy fields, and by using this energy which can flow through the healer and into the client who is being healed.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy What can Reconnective Healing therapy be used for? Reconnective Healing therapy appears to be a general healing technique and is not aimed at one or more specific illnesses or conditions. It does claim to bring balance to the client, in that it works by addressing a combination of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual characteristics of the body, using the assumption that good health is a combination of the well-being of all of these aspects. Is Reconnective Healing therapy an effective form of therapy? Reconnective Healing therapy has not been adequately tested in a controlled environment in order to determine whether or not it is an effective form of therapy. As a form of alternative healing, based on energy work, the general consensus in the mainstream medical world is that any positive effects from a Reconnective Healing therapy session would merely be the placebo effect and nothing more. Until there is sufficient proof of study in a controlled environment, this opinion will remain. Are there any known side effects with Reconnective Healing therapy? There are no reported side effects with Reconnective Healing therapy. Where can you find further information on Reconnective Healing therapy? The Reconnection – website of founder Eric Pearl

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Recreational Therapy What is recreational therapy? Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy, is a type of therapy aimed at individuals who have illnesses and/or disabilities which might otherwise limit their ability to participate in recreational activities. It is based on the theory that recreation has a therapeutic value in that it can improve emotional behaviour, quality of life, social functioning and physical characteristics. It is also believed that it can aid in the prevention of secondary health conditions and help with the treatment of primary health conditions. In the United States, recreational therapy emerged in the 1940s and 1950s when two branches where apparent. The first was based on the premise that recreation should be used as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of various conditions. The second premise was that recreation was an important part of our lives, and that for people who were institutionalised, it met a specific human need. 270


Now in the US, recreational therapy is a recognised form of therapy and there are several associations in existence. Around the rest of the world, it would appear that recreational therapy is covered under more general forms of therapy, such as diversional therapy and occupational therapy. How does recreational therapy work? Recreational therapists, who may also be known as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), develop programmes for people with disabilities or illnesses in order for them to participate in recreational activities. By ‘recreational’, this does not necessarily mean that they are sporting activities. It can include a large number of other leisure activities, and which ones are used will really depend on the individual and their conditions. The therapist may use sports, dance and movement, drama, music, animals, games, arts and crafts and many other techniques, working with the client and with their family members and close friends where applicable and suitable, in order to improve their health condition. What can recreational therapy be used for? As already touched on, recreational therapy is most often used with individuals who have illnesses or disabilities with the objective of improving their quality of life. This may be through actually improving their health, so that they are able to function better in their everyday lives and to encourage independent living skills, in addition to providing treatment for their specific condition. Alternatively it may be used in more of a mental capacity — improving emotional feelings so that the individual feels better on an emotional level which can then lead to better social functioning. Is recreational therapy an effective form of therapy? It is believed that recreational therapy is an effective form of therapy in the treatment of people with disabilities and illnesses. Are there any known side effects with recreational therapy? There are no known side effects with recreational therapy. Where can you find further information on recreational therapy? National Council For Therapeutic Recreation American Therapeutic Recreation Association Wikipedia entry on recreational therapy

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Reflexology What is reflexology? Reflexology is an alternative medicine practice which uses the feet, though sometimes also the hands and the ears, to treat other parts of the body. This works on the principle that the different areas of the foot correspond to different areas of the body, and so if you manipulate one area you are having a direct affect on another. Modern reflexology practices began in the United States in 1913 when a Dr Fitzgerald claimed that he could produce an anaesthetic effect in other parts of the body by pressing on the feet. His theory was later developed by Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, in the 1930s and 1940s. Ingham believed that both the hands and feet were particularly sensitive and she produced a ‘map’ showing the parts of the feet and their corresponding body parts. Since this time, the basic principles have been further developed. Yet it is Ingham’s theory which is first practised by trainee reflexologists. How does reflexology work? There are two schools of thought amongst reflexologists today. The first, more conventional theory of reflexology is that stress and pain can be relieved by manipulation of the feet. This theory holds a certain amount of truth as usually massage of any kind can prove to be relaxing to the body. The second theory is that the manipulation of the feet can stimulate the body’s energy field (also known as the life force, or Qi) and in so doing it relieves blockages which would otherwise prevent the body from healing. This is the more alternative belief system. Both theories, though, use reflexology charts in order to map which parts of the feet should be manipulated to affect the parts of the body which need treatment. What can reflexology be used for? Reflexology can be used as a general form of treatment to promote good health and wellbeing by stimulating the body’s life force. In this way, blockages can be removed so that the body has the capacity to heal itself and so hence this is really a universal form of treatment. Is reflexology an effective form of therapy? There has been little scientific study into the effectiveness of reflexology and the treatment of the whole body through manipulation of the feet. And because reflexology claims to treat the body’s life force, opinion as to whether this is a credible form of treatment is divided. In the medical world, which generally looks for scientific proof, reflexology is considered to be a pseudoscience because there is no proof that a life force exists. 272


Beyond the fact that reflexology is in a sense ‘massaging’ the feet, there is no evidence to suggest that it can be effective for anything else. Are there any known side effects with reflexology? There are no known side effects with reflexology. But there are concerns in the conventional medical world that if people seek treatment this way, they are delaying getting proper medical attention for conditions, which could have further adverse effects. Where can you find further information on reflexology? The British Reflexology Association The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on reflexology International Institute of Reflexology

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Reiki What is Reiki? Reiki is an alternative, energy-based therapy system with spiritual elements which can be used to treat physical, emotional and mental diseases through the channelling of energy from the practitioners hands. It is considered to be a holistic therapy as it treats the whole body and mind. Reiki was developed by a Japanese Tendai Buddhist called Mikao Usui in 1922. Having spent three weeks meditating, praying and fasting on Mount Kurama, he returned claiming that he had had a mystical revelation which had given him the power to heal and to teach others to heal using Reiki. Usui went on to found the Usui Reiki Healing Society in Japan so that he could teach the practice to others.

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Since the 1980s, a number of other associations have begun. And during the past ten years in particular, Reiki has become a popular form of healing in the Western world, especially amongst New Age groups. How does Reiki work? Reiki practitioners go through quite extensive training to reach various levels up to that of Reiki Master, and at each level they learn additional skills, such as distance healing. Reiki works by tuning into and channelling the universal life force (or spiritual energy) which is said to exist all around us. By using this energy, the practitioner can channel it as healing energy, through their hands into the recipient. What can Reiki be used for? Reiki can be used to treat specific conditions by placing the practitioner’s hands on the relevant part of the body, though it can also be used for the whole body. In addition, Reiki is said to heal other elements of a person without actually specifically directing the healing energy in that way. A whole body treatment of Reiki will usually last between 45 and 90 minutes as various parts of the body are treated for three to five minutes at a time. It would appear that Reiki healing therapy can be used to heal all manner of conditions and illnesses and it can also be used with other living things, such as animals and plants. Is Reiki an effective form of therapy? Reiki is quite a popular form of therapy and a search on the internet will bring back literally thousands of accounts of people describing the positive effects that they have experienced. However, there are very few actual studies which can be used as scientific evidence of its effectiveness. Because studies have to be conducted in a very specific way to ensure accuracy of results, there are currently only six studies which have been published in alternative medicine journals. Four out of these six do appear to indicate positive effects from Reiki treatments, whilst the other two do not. But the number of subjects who reported positive effects and the actual improvement levels were very small. Without many more studies proving the efficacy of Reiki, it will remain an alternative and complementary form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with Reiki? There are no known side effects with Reiki.

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Where can you find further information on Reiki? The UK Reiki Federation The International Center for Reiki Training The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on Reiki

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Reparative Therapy What is reparative therapy? Reparative therapy is another term used to describe conversion therapy or Sexual Reorientation Therapy and it is intended to convert homosexual men and women into heterosexuals. The word ‘reparative’ is used because those who approve of this therapy consider homosexuals to be abnormal and hence the therapy is intended to put right, or repair, this abnormality. Reparative therapy is not commonly used in the present day as attitudes and opinions about homosexuality have largely changed for the better. But you can read more about the background to this therapy, how it works, what it can be used for, whether it is effective and whether there are any side effects within the conversion therapy listing.

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Respiratory Therapy What is respiratory therapy? Respiratory therapy appears to be a commonly used term within North America, but is not commonly used in the UK and Europe. In the United States and Canada, respiratory therapists are specially trained healthcare professionals who specifically deal with patients’ respiration and may have quite an in-depth role in the care of the patient. In the UK, the closest profession to a respiratory therapist is an ICU Technician. However, a technician only assists nurses and doctors with the patient and does not become involved in longer term care. How does respiratory therapy work? How respiratory therapy works depends on exactly what condition is being treated. For more minor conditions, respiratory therapy may involve teaching a patient how to inhale medication effectively, such as from an aerosol for asthmatic problems. Or it may involve more complicated procedures such as connecting the patient to a ventilator if they are having trouble breathing on their own. This would involve inserting a tube into the windpipe, connecting it to the ventilator and then ensuring that the oxygen mixture and flow was set at the correct levels. Respiratory therapy may also involve the use of chest physiotherapy to assist patients in breathing efficiently. The role of respiratory therapists in the US and Canada includes further responsibilities such as longer term care, counselling regarding smoking and disease prevention amongst others. What can respiratory therapy be used for? On a basic level, respiratory therapy is used in order to help patients to breath and may be required for a number of reasons. Patients who have suffered chest trauma will require respiratory therapy, for example, as well as those who are having difficulty getting enough oxygen into their blood. Other uses are for people who have long term respiratory conditions, such as asthma, or for those who have developed usually short term conditions, such as bronchitis. Some patients may require respiratory therapy after surgery because of the effects of the anaesthetic on slowing down the lungs, in which case a type of physiotherapy is performed. This physiotherapy can also be used for patients with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is respiratory therapy an effective form of therapy? Respiratory therapy is an important and potentially life-saving form of therapy which is widely used and accepted as being effective in the US and Canada. In the UK, the benefits of respiratory therapy (although not called such) are also widely recognised as very important and effective. Are there any known side effects with respiratory therapy? There are potential problems which may be caused as a result of respiratory therapy, such as too much, or too little oxygen, for example. However, if the therapy is performed by a qualified professional (which it generally would be), the chances of this occurring should be slim to non-existent. Where can you find further information on respiratory therapy? You can find out more about the role of a respiratory therapist from the links below: Wikipedia entry on respiratory therapy US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for respiratory therapists

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Retail Therapy What is retail therapy? Retail therapy is not a therapy. It was a term coined as joke by a journalist at the Chicago Tribune, which caught on and which people would use as a euphemism for going shopping. But there is no health benefit to going shopping other than it could be considered to provide a recreational distraction by those that enjoy it. However, the same could be said of playing golf or going to a party. So retail therapy doesn’t have an entry in this book.

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Reverse Therapy What is Reverse Therapy? Reverse Therapy is a relatively new mind body healing technique which is said to be very effective in reversing the symptoms of a number of conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome. Reverse Therapy was developed by UK psychologist Dr John Eaton in 2002, following several years of study into mind body healing techniques and symptomfocused therapies. His research came about as a result of observing how symptoms in patients varied according to their emotional health. So he began to develop an educational process which taught people how to get rid of their symptoms by acting on what their body was telling them. Reverse Therapy is gaining popularity in the UK where there are a number of certified practitioners, and although the therapy does not appear to have taken off rapidly in other countries, there are now practitioners in the United States and Australia. How does Reverse Therapy work? Reverse Therapy is a mind body technique which works by teaching people to recognise the signs which their body is giving them. At the core of Reverse Therapy is the concept that the human body is driven by both ‘Bodymind’ and ‘Headmind’. The Bodymind element is that which keeps us healthy and is otherwise known as the ‘Emotional Brain’. The Headmind is the intellect and that which keeps us questioning, thinking etc. When these two elements are in harmony and alignment, the body works well and is healthy, but when the Headmind element becomes dominant, the body becomes unbalanced and leads to disease. So in essence, Reverse Therapy teaches people to stop the Headmind element from taking over and to recognise the signs before this stage, by using body-focusing techniques in order to recognise the symptom messages being sent. Once the messages are recognised, the person can act on them and hence reduce or eliminate the symptoms. What can Reverse Therapy be used for? It is stated that Reverse Therapy is very effective for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as M.E.) and fibromyalgia. Reverse Therapy is also being developed for a number of other conditions which are considered to be mind body specific, such as irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and skin conditions. Is Reverse Therapy an effective form of therapy? As Reverse Therapy is a relatively new and somewhat alternative form of therapy there is no reference as to whether independent research has taken place as to the effectiveness of this therapy. Proponents of Reverse Therapy claim that it is a revolutionary ‘treatment’ and is very effective for the above mentioned conditions.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with Reverse Therapy? There are no known side effects with Reverse Therapy. Where can you find further information on Reverse Therapy? Official Reverse Therapy Website Wikipedia entry on M.E.

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Rolfing Therapy What is Rolfing therapy? Rolfing is an alternative therapy which is based on soft tissue manipulation and is similar in some ways to deep tissue bodywork (which you can read about in more detail in its own entry). Rolfing could be considered to be another form of massage, though it is quite different in the fact that the theory behind Rolfing is related to balance of the body in relation to gravity. Practitioners state that the body must be aligned in a certain way so as not to suffer problems caused by the effects of gravity, and that proper alignment therefore means that our bodies are kept at optimal physical and emotional health. Rolfing was developed by Dr Ida Rolf in the 1950s and before becoming known as Rolfing, the practice was called ‘Postural Release’, and later ‘Structural Integration of the Human Body’. The latter name was partly used when, in 1971, the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration was founded by Dr Rolf. How does Rolfing therapy work? The Rolfing theory is that, in order to be healthy, your body must be aligned in the right way. This means aligning your head with your shoulders, with your pelvis, with your hips etc. as it is stated that when properly aligned your personal energy is enhanced by gravity. This is achieved through using a hands-on Rolfing session, in which the practitioner (or Rolfer as they are commonly known) attempts to un-bind fascia (or connective tissue) which is deep under the skin.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Separating the fibres allows the muscles to loosen up and it is prescribed that, in order to be successful with the whole body, a series of ten sessions would be required. What can Rolfing therapy be used for? As mentioned above, Rolfing therapy can be used as a general form of release for the body in order to encourage all-round health and wellbeing, both physically and emotionally, and this in itself can have further therapeutic benefits. There are also some claims as to Rolfing being used for more chronic conditions, such as cerebral palsy, chronic fatigue syndrome and low back pain in that it can produce improvements in the condition of the sufferer. Is Rolfing therapy an effective form of therapy? There have been some scientific studies into the effectiveness of Rolfing therapy which have reported benefits when treating the conditions mentioned above. However, although claims were made, there was not enough data presented to actually support them and hence they cannot be taken as proof. Also, the ‘gravity’ theory behind Rolfing appears to be an unsubstantiated claim as it would seem to suggest that everybody who has not received a Rolfing session must, therefore, be misaligned. Are there any known side effects with Rolfing therapy? There are no known side effects with Rolfing and it is generally seen as a safe form of therapy. However, there are precautions which should be observed before starting treatment. Pregnant women and those who are prone to blood clotting disorders, vascular and skeletal problems should talk to their doctor first. Where can you find further information on Rolfing therapy? The Rolf Institute Rolfing UK The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on Rolfing

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S Sandplay and Sand Tray Therapy What is sandplay therapy and sand tray therapy? Despite the similar names, sandplay and sand tray therapy are in fact different forms of therapy. Sand tray therapy is a type of psychoanalytic ‘play therapy’ which is used solely to determine the mental health and general well-being of both adults and children. There is usually no actual healing process, and after assessment some other form of therapy which will attempt to heal the problems would then be used. Sandplay therapy, in contrast to sand tray therapy, takes the analysis a step further and attempts to heal the child or adult of their emotional or mental problem. Hence it does not usually require the use of another form of therapy in addition. This article will discuss sandplay therapy in further detail. If you would like to learn more about how sand tray therapy works, please read the play therapy article. Sandplay therapy was developed by Swiss therapist Dora Kalff during the 1950s and 1960s in collaboration with English therapist Margaret Lowenfeld, using Jungian psychology principles. How does sandplay therapy work? Sandplay therapy uses a ‘tray’ filled with sand and gives the adult or child client access to many different objects and miniature play figures which can be placed within the sand. The client is encouraged to create a picture with these objects and figures through a number of methods which will open their imagination, such as talk therapy or dreamwork. The scenes which are created by the client are said to be a reflection of the client’s inner world, without inhibition. The therapist does not attempt to interpret the scene or direct the client in any way. Hence the client is left within their own personal space where they can begin emotional healing and connection with their deep psyche. Psychological analysis does not necessarily take place, though it may do at a later time. What can sandplay therapy be used for? Sandplay therapy is often associated with children, although it is equally as useful for adolescents and adults also. Sandplay therapy allows the client to connect with their inner self in order to begin healing processes. This would suggest that sandplay therapy can therefore be used with people who are suffering emotional or mental upset resulting from a variety of circumstances such as loss. Is sandplay therapy an effective form of therapy? Sandplay therapy (as developed by Kalff) has been in use since the late 1950s, though is said to be gaining much more recognition for its effectiveness over the past few years. As well as being useful for the conditions mentioned above, it is also said 281

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy to be effective with people who are feeling depressed or a little under the weather emotionally. Are there any known side effects with sandplay therapy? There are no known side effects with sandplay therapy. Where can you find further information on sandplay therapy? Sandplay Therapists of America British and Irish Sandplay Society

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Seitai What is Seitai? Seitai is an alternative, energy-based healing technique which promotes a healthy bodily life force through re-adjustment of the physiology of the body. Seitai originated in Japan and was developed by Haruchika Noguchi after the Second World War. It is said to have arisen from a Japanese desire to properly document traditional healing techniques through a comprehensive study. Noguchi was one of the people who was involved with this, and he developed Seitai as a combination of a variety of different traditional techniques. His aim was to perfect a form of healing and hence Seitai was born. How does Seitai work? A Seitai practitioner will first work to find the source of the problem which the client is experiencing and will examine the body to discover what factors are present which may be causing the body’s own healing power to work at a weakened efficiency. The practitioner will then apply the appropriate Seitai technique in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing power. Although Noguchi is recognised as being the founder of Seitai, various different techniques now exist as practitioners have developed their own unique versions of the therapy. These will all work in slightly different ways, though the most general definition of a Seitai treatment involves manipulation of the ‘tsubo points’ (or

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy meridians) with an emphasis on the spine as it is believed that realignment of the spine encourages the body to heal itself. What can Seitai be used for? Seitai therapy is said to be useful for treating neck and back pains in particular, as well as revitalizing those who feel tired and have low energy levels. As stated, Seitai is supposedly a treatment which stimulates the body’s own healing powers. Hence if the body can be encouraged to heal itself, then there are a great many conditions which Seitai could potentially be used to treat. Is Seitai an effective form of therapy? No reference to research or scientific study could be found, making it difficult to determine whether or not Seitai is an effective form of therapy. Seitai practitioners and the developer of Seitai suggest that this healing technique came about as a combination of many other traditional and sometimes ancient healing techniques from the East, and that Seitai utilises all of the best features of many of these. So, if you are a believer in the various ancient Japanese and Chinese techniques then you are more likely to believe in Seitai too and in its effectiveness. With this attitude, Seitai is more likely to work for you. Are there any known side effects with Seitai? There are no known side effects with Seitai. Where can you find further information on Seitai? Imoto Seitai – official website Dreamwatch – an interview with Tony Crisp, a Seitai practitioner

