Complementary Therapies in Barnsley

Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands or ears with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without using oil or lotion. An natural healing art based on the principal of reflexes in the feet and their referral areas correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through applying pressure on those reflexes relief of tension, circulation promotion and natural function of the body is gained.

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, essential oils and aromatic compounds to alter a persons mind, mood, cognitive function or health.

Hopi Ear Candles are a Thermal Auricular Therapy which is a pleasant and non invasive treatment of the ears, used to treat a variety of conditions.

Hopi Ear Candles induce a revitalising heal upon the head and ears which soothes, relieves and relaxes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of healthcare that has been practiced for over 2000 years. It is based on the concept of “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) our own innate energy that flows through the body via the channel system (meridians). This energy or life force, enables all metabolic processes within the body, be it the muscles, organs, mental processes or emotions. Placing needles at specific acupuncture points in the body has a regulating affect on this flow of energy. This energy “Qi” can be felt as it arrives at the needle by both patient and practitioner. The needle is merely a conduit for energetic change and directs or disperses Qi to where it is needed according to each individual diagnosis. Disease is proposed to result from the flow of Qi being disrupted, contributing to an imbalance of yin and yang (opposing forces) which can result in both physical and emotional symptoms. TCM looks at the person as a whole and aims to rebalance both physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of their life. The purpose is to address the root causes of disease, to bring about a long term, and sustainable solution to health and well-being.

Acupuncture is not the only treatment modality used in TCM:

Tuina: Chinese medical massage is used in conjunction with needling to treat Musculo-skeletal conditions and disperse pain. It is also very useful in the treatment of children.

Moxibustion: A burning herb (Mugwort artemisia vulgaris) used to warm the channels to disperse pain. It Is also used at specific points to support immunity: Used in cancer care to help patient’s complete chemotherapy by preventing low white blood cell count (leukopenia). Can be used to help turn a breech baby after 32 weeks. Currently used in Africa to aide treatments for drug resistant TB.

GuaSha: A bodywork technique that scrapes the skin to move stagnation. Very useful for dispersing pain in tight muscles. In China this is traditionally used at the first sign of a fever to shorten viral illnesses.

Electro-acupuncture: low level current is passed through the needles to help quicken healing. Can be particularly useful with chronic conditions of the joints such as arthritis.

Chinese Dietry Energetics: Diet is considered an important part of healing in TCM. Foods are viewed in energetic terms eg. Hot, cold, damp forming or drying etc. according to your individual diagnosis, advice can be given on foods to aide recovery and foods to avoid.

For further information on acupuncture, please visit: www.acupuncture.org.uk

Massage is used for both pain management and relaxation. At Western House Consulting Rooms we offer the following types of massage:

• Full body Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Back, neck and shoulder massage
• Aromatherapy massage
• Indian head massage
• Foot and leg massage
• Facials

Having regular massage can help with:

• Lowering the heart rate and blood pressure
• Improving circulation and lymphatic circulation
• Improving immune function
• Keeping the joints, muscles and connective tissues flexible and improves your range of motion
• Helps decrease stress and tension
• Reduces aches and pains
• And most importantly makes you feel good!

A frequent question that we get asked is “How often should I have a massage?”

Usually for pain management we recommend once a week for at least 4-6 weeks. After that we reduce the treatments down to what we call maintenance massages, you may find you would like to come once every 2 weeks or maybe once a month. It is entirely up to you. Often when your body is getting ready for a massage it will let you know!

Having regular massages makes you more aware of your body and you will instantly know to rebook back in for a treatment.

Reiki (pronounced Ray-Ki) is a complementary therapy. It was founded by Doctor Mikao Usui and is a form of Japanese Healing.

Dr Usui developed these Reiki principles which would benefit us all to follow every day

• Just for today I will let go of anger.
• Just for today I will let go of worry.
• Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
• Just for today I will do my work honestly.
• Just for today I will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing.

He based these principles on us living in the moment and being mindful of every minute. Reiki does not cure illnesses but can help balance the mind, body and soul which then can encourage your body to kickstart it's own healing systems enabling you to feel better and focus on your wellbeing.

During a session of Reiki at Western House Barnsley, you will remain fully clothed whilst laying on a comfortable bed. I will then connect with your energy and sit with my hands on your shoulders. This helps us blend our energy and helps you to settle down. From there I help to balance your chakras (meaning "wheel" which are the energy centres in our bodies) by placing my hands over your body. This session can be hands on or hands off and usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

For more information or to make an appointment please phone Western House Consulting Rooms Barnsley on (01226) 730249.