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Sex Therapy What is sex therapy? Sex therapy, or psychosexual therapy as it is officially called, is a type of counselling therapy which deals specifically with the problems that people are having which relate to sexual intercourse. This could include all manner of problems which may benefit from counselling sessions. These sessions could be self-prescribed, or through your doctor. So they 283

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy could take place in a private setting, or through a counselling organisation such as Relate, or through the NHS. Far from being the taboo subject which many people think it is, sex therapy has actually been in use for over 40 years with a great deal of success. The British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy, for example, was established in 1976. And therapists nowadays usually come from a medical or counselling background with additional training in physical and psychological issues related to sex therapy. How does sex therapy work? How sex therapy works depends to a certain extent on what aspect of sexual problems is being dealt with. A person who suffered sexual trauma in their childhood, for example, will probably need a quite different type of therapy session to someone who has just started having erectile problems. As with most other counselling forms of therapy, sex therapy will generally entail the client having conversations with the therapist about many aspects of their life and getting to the bottom of their issues. The therapist will then create a personalised plan of exercises for the client (and their partner if applicable) to do at home. What can sex therapy be used for? Sex therapy can be used for all aspects of sexual functioning. This will include: lack of sexual confidence, loss of sexual desire, sexual addiction, low libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm and painful intercourse. Is sex therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned above, sex therapy has been used for about the past 40 years and is recognised as an important and effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with sex therapy? There are no known side effects with sex therapy. Where can you find further information on sex therapy? NetDoctor.co.uk – who to contact for sex therapy Relate – Sex Therapy British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy

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Shamanic Healing What is shamanic healing? It is difficult to pinpoint when shamanic healing first began, as shamans as healers are known to have existed in tribal communities all over the world for thousands of years, going back into the mists of time. Today’s shamans — or shamanic practitioners as they call themselves — claim to base their healing practises on the same techniques used by the shamans of old. Yet, in another sense, shamanic healing can appear remarkably modern because much of it appears to be based on the power of intention when in the theta state, like Theta Healing therapy Traditionally a shaman was seen as someone who could cross into other dimensions and talk to the beings, known as ‘spirit guides’, who he met there. He would do this to gain information, advice or healing for his tribe. A modern shamanic healing practitioner will use the same methods – a rhythmic beat of the drum of between four and seven beats per second — to help the client enter the theta state, from which place they are said to be able to enter into the same dimensions to gain their own information, advice or healing. How does shamanic healing work? The shamanic therapy healer regards a loss of health to be mainly due to a loss of power. Thus their aim is to self-empower the individual again, by putting their client in touch with their own ‘spirit guides’, from whose advice and guidance they can make their own decisions. In addition, shamanic practitioners believe that trauma can cause what they call “soul loss” or “soul fragmentation”. It is claimed that this soul loss can lead to depression, apathy and problems with the immune system as well as the inability to face life’s challenges or embrace the future. So shamanic healing practitioners will sometimes go into the theta state themselves, in order to retrieve the souls or soul parts on behalf of their client. This is known as “soul retrieval”. They will also perform ‘extractions” of unwanted energies, which have somehow become lodged in the energy bodies of their clients. And some shamans make their own herbal healing concoctions — you can read more about this in shamanic herbalism. What can shamanic healing be used for? If shamanic healing works as its proponents claim that it does, then its applications are endless. It can be used for all the problems that a client faces, and not just health ones. But specifically, as mentioned, its “soul retrieval” technique is said to be helpful 285

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy for depression, apathy and immune system disorders as well as an inability to cope with life’s challenges or to embrace the future. Is shamanic healing an effective form of therapy? There is plenty of anecdotal evidence for the success of shamanic healing. In addition, in the early 1950s, Mircea Eliade, the professor for the history of religion of Harvard at the time, produced a book called Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. This was basically a collation of anthropologists’ interviews with shamans worldwide at the turn of the 19th century. From these, we can detect that the shamanic healing experience was almost identical over a wide area. In other words, even though these shamans had never met one another, they all reported common techniques for entering the theta state, and common descriptions of how the healing therapy worked. But there is no modern Western scientific evidence for shamanic healing being an effective form of therapy. That however, has to be viewed alongside the fact that, as with most forms of alternative healing therapies, there is little vested interest for the medicine industry in putting such a therapy through the battery of expensive and time consuming tests needed to verify its efficacy. Are there any known side effects with shamanic healing? There are no known side effects with shamanic healing therapy. Where can you find further information on shamanic healing? Shamanism – Wikipedia article The Sacred Trust – shamanic healing in the UK Foundation for Shamanic Studies – shamanic healing in the US Soul Retrieval – book by Sandra Ingerman

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Shen Therapy What is Shen therapy? Shen therapy is an alternative form of therapy which concentrates solely on treating the emotional problems of a client and not the physical ones, though in so doing, the physical problems can often be healed too. It is an energy based therapy which has some similarities to Reiki, though, as you will read, it is actually quite different. Shen therapy was developed by an American researcher named Richard Pavek. Pavek worked on defining the physics behind the so-called ‘human biofield’ between 1977 and 1978. His development of Shen therapy was then the result of another twelve years of work. So, although Shen therapy may be considered an alternative therapy, the theory behind the technique is actually science-based. How does Shen therapy work? In a Shen therapy session you remain fully clothed in a reclined position. The Shen therapist places their hands on or very near your body and lets their own internal energy, or Qi, flow through. Shen therapy is said to open the deepest parts of the client’s biofield and in so doing, it is able to release emotional traumas. When this happens, the client will briefly reexperience these traumas as they re-surface, though they quickly disappear. What can Shen therapy be used for? As mentioned, Shen therapy is more of an emotional form of therapeutic release rather than a physical one. It can hence be used by people who have suffered emotional traumas in their lives as their bodies are invited to let go of these traumas. In addition, because emotional trauma is said to be ingrained within the physical body, Shen therapy can have an almost indirect effect on the physical body too. It is suggested that when we suffer emotional trauma our bodies react by tensing up. This tenseness becomes a part of everyday life as we learn to cope with it in certain respects, but not in others. For example, this tenseness can cause other problems, such as migraines. Hence a Shen therapy session can alleviate the emotional trauma and the resulting physical problem which, in turn, can stop the migraines. Shen therapy is said to be useful for also treating chronic pain and menstrual problems. Is Shen therapy an effective form of therapy? Many Shen therapy supporters state that this is a very effective form of therapy and it works because it is science-based. There are numerous reports on the internet as to the great success rates Shen therapy has in curing chronic pain conditions, for example, within a number of clinics in the United States and also within China. All of these results would tend to suggest that Shen therapy is an effective form of therapy in treating the aforementioned conditions. 287


Are there any known side effects with Shen therapy? There are no known side effects with Shen therapy. Where can you find further information on Shen therapy? International Shen Therapy Association

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Shiatsu What is shiatsu? Shiatsu is a hands-on therapy which originated in Japan. It is a form of manipulative technique with a theory based on anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is a regulated and licensed form of therapy with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan. Shiatsu is said to be an ‘evolving’ technique because practitioners are constantly improving on it and developing new methods. Because of this, several different styles have emerged as being popular, and those which are not entirely the same as the original form are commonly known as ‘derivative shiatsu’. The word ‘shiatsu’ comes from the Japanese for ‘finger’ from ‘shi’ and ‘pressure’ from ‘atsu’ and its development is generally credited to Tokujiro Namikoshi who founded the Japan Shiatsu College in 1940 with his form of shiatsu therapy based on Western anatomy and physiology. He discovered the benefits of this hands-on therapy at the age of seven whilst treating his mother’s rheumatoid arthritis. Throughout his life, Namikoshi treated numerous high profile people, including Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, which helped to make shiatsu known outside of Japan. How does shiatsu work? Shiatsu therapy works on a ‘diagnosis and therapy combined’ principle, in that the practitioner (officially called a ‘shiatsupractor’) uses his or her fingers and palms, though especially the thumbs, to determine problems and irregularities with the client’s body. The shiatsupractor will then work to correct these problems.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy A session of shiatsu therapy is said to stimulate the client’s immune system and promote the body’s natural healing powers. The treatment is on the body as a whole and so is hence said to help restore the muscles, bone structure, nervous system and circulatory system, which all helps the body to heal itself. What can shiatsu be used for? Shiatsu, as described, can be used to determine and treat specific problems within the body, though it can also be used to treat conditions which have been predetermined (i.e. not determined by the shiatsupractor). It is recognised as a way of correcting imbalances within the body and for maintaining and promoting general good health. As a therapy which is said to stimulate the body’s own natural healing process, this would indicate that there are really no boundaries as to what shiatsu could potentially be used to treat. Is shiatsu an effective form of therapy? Shiatsu is fully regulated and licensed in Japan by the Ministry of Health and Welfare — and has been since 1964 — which would suggest that the Japanese do appreciate that this is an effective form of therapy. Shiatsu has also become popular around the world, and each country will have slightly different policies regarding regulation. In the UK, for example, the Shiatsu Society was formed in 1981 and this society has very high standards, rules and regulations for its members. Research studies are underway in an effort to scientifically prove that shiatsu is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with shiatsu? There are no known side effects with shiatsu therapy.However, as a manipulative form of therapy, care should always be taken and your doctor should be consulted if you are unsure whether this would be safe for you. Where can you find further information on shiatsu? Shiatsu Society of the UK World Shiatsu Therapy Organization American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia

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Shock Therapy What is shock therapy? Shock therapy can refer to a number of different forms of therapy used for psychiatric, psychological and mental health patients, though it generally refers to a type of ‘aversion therapy’ which uses electric shocks. Aversion therapy, which has its own entry is, itself a very controversial form of therapy with the general consensus being that it does not work and can, in fact, be quite harmful to the patient depending on what method is being used. Shock therapy should not be confused with electroconvulsive therapy which is a recognised form of treatment for people with depression and works in very different ways to shock therapy. (Electroconvulsive therapy has its own entry where you can find out further information.) How does shock therapy work? Shock therapy involves giving the patient an electric shock in an attempt to condition them to associate a particular behaviour with the unpleasantness of the electric shock, and hence to get them to stop that behaviour. The voltage can be set according to how powerful an electric shock is required and a treatment programme may be ongoing over a number of weeks or months. What can shock therapy be used for? As mentioned, shock therapy is used as an aversion therapy and hence to try to change a patient’s thought process about a particular type of behaviour. For example, shock therapy may be used to treat people with addictions. In this way, the person would normally have found the addiction to bring them some kind of pleasure. But shock therapy would give them displeasure and so the idea is for them to re-associate the feelings they have when engaged in the addiction, with nonpleasurable feelings. Once there is this association, the addiction is no longer a good experience and they stop. Shock therapy may be used with children or adults who have emotional or behaviour disorders and also those with developmental disabilities. However, as previously mentioned, this form of treatment is very controversial and is only practised in one clinic in the United States. Is shock therapy an effective form of therapy? Typically, both shock therapy and aversion therapy in general are considered to be controversial, although some forms of aversion therapy for treating people with addictions are used quite commonly and with some success rates. In the United States, only one clinic (Judge Rotenberg Educational Center) uses shock therapy on a variety of conditions, including children with behavioural problems and those who are mentally handicapped. There has been a great deal of debate as to whether this treatment is actually effective and even opinions amongst the parents who have sent their children there is divided. On the one hand, there are 290

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy parents who report that this was the best form of treatment for their child, whereas on the other hand, parents are suing the centre for having used shock therapy. Are there any known side effects with shock therapy? The type of shock therapy used these days should not actually do any permanent harm to the patient because the levels of shock should not be high enough to do so. However, the main point with shock therapy is obviously to produce a level of discomfort. Where can you find further information on shock therapy? Wikipedia entry on aversion therapy Judge Rotenberg Educational Center

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Sociotherapy What is sociotherapy? Sociotherapy can refer to a number of different terms which come within the broader umbrella term of ‘social science’. In a therapeutic setting, sociotherapy is most often a combination of psychology, social work and sociology and is concerned with the behaviour of groups of people. This is in contrast to psychosocial interventions therapy (which you can read about in its own entry), which is concerned with the individual and how they react to their social environment. Sociotherapy is a relatively new social science and as yet there is no officially used definition of this therapy in use. How does sociotherapy work? Sociotherapy is used in a number of environments, including nursing homes and clinics. It is defined by the Society for the Furtherance of Sociotherapy as: “Sociotherapy is the methodical management of the living environment of a group of clients, directed at the treatment goals of this group – conceived as a method of 291

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy achieving the treatment goals of the individual client within a functional unit of usually intramural treatment institutions.” What this suggests is that sociotherapy deals with managing living environments so as to encourage the mental wellbeing of the people within that setting. For this reason, the above definition is most commonly used within nursing homes as it fits with their view most closely. What can sociotherapy be used for? The aim of sociotherapy is to provide life enrichment and/or improvement of social and life conditions. Most commonly, sociotherapists work with groups of children, youths or the elderly. Is sociotherapy an effective form of therapy? Sociotherapy is seen as an important form of therapy as it is realised how important it is for individuals to function as part of a group, and how beneficial group settings can be to improving an individual’s way of life. No reference to scientific studies relating specifically to sociotherapy could be found; therefore it is difficult to conclude whether sociotherapy is an effective form of therapy. However, there are many similarities between this and other recognised forms of effective therapy which would tend to suggest that sociotherapy must have some benefits. Are there any known side effects with sociotherapy? There are no known side effects with sociotherapy. Where can you find further information on sociotherapy? Wikipedia entry on sociotherapy Panta Rhei – Introduction on the Professional Code for Sociotherapists

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Sonopuncture What is sonopuncture? Sonopuncture therapy is an alternative, energy-based technique which combines modern beliefs with the ancient healing systems of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in that it focuses on the body’s acupuncture points. It is sometimes also known by the name of ‘phonophorese’. 292


However, it should be pointed out that sonopuncture therapy is not a form of TCM and is not used by TCM practitioners based in or from China. It is a relatively new and still quite rare healing system. The technique does not puncture the skin in any way and is in fact a non-invasive therapy. Sonopuncture therapy uses any sound-emitting device, though most commonly a tuning fork. The aim is to harmonise the person to the subtle energies of the universe so that they experience good health and overall wellbeing. Acutonics is actually sonopuncture therapy, the only real difference being that the name Acutonics is trademarked. So please read the Acutonics entry to find out more information on how sonopuncture therapy works, what it can be used for and whether it is an effective form of therapy.

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Sound Therapy What is sound therapy? Sound therapy is a complementary and somewhat alternative form of therapy which uses sound for therapeutic effect. Although you may think that sound therapy would work the same as music therapy (which has its own entry where you can read more), they are in fact very different. Whereas music therapy is quite a mainstream and conventional form of therapy, the theory behind sound therapy is very alternative. Sound has been used for its therapeutic value for thousands of years, though with popularity in the more New Age and alternative therapies increasing over the last few decades, its benefits are only now really being put to use. This new interest in sound therapy is also being put down to the fact that these ancient ideas and techniques for using sound can now be verified in certain ways by modern science. In the UK, there are now professional training courses being run by the British Academy of Sound Therapy.

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How does sound therapy work? Sound therapy is based on the theory that our bodies and everything around us emanates a sound. This sound is more often that not above or below the frequency at which the human ear can actually hear and interpret it, but even if we cannot hear a sound, we can often feel it through vibrations. It is said that our bodies, including the organs and ‘chakras’, have their own unique sound which is perfectly balanced. However, this balance becomes disturbed by outside influences and by internal influences such as stress. When the body is unbalanced, it encourages poor health and disease. Sound therapy works with the aim of re-tuning our bodies using a variety of different sources including instruments, such as the didgeridoo, as well as tuning forks and singing bowls and things as simple as the human voice. What can sound therapy be used for? By looking at how sound therapy works, it would appear that this can be used as a therapeutic tool for general health and well-being. Sound therapy is said to be a more preventative form of medicine than one designed to treat specific conditions. However, it is suggested that sound therapy has been used effectively to treat a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, migraine, insomnia, chronic pain and cysts. Is sound therapy an effective form of therapy? Because sound therapy is both an alternative and complementary form of therapy, its modern-day benefits are only just really beginning to be appreciated. However there is little to suggest that there has been proper scientific study into how effective sound therapy is as a form of therapy, which makes it difficult to make conclusions from a non-biased point of view. Are there any known side effects with sound therapy? There are no known side effects with sound therapy. Where can you find further information on sound therapy? CHIS UK – article on sound therapy Soundworks and the British Academy of Sound Therapy

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Speech Therapy What is speech therapy? Speech therapy is also known as speech and language therapy in the UK, and speech-language pathology in North America. It is the study and treatment of a large variety of disorders which affect speech, language, swallowing, cognition and voice. There are several areas of speech therapy (discussed below), working within a variety of settings. Of the 10,000 or so practising speech language therapists in the UK, the majority are employed in some capacity by the National Health Service (NHS) How does speech therapy work? In the UK, speech therapists may choose one or a combination of three areas in which to work. These are with children, with adults or with adults with learning disabilities. The work with children generally involves trying to raise their level of speech and language skills up to that which would be expected of a child of that age. With adults this would usually be rehabilitation work after they have suffered a stroke, for example. The work with adults with learning disabilities is mainly actually directed at their caregivers and staff who have direct contact with them, in order to educate them in being able to communicate effectively with the person, rather than actually giving direct therapy to the person concerned. Depending on what aspect is being treated, speech therapy techniques can vary quite substantially. They could include physical strengthening exercises, instruction and repetitive practise (for example if dealing with a lisp), or perhaps use of sign language, picture symbols and other audio-visual aids to prompt better communication. What can speech therapy be used for? Speech therapy can be used for a large variety of conditions. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in the UK, define the conditions with which speech therapists work as: With babies • feeding and swallowing difficulties With children • autism/social interaction difficulties • cleft palate • dyslexia • hearing impairment • language delay • mild, moderate or severe learning difficulties • physical disabilities • selective mutism 295

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy • • • •

specific difficulties in producing sounds specific language impairment stammering voice disorders

With adults • cancer of the head, neck and throat (including laryngectomy) • eating and swallowing and/or communication problems following stroke • hearing impairment • learning difficulties • mental health issues • neurological impairments and degenerative conditions including: head injury, motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s and dementia • physical disabilities • stammering (dysfluency) • voice problems Is speech therapy an effective form of therapy? Speech therapy is recognised as an effective and important form of therapy for the aforementioned conditions amongst babies, children and adults. Are there any known side effects with speech therapy? There are no known side effects with speech therapy. Where can you find further information on speech therapy? The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists American Speech Language Hearing Association

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Stress Management Therapy What is stress management therapy? Stress management therapy is not really a specific form of therapy as such, but a way of living and a way of coping with stress or eliminating stress from our lives. Stress was first identified as a condition by endocrinologist Hans Selye, who started researching it from 1936. Seyle’s work is said to have been influenced by American physiologist Walter Cannon, who came up with the term ‘fight or flight’ in 1915, after 296

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy his experiments with animals and their responses to threats. It was Seyle’s work though, which brought stress to the attention of the world as he discovered how and why it affects us. How does stress management therapy work? As mentioned above, although stress is recognised as a condition which people suffer from, stress management therapy is not a therapy as such and there are no stress management therapists. However, stress can be treated in a large variety of ways, including through other types of therapy. More often than not, though, stress management therapy is up to the individual. There are two models of stress management. The first is the ‘transactional model’. This suggests that stress is a result of ‘imbalance between demands and resources’ or as a perceived inability to cope. For example, in the workplace you may be asked to take on more work than you think you can handle, leading to further pressure and stress. A stress management programme for this model would attempt to break the link between the person and the stress. This works by changing perceptions of the potential stress. Rather than seeing the extra workload as a threat, you perceive it as a challenge and rather than focusing on an inability to cope, you should be confident that you can cope. The second model of stress management is the ‘health realisation/innate health model’. This model suggests that a programme should focus on the nature of thought and in helping individuals understand this nature, as well as the ability to recognise when they are on the verge of ‘insecure thinking’. By ridding the mind of insecure thoughts as to your potential and ability you can establish better feelings of wellbeing and hence reduce stress levels. In addition to these two models, there are ways in which an individual can learn to cope with stress. This includes the importance of time management, the ability to say ‘no’ to extra demands placed on us, meditation, exercise, deep breathing, autogenics and other relaxation techniques. What can stress management therapy be used for? As the name suggests, stress management therapy is used for managing and coping with stress and for attempting to reduce the amount of stress a person feels in the first place. Is stress management therapy an effective form of therapy? Because stress management therapy is essentially a self-help technique, it is really as effective as the person using it wants it to be. This is because stress is generally suffered because of our perceptions of situations and the environment around us. Therefore we have the ability to control how we feel about that and hence limit the amount of stress felt. Are there any known side effects with stress management therapy? There are no known side effects with stress management therapy. 297

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on stress management therapy? Wikipedia entry on stress management International Stress Management Association UK

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Structural Energetic Therapy What is Structural Energetic Therapy? Structural Energetic Therapy is a trademarked name for a form of therapy which incorporates several other therapeutic techniques to result in a body restructuring therapy. Structural Energetic Therapy was developed by massage therapist Don McCann in the early 1980s. However, it is recognised that this form of therapy is one which is constantly evolving for the better. Because McCann is the only certified trainer of Structural Energetic Therapy, there are yet to be large number of therapists who offer this. The majority appear to be within the United States, and hence it is not commonly practised around the world as yet. How does Structural Energetic Therapy work? Structural Energetic Therapy is a combination of a variety of other techniques: “myofascial restructuring*, emotional energy release*, acupressure*, Kinesiology* and muscle testing, postural analysis, scar tissue and adhesion release, deep tissue therapy* and rehabilitative massage”. In addition, it incorporates cranial/structural techniques*. A Structural Energetic Therapy session will begin with the therapist concentrating on areas of the body which have been causing discomfort, releasing areas of pain. The theory behind the treatment is that apparently over 90 per cent of the population suffers with a ‘basic structural core distortion’ which is the source of bodily aches and pains. Structural Energetic Therapy aims to address these imbalances and improve bodily alignment. Restructuring is achieved through release of toxins and fluids within the muscles, releasing myofascial holding patterns, inflammations and adhesions.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy *Variations of these therapies all have their own entries where you can read exactly how they work on an individual basis. What can Structural Energetic Therapy be used for? It is suggested that Structural Energetic Therapy is suitable for treating numerous conditions. These include: headaches, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, whiplash, carpal tunnel, back pain, knee pain, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis and sprains and strains. Is Structural Energetic Therapy an effective form of therapy? As a relatively new and uncommon form of therapy around the world, Structural Energetic Therapy has not been properly researched to prove its effectiveness. There are websites which include various testimonials from people who have been treated by Structural Energetic Therapy. But these may show bias and are not necessarily the views of everybody who has been treated — in other words, they are unlikely to show the views of people who were not successfully treated. Are there any known side effects with Structural Energetic Therapy? There are no reported side effects with Structural Energetic Therapy. But if you are considering using this form of therapy you should first carefully discuss any conditions you have with the therapist to ensure that what they do is safe for you. Where can you find further information on Structural Energetic Therapy? Structural Energetic Therapy Inc.

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Swimming Therapy What is swimming therapy? Swimming therapy is the use of water and encouragement of swimming for people with disabilities in order that they can benefit from the positive experiences gained through swimming. In the UK, swimming therapy first began in the late 1940s when James and Phyl McMillan realised the importance of swimming for people with disabilities. They set up a swimming club and developed a 10-point programme for teaching the disabled. 299


They called this the Halliwick Concept, after the Halliwick School which was a school for girls with physical disabilities. In 1952, as demand had grown, they set up the Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy. The number of swimming clubs offering access for those with disabilities increased across the UK and demand also grew overseas. The Halliwick Concept of swimming therapy is still being taught to this day in the UK and in many countries around the world. How does swimming therapy work? The Halliwick Concept of swimming therapy works by using the 10-point programme which was developed in the 1950s. This programme aims to first increase confidence in the water through mental adjustment, then balance control, then movement – three elements which are considered to be essential for motor learning. The 10 points are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Mental adjustment. Disengagement. Transversal (formerly vertical) rotation control. Sagittal rotation control. Longitudinal (formerly lateral) rotation control. Combined rotation control. Upthrust. Balance in stillness. Turbulent gliding. Simple progression and a basic stroke.

What can swimming therapy be used for? The main aim of swimming therapy is to allow people with disabilities to be able to enjoy and benefit from swimming. Swimming, in itself, is beneficial because of the exercise element. Exercise, in turn, can help to strengthen muscles and bones which can help to improve physical conditions. In addition, the 10-point programme teaches mental adjustment, which is good not only for swimming but in the person’s life outside of the swimming pool, as is balance, as this can help with coordination. Swimming therapy can also be seen as generally improving mental and physical health and well-being. Is swimming therapy an effective form of therapy? No specific reference to research regarding swimming therapy could be found. But it is widely accepted that this is an effective and important form of therapy for people with disabilities because of the many benefits it can bring. Are there any known side effects with swimming therapy? There are no known side effects with swimming therapy. 300


Where can you find further information on swimming therapy? Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy in the UK

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Systemic Therapy What is systemic therapy? Systemic therapy is a type of psychotherapy which is essentially the same as family therapy, or family systems therapy. It concentrates on treating a group, group relationships and group interactions rather than just the individual. Systemic therapy does not aim to find the route of a problem, but attempts to bring about change within the group so that problems can be recognised and acted upon. This type of therapy may be more readily referred to as systemic therapy when used in environments other than a ‘family’ setting, such as in business. It is also being used in more and more settings, including politics and education. To find out more about how systemic therapy works, what it can be used for, and whether it is effective, please read the family therapy article.

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T Tantric Massage Therapy What is tantric massage therapy? Tantric massage therapy, or tantra massage as it is also known, is a form of massage which is designed to be both sensual and sexual in nature. Tantric massage therapy is based on tantra, an ancient Indian spiritual practise and philosophy which is found in several religions, such as Hindu and Buddhism. It is based on the belief that feeling and experiencing pleasure are things that humans should embrace, not run from, and that by doing so we can benefit from personal growth, happiness and well-being. The idea is that tantric massage therapy provides the person receiving it with both benefits and healing on a spiritual, emotional and physical level. How does tantric massage therapy work? For the greatest benefit, it is recommended that the client is fully undressed for a tantric massage therapy session, although if the client is not comfortable with this, the therapist should respect their wishes. The massage is very gentle and with a light touch, more caressing than most other forms of massage which can be forceful. It does not concentrate on one area alone, but on the whole body. It is said that tantric massage therapy provides an extremely deep level of relaxation, pleasure and positive emotions for the receiver, taking them on a spiritual journey and encouraging positive thoughts and feelings. What can tantric massage therapy be used for? Unlike the majority of other massage therapies, tantric massage therapy does not aim to cure physical aches and pains and does not concentrate on just one part of the body. Tantric massage therapy is a whole-body experience which is designed so that the receiver can enjoy sensuality and relaxation and become more in touch with their body and its needs. Once this level is reached, it is said that tantric massage therapy can produce further benefits in that it promotes general well-being and happiness. Is tantric massage therapy an effective form of therapy? Because tantric massage therapy is a little different to most massage therapies and is not therapeutic in the common sense of the word, it is difficult to say whether or not it is an effective form of therapy.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Tantric massage therapy is really what you make of it, and is a massage therapy that would not suit everyone! Are there any known side effects with tantric massage therapy? There are no known side effects with tantric massage therapy. Where can you find further information on tantric massage therapy? Tantralink.com Tantric Therapy

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TENS Therapy What is TENS therapy? TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, though TENS is the commonly known name. TENS is an electronic device which produces electrical signals in order to stimulate the nerves and is most generally used for pain relief. The first documented use of electrical stimulation for pain control was in ancient Greece in 63 AD. This technique was extremely primitive as it involved standing on an electrical fish! Between the 16th and 18th centuries, a number of devices were manufactured for alleviating pain, though these were not portable and not easily controllable. It was not until 1974 that the first modern-day TENS device was manufactured. Despite the fact that it had been designed for another reason, the machine was a very popular form of pain relief. This first device was manufactured by Medtronic and the name was given by Dr Charles Burton. How does TENS therapy work? TENS devices are portable devices which have been designed so that they can be used in the home, not just in clinical settings. They are typically battery operated and have two or more electrodes which are connected to the skin. The frequency and intensity of the pulses produced can be easily controlled so that they can be changed as necessary depending on pain levels. TENS is not designed to stimulate the muscles, and if there is muscle contraction experienced, this indicates that the levels are set too high. What TENS therapy is 303

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy supposed to do is stimulate the nerves and in so doing, it blocks the pain that is being felt. What can TENS therapy be used for? Despite some opinions to the contrary, TENS therapy is considered to be an effective form of pain relief and is particularly popular for pain relief during labour. In addition, TENS has been used for pain relief from other conditions such as musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. Is TENS therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned, TENS therapy is a very popular form of pain relief for women in labour and is frequently recommended for this reason. However, there is actually little research data that confirms its effectiveness in obstetric care and some obstetricians claim it is ineffective. There have been other studies conducted as to the effectiveness of TENS with pain relief from other conditions. It has shown positive results in the treatment of relief from musculoskeletal pain and has shown some success with easing neuropathic pain. Are there any known side effects with TENS therapy? When used as prescribed, there should be no side effects with TENS therapy. There are, however, a number of precautions which should be followed, including: proper placement of the electrodes – not on or near the eyes, in the mouth, on each temple, on the front of the neck or on skin that is broken, wounded or suffers from decreased sensation. Those with epilepsy should take care and those with a cardiac pacemaker should not use TENS. Caution should also be maintained by pregnant women in that electrodes should not be placed near the foetus. Where can you find further information on TENS therapy? WebMD – article on TENS eMedicine – article on TENS

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Therapeutic Touch Therapy What is Therapeutic Touch therapy? Therapeutic Touch, or TT as it is often simply known, is an energy therapy, based on the idea that humans have an energy field which can be manipulated so as to assist the body’s natural healing process. Therapeutic Touch was developed in the 1970s by Dora Kunz, a theosophist, and Dolores Krieger, a nursing educator, and the therapy was developed with a basis in ancient healing practices. Therapeutic Touch came at a time when there was quite a lot of interest in the nursing community in a move away from scientifically proved methods, to those that were anecdotal and unsubstantiated. How does Therapeutic Touch therapy work? Although its name includes the word ‘touch’, a Therapeutic Touch treatment does not actually use physical touch. It is based on the principle that humans have an energy field, often referred to as a ‘biofield’ or bioenergetic field’, and the idea that the client heals him or herself. The therapist is just a ‘human energy support system’, placing their hands a little way above the body where they are said to be able to detect and manipulate the client’s energy field. Manipulation through Therapeutic Touch is required when the client’s flow of energy becomes blocked and hence the therapist aims to unblock it and restore integrity. In so doing, health and well-being will result. What can Therapeutic Touch therapy be used for? Therapeutic Touch does not purport to treat particular or specific conditions because it is based on the theory that a client has the ability to heal themselves; the therapist is merely the support mechanism which is said to encourage the client’s energy field. This would indicate then (assuming that the theory on which this is based is correct), that Therapeutic Touch can be used for general health and wellbeing and for treating the body of a number of conditions through the boosting of the immune system. Is Therapeutic Touch therapy an effective form of therapy? There have not been many studies into the effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch, but those that have been conducted have generally not shown positive or encouraging results. Research conducted by one of the developers, Dolores Krieger, in 1975 did not prove the effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch. And an attempt at conducting research by an independent body in 1996 did not have good results as only one practitioner out of 40,000 responded to the invitation. However, in 1998, an 11-year-old Colorado girl named Emily Rosa was able to recruit 21 practitioners for her science fair project experiment. Emily placed a screen between a practitioner's eyes and hands, and then held her own hand over one of the practitioner's hands. Emily conducted 280 tests with the 21 subjects, and they identified the correct location of her hand in only 44 per cent of the tests. 305


The only positive results of a study were in 2004, when Therapeutic Touch was examined for its effectiveness on dementia. The findings suggest that Therapeutic Touch does decrease behavioural and psychological symptoms of the condition. Are there any known side effects with Therapeutic Touch therapy? There are no known side effects with Therapeutic Touch. Where can you find further information on Therapeutic Touch therapy? The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on Therapeutic Touch The British Association of Therapeutic Touch Official Organization for Therapeutic Touch

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Thermotherapy What is thermotherapy? Thermotherapy is a term which may be used to describe several different therapeutic treatments and methods for relieving a variety of conditions. These treatments include Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT) which is a method for treating a condition of the eyes called choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) and involves the use of a laser directed at the specific point within the eye. Trials for this treatment were published in 2000 and showed positive results, though it was suggested that further trials were necessary. Thermotherapy can refer to a treatment for cancer. In this case, it is ‘cold’ temperatures which are used to induce a localised hypothermia in an attempt to kill the cancerous cells or to make them more susceptible to other treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Thermotherapy most commonly refers to hot or cold treatments for pain relief. For centuries, the benefits of heat and cold have been appreciated for medical purposes, and depending on the nature of the pain being experienced, either hot or cold packs

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy can be used and placed or held directly onto the affected area. This is the form of thermotherapy which will be discussed in further detail below. How does thermotherapy work? There are actually a great many methods for the use of thermotherapy, most of which will apply to the application of heat rather than cold, though both can be used. Hence the way in which thermotherapy works really depends on which particular method is being used. Examples include hydrotherapy, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound and laser therapy. You can read all about how hydrotherapy, diathermy and laser therapy work in their own entries. What can thermotherapy be used for? As discussed above, there are actually several very different uses for thermotherapy. TTT is a medical technique which is used on the eyes, whereas thermotherapy by use of hypothermia can be used to treat cancer. Thermotherapy is most commonly associated though with musculoskeletal and joint disorders and diseases. Is thermotherapy an effective form of therapy? As there are so many different methods used for thermotherapy, it is difficult to say whether or not they are effective as many work in different ways. Please see the individual entries for hydrotherapy, laser therapy and diathermy for further information on their specific effectiveness. Are there any known side effects with thermotherapy? Again this will vary with the actual mode of treatment, but generally the side effects should be minimal and may include minor burns. Where can you find further information on thermotherapy? Wikipedia entry on thermotherapy regarding cancer treatment Your Total Health – article on thermotherapy in general

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Theta Healing What is Theta Healing? Theta Healing is a gentle, non-invasive kind of healing that works with the power of intention in an environment of altered brain wave function. Since the advent of psychoneuroimmunology, complementary health professionals are increasingly using the power of the mind to heal, and Theta Healing is one of the more recent therapies in this field. Also previously known as the Orian (or Orion) technique, Theta Healing therapy has been developed over a ten year period by naturopath and intuitive psychic Vianna Stibal, who claims that she discovered this form of healing when she used it to heal herself from cancer. Practitioners point to quantum physics to explain its results, but that you don’t have to be a quantum physicist to either practise or benefit from it. Theta Healing is based on what’s known in the world of quantum mechanics as Bell’s Theorem, which found that the intention of a scientist conducting an experiment at the sub-atomic level affects the outcome of the experiment. As thought exists at the sub-atomic level, then the theory is that by using our power of intention, we can change our outcomes, including our outcomes at the deepest cellular levels of health and wellbeing where, it is believed, all disease begins. How does Theta Healing work? Theta Healing therapy claims to work by taking the consciousness of the client into the sub-atomic dimension by means of changing their brain wave function to that of what’s known as the theta state (In this, it is similar to shamanic healing therapy, which has its own entry.) Once in the theta state, the power of the intention of the mind is said to become more potent, and subconscious thoughts that hold back our physical or emotional wellbeing can be more easily identified and ‘weeded out’, or pulled up by their roots. Thus Theta Healing claims to ‘dig out’ the root of the health problem. What can Theta Healing be used for? Given the nature of Theta Healing therapy, if it works, its possibilities — in terms of health and wellbeing — are endless, both on a physical and an emotional/mental level. There is no limit to which conditions it can treat. Is Theta Healing an effective form of therapy? Practitioners of Theta Healing therapy claim that the positive effects of the therapy are felt immediately. And their websites are full of testimonials from clients reporting extremely positive and fast results.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy However, because no scientific research has been carried out into Theta Healing, and quantum mechanics is still in its infancy, there is no objective proof of the efficacy of this sort of therapy. Are there any known side effects with Theta Healing? There are no known side effects with Theta Healing therapy. Where can you find further information on Theta Healing? Theta Healing in UK Theta Healing in the US

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Thought Field Therapy (TFT) What is Thought Field Therapy? Thought Field Therapy (or TFT) is an alternative treatment technique which uses ‘tapping’ with the fingers on a variety of points around the upper body and hands, known as meridian points. This is a treatment which reputedly can be used to treat and cure a huge variety of diseases, both mental and physical. Thought Field Therapy was developed by an American psychologist named Roger Callahan in the early 1980s. Having tried a number of different techniques to try to rid a patient of their phobia, he experimented with tapping on the meridian points and was reported to have immediate success. He began testing this treatment on more of his patients who had phobias and other conditions and when he found success he set about developing Thought Field Therapy fully. Although TFT itself has seen a certain level of success, another similar form of therapy has since been developed which is based on the same principles of Thought Field Therapy. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) was developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s and uses the same meridian tapping idea. (You can read all about how EFT works in its own entry.)

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How does Thought Field Therapy work? Thought Field Therapy was named as such because its creator, Callahan, believed that when we think about an experience or a thought which we associate with an emotion, we are ‘tuning in’ to a ‘thought field’ and hence in our minds, a predetermined reaction to a specific thought. Callahan further believes that these concerns are directly related to negative emotions and that each one of them corresponds to a particular meridian point. By tapping a precise sequence on the meridian points, it is said to unblock imbalances and the flow of Qi (the life force or human energy flow). What can Thought Field Therapy be used for? Thought Field Therapy can be used with a wide range of conditions including the first condition reputedly cured with it, which was a phobia of water. Other conditions which are claimed to be relieved or cured with TFT include trauma, addictions, anxieties, weight loss, stress relief and stress management to name a few. There have even been reports that TFT was able to cure malaria. Is Thought Field Therapy an effective form of therapy? Thought Field Therapy is considered to be an alternative therapy with little substantiated proof as to its efficacy except for reports from its creator, Callahan, and practitioners of TFT who claim success with many hundreds of patients. The general consensus in the psychotherapy world is that this is not a valid form of psychotherapy and that it verges on being classed as a pseudoscience. However, as testimonies report, Thought Field Therapy has been successful with some – whether this is a result of the placebo effect or the tapping remains to be seen. Are there any known side effects with Thought Field Therapy? There are no known side effects with Thought Field Therapy. Where can you find further information on Thought Field Therapy? Wikipedia entry on Thought Field Therapy TFT website Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on Thought Field Therapy

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Thrombolytic Therapy What is thrombolytic therapy? Thrombolytic therapy refers to the medicinal use of thrombolytic drugs which are used in a procedure called ‘thrombolysis’. Thrombolytic therapy is used to treat a number of potentially life-threatening conditions where blood clots are a major factor. How does thrombolytic therapy work? Thrombolytic therapy uses special drugs, called thrombolytic drugs, to reduce and limit blood clots which occur within the body. The most commonly used thrombolytic drugs include streptokinase, urokinase and alteplase, all of which act to stimulate the plasma proenzyme, plasminogen, which in turn produces more plasmin and thins the blood, hence reducing any clots. What can thrombolytic therapy be used for? Thrombolytic therapy can be particularly useful as a form of treatment for a number of conditions. Most commonly these include ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction (also known as a heart attack), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a pulmonary embolism (which affects the lungs). Thrombolytic therapy is most effective when used within a narrow timeframe following the blood clot event. Within 90 minutes would be most effective, though sometimes thrombolytic therapy can begin as much as six hours after the start of the symptoms. Is thrombolytic therapy an effective form of therapy? Thrombolytic therapy is a very important and effective method of treatment for the aforementioned conditions as it serves to break up the blood clot and reduce the chances of further clots occurring. These clots can be life threatening if the blood flow is blocked to the heart or lungs. Are there any known side effects with thrombolytic therapy? Although thrombolytic therapy is most effective if prescribed within a limited timeframe after the onset of conditions, it is important that precautions are followed as there is the risk of further complications developing (called contraindications) as well as potential side effects developing at a later date. For example, if a patient has received treatment with thrombolytic drugs in the past (especially the drug called streptokinase) there is the possibility that they have built up an allergy to the drug and will suffer a severe allergic reaction. Hemorrhagic stroke is also a serious contraindication, although it is rare. Patients need to take great care after receiving thrombolytic therapy. This is because the blood has been thinned, and hence if a cut is suffered, the blood will have difficulty clotting at the site of the wound (a process which would normally occur naturally) and the wound will continue to bleed. 311

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Where can you find further information on thrombolytic therapy? Vascular Web entry on thrombolytic therapy Wikipedia entry on thrombolysis

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Time Line Therapy What is Time Line Therapy? Time Line Therapy is a type of emotional freedom therapy which concentrates on disposing of negative emotions. Time Line Therapy was developed by American, Dr Tad James who is a Master Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP, which can be read about in its own entry). It was through his work with NLP that he began to develop Time Line Therapy in 1985. He created a number of techniques which allow the client to make changes on a subconscious level. Time Line Therapy has reputably become a very popular form of therapy because of the speed at which it is said to work. How does Time Line Therapy work? Time Line Therapy is said to work with the individual’s storage of memories and shows natural and simple techniques which allow the client to release negative and unpleasant feelings which constitute memories in their past. This is achieved by identifying the cause of these emotions. Once you are shown how to remove one you will be able to remove all of the subsequent ones too. It is not specified how exactly this process takes place during a session of Time Line Therapy. What can Time Line Therapy be used for? Time Line Therapy can be useful for people who suffer from everyday problems of negative thoughts, unhappy emotions and unpleasant feelings which are often as a result of past traumas and events. In addition, it can be used for treating the conditions which often accompany these feelings when left unchecked, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is Time Line Therapy an effective form of therapy? Although supporters of Time Line Therapy suggest that this is an effective form of therapy, no reference to unbiased research or study could be found, making it difficult to conclude whether Time Line Therapy is an effective form of therapy. It is not made clear exactly how Time Line Therapy works; only that it is based on the principles of NLP. But NLP is mostly considered pseudoscience because there is not enough evidence to suggest to the contrary. Are there any known side effects with Time Line Therapy? There are no known side effects with Time Line Therapy. Where can you find further information on Time Line Therapy? Worldwidehealth.com – article on Time Line Therapy by a practitioner The Tad James Company The Time Line Therapy Association

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Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis What is tongue and pulse diagnosis? Tongue and pulse diagnosis refers to a technique for diagnosing illness which has been used in Oriental medicine for thousands of years. It is a technique which is far more advanced than simply taking a person’s pulse and noting down the numbers — because when a trained practitioner takes your pulse, it tells them much more about the health and functioning of the mind and body. A look at a person’s tongue can also tell a practitioner much about that person’s general health. Over the past 300 or so years, as there have been more and more medical advances, the method of pulse diagnosis in particular has declined in importance, but it is still used as a tool for confirmation of a person’s condition. How does tongue and pulse diagnosis work? Pulse diagnosis is made by measuring the pulse on the client’s wrists — both wrists are used for best accuracy. The practitioner will use three fingers to take the ‘radial’ pulse — the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger — and each finger is positioned so that it can measure a different aspect of the pulse. 313


In Chinese medicine, 28 different patterns, called pulse images, have been identified. These are 28 patterns which indicate disease, suggesting that a practitioner would have to be highly trained to be able to pick out 28 different pulse images. Each pulse image is classified under four headings — floating, deep, fast and slow — which helps to make further diagnosis. Tongue diagnosis would appear to be a far more simple process. The tongue can be observed for a variety of characteristics, such as colour, size, shape, surface, contours and margins, and different parts of the tongue represent different organs of the body. This means that by identifying an irregularity in one area of the tongue, a practitioner can determine that a problem exists within the corresponding organ. What can tongue and pulse diagnosis be used for? Because tongue and pulse diagnosis is a form of diagnosis and not a treatment, conditions cannot be directly treated with this method. However, it is said that by using these methods, diseases can be detected at an early stage and with this knowledge, a client can seek the relevant treatment. Is tongue and pulse diagnosis an effective form of therapy? This question should really read ‘Is tongue and pulse diagnosis therapy an effective form of diagnosis?’ As these methods have been in use for thousands of years, you would tend to think that there must be some effectiveness in them as a diagnostic tool — otherwise they wouldn’t be used any more. However, with advancements in technology, science and medicine, the best advice is to try to keep to a healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups. If you believe that something is wrong, go to see your doctor as soon as possible. By all means, you can still see a practitioner who uses tongue and pulse diagnosis, but this probably shouldn’t be the only thing you do. Are there any known side effects with tongue and pulse diagnosis? There are no known side effects with tongue and pulse diagnosis. Where can you find further information on tongue and pulse diagnosis? HighBeam Encyclopaedia – detailed entry on pulse diagnosis in Chinese medicine HolisticOnline.com – ayurvedic diagnosis

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Traditional Chinese Medicine What is traditional Chinese medicine? Traditional Chinese medicine is frequently referred to as simply ‘TCM’ and it encompasses many different traditional medical practises, some of which have been in use for thousands of years. TCM, and its various individual forms of therapy, have seen a rise in popularity around the world over the past few decades in particular, despite the fact that it is seen in many countries as a form of alternative medicine and is, hence, not accepted by the conventional medical world as a valid form of treatment. But some TCM therapies are now becoming recognised for their effectiveness and are becoming considered more as ‘complementary’ forms of therapy. TCM has developed over thousands of years to embrace many different theories behind health and wellbeing, though the underlying philosophy is the belief that human beings have a very complex relationship with the environment around them. How does traditional Chinese medicine work? Many of the therapies which are classified as being traditional Chinese medicine work on the same principles, and that is that the human body is like a small universe. What this means is that the human body is made up of a series of systems which all work together to create balance and therefore to maintain health. To take the ‘small universe’ idea further, it means that if one aspect of the body is unbalanced, it has an effect on the whole. This balance is often referred to as ‘yin and yang’, and the body’s life force, or vital energy, known as ‘Qi’ plays an important part in many of the TCM therapies. TCM also has its own model, or medical chart, of the body which is based on ‘meridians’ and the ‘meridian system’ which in a sense ties the body together. The TCM medical chart illustrates the meridian points on the body – these are the points which need manipulation in some way to restore balance and therefore wellbeing. You may hear these referred to as the ‘acupuncture points’ even though the therapy being discussed is not necessarily acupuncture. Beyond the above generalisation, there are obviously differences in how the various forms of therapy work. Some examples of therapies considered to be traditional Chinese medicine include: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping and Qigong – all of which have their own entries where you can read how these work on an individual basis. What can traditional Chinese medicine therapy be used for? Because TCM is a complete medical system, there are really no boundaries as to what it can be used to treat, and different forms of therapy will be good for different forms of disease. 315

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is traditional Chinese medicine an effective form of therapy? TCM has been relied upon for thousands of years as the only form of medical care in its country of origin, which would suggest that there must be some effectiveness for it to have lasted this long, and for it to now be used to some extent around the world also. But TCM is considered to be an alternative medicine especially in many Western countries where the emphasis is on science and proof of effectiveness, hence opinion is divided. Because acupuncture has become such a common form of treatment, much study has been conducted as to its effectiveness. Results have been mixed, showing that it can be good for some conditions, but not so effective for others. Are there any known side effects with traditional Chinese medicine? The likelihood of side effects really depends on what type of TCM is being used. There are some precautions to be taken against possible risks with some forms of TCM – read the individual entries to find out more about these. Where can you find further information on traditional Chinese medicine? Wikipedia entry on traditional Chinese medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation Chinese Medicine Times – CMTpedia

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Trager Approach What is the Trager Approach? Trager Approach therapy is classified as a type of mind-body intervention which uses movement to achieve deep relaxation. There are two aspects of Trager Approach therapy in use, which have arisen from what was first developed by Milton Trager. At the age of 18, Trager recognised the benefits whilst he was exercising, and spent the next 50 years refining the

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy techniques. Although not a medical professional when he began, Trager worked first as a lay practitioner then later studied and became a medical doctor. In 1980, the Trager Institute was founded as a means of training and certifying practitioners. A number of other organisations started up around the world, and in 2001, they all came under the banner of Trager International. This merger included Trager UK and the United States Trager Association. How does the Trager Approach work? As mentioned above, there are two aspects to Trager Approach therapy. The first is a passive approach in which the client lies on a padded table and receives a series of touches from the practitioner. This is essentially a form of gentle massage which is said to aid the body’s fluidity. The second, which would usually take place after the first part of the session, is called ‘Mentastics’ and it is during this time that the client is taught how to engage in effortless movements. What can the Trager Approach be used for? It has been reported that Trager Approach therapy can be helpful in easing a number of conditions as well as giving the client a sense of deep relaxation, improved physical mobility and re-balancing of physical and mental patterns. The conditions which may be helped through Trager Approach therapy include: back and neck pain, stress and associated conditions such as headaches, fibromyalgia, physical and emotional traumas, sports and other injuries. Is the Trager Approach an effective form of therapy? Although, or maybe because, the Trager Approach therapy was in development for over 50 years, the technique does not appear to have had any substantiated research conducted to prove its effectiveness. The Trager website has testimonials, mostly from well-known individuals, stating how good they think the therapy is. But without methodical research, it is difficult to say just how effective it is. Also the views on the Trager website would tend to be biased towards the positive. Are there any known side effects with the Trager Approach? There are no known side effects with Trager Approach therapy, though it is advised that any medical conditions are discussed with the practitioner prior to beginning a session. Where can you find further information on the Trager Approach? Trager International Trager UK

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Transcendental Meditation What is Transcendental Meditation? Transcendental Meditation is also known simply as TM, and it is a type of meditation technique which is said to bring ‘enlightenment’ and relaxation as well as having various other health benefits. TM was developed by Indian-born Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (born Mahesh Prasad Varma) in 1955, when he begun teaching meditative techniques which he named Transcendental Meditation. From 1956 onwards, the number of followers increased hugely and rapidly across India, and then spread around the world as famous personalities, such as The Beatles, became interested in the technique. The Maharishi moved to the Netherlands, and in 1990 established an organisation called the Global Country of World Peace with an aim of coordinating all of the Transcendental Meditation teaching centres which had opened around the world. It is reported that more than six million people worldwide have been trained in the Transcendental Meditation technique since the 1950s. In the UK, there are a reported 200,000 people who have been trained and there are 80 centres teaching Transcendental Meditation. How does Transcendental Meditation work? In order to learn how Transcendental Meditation works, it is necessary to take a training course. In the UK, at present, it takes place over four consecutive days of about 90 minutes each day. On completion of this course, there are then follow-up sessions on the next three consecutive months. Because Transcendental Meditation is taught via a paid-for instruction course, there is no detailed information on the internet about how TM actually works. What it is said to produce is a state of ‘restful alertness’ which is achieved in a simple manner. It does not involve concentration, religion, or a way of life and is said to be very easy to learn. Adults practice the Transcendental Meditation technique twice a day for twenty minutes each time. What can Transcendental Meditation be used for? There have been many studies into what Transcendental Meditation can be used for. The most obvious use is for relaxation and the benefits this can bring, such as reductions in respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. What is strange is that although the body experiences relaxation, the mind actually becomes more alert as EEG measurements have shown that brain functioning increases. This is the benefit which first interests many people in Transcendental Meditation because it is a special state of consciousness which has been associated with enlightenment and bliss.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Positive results from studies have linked Transcendental Meditation with decreased use of cigarettes and alcohol, reduction of high cholesterol, a decrease in insomnia, reduced overall illness and doctor visits, and decreased anxiety levels. Is Transcendental Meditation an effective form of therapy? There have been a great many research studies into the effectiveness of Transcendental Meditation, beginning in the 1970s. Published results have tended to show positive effects with a variety of different conditions (as mentioned above), indicating that TM is an effective form of therapy. However, there are also criticisms with Transcendental Meditation. The first major criticism is regarding the cost of learning the technique, and many people ask why it should be priced so high. Leading on from this is the fact that many similar relaxation techniques can be learnt for very little financial output, such as the cost of a book, and in the end, Transcendental Meditation is essentially a glorified version of simple relaxation techniques. The fact that there has been so much research into TM is largely due to the fact that this form of therapy is well-known and has had much publicity over the years. What this does not necessarily indicate is that Transcendental Meditation is any more effective than any other relaxation technique. Are there any known side effects with Transcendental Meditation? In general, there are no side effects with Transcendental Meditation. However, there are reports amongst some people who have found themselves to be dazed after a session and expressing more anger than they usually would do so. This is said to be as a result of releasing repressed stresses and may be experienced by people who have only recently started practicing TM. Where can you find further information on Transcendental Meditation? Transcendental Meditation UK BBC.co.uk h2g2 entry on Transcendental Meditation Transcendental Meditation official website

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Transpersonal Therapy What is transpersonal therapy? Transpersonal therapy is a type of therapy which has stemmed from the theory of transpersonal psychology. It is concerned with the transpersonal, transcendent or spiritual aspects of human life considered by some to be the ‘superconscious’ mind and hence tapping in to our highest potential. Transpersonal psychology is said to have emerged from the works of a number of psychologists, including William James, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and Abraham Maslow amongst others, though William James is purported to have first used the term ‘transpersonal’ in 1905. It was not until the 1960s that the work of Maslow really forged the way for a distinct school of Transpersonal Psychology. Use of transpersonal psychology is being overlapped to a certain extent with New Age movements because of the mysticism and somewhat different theories involved. In addition, it has been confused with parapsychology because of the spiritual elements. In terms of the use of transpersonal psychology as a form of therapy, it has been used for counselling. There has also been the emergence of a somewhat alternative field of transpersonal therapy, which merges it with healing and hypnotherapy. It is this that will be discussed in more detail here. How does transpersonal therapy work? Transpersonal therapy aims to explore the superconscious mind to bring about a heightened state of awareness of our self and hence enable us to bring about selfgrowth. This is achieved by accessing inner guidance, and a session may involve a number of techniques, such as hypnosis, to allow such things as past-life regression. Transpersonal therapy recognises the person as a whole; a combination of the physical body, the mind, emotions and spiritual ideals. What can transpersonal therapy be used for? Transpersonal therapy does not bring about healing in the physical sense of the word, but in the mental and emotional sense. By achieving a heightened sense of self, it gives the client the capability to take better control of their life and to achieve personal growth and development. Once this happens we are said to be able to control and bring about the healing which is required. All of this enables us to live happier and hence healthier lives. Is transpersonal therapy an effective form of therapy? Transpersonal psychology is criticised from a scientific point of view and is not a hugely popular school of psychology. As a form of therapy, it is unclear as to whether transpersonal therapy does have any real or lasting effects.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Are there any known side effects with transpersonal therapy? There are no known side effects with transpersonal therapy. Where can you find further information on transpersonal therapy? The Centre for Transpersonal Psychotherapy SelfinLight.com – article on transpersonal therapy

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Trigger Point Therapy What is Trigger Point therapy? Trigger Point therapy is a type of massage therapy designed to give relief from pain which is as a result of taut muscle and fascia. It is called Trigger Point therapy because the pain is not necessarily experienced at the point of the problem. In other words, there is a ‘trigger point’ and it is this which causes pain to radiate out. Hence, there may not appear to be any outward signs of problems at the point where the pain is being experienced. Dr Janet Travell first used the term ‘trigger point’ in 1942 to describe her findings of conditions with characteristics such as pain which cannot be explained and a painful point at which a lump or band in the muscle can be felt. Today, Trigger Point therapy is used as part of the treatment process by some chiropractors and massage therapists. But, in general, Trigger Point therapy is not accepted as a mainstream form of therapy. How does Trigger Point therapy work? Before treatment it is important to determine that a trigger point is definitely the cause of the pain. Usually if there is evidence of swelling and/or discolouration then the cause is likely to be something else. Trigger Point therapy may use a number of different massage techniques. These may include manual manipulation, known as Myofascial Trigger Point therapy which would be given by a trained Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist. Other treatments include myotherapy and also the use of mechanical stimulation such as vibration, pulsed ultrasound and electrostimulation. Once the trigger points have been treated and ‘deactivated’, the therapist will then aim to stretch the muscles and fascia which have been affected. 321


What can Trigger Point therapy be used for? Trigger Point therapy is designed specifically for the treatment of pain caused by active trigger points. There are several theories as to why trigger points become active in the first place, including over-activeness caused by adrenalin stimulation, or the result of a muscle overload which causes the cells to stick together. Is Trigger Point therapy an effective form of therapy? As mentioned earlier, Trigger Point therapy is not a widely used form of treatment and there is debate as to diagnosis, for example, disagreement as to what actually constitutes a trigger point. There are also some concerns over safety (discussed below). However, two recent studies apparently present groundbreaking findings which should reduce some of the controversies around myofascial trigger points. If these are substantiated then Trigger Point therapy will likely become more recognised for its effectiveness. Are there any known side effects with Trigger Point therapy? If Trigger Point therapy is administered by a well trained therapist there should not be any side effects or risks. However, this therapy is often self-treated and may also be treated by those un-experienced in the technique. If this is the case, there are possible risks of damage to soft tissue and other organs, for example, points around the kidney should be treated very carefully so as to avoid kidney damage. There is also the opinion amongst some experts that trigger points have been activated because they are protecting unstable joints and hence releasing the trigger points could have adverse effects. Where can you find further information on Trigger Point therapy? The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook – a self-treatment guide National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists Wikipedia entry on Trigger Points

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Tui Na What is Tui Na therapy? Tui Na is a type of manipulative therapy which is practiced as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has hence been in use for over 2,000 years. Originally the technique was called Anmo and was widely used across China and in other Eastern countries. However, in 1949 it was recognised by the Chinese government as being medically important and was renamed Tui Na. ‘Tui’ meaning ‘push’ and ‘Na’ meaning ‘grasp’. The original name of Anmo is still used in some Eastern countries and also to refer to a non-medical form of massage. Today Tui Na is a hugely popular form of treatment in China and has spread and gained in popularity in the West too. Although it has similarities to acupressure (which you can read about in its own entry) and is often mistaken for this, the two therapies are not the same. How does Tui Na work? Tui Na therapy is a hands-on technique of manipulation which can be used on the whole body. As the translation of the name suggests, there is much pushing and grasping, as well as kneading using the knuckles, palms and fingers though sometimes implements are also used. Tui Na is said to remove blockages from the body’s meridians and hence encourage the flow of energy, or Qi, and blood, so that natural healing can take place. This principal is very similar to many other massage therapies used in TCM, but Tui Na is recognised in China for its medical benefits. The manipulation used is often deeptissue work and is quite forceful and even painful; hence it would not be considered as a form of massage for pleasure or relaxation. Treatment will take place around an affected area, and will usually be directed at the relevant acupressure points. Sessions can last from ten minutes to more than an hour and most often the client will remain fully clothed, though sometimes removal of some clothes may be required. What can Tui Na be used for? There are many conditions which are said to be treated with success using Tui Na. These include: repetitive strain injury (RSI), frozen shoulder, insomnia, stress, sports injuries, headaches and migraines, constipation, diarrhoea, low energy levels, stroke, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain and cramps. Tui Na therapy can be used on all age groups, including infants and children. Is Tui Na an effective form of therapy? Tui Na is recognised by the Chinese government for its medical importance and there are Tui Na departments in the majority of Chinese hospitals. So this would tend to suggest that Tui Na is an effective form of therapy. 323

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy However, although gaining in popularity in the West, because Tui Na is based on what are considered to be alternative theories, there is scepticism as to its effectiveness. Are there any known side effects with Tui Na therapy? There should be no major side effects after a session of Tui Na therapy. The only consideration is perhaps some soreness as some sessions, depending on what is being treated, can be quite forceful. Where can you find further information on Tui Na? CHIS UK – article on Tui Na Tui Na UK

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U Unconditional Positive Regard What is Unconditional Positive Regard? Unconditional Positive Regard is a type of psychotherapy which is often used by ‘humanist’ psychologists, and one which involves the showing of respect and acceptance to the client in order to improve their chances of personal growth. The Unconditional Positive Regard approach was suggested by American psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1950s. Rogers was one of the founders of humanistic psychology – a type of psychology which is more concerned with the human element. In other words, the person is not just a collection of behaviours which can be classified and treated. He is an individual person who deserves to be respected and accepted for who he is, without necessarily having to change, and that he has his own capacity for self-growth. How does Unconditional Positive Regard work? The main principle behind Unconditional Positive Regard therapy is that the counsellor must respect the client. This respect will be in the form of being nonjudgemental, non-evaluative, and without criticism or ridicule, thereby accepting the client and their shortfalls. In addition they will express their own understanding of what the client is disclosing. In this way, the Unconditional Positive Regard therapist does not necessarily agree with the behaviour of the client, and does not change their own opinions or values, but the key is that they do not demand that the client changes or becomes perfect. Their imperfections are accepted, which gives rise to the name of this approach – that the client is seen in an unconditional and positive light, regardless of what they look like or what they have done. Once the client understands this Unconditional Positive Regard they have a much better chance of accepting themselves for who they are and hence can begin their own personal growth. What can Unconditional Positive Regard be used for? Unconditional Positive Regard therapy would generally be used for treating people with behavioural issues. In addition, it can be used with more general forms of counselling, such as family therapy and for those who have emotional and psychological conditions relating to feelings of a lack of self-worth. Is Unconditional Positive Regard an effective form of therapy? There are criticisms of Humanistic Psychology in general and issues relating to social and political status quo, and what should be accepted as ‘normal’. These criticisms can be extended to this Unconditional Positive Regard approach because although the client may be made to feel more accepted for what they are, this should 325

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy not be seen as condoning their behaviour, and this is where the controversy lies. However, the basic principles behind this therapy do appear to have at least some level of effectiveness. Are there any known side effects with Unconditional Positive Regard? There are no known side effects with Unconditional Positive Regard. Where can you find further information on Unconditional Positive Regard? Wikipedia entry on humanistic psychology Counselling Resource – article on person centred counselling

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V Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy? Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (or simply VRT) is a type of therapy which treats the vestibular system. The vestibular system is the balance system situated within the labyrinth of the inner ear, which affects movement and balance. It sends signals to control the movement of our eyes and to the muscles that keep us in an upright position. The vestibular system can be affected by illness and when this happens our equilibrium is impacted causing dizziness and discomfort. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy was introduced in the 1940s by Cawthorne and Cooksey who developed a number of exercises which are used as part of the treatment programme. How does Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy work? The normal practice in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy involves a process called adaption. Adaption has the aim of retraining the brain to recognise the signals it is receiving from the vestibular system and process these in coordination with the information from vision and proprioception. Because the Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy exercises work best when individually prescribed, a therapist will first evaluate the patient to determine which exercises would be best for the conditions being experienced and devise an individual treatment programme. Often the exercises will initially increase the symptoms as the brain tries to make sense of what is happening, but as it does so the symptoms should decrease. It is said that Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is not a quick-fix treatment and can in fact take many months to completely rid the patient of the conditions. Often some improvement is seen after about three months. What can Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy be used for? Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy would usually be prescribed in the case of someone who has suffered an illness which has affected the vestibular system. For example, this might be labyrinthitis, which is an inflammation of the labyrinths of the ear. It is suggested that Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy can only be used for stable conditions, such as labyrinthitis, though not for another common ear problem called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) as this is a fluctuating condition and

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy would have to be treated by surgery prior to starting Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy an effective form of therapy? Although Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy has been in use for over 60 years it is not used as widely as might be expected — and reports suggest that healthcare professionals can be reluctant to prescribe this therapy over medication. However, research has shown that Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is an important part of treating vestibular system problems and that generally patients show an improvement of between 70-80 per cent. Unfortunately though, complete recovery does not always occur and some patients respond better than others. It does also depend on the extent of the problem in the first place. Are there any known side effects with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy? There are no known side effects with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy apart from the often increase in symptoms when treatment first starts. Where can you find further information on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy? Vestibular Disorders Association – information on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Wikipedia entry on the vestibular system

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Vibrational Healing Therapy What is vibrational healing therapy? Vibrational healing therapy, or vibrational medicine, refers to a number of different therapies which all work on the principle that the human body is made up of an interconnected energy field. When the energy field becomes blocked or unbalanced it causes problems within the body and leads to disease. Vibrational healing therapy takes this idea slightly further in that it purports that the human energy field vibrates at a certain resonance, therefore, by tapping in to the correct frequency it is believed that this can be re-set. Vibrational healing therapy is generally considered to be an alternative technique because of the lack of scientific evidence that human energy fields do exist and that if they do, there is no proof that they have a direct effect on health. Some of the therapies considered to be a form of vibrational medicine include: radionics, crystal healing and sound therapy. 328


How does vibrational healing therapy work? As briefly described above, vibrational healing therapy works on the assumption that the human energy field resonates at a certain frequency. When the body is healthy, this frequency is at its optimal level, allowing energy to freely flow and allowing our natural immune system to fight any disease which tries to attack the body. The frequency of the energy field can become disrupted and therefore blocked, leading to disease. Healers are said to be able to re-tune and re-balance the energy field using a variety of different techniques. Crystal healing (which you can read about in its own entry) for example, uses crystals which resonate at different frequencies. (Sound therapy and radionics techniques can also be read about in their own entries.) What can vibrational healing therapy be used for? Based on the theory behind vibrational healing therapy, it would appear that really any disease could potentially be treated with this. In addition, vibrational healing therapy is purported to promote overall good health and well-being. Is vibrational healing therapy an effective form of therapy? Vibrational healing therapy is based on very alternative ideas which are not supported by the mainstream medical community. As such there is little evidence to support the main principle that there is in fact a human energy field, and hence there is little evidence to suggest that it is an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with vibrational healing therapy? There are no known side effects with vibrational healing therapy. Where can you find further information on vibrational healing therapy? The Vibrational Healing Foundation Positive Health Magazine – article on vibrational healing

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Visceral Manipulation Therapy What is visceral manipulation therapy? Visceral manipulation therapy is a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), similar to myofascial release but concentrating on the interior organs of the body, and especially the abdomen. 329

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy As with other types of OMM, visceral manipulation therapy attempts to improve ‘somatic dysfunction’. This is the function of the musculoskeletal system. It is considered to be a complementary form of medicine, and as such it would rarely be advised that this method alone is used. Andrew Taylor Still is recognised as the founder of modern osteopathic medicine in the late 19th century, though visceral manipulation therapy was developed more recently by French osteopath and physiotherapist, Jean-Pierre Barral. How does visceral manipulation therapy work? Visceral manipulation therapy is a gentle technique which works to enhance the mobility and tissue motion of our internal organs situated within the chest and abdomen, so this may include the liver, the heart, the lungs, the stomach and the intestines. This is said to work because all of the organs are connected by tissues and hence if one organ becomes misaligned it puts stresses on the rest of the body because the tissues are being pulled and stretched more than they should be. This, in turn, results in pain being felt in other areas of the body, not necessarily at the site of the organ with the initial problem. Tissues themselves can also become inflamed due to infection, emotional stresses or direct trauma, and visceral manipulation therapy would treat these problems also. What can visceral manipulation therapy be used for? As explained, visceral manipulation therapy is used on the visceral organs of the body and more specifically those within the chest and abdomen. Treatment takes place within this area of the body but this can have a direct impact on pains which are being felt within different parts of the body because these are all connected together. Is visceral manipulation therapy an effective form of therapy? Osteopathic medicine in general, although widely practiced throughout the world, is still considered by many to be an alternative form of therapy. At best it is complementary, and is recommended for use with other more conventional methods of healing, and not generally for use just on its own. There is little evidence of research having been conducted on the effectiveness of visceral manipulation therapy. And if you take this under the wider umbrella of OMM, it would appear that there may be some effectiveness, though not enough that this should be your only form of therapy if health problems exist. Are there any known side effects with visceral manipulation therapy? There are no known side effects with visceral manipulation therapy though there are precautions which should be followed. A trained osteopath should first have an indepth consultation prior to starting treatment, which should include medical history and importantly whether you are pregnant.

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Where can you find further information on visceral manipulation therapy? International Alliance of Healthcare Educators – information on visceral manipulation therapy The Insider’s Guide to Body Therapies – visceral manipulation

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Visualisation Therapy What is visualisation therapy? Visualisation is a process which is often linked to meditation, though it does not have to involve meditative techniques. It is also similar to guided imagery therapy (which you can read about in its own entry). But whereas guided imagery therapy works mainly on achieving relaxation, visualisation can be used for a much wider variety of goals. Visualisation may also be referred to as ‘mental imagery’ and the two appear to be interchangeable. Visualisation has been in use in one form or another for thousands of years and has been linked to spiritual and religious practices. It is used for many different reasons, such as visualising yourself free of a disease (as the Navajo Indians are purported to have done), and for visualising success and changes in lifestyle. This type of visualisation is called ‘creative visualisation’ and will be discussed in more detail here. How does visualisation therapy work? Creative visualisation is a form of self-help therapy, though could also be performed with the guidance of a counsellor or therapist. In the last decade or so, creative visualisation as a self-help technique has become popular because it is easy to do and accessible for everyone. Creative visualisation works on the principle that our thoughts can control the environment around us. For example, somebody who is always having negative thoughts, such as ‘I’m going to fail this exam’, more often than not will fail it because they have gone in with the wrong attitude and set themselves up for failure. It is ‘giving up’ in a sense. On the other hand, someone who enters the exam with a positive attitude is more likely to do well.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy A search on an internet search engine will bring back many results describing various creative visualisation techniques and exercises you can complete. The basic principle will be similar to the following: First, bring yourself into a state of relaxation. Once you’re fully relaxed, start to visualise images and events. And then move on to forming a mental image of something that you want to achieve, such as a goal in life. This could be losing weight, for example. It’s stated that when you first try creative visualisation, that you start with visualising goals which are easier to achieve. Then once you build confidence you will find it easier to visualise and achieve more difficult goals. What can visualisation therapy be used for? Creative visualisation appears to be a very powerful technique which could be used for just about everything you want to achieve in your life. To name a few examples, this could be getting a better job, having a successful career, finding love, being happy. It can also be used for relaxation by visualising a calming place and for health. It is said that by visualising yourself healthy and doing things that healthy people do, it can actually affect your body and help you rid it of disease. Is visualisation therapy an effective form of therapy? Although the theory behind creative visualisation may sound very alternative to some – the fact that you can think yourself healthier, or richer, or more successful – there is actually some scientific, or biological, basis in this. Add to this, the hundreds of self-help books and other media available to buy in this field, and this would suggest that there must be a certain level of effectiveness with creative visualisation. Are there any known side effects with visualisation therapy? There are no known side effects with creative visualisation. Where can you find further information on visualisation therapy? Essortment.com – creative visualisation techniques

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W Watsu What is Watsu? Watsu is the name given to ‘water shiatsu’, a bodywork technique which is based on shiatsu, but one that takes place entirely in the water. American therapist Harold Dull began to develop Watsu in 1980. At the time he was director of the Harbin School of Shiatsu and Massage in California, so was very familiar with shiatsu practices. But Dull saw the potential for the benefits this therapy could bring when performed in the water. So he began to develop the technique, incorporating aspects of Zen shiatsu. Watsu is increasing in popularity in the Western world, although there are still only a handful of practitioners using it in the UK. The technique is also constantly evolving as Dull continues to develop it. How does Watsu work? Watsu takes place in a warm-watered swimming pool (usually around 35 degrees Centigrade or 95 degrees Fahrenheit). The practitioner supports the client throughout the process who is lying back, with their face kept above the water. The client closes their eyes and begins to relax. The practitioner then guides the client through a series of tailor-made movements (tailor-made to suit the needs of each client). These include stretches which are gentle in nature and timed with the client’s breathing pattern. Watsu is said to work well because of the influence of the water. Water enables the client to become much lighter and hence they are easily supported by the practitioner. With lightness and the warmth of the water it enables the client to relax far more easily than in other settings, giving added benefit to the body. What can Watsu be used for? Watsu reputably works to encourage the flow of the body’s life force through the ‘meridians’ (the system which carries energy around the body). In this respect, it uses the same principles as shiatsu in that it aims to push the body’s energy and immune system to become balanced and working efficiently, so that the client has the potential to use their own natural healing powers. In this respect, Watsu can be used for overall health and well-being. In addition, it is said that Watsu is good for alleviating headaches, anxiety, tension and fatigue and for improving energy levels, circulation, respiration, sleep patterns, motility and for reducing stress.

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Is Watsu an effective form of therapy? Watsu is a relatively new form of therapy and has not, as yet, risen to the popularity levels that shiatsu has around the world. This means that there has been little or no study into its true effectiveness. However, shiatsu is becoming more and more recognised and studies are under way to prove its effectiveness as a therapy. Seeing as Watsu is based on the same principles, it may be safe to assume that it should be at least as effective as shiatsu. Are there any known side effects with Watsu? There are no known side effects with Watsu. Where can you find further information on Watsu? Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association Hydro Health – Introduction to Watsu

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X There are no therapies beginning with the letter X.

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Y Yoga What is yoga? Yoga began as a philosophy and spiritual practice in ancient India about 5,000 years ago and has developed into a number of different branches since this time. The most popular branch outside of India is called ‘hatha yoga’, and this is the type of yoga which is most commonly performed in the Western world as a form of exercise, body awareness, relaxation and sometimes for use with meditation. Yoga is a Sanskrit word which has many meanings, though the generally used translation is ‘union’ as this refers to the union of mind, body and spirit, which can occur during the practice of yoga. Hatha yoga was introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century. His intention for devising this form of yoga was said to be to prepare the body so that it was fit for practising higher levels of meditation, because physical purification was thought to be essential for this. Today, in the Western world, the practice (which is commonly just referred to as yoga) is undertaken to achieve mental and physical health and although all based on hatha yoga, a number of different styles and methods have been developed over the past century. This means that you can learn different methods depending on what exactly you would like to get out of yoga. How does yoga work? As mentioned above, a number of different methods of yoga have been developed over the years. Hence, when you are looking for a yoga class, it is important that you understand what type of yoga is being taught. Typically a yoga class will begin with relaxation and centring, there will then be a time for ‘limbering up’ so that the muscles and joints are given the chance to warm up before the posture exercises, known as asanas. The yoga postures, or ‘asanas’, will vary from class to class and depend on the teacher. The aim is to strengthen and tone the body so as to improve the flow of energy whilst freeing the mind, so that meditation can take place if desired. Yoga promotes mind-body awareness and breath work is an important part of this, encouraging awareness and relaxation of the breath. These breathing exercises are then developed further so as to control and move ‘prana’, the life-force energy, through the breath and the body. What can yoga be used for? A good many of the people who practice yoga in the Western world do so to develop body tone and strength, and then continue to go to classes to retain and maintain that. In addition to body tone and strength, yoga also enables relaxation and is said to be good for alleviating stress. 336


Yoga is really a holistic approach. This means that it is not only good for the physical body but for the mind and spirit also. However, it can be used by people who have a specific physical condition that they want addressing, and there are also yoga classes which have been developed specifically for pregnant women, and for those people who are less able-bodied. In addition, yoga has also been used as a complementary therapy for treating various conditions, including cancer, diabetes, AIDS, asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. Is yoga an effective form of therapy? Because yoga is such a popular form of therapy in the Western world, the number of studies being conducted is increasing. These studies tend to concentrate on the effectiveness of yoga as a supplementary therapy when performed alongside conventional medicine, and analyse whether yoga is effective in reducing stress levels, lowering blood pressure, helping with sleep patterns etc. Results have shown that yoga is partly effective in these respects. With regards to yoga as a form of exercise, the fact that it is becoming so popular would tend to suggest that there must be a high level of benefit achieved by going to yoga classes. The numbers speak for themselves as it is estimated that about five million Europeans practise hatha yoga and about 30 million Americans. Are there any known side effects with yoga? Generally there are no side effects with yoga, although injuries can be incurred by people stretching their limits too quickly. As long as you work within the boundaries of capability for your body, and ensure that you limber up enough, this should remain a safe form of exercise. Where can you find further information on yoga? Wikipedia entry on Hatha Yoga Wikipedia entry on yoga as an exercise or alternative medicine Hatha Yoga Lessons

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Yuen Method What is the Yuen Method? The Yuen Method is a form of Chinese energetic healing which is said to take the ancient principles of Chinese energy medicine and combine them with modern medical knowledge used in the Western world. The full title is the Yuen Method of Chinese Energetics. The Yuen Method technique was developed by Dr Kam Yuen, a chiropractor, who is said to have studied a number of disciplines before developing this therapy. The Yuen Method works on the principle that when pain is experienced within the body, it is a sign that a problem exists in the natural flow of energy. How does the Yuen Method work? The Yuen Method is said to work differently to most other forms of energy healing. Usually energy healing techniques direct their attention to blockages in the flow of energy – acupuncture, for example, aims to free the energy flow. But supporters of the Yuen Method point out that acupuncture does not necessarily actually address the cause of the problem in the first place and hence the underlying problem could still exist. The Yuen Method on the other hand, does do this. So the Yuen Method hones in on the cause of the problem. In addition it is said to bring all levels of consciousness in agreement with each other. Without this happening, supporters believe that humans cannot reach their full potential, and that dysfunction cannot be corrected because otherwise it has not been corrected on all levels. What can the Yuen Method be used for? The Yuen Method is said to be capable of providing instant results in the treatment of virtually all forms of disease whether these are the effect of physical, mental or spiritual problems. Actual diseases and conditions which are stated on the official website as having been treated include: all musculoskeletal pains, arthritis, emotional and psychological disorders, allergies, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities and neurological disorders, amongst others. If this list can be taken as proof of what the Yuen Method can be used to treat then there would appear to be very few boundaries as to its range of treatable conditions. Is the Yuen Method an effective form of therapy? There are many exceptional claims on the official website as to what the Yuen Method has been used to treat, though how effective it was at treating these conditions is not specified. Hence it is unclear whether the Yuen Method actually completely cures the disease or just eases the associated discomfort.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy In addition, although these conditions are stated as being treatable, there is no evidence to prove that they are, and there is no mention of scientific research having been carried out. Without unbiased testing of the Yuen Method on the aforementioned conditions, it is difficult to state whether or not this treatment is actually an effective form of therapy. Are there any known side effects with the Yuen Method? There are no known side effects with the Yuen Method. Where can you find further information on the Yuen Method? Yuen Method – official website of Dr Yuen

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Z Zero Balancing What is Zero Balancing? Zero Balancing is a form of holistic and complementary therapy which works with both a person’s energy and their skeletal structure. It is non-invasive and although Zero Balancing uses touch, it is not manipulative but gentle. Zero Balancing therapy was developed by American Dr Fritz Smith, who originally trained as an osteopath. When Dr Smith witnessed an acupuncture session being performed in the early 1970s, his medical way of thinking was challenged, leading him to want to find out more about energy work. After training as an acupuncturist, he began to look for a way of combining both Eastern and Western healing practices and developed Zero Balancing based on the belief that “the relationship between energy and structure is fundamental to health”. Dr Smith teaches Zero Balancing techniques to practitioners around the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States. How does Zero Balancing work? As Dr Smith had intended, Zero Balancing is a combination of both Eastern and Western healing ideas. Thus, it combines the theory of the human energy field (which is so important in Eastern medicine) with the structure of the body (which is more commonly concentrated on in Western medicine). Hence Zero Balancing aims to restore energy flows and align the physical structure so that both are working in complete harmony with each other. Once this is achieved, it is said that a person can function at their optimal level. The technique for accomplishing this uses gentle finger touch whilst the client remains fully clothed. The practitioner stretches and holds the client, applying gentle pressure. It is said that deep tension can then be released as this point of stillness which is held by the practitioner allows the body to re-align itself. What can Zero Balancing be used for? Zero Balancing is said to promote both physical and emotional well-being, giving our bodies the opportunity to use their natural healing process. In addition, Zero Balancing purports to be effective in relieving pain and releasing tensions and traumas, both emotional and physical as well as being able to improve all-round body functioning.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Is Zero Balancing an effective form of therapy? Because Zero Balancing uses alternative theories, there is scepticism amongst the more conventional medical world as to the effectiveness of this type of therapy. This scepticism is based on the scientific lack of evidence as to there actually being a human energy field, and without this, there is really little proof as to the effectiveness of Zero Balancing. However, Zero Balancing is presented as a complementary form of medicine, indicating that it may be helpful when used in conjunction with other treatments. But without medical studies on this technique, it is difficult to say for sure just how effective it is. Are there any known side effects with Zero Balancing? There are no known side effects with Zero Balancing. Where can you find further information on Zero Balancing? The Zero Balancing Health Association The Zero Balancing Association UK CHIS-UK – article on Zero Balancing

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Glossary Here is a glossary of terms you often come across in complementary therapies with their definitions. To find a specific term, just use the A-Z.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ A Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that involves the fear of experiencing a panic attack in a place or situation from where escape may be difficult or embarrassing. Agoraphobia is generally associated with the fear of being out in the open, but that isn't strictly true. People suffering from agoraphobia are more often fearful of places where they are crowded in. Situations involving being in a crowded building, a long hallway, a large, open place or any unfamiliar territory can be intensely disturbing, making the sufferer feel exposed and unprotected.

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Allergens An allergen is a normal substance that causes an acute defensive reaction in a person's immune system, whereby the immune system recognises the allergens as foreign or dangerous.

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Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting both men and women. It was first noted by neurologist Alois Alzheimer as a physical disease that affects the brain. 342


Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that causes loss of memory and other intellectual abilities that are serious enough to interfere with daily life. Gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged, causing the symptoms to become more severe. At present, the exact cause or how to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown.

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Analgesic consumption Analgesic consumption is where an analgesic or painkiller is taken orally. An analgesic is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain. Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems.

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Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction to an allergen that can be fatal within minutes; either through swelling that shuts off airways or through a dramatic drop in blood pressure.

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Anchoring Anchoring is a technique where an association is created between two separate elements where none existed before. Anchors are subtle and powerful, especially when they are attached to a strong emotion. The stronger the emotion, the stronger the anchor. People subconsciously form some type of anchor in everyday life. For instance, you may hear a favourite old song playing on the radio. As you listen to it, your mind is transported back to the very first time you heard it and what it meant to you then.

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Argyria Argyria is a blue/grey skin discoloration resulting from excessive exposure to silver. Silver metal workers, people who mine silver and people who take colloidal silver supplements can all develop this rare non-toxic condition.

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Arthritis/osteoarthritis Arthritis is a general term that simply means a painful condition of the joints. There are at least 200 specific forms of the condition. They range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis), to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system, (such as rheumatoid arthritis). The causes of arthritis vary, depending on the type of arthritis, but they can include injury and infections or be hereditary. Symptoms of arthritis include pain and tenderness limiting functions of joints, and inflammation characterised by joint stiffness, swelling, redness and warmth. The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present and range from physical therapy to anti-inflammation medication and even surgical operations.

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Attention Deficit Disorder /Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are defined by two types of behavioural problems; inattentiveness, and a combination of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Common symptoms include a short attention span, restlessness, being easily distracted and constant fidgeting. It can be a lifelong condition, and many children who have it continue to suffer from symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood. There is no cure for ADD/ADHD. But it can be managed using medication, and should be accompanied by psychological, educational and social therapies.

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Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or syndrome is an increasingly popular term that refers to a broad definition of autism. This includes the classical form of the disorder, as well as closely related disabilities that share many of the core characteristics of autism but may not be as severe or extensive. Autism is a brain development disorder that usually manifests during infancy or childhood. It is distinguished not by a single symptom, but by a multitude of symptoms. It can be characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour.

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Autoimmune diseases Autoimmune diseases are where the body's own immune system is fighting other cells in the body that might not be diseased, and this can cause inflammation and pain. It may affect many parts of the body, like nerves, muscles and the digestive system. Most autoimmune diseases cannot yet be treated directly, but are treated according to symptoms associated with the conditions. Autoimmune disorders fall into two general categories: • •

those that damage many organs (systemic autoimmune diseases), for example, rheumatoid arthritis those where only a single organ or tissue is directly damaged by the autoimmune process (localised), for example ulcerative colitis

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Autonomic control system The autonomic control system is part of the peripheral nervous system, and has the important function of maintaining the internal environment of the human body in a steady condition. As various changes occur to the body — both internal and external — this control system reacts by regulating such things as the blood pressure, heart rate and salts in the blood stream and so on.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The autonomic control system, as the name implies, generally works automatically without voluntary control, as we do not consciously direct our rate of breathing or heart beating.

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B BHRT Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and sometimes known as Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy is a process where hormones are restored to their age-appropriate physiological levels. BHRT is the process of safely optimising hormones to a level appropriate to the individual’s age. This can be preferable to using supplements that often restore the hormones to exceed normal levels. Bio-identical hormones have exactly the same structure and properties as those that occur naturally within the body. So they will have the same effect on the body as the original hormone. BHRT can be effectively used to successfully treat many types of hormone deficiencies, including testosterone and oestrogen.

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Biophysics Biophysics applies the principles and techniques of physics to biology. Biophysicists use physics and its related sciences of chemistry, electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science for research.

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Bioptron The Bioptron Light Therapy System is a worldwide-patented light therapy medical device. 346

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy It has a specific optical unit that emits light that is similar to the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is produced naturally by the sun — but with no UV radiation.

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Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder — or as it’s sometimes known, manic depression — is a lifelong condition. It’s an illness that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings — from overly high to sad and hopeless and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behaviour go along with these changes in mood. The highs are called episodes of mania and the lows are called episodes of depression.

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Bronchitis Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining in the bronchial tubes, which is the airway that connects the windpipe to the lungs. When bronchitis is contracted, it is often painful and difficult for air to pass through in and out of the lungs when breathing. The main sign of bronchitis is a cough, which brings up mucus that can be caused either by a virus, or by exposure to irritants such as dust and fumes, or cigarette smoke. The majority of cases of bronchitis stem from viral infections, and require nothing more than treatment of the symptoms to relieve discomfort.

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Bulimia nervosa Bulimia nervosa — or more commonly known as just bulimia — is an eating disorder where there is an intense dread of putting on weight. Bulimia is most common in teenage girls and young women, although anyone can develop the illness at any age.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Bulimia is often not noticeable until associated health problems develop. Symptoms may include: • •

episodes of craving for food and binge eating, after which sufferers can feel guilty and may make themselves vomit feeling of being too fat and generally dissatisfied with physical appearance

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Bursitis Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa’s function is to decrease friction between two surfaces that move in different directions. Everyone has hundreds of bursas, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs scattered throughout the body that provide a slippery surface, which has almost no friction. A problem arises when a bursa becomes swollen and inflamed. This can be a result of a repetitive movement or due to prolonged and excessive pressure, an injury, infection or an underlying rheumatic condition. The bursa loses its gliding capabilities, and becomes more and more irritated when it is moved. The major bursas are located near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

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C Candida Candida is a yeast-like organism that lives naturally in small amounts in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract and skin. With a properly functioning immune system, the body's natural defence against fungal and yeast infections is the production of friendly bacteria that keeps it under control. However, if the number of friendly bacteria is decreased, the immune system is weakened. This allows the candida to change from yeast to a fungus and start to invade the body and thus cause a multitude of health problems. 348

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The spread of candida produces harmful toxins in your body and has a serious effect on your health.

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Carcinogenic Carcinogenic is the term used to describe a substance that is capable of causing cancer.

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Cardiology Cardiology is the branch of medicine primarily focusing on the heart, as well as the circulatory system, and involves the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular illnesses.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome The carpal tunnel is a narrow pathway of ligament and bones (carpal bones) at the base of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (apart from the little finger), as well as the impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling can narrow the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not clear. It is thought that some inflammation develops in a tendon going through the carpal tunnel that causes swelling. There is little space to expand in the narrow tunnel, and this may lead to pressure on the nearby median nerve. Inflammation can occur if you excessively use your hand.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in manual workers. It can be hereditary, where a close family member has also had the condition. Bone or arthritic conditions of the wrist — such as rheumatoid arthritis or wrist fractures — may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Other conditions associated with carpal tunnel are: pregnancy, obesity, an under active thyroid, diabetes, the menopause and rare diseases, and it can also be a side effect of some drugs. Rare causes include cysts, growths, and swellings coming from the tendons or blood vessels passing through the carpal tunnel.

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Cauterising Cauterising is the process of creating burns on tissue to either close wounds, stop bleeding or to remove part of the body. This practice seals wounds and stops bleeding because the heat makes the blood clot. In modern medicine, the burning of the tissue is usually achieved either by the use of electricity or with chemicals.

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Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy ranges from mild to severe, and it is a general term used to describe a group of conditions that cause movement problems. The underlying problem is damaged or faulty development in a part of the brain that usually occurs sometime before birth. If someone has cerebral palsy, it means that they are not able to control some of the muscles in their body in the normal way.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Chakras The word ‘chakra’ is derived from a Sanskrit word that means ‘wheel’. It refers to the seven energy centres in our body of which our consciousness and energy system is composed. Chakras are not considered to be physical; they are seen as the openings for life energy to flow into and out of our aura. Their function is to regulate the flow of energy through our energy system, helping to revitalise the physical body and to bring about the development of our selfconsciousness in order that the mind and physical body can work together.

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COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term that includes the conditions chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Sufferers of COPD, which is usually caused by smoking, experience restricted airflow to the lungs and symptoms include coughing and breathlessness. The best and most important treatment is to stop smoking.

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Contraindications A contraindication refers to the risk of side effects involved in taking a particular drug or undergoing a certain medical procedure. Some contraindications are known as absolute contraindications — this means that the client is at severe risk if they take the drug and, therefore, it shouldn’t be prescribed. But other contraindications are known as relative contraindications. In these cases, there may be a risk of side effects, but the risk of not taking the drug or undergoing the procedure will be far more detrimental to the health of the client.

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Crohn’s disease Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines, but is closely related to another chronic inflammatory condition that involves only the colon called ulcerative colitis. It primarily causes ulcerations of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. The most popular theory of what causes Crohn’s disease is that the body’s immune system reacts abnormally, mistaking bacteria, foods and other substances as being foreign. The immune system’s response is to attack these invaders. During this process, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the intestines, producing chronic inflammation.

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Cyanosis Cyanosis is a severe condition associated with inadequate oxygen in the blood supply. As we breathe our lungs take in oxygen that goes into our blood. Sometimes, the body has trouble getting enough oxygen into its cells. This can be due to various severe illnesses that inhibit circulation or oxygen intake — for example, a lung or a heart problem. Then cyanosis can occur, causing the skin, inside of the mouth, lips or fingernails to turn a bluish colour. A form of localised cyanosis can also occur in areas of poor circulation, such as the hands and fingers.

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Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease of the mucus and sweat glands. It affects mainly the lungs and pancreas, but it can also affect other parts of the body including the liver, nose and sinuses and reproductive organs. Normally, cells in these parts of the body make mucus and other secretions. Sufferers with cystic fibrosis have cells that do not function correctly, making mucus and secretions thicker than normal. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis usually develop within the first year of life, but may not appear until later childhood. The severity of symptoms can vary and include:

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy • • • • •

persistent cough which produces a lot of sputum recurring chest infections repeated infections and inflammation can damage the lungs and lead to poor lung function shortness of breath and breathing difficulties wheezing

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D Dermatology/dermatitis Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on skin conditions, sweat glands, hair and other related body parts. Dermatitis is an inflammation or redness of the skin. It is either the result of damage caused by an irritating chemical or substance or an allergic reaction to a substance. It can often accompany other allergic diseases, such as hay fever and asthma, but may also occur alone. The rashes are often very itchy, peeling, thickened, sometimes weeping and typically present in the creases of joints and about the trunk. It may fluctuate both seasonally and over the course of the day. Scratching may lead to bleeding and infection.

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Divination Since time immemorial, man has felt the need to predict the future. But the way divination differs from fortune telling is that divination takes a more spiritual approach to seeking and interpreting the results, whereas fortune telling is a more everyday practice. The history of divination is intertwined with human history as every great human civilisation had its own divination methods. Man's need to see into the future ensures that even today this ancient science still lives on. Divination works by predicting the future after analysing certain "signs". 353

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy But before you can read the actual sign, you have to know where to look. Different people had different views on what should be considered a sign and how to interpret it, and this led to a series of methods of divination. Some of these methods are listed below: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

astrology — by celestial bodies augury — by the flight of birds bibliomancy — by books cartomancy — by cards palmistry — by palms gastromancy — by crystal ball hydromancy — by water feng shui — by Earth’s harmony numerology — by numbers oneiromancy — by dreams onomancy — by names ouija — board divination rhabdomancy — divination by rods rune casting/runic divination — by runes pyromancy — by fire

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DSPS Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is a disorder that occurs when a person regularly cannot fall asleep at their desired bedtime. It often starts in adolescence, although in some cases it can begin in childhood years. It is rare that it starts in someone older than thirty. Those who experience this syndrome often take two or more hours to fall asleep. This not only often results in difficulty waking at the desired time, but also in insufficient amounts of rest. It is considered a debilitating condition because the sufferer’s sleep patterns do not adhere to the body's biological cycle that normally recurs at 24-hour intervals. Because of the inability to sleep at night, DSPS sufferers are often excessively sleepy during the day, which interferes with their every day activities.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Dyslexia Dyslexia is mainly defined as a problem with literacy skill. It is associated specifically with learning difficulties that include reading, writing and spelling. And it can affect a number of areas, including memory, organisation and concentration. Dyslexia can be characterised by difficulties in processing words, sounds and by weaknesses in short term verbal memory. Its effects may be seen in spoken language as well as written language, and it can also influence mathematical skills.

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Dyslipidemia Dyslipidemia is abnormal concentrations of lipids or lipoproteins (naturally occurring molecules, such as fats, oils, waxes and cholesterol) in the blood. It is very common among people with Type 2 diabetes. Dyslipidemia has no symptoms, so the diagnosis is made through blood tests.

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Dysphoric Dysphoric is generally characterised as a state of feeling unwell or unhappy. It can also include suffering from experiences of intense emotional and mental discomfort such as sadness, anxiousness, irritability, or restlessness. Dysphoric is the exact opposite of euphoric where you feel 'on top of the world'.

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Dyspnea Dyspnea is a breathing disorder that makes breathing difficult, and can make the sufferer feel as though he or she is suffocating or fighting for air. It is frequently associated with problems either in the lungs or the heart. Someone with dyspnea may experience this condition in a variety of ways. Some patients find it difficult to draw in breath, while others have trouble exhaling. It may be difficult to move air through the lungs.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Or it may be possible to inhale and exhale normally, but the patient may feel starved for air because the capacity for air diffusion in the lungs has been diminished.

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Dysthymic disorder Dysthymic disorder is a fairly common type of depression. It presents itself as an almost daily-depressed mood, but without the necessary criteria for a major depression, which lasts for at least two years. It is usually mild or moderate depression, rather than severe. Dysthymic disorder generally occurs during early adulthood, although it can also occur in children and adolescents. Its onset is gradual, so it is difficult to accurately recall the exact time when it begins.

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E Eczema Eczema is a dry skin condition that makes patches of your skin become dry, red and itchy. It can occur on just about any part of the body. However, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Scratching can make the skin bleed, and can also make the eczema worse. Sometimes the skin can become thick and scaly. It is a highly individual condition, it varies from person-to-person and it comes in many different forms. But it is not contagious so you cannot catch it from someone else. In mild cases of eczema, the skin is dry, scaly, red and itchy. In more severe cases, there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding. Constant scratching causes the skin to split and bleed and also leaves it open to infection.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Efficacy Efficacy quite simply means a product or service’s effectiveness or ability to produce the desired results as claimed. From a healthcare point of view, it means the capacity for beneficial change, thus creating the therapeutic effect.

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Electroencephalography Electroencephalography is a neurological test that uses an electronic monitoring device to measure and record electrical activity in the brain. It is used in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. But can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of brain damage and diseases, which include strokes, tumours, sleep disorders and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

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Electrolyte imbalance Electrolytes are the chemicals in our blood stream that regulate the important functions of our bodies. When electrolytes dissolve in water they separate into positively and negatively charged ions. Nerve reactions and muscle function all depend on the proper exchange of these electrolyte ions inside and outside cells. Electrolyte imbalance may be triggered by: • • • • • •

dehydration diarrhoea high fever inadequate diet and lack of vitamins from food kidney disease loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Electromagnetic field Natural electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in the environment but are invisible to the human eye. Electric fields are produced by the build up of electric charges in the atmosphere. The Earth's magnetic field causes a compass needle to point in a North-South direction and is used by birds and fish for navigation. Man-made electromagnetic fields include X-rays, and the electricity that comes out of every power socket has associated low frequency electromagnetic fields. Various kinds of higher frequency radio waves are used to transmit information, for instance TV antennas, radio stations or mobile phone base stations.

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Electromyogram An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles. The electrical signals are measured using an electrode over the skin and recording the sound made when impulses are fired. This procedure can also be done using needles inserted directly into the muscle.

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Elevated jugular venous pressure Jugular venous pressure is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. It can be useful in determining the different forms of heart and lung disease. Elevated jugular venous pressure is a sign of pulmonary hypertension and venous hypertension (right sided heart failure).

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Embolism An embolism is an obstruction in a blood vessel. An embolism occurs when an object or objects move from one part of the body to another by circulating through a blood vessel.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Blood clots form the most common material that causes embolism. Other possible materials include fat globules and air bubbles (an air embolism), to name a few.

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Emesis Emesis is quite simply an alternative name or description for vomiting.

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Endocrinologist Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats diseases of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a matrix of hormone secreting glands in the human body. An endocrinologist studies how hormones are made, how they travel through the body, how the body processes them and how they break down. Conditions that can relate to the endocrine system include: • • • • • • •

adrenal and pituitary gland disorder cholesterol disorders diabetes hormonal disorders hypertension low blood pressure and weight problems osteoporosis

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Endorphins Endorphins are chemicals that are produced within our bodies that achieve a lot of positive things for us. Primarily they help control pain. They can also elevate our moods. Endorphins are the feel good hormones, so with an increased endorphin release there is usually an elated positive feeling.

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Enema An enema is a procedure used for clearing the bowel and colon. The enema introduces a liquid, usually water and sodium bicarbonate or sodium phosphate, by means of a bulb or enema bag, which is attached to a long thin tube that is inserted into the anus. As the liquid travels from the enema bulb or bag through the tube, it enters the anus and then moves on into the colon. This helps stimulate the bowel to release faecal matter.

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Enzymes One of the factors that define a living thing from an inanimate object is its ability to carry out chemical reactions that are crucial for its survival. None of these reactions are possible without enzymes. Enzymes are not living things, but are biological catalysts or assistants consisting of various types of proteins that work to drive the chemical reaction required for a specific action or nutrient. Enzymes can either launch a reaction or speed it up. The chemicals that are transformed with the help of enzymes are called substrates. There are two types of enzyme. Some help join specific molecules together to form new molecules, and others that help break specific molecules apart into separate molecules.

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Epilepsy Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which nerve cells in the brain sometimes send out an abnormal signal. These nerve cells — also known as neurons — normally generate electrochemical impulses that act on other neurons, glands, and muscles to produce human thoughts, feelings, and actions. With epilepsy, the normal pattern of activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions and behaviour sometimes leading to convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. 360


Epilepsy is not contagious and is not caused by a mental illness and virtually anyone can have a seizure under the right circumstances.

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EDTA Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a synthetic solution that is used to pull toxins from the bloodstream.

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Extravasation Extravasation is an injury caused by leakage of solutions from the vein to the surrounding tissue spaces during intravenous administration. For example, most chemotherapy is applied via an injection by a needle or a fine tube into a vein. If some of the chemotherapy drug leaks from the needle or fine tube near to where it enters the body into the skin and other tissue immediately around the injection site, extravasation can occur.

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F Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes aches, pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. It is characterised by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, fatigue, anxiety and depression. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is at present unknown. But — despite potentially disabling body pain — sufferers of fibromyalgia do not develop body damage or deformity. Fibromyalgia can occur by itself. But it is more prevalent with people that have other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Frozen shoulder Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes restriction of motion in the shoulder joint and can be intensely painful. It is one of the commonest causes of shoulder pain and affects women more than men. In addition, diabetics have more shoulder pain and frozen shoulder complaints than the rest of the population. Frozen shoulder can occur after an injury or prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, such as after surgery or an arm fracture. Being diabetic may cause the immune system to attack the healthy parts of the body, in this case the capsule and connective tissue of the shoulder. Even other health conditions — such as heart disease and lung disease — may increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

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G Gastroenterology Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system. It focuses on the conditions affecting the stomach, oesophagus, intestines, and associated organs including the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

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Gastrointestinal The digestive tract is the system of organs that takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste. There is an upper gastrointestinal tract and a lower gastrointestinal tract that forms part of the system. The upper gastrointestinal tract consists of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, and stomach. The lower gastrointestinal tract comprises the intestines and anus.

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Glaucoma Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly destroyed. 362

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Everyone’s eyes produce a fluid like water which then flows around inside the eye to a front chamber. From this front chamber, the fluid leaves the eye by entering a drainage network that then enters the bloodstream. In the most common type of glaucoma, this drainage network can become blocked, causing the fluid to trap in the eye, resulting in the pressure inside the eye increasing too much. The pressurised fluid reduces the blood flow in the tiny blood vessels in the optic nerve, at the back of the eye, where the nerve may become damaged, and eventually the sight may be affected.

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Godai The godai are five elements. These elements are represented in ascending order of power — Earth, Water, Fire, Wind — and the last one is “Void” when referring to the elements, but can mean “sky” in most other contexts, and therefore sometimes is translated as "Heaven". Sometimes a sixth element is added, representing Consciousness. The most common representations today of the five elements are found in Buddhist architecture. Many pagodas in Japan are of the Gojū-no-Tō style, meaning they have five tiers or levels. Each tier, naturally, represents one of the elements.

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Gynaecology/gynaecological A gynaecological condition is any condition that affects the female reproductive organs. A gynaecologist is a consultant whose specialty is dealing with the health of the female.

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H Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver usually caused by an acute viral infection. There are many causes of hepatitis, some more serious than others, these include medication side effects, excessive alcohol, some types of toxic chemicals, disorders of the gall bladder or pancreas, and infections. One of the major signs of hepatitis is jaundice. Symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on the cause of the illness and how much of the liver has been damaged. In mild cases, many people do not show any symptoms at all or may have flu like symptoms that can include: • • • • • • •

diarrhoea fever loss of appetite muscle aches nausea tiredness vomiting

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Hippocrates Hippocrates was born in Greece in 460 BC and is perhaps history's most famous physician. He rejected superstition in favour of scientific observations, classifying diseases, and by creating a set of moral and professional standards for physicians. From all this work, he earned the title of 'Father of Medicine.' He also gave the world the Hippocratic Oath, a code of ethics for physicians that is still taken by graduates at many modern medical schools.

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Hives Hives are a kind of skin rash that is raised, often itchy, red bumps on the surface of the skin.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine or even insect stings. But the large majority of cases are not allergic, and no specific cause for them is ever found.

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Hodgkin’s lymphoma Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system originating from a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is sometimes called Hodgkin disease.

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Holistic Holistic medicine integrates conventional and alternative therapies to help prevent and treat diseases, and promote optimum health. Holistic medicine can be best described as the art and science of healing that encompasses the whole person, their mind, body, and spirit. The word ‘holistic’ comes from the word ‘whole’. This system of medicine addresses all parts of the individual, not just the physical aspect of a person where the illness or conditions are most apparent.

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Holotropic The word "holotropic" was created by Dr. Stanislav Grof, and is derived from the Greek words "holos" and "trepein," meaning "moving toward wholeness." Holotropism represents growth. It is an evolution of consciousness as separate individuals move towards uniting into a whole that harmonises with the one universe.

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Hyperactivity Hyperactivity is a state of too much muscle activity or where a particular part of the body is too active. 365


It is a physical state in which a person is abnormally and easily excitable, restless or has excessive movement, physical activity or movements that have no purpose. Hyperactivity is sometimes associated with ADHD.

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Hyperglycaemia Hyperglycaemia develops when there is too much blood sugar, or glucose, in the bloodstream; it is a symptom and cause of diabetes. One of more of these warning signs may tell you that have high blood sugar: • • • • • • • •

blurred vision dry mouth or skin frequent urination hunger even after eating increased thirst slow healing of cuts and sores tiredness or fatigue unexplained weight loss

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Hypertension Hypertension — which means high blood pressure — increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and damage to the eyes. It causes the heart to work harder than normal, putting both the heart and arteries at greater risk of damage. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries that carry the blood throughout the body. There are no external signs of hypertension, so many people may have it for years without noticing. The exact causes of hypertension are not fully understood. But there are several factors and conditions that may help in its development, some including: • • • • • 366

being overweight chronic kidney disease family history of high blood pressure genetics lack of physical activity


old age smoking stress too much alcohol consumption too much salt in the diet

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Hypoxia Hypoxia means low oxygen, and is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body that is sufficient to cause an impairment of function. For example, altitude sickness can be a hazard for aviators and mountaineers, where hypoxia develops gradually. Symptoms of hypoxia depend on its severity and acceleration of onset. They include headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, a feeling of euphoria and nausea. Hypoxia can cause damage to the brain.

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I Insomnia Insomnia comes from the Latin word, which means "no sleep" or the inability to sleep (in "no" and sinus "sleep"). It is the most well known type of sleep disorder that people experience. It may be caused by stress, change in usual sleep pattern or an underlying medical condition. It can be short-term or long-term. A sleeping pill can be effective for shortterm insomnia, but not for long-term insomnia. For many, insomnia happens once in a while. However for some, it can be a chronic problem. Symptoms of insomnia can include: • • • • • • • 367

awakening frequently during the night awakening very early in morning difficulty maintaining sleep difficulty to fall asleep even if you feel very tired lack of daytime energy even experiencing drowsiness and fatigue short temper trouble thinking clearly

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy • •

unable to stay focus waking up feeling unrepressed, even after having eight hours sleep

Poor sleep for any length of time can lead to mood disturbances, lack of motivation, decreased attention span, trouble with concentration, low levels of energy and increased fatigue.

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Interferons Interferons are naturally occurring proteins that are produced by the immune system. They direct the immune system's attack on viruses, bacteria, tumours and other foreign substances that may invade the body. Once the interferons have detected and attacked a foreign substance, they alter it by slowing, blocking, or changing its growth or function.

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Irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder that affects the digestive system. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation. There is no cure, but most people can learn to control and live with their irritable bowel. The exact cause of IBS is not clear, but it may have something to do with overactivity of parts of the gut. With over-activity, the brain may send mixed messages to the gut, causing it to over respond. Also intolerance to certain food types may play a part in some cases. An infection or bacteria in the gut — by way of a virus or other germ — may 'sensitise' or 'trigger' the gut in some way to cause persisting symptoms of IBS. IBS is not caused by an ongoing gut infection. Even under examination, the gut appears normal and there are no immediate signs of anything wrong.

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IVF In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a process that occurs outside the biological body.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy A method of assisted reproduction, it involves surgically removing an egg from the ovary. The egg is then fertilised by sperm outside the woman's womb in an artificial environment. Thus, IVF simply means the fertilisation process that occurs under lab conditions.

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L Light visor The light visor is a head-mounted light source that looks something like a tennis visor. The visor is designed to give people mobility during light therapy sessions and portability for travel situations.

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Lymphatic system The lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts and nodes. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, act as filters or traps for foreign particles and contain white blood cells. The lymphatic system transports a clear fluid called lymph. Lymph means clear water and it is basically the fluid and protein that has been squeezed out of the blood. Lymph distributes immune cells and other factors throughout the body. It also interacts with the blood circulatory system to drain fluid from cells and tissues. The lymphatic system contains immune cells called lymphocytes, which protect the body against viruses and bacteria that invade the body.

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M Meniere ’s disease Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear and can result from fluctuating pressure of the fluid within the inner ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing loss. At the present time, there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but there are ways to manage the condition and help control symptoms.

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Menopause Menopause is simply the name given to the very last menstrual period. With the onset of the menopause, ovaries stop producing eggs, periods begin to stop and hormone levels change, signalling an end to a woman’s reproductive years. Because all women are individual, their experiences can contrast dramatically. Some women notice little difference in their bodies or moods, while others find the change extremely disruptive.

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Meridians Meridians are invisible channels through which magnetic energy circulates throughout the body. Pathways of Qi and blood flow through the body. Qi flows continuously from one meridian to another. Any break in the flow is an indication of an imbalance. The meridian system can be likened to a network of highways, roads and streets that link major cities. The highways (meridians) and the cities (organs) make up an entire energy map (the body). It is through this system of roadways that energy (Qi) flows.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Metaphors A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily means one thing is used to mean another. Being a form of description by use of comparison, describing one experience in terms of another, and by doing this it can specify ways of thinking about the original experience. This influences the meaning and importance of the experience, the way it fits with other experiences, and actions taken as a result.

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Motility Motility is a term that refers to movement, having the ability to move spontaneously and actively, consuming energy in the process.

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Mugwort herb Mugwort is a European plant that can grow up to 18 feet (6 metres) in height, and can now be found wild all over the world. Traditionally, it was used as a healing herb and to flavour some foods and beverages. Like many herbs, mugwort was believed at one time to have mysterious properties, and it was often planted along roadways since it was supposed to provide good fortune to travellers. Many herbalists used mugwort to treat a wide range of symptoms ranging from digestive problems to menstrual irregularity. Folklore also held that mugwort placed under the pillow or burned in the bedroom would bring vivid, intense dreams.

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Multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. 371


It’s an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, affecting the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other.

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Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a genetically inherited condition where slow, progressive, muscle wasting leads to increasing weakness and disability. There are over 20 types of this muscular disorder, each differing in their symptoms and severity. Most types of muscular dystrophy are very rare, but cause mutations in the genes that are responsible for the structure and functioning of a person's muscles. The mutations bring about changes to the muscle fibres, and interfere with their ability to contract. As muscle contraction plays an essential part in the functioning of muscles, muscular dystrophy often results in severe disability. Sufferers may have difficulty walking or even standing, clumsiness, frequent falls and breathing problems. The range and severity of symptoms varies depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.

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Musculo-skeletal The musculoskeletal system allows us to move using the muscular and skeletal systems, by providing form, stability, and movement to the human body. It is made up of the body's bones (the skeleton), muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and other connective tissue. The musculoskeletal system's primary functions include supporting the body, allowing motion, and protecting vital organs.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Myalgic encephalomyelitis Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) — also known as chronic fatigue syndrome — is a condition that is almost impossible to diagnose and doctors only have the patient’s word to rely on concerning the symptoms. ME affects the whole system and has many symptoms, the main one being intense fatigue far beyond normal tiredness. An ME sufferer typically describes being utterly drained of energy or as though they are being pinned down, with even the smallest movement being an immense effort. Other symptoms include an inability to sleep well, to the point where tiredness is not relieved by rest or sleep, and a flu like feeling along with a sore throat and enlarged glands. This condition can be so intense that it can actually make sufferers feel ill, causes aching joints and muscles, and often pain. It can also affect the memory, the ability to think clearly, and to concentrate.

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Myopathy Myopathy means neuromuscular disorders in which the primary symptom is muscle weakness due to the dysfunction of muscle fibre, which usually come to our attention because we develop weakness or rapid fatigue in the muscle during activities when we use our limbs. Certain drugs can produce toxic myopathy, as can alcohol, steroids and ‘street drugs’.

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N National Health Service The National Health Service (NHS) is the name commonly used to refer to the publicly funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Neurology Neurology is the branch of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spine, nerves in the arms and legs and disorders affecting muscles. Some of the conditions and symptoms neurology covers include: • • • • • • • • •

Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia disorders affecting walking and movement dizziness and blackouts epilepsy and seizures headaches and migraine memory problems multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory disorders of the nervous system Parkinson's disease stroke

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Neuromusculoskeletal The neuromusculoskeletal system is where the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems interlink with each other. Every aspect of the body is controlled by the nervous system. So muscles, bones and nerves are intimately linked to allow optimal health of every organ and tissue in the body.

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Neuropathic Neuropathy describes a condition in which a person suffers from peripheral nerve damage often associated with an underlying disease, whereby the symptoms are usually the only method of diagnosis. There are many different neuropathic causes, ranging from diabetes to poisoning.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Neurosis Neurosis covers a variety of psychological or behavioural disorder in which anxiety is the primary characteristic, usually with an underlying emotional stress issue. The types of disorders can include: • • • •

depression dissocialise disorder obsessive compulsive disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

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New Age The term ‘New Age’ actually has its roots in astrology, but is best described as a broad movement of late twentieth century and contemporary Western culture characterised as an individual spiritual exploration. It has some attributes of a new, emerging religion, but is currently a loose network of spiritual seekers, teachers, healers and other participants. The name ‘New Age’ also refers to the market segment in which goods and services are sold to people in and outside of the movement.

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O OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes people to have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and to repeat certain behaviours (compulsions) over and over again. However, these patterns of behaviour get in the way of their daily lives. Most know that their obsessions and compulsions make no sense, but they can't ignore or stop them.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Oncology Oncology is the branch of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

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Oocyte aspiration During IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment, the process used to collect the eggs from the female is known as oocyte aspiration. This is where the eggs are usually retrieved by ultrasound guided needle aspiration through the vagina.

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Orthopaedic Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine that focuses on injuries and diseases to the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

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Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is the term used to describe the condition where the bones — particularly those of the spine, wrist, ankle and hips — become thin and weak through the progressive loss of minerals, mass and density, and are prone to break easily. The bones become porous and brittle and often there are no warning signs before a break occurs. The condition is caused because more bone cells are lost than replaced, so bone density decreases. It mainly affects women after the age of the menopause, although men can have it.

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P Palliative care The aim of palliative care is to achieve the best quality of life for patients and their families who are faced with a life-threatening illness. Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable earlier in the course of the illness in conjunction with other treatments, and they focus on increasing comfort through prevention and treatment of suffering. It is designed to prevent and relieve symptoms so that you can get on with daily life.

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Pancreatitis The pancreas is a narrow, flat organ located deep in the abdominal cavity, behind the stomach and below the liver, which produces digestive juices that help the body absorb carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Pancreatitis can be an acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Acute attacks often are characterised by severe abdominal pain that radiates from the upper stomach through to the back and can cause effects ranging from mild pancreas swelling to life-threatening organ failure. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition that may involve a series of acute attacks, causing intermittent or constant pain as it permanently damages the pancreas.

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Parapsychologist Parapsychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the study of extrasensory perception and psychic experiences of phenomena that are inexplicable by modern Western science. The areas of study of a parapsychologist include: • • • • • 377

psycho kinesis telepathy precognition clairvoyance reincarnation

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy • •

haunting poltergeists

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Parkinson’s Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking, and writing. It is named after Dr James Parkinson who first identified Parkinson's as a specific condition. With Parkinson's, there is a loss of nerve cells in the brain. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. With the depletion of these cells, parts of the brain are unable to function normally.

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Peptic ulcers Peptic ulcers are ulcers that form in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. An ulcer which is basically a sore is an open and painful wound. The symptoms are often described as indigestion, heartburn and a feeling of hunger. Some sufferers find that eating actually helps settle the discomfort for a while; others find it makes it worse. Citrus drinks, spicy and smoked foods can increase the discomfort. The warning signs include: • • • • •

difficulty swallowing persistent nausea and vomiting unintended weight loss anaemia sudden, severe and incapacitating abdominal pains

Peptic ulcers are curable with a treatment that combines two different kinds of antibiotics and acid suppressors.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Peripheral oedema Peripheral oedema is the swelling of tissues usually in the lower limbs, i.e. feet and ankles, due to the accumulation and retention of fluids. There are numerous causes that may lead to peripheral oedema, with treatments ranging from water tablets to medication using prescription drugs.

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pH balance pH stands for “power of hydrogen” and is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH balance is achieved when our blood and tissues are pH neutral — In other words, when our bodies are nourished and hydrated and are rid of waste and toxins. The body needs to maintain a balanced pH to prevent illness, so it is very important to avoid being too acidic or too alkaline.

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Phlebitis Phlebitis is the general term used for an inflammation of the wall of a vein that can be caused by an infection. When the vein wall becomes inflamed, it can result in the development of thrombosis. Phlebothrombosis is the general term used for blood clotting within a vein.

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Photochemical A photochemical reaction is a chemical reaction that is induced by the absorption of light. A prime example is sunburn, which is a photochemical process that alters the chemistry of the skin.

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Placebo A placebo is an inactive substance or procedure used as a medicine or therapy that has no verifiable therapeutic activity.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy The placebo effect is the measurable, observable, or felt improvement in health, but one that is not attributable to an actual treatment.

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Plato Plato was born in Greece in 427 BC and was a classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the western world. He helped lay the foundations of Western philosophy.

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Polycythaemia The term polycythaemia applies to several conditions where there are too many red blood cells in the blood. The number of red cells you have varies according to your age and sex. Men have higher levels than women and newborn babies often have more than adults. The main problem caused by polycythaemia is that the high number of red cells increases the thickness of the blood, which in turn reduces blood flow to the body’s organs. Symptoms can include: • • • •

blurred vision or patchy loss of vision confusion headaches red complexion

Conditions which contribute towards polycythaemia include: • • • •

chronic lung disease high altitude smoking various types of tumours — brain, kidney and liver

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Post-partum depression Post-partum depression is depression that occurs soon after having a baby. 380

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy It is sometimes characterised as “the baby blues”. Symptoms include: • • • • • • • • •

appetite problems depressed mood fatigue feelings of inadequacy as a parent impaired concentration inability to enjoy pleasurable activities suicidal thoughts tearfulness trouble sleeping

All this can interfere with the ability to care for the baby.

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Procrastination Procrastination is a type of behaviour that is characterised by the avoidance of doing a task that needs to be done, in other words — postponing until tomorrow what can be done today. Procrastination not only affects a person's work, but also commonly involves feelings such as guilt, inadequacy, self-disgust, stress and depression.

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Proprioception Proprioception is the ability to sense the position, location, posture and movement of our body in physical space, without the need to look at our limbs. Without it, we would have to see where every body part was, making movement and balance become all but impossible. Instead, proprioception allows us to unconsciously make adjustments across the whole of our muscle systems without the need to think about it.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Pseudoscience Pseudoscience is something that appears to be scientific in an attempt to claim legitimacy, but it either does not hold up under the scrutiny of modern Western science, or it has not been subjected to scientific scrutiny in any meaningful way. That a therapy is pseudoscientific tends to be a derogatory term used by those coming from a modern Western scientific background to indicate that no evidence has been found to support claims of efficacy. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the term can also be used when that evidence has not been looked for.

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Psoriasis Psoriasis is a non-contagious, common skin complaint that occurs when the skin cells replace themselves too quickly — every few days, compared to the normal 2128 day cycle. It has many different appearances, but typically ranges from red or pink areas of thickened, raised and dry skin to big flakes of dry skin that flake off. It tends to affect the elbows, knees, and scalp, but any area of the body may be involved.

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Psychoneuroimmunology Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the study of how the mind and the nervous system interact with one another. Its main area of interest is the effect that thought, particularly, stressful thoughts, have on the immune system of the body, and it has been particularly applied to the study of autoimmune diseases. In other words, PNI is about mind over matter, and about how much influence the mind does actually have over matter — i.e. the physiological functioning of the body — relating to health and wellbeing.

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Psychophysical Psychophysical is a way of working that differs from many other psychotherapy approaches, because it uses the active engagement of the body as being central to the therapeutic process. 382


It integrates both psychotherapy and body therapy in one, at the same time.

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Psychosocial Psychosocial development is how a person's mind, emotions and maturity level develop throughout the course of their lifetime. Different people will develop psychosocially at different rates depending on biological processes and environmental interactions.

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Psychosomatic/somatic/somatisation The term somatic refers to the cells of the body. Somatisation is when physical symptoms develop through stress or emotional problems. Psychosomatic refers to a physical disease that is thought to be caused, or made worse, by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. In certain cases, mental factors may cause physical symptoms where no physical disease can be found. All illnesses can be considered to be psychosomatic, as they inevitably involve the mind's reaction to a physical illness. In some cases, psychological factors seem to play a particularly important part. They can influence not only the cause of the illness, but can also worsen the symptoms and affect the course of the disorder. It is these illnesses that are termed psychosomatic disorders.

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PTSD Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a natural emotional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing experience and is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. It is a debilitating condition that follows a terrifying event. 383


Often, people suffering PTSD will have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. PTSD was first brought to public attention by war veterans, but it can result from any number of traumatic incidents.

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Pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen. These arteries can become narrow and blocked or damaged reducing blood flow. This puts a strain on the heart because it has to work harder to try and force blood through. Consequently pressure builds up in the narrowed arteries, which results in high blood pressure. There are many factors that can cause pulmonary hypertension with symptoms that include: • • • • •

chest pain or pressure dizziness fatigue rapid heartbeat shortness of breath with or without any activity

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Pulmonology/pulmonary system Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affects the pulmonary system. The pulmonary system includes the lungs, the respiratory tract and the muscles that support the breathing process, such as the diaphragm, which pumps air into and out of the lungs.

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Purging Purging is an act of flushing, rinsing, cleaning or emptying of a body or system. Two examples of purging are: •

people with anorexia purge by making themselves vomit — they do this to try to get rid of the calories they have eaten usually after bingeing, in order not to gain weight

•

a central heating system — after installing radiators, the air within the system requires purging so that the system contains only the desired liquid (water and inhibitor)

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Q Qi Qi may be regarded as a universal energy that flows through us and around us, always being in a constant state of movement continually transforming from one aspect of Qi into another. It is neither created nor is it ever destroyed; it simply changes in its manifestation. Qi is more specifically the vital energy that exists before we are born, remains in the body during our life and persists after our lives end (Trieschmann, 1999).

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R Rapport Rapport is a quality of the relationship between people, a feature or characteristic of the unconscious human interaction. It means a mutual trust and responsiveness between individuals or groups of people. We use rapport to encourage the person we are communicating with to relax and feel a sense of familiarity and comfort in their interaction with us.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy This helps us to lower our barriers of resistance and become more receptive to our communications.

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Raynaud’s disease Raynaud's disease is a rare disorder that affects blood vessels. It causes episodes of vasospasm (narrowing of the blood vessels), which decreases blood flow to the fingers and toes, and in extremely rare cases to the nose, ears, nipples and lips. The fingers are the most commonly affected area, but the toes are also affected in about 40 per cent of people with Raynaud's disease. Cold temperatures or stressful emotions can trigger attacks. During these attacks, there is a brief lack of blood flow to the affected parts of the body and the skin can temporarily become white then bluish. As blood flow returns to the area, the skin turns red. The affected areas can throb or feel numb and tingly. With severe, prolonged or repeated episodes of Raynaud's disease, it can cause sores or tissue death (gangrene).

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Reframing Reframing is the process used to help people change their perspective and view on their issues. It is a powerful therapeutic tool that can create profound and fast change. Framing refers to the way a condition is described or an issue is worded. The reframing is the process of changing the way it is presented so that it maintains its fundamental meaning but is more likely to support a resolution. A simple example of a frame and reframe is: 1. Frame — I made a mistake, and therefore I'm useless. 2. Reframe — I tried something that didn't work, so next time I'll try something different.

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Reichian segmental theory Reichian segmental theory is named after its discoverer, Dr Wilhelm Reich, and it divides the body into seven segments, one on top of the other. These consist of the 386

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy ocular (eye) segment, the oral segment, the cervical (neck) segment, the thoracic (chest) segment, the diaphragmatic segment, the abdominal segment and the pelvic segment. Reich believed that orgone energy — what he saw as a universal bioenergetic force lying behind and causing much, if not all, observable phenomena — was within the body. The energy was supposed to move upward, from the pelvic segment up through one segment after another, until it reached the top of the ocular segment and escaped out of the top of the head. A block in any segment would shut off the flow of orgone energy to the segments above it. So the therapist's job was to dissolve these blocks starting from the topmost segment and working his way down. Reich felt that if a lower block were dissolved while a higher-up block were still in place, the energy released by dissolving the lower block would rush up and slam into the higher block. This would result in all sorts of nasty problems for the patient, thus the need for the therapist to work his way down from the top.

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Retroviruses A retrovirus is a virus that contains RNA (ribonucleic acid) that must be converted to DNA in the host cell and then back again into RNA to be made into proteins. It invades the body's cells, where it produces more such RNA viruses, including the AIDS virus and many cancer-causing viruses. Normal viruses contain DNA that is transcribed and translated in the host. This means that retroviruses must carry with them reverse transcriptases (host cells don't have reverse transcriptases) that will copy RNA into DNA.

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Rheumatism Rheumatism is a term used to describe disorders associated with many different parts of the body. Often rheumatism is associated with arthritis, or with rheumatic fever. However, rheumatism might apply to the symptoms of numerous conditions that can cause pain and or weakness. Some conditions that were once labelled as rheumatism or called rheumatic diseases include: • • • • • 387

fibromyalgia lupus osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis tendonitis


Frequently, autoimmune disorders can cause pain as well as affecting other organs, and were classed as rheumatism. Better understanding of the actions of these illnesses show that the problem is not dysfunction of the joints, but rather immune systems that can attack joints, muscles and organs.

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Rhinitis Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining or mucous membranes of the nose. It is not serious, but it can lead to much discomfort and inconvenience. For many people, though, it will usually clear up on its own after a few days as generally it’s known as a temporary condition. However, with some people, especially those with allergies, rhinitis is a chronic problem that is nearly always present or that recurs often. Rhinitis may be caused by irritants or allergens and symptoms include: • • • •

repeated sneezing blocked or congested nose runny nose itchy nose, eyes, ears or throat

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S Sciatica Sciatica is a fairly common condition. It is the pain that stems from the lower back and radiates in the buttocks down the back of the leg and occasionally down as far as the toes, through the sciatic nerve system. The pain experienced can range from being very annoying and niggling, to severe and debilitating agony, usually affecting only one side of the body at a time. Most people who suffer from sciatica do so because the discs in the backbone become weak, either through age or excessive strain. Other causes include slipped discs, back strain, pregnancy, or even a spinal tumour.

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Scoliosis Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, which can make the sufferer look distorted in appearance. In most cases the cause of scoliosis is unknown, but it is often seen in people suffering with cerebral palsy or spina bifida and is a consequence of these conditions. It’s a hereditary condition that tends to run in families. Some of the symptoms may include: • • • • •

difference in hip height or position difference in shoulder blade height or position difference in shoulder height difference in the way the arms hang beside the body head is not centred with the rest of the body

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Seasonal affective disorder Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression that affects people at the same time each year, predominantly autumn and winter. During spring and summer, people with SAD feel well.It is believed that SAD is related to a lack of daylight exposure, which would explain why people feel well during spring and summer and only start experiencing problems when the days get shorter. Some of the symptoms many people experience are, feeling miserable, lacking in energy, being tired, insomnia, food disorders, having low spirits and feeling depressed.

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Shamanic herbalism Shamanic herbalism is an ancient way of using plants of power. It provides a depth of knowledge and wisdom into the relationships necessary to work with plants and the living wildness of the Earth. According to its theory, plants repulse spells and act as messengers to unseen worlds.

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Sinusitis Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses; it's usually caused by an allergic reaction or an infection in your sinuses that stops them from working properly. The sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the bones of your face that open up into the nose cavity. 389

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy They are lined with the same membrane as your nose. They make mucus, which normally drains through small openings into your nose. Any of your sinuses can get blocked and inflamed, leading to sinusitis.

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Socrates Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher born in Athens in 469 BC. Socrates never wrote down any of his ideas while he was alive, but is credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy.

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Spina bifida Spina bifida is caused by problems in the development of an embryo in the womb. The features of spina bifida vary between individuals, but commonly the small bones that make up the spine (the vertebrae) have not formed fully and may have gaps in them. In severe cases, one or more vertebrae may be missing, exposing the spinal cord. This defect is what is known as spina bifida.

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Subcutaneous Subcutaneous means beneath or just under the skin.

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Swish The Swish pattern or technique is a way to quickly dissolve the feelings attached to unwanted thoughts and to deal with non-useful responses, by redirectioning thinking. The unwanted thoughts or responses are replaced with more useful and appropriate ones. The actual “swish” comes when the new image overtakes the old and sends your brain in a new designated direction.

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T Taoist philosophy The term Tao communicates an entire philosophy, an outlook on the fundamental nature of life and the universe, expressing the path human beings must take to join, rather than disturb, that unity.Early Taoist philosophy was influenced by observations of nature. Taoist philosophers determined that everything has its complementary opposite. More than this, they saw that everything can only be understood by comparing it to its opposite. For example, day is only day in relation to night, cold is only cold in relation to hot, and soft is only soft in relation to hard. Looking deeper still, they realised that these relationships are in a constant state of movement, day flows gradually into night and back again and so on.

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Tendonitis Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Chronic strain, overuse or misuse of a tendon can lead to a repetitive stress injury, or a serious acute injury, leading to a weakness, tear or swelling of the tendon tissue resulting in pain and stiffness near the tendon. Tendonitis usually occurs at the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, heal and wrist, but can occur anywhere there is a tendon, and is a commonly associated sports injury. It can also be age-related as tendons lose their elasticity and ability to glide as smoothly as they used to.

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Tennis elbow Tennis elbow is the term used to describe tendonitis of the elbow, a condition where damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the elbow joint and forearm occur. It is a common occurrence in tennis players. But is not just restricted to tennis players, as any activity that requires gripping can cause this problem.

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Theta state The theta state is when our brain waves — normally a mixture of alpha, beta, delta, gamma and theta waves — become predominantly theta, thus allowing us to enter a trance-like state. There are many different means of achieving the theta state. One method that is commonly used is the rhythmic beating of a drum. Scientists have found that when the human brain is exposed to a steady rhythm of between four and seven beats per second, it can more easily enter the theta state.

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Theosophist Theosophy is a type of religious philosophy that states that all religions are attempts to help humanity to evolve to greater perfection, and that each religion, therefore, has a portion of truth. It teaches that everything, living or not, is put together from basic building blocks that are evolving towards consciousness. Theosophists believe that Nature does not operate by chance, rather that every event — past or present — happens because of laws, which are part of a universal paradigm. This is an approach to life where many popular religions and philosophies are surveyed for common elements. These are brought together in a unified way to form the foundations of a belief system.

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Tonsillitis Tonsillitis is the reaction your tonsils (the small glands at the back of your throat) have to a viral or bacterial infection. Some signs of tonsillitis may include: red and swollen tonsils, redness at the back of the throat, white spots on the tonsils and the glands in the neck being bigger than usual. Symptoms may include: • • • • • •

ear pain headache high temperature pain when swallowing sore throat tiredness

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The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sometimes TB causes no immediate illness, but can remain dormant in the body before developing, possibly many years later. This is more likely if the body is weakened by other medical problems. People most at risk are those with damaged immune systems. It most commonly affects the lungs, and is caught from other people. Typical symptoms include: • • • •

chest pains coughing fever and sweating, particularly at night weight and appetite loss

TB can be completely cured by treatment with a course of tablets.

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U Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition that affects the colon. The colon, which is also known as the large intestine, removes nutrients from undigested food and expels waste products from the body. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can range from mild to severe, and include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, a frequent need to go to the toilet and weight loss. For some people, the condition is a minor inconvenience, while for others it can seriously affect their quality of life.

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Ultraviolet light Ultraviolet light (UV) is regarded more as a range of wavelengths rather than anything specific. It is present in natural sunlight. However, it is invisible to the naked eye. The term ‘ultraviolet’ derives from the Latin word ‘ultra’ meaning "beyond". Violet is the colour of the shortest wavelengths of visible light and ultraviolet has an even shorter wavelength that goes beyond this range. UV light from the sun is responsible for tanning of the skin, but over exposure to this light can cause sunburn and even some forms of skin cancer.

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Unani-tibb Unani tibb is an Eastern form of medicine and herbalism, sometimes referred to as Islamic medicine. It is based on the ancient methods of medicine used and taught by Hippocrates, Galen and Avicenna and includes elements of healing systems from Persia, Arabia, India, China and classical Greece. A belief central to the core of the practice is that good health and a happy state of mind represent the normal constitution for balanced human beings.

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Urology/urogenital Urogenital refers to the urinary and genital organs. Urology is the branch of medicine that deals with the urinary tract in both males and females, and the genital tract or reproductive system in the male.

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V Vertebrobasilar Vertebrobasilar is a condition that affects both the vertebral and basilar arteries, resulting in circulatory disorders in which blood supply to the back of the brain is disrupted. There are many different conditions that can influence this type of disorder. The most common cause is a stroke, which can cause hardening of the arteries where the arteries can narrow or restrict blood flow. The back of the brain contains structures that are crucial for sustaining life. For instance, the brainstem controls breathing, swallowing, and the level of consciousness. Symptoms of vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders include: • • • • • •

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difficulty swallowing double vision headaches loss of hearing loss of vision nausea and vomiting


numbness or tingling poor coordination problems with balance slurred speech vertigo

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Vertigo Vertigo is a symptom of a balance disorder, an illusion of movement when no movement is present. It may feel that you are spinning, tilting, rocking, or falling within your surroundings. You may vomit or have ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Also, your eyes may uncontrollably jerk back and forth. True vertigo, from the Latin "vertere," meaning to turn, is a distinct, often severe form of dizziness that is a movement hallucination. Vertigo can be caused by inner ear problems, or a problem in the brain. Usually harmless, vertigo can be a sign of a serious condition if accompanied by difficulty in speaking or walking, severe headaches or double vision.

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W WHO World Health Organisation (WHO) is a United Nations agency that coordinates international health activities and helps governments to improve their health services.

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Z Zen Buddhism Zen Buddhism is a mixture of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism and is sometimes seen as a religion and sometimes seen as a philosophy. The essence of Zen is attempting to understand the meaning of life directly. It promotes a strict 395

The Therapy Book – The Essential Guide To Every Therapy ethics and morality, which reflects its concern with the attainment of selflessness without being misled by logical thought or language. Zen adherents believe that all sentient beings have a Buddha nature, the universal nature of wisdom and virtue, and emphasise that Buddha nature is nothing other than the nature of the mind itself. The aim of Zen practice is to discover this Buddha nature within each person, through meditation and mindfulness of daily experiences. Zen techniques are compatible with other faiths and are often used, for example, by Christians seeking a mystical understanding of their faith.

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