THERAPIES

OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is helpful in overcoming many disabilities which cause both acute and chronic pain, headaches, neck/shoulder tension, low back pain, sciatica, tendonitis, muscle strains and disc injuries. Sports injuries or problems secondary to pregnancy may also respond well. Our Osteopaths have a special interest in Cranial Osteopathy which can be very effective in the treatment of children and young babies.

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment, which encourages the release of tensions throughout the body, especially the head. It is an extremely gentle yet immensely powerful treatment modality which maybe used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions in people of all ages from the very young to the very old for whom other osteopathic techniques may be too strong.

What Can Cranial Osteopaths Treat?

Cranial Osteopathy can be highly effective in treating many different conditions such as headache, sinusitis, digestive problems, low back and neck pain, especially in pregnancy Pelvic pain and whiplash can also respond very well to cranial treatment.

Osteopathy and Babies

The small amounts of movement that exists in the infant skull permit the baby's head to adapt to the forces of labour. However, when birth is complicated by being unduly slow or fast, or when other complications occur such as the need for forceps delivery the infant head may not fully recover from the distortion. This may result in subtle changes in function leading to disturbed patterns.

The gentle, skillful application of osteopathic treatment by an experienced practitioner in treating babies can often bring about a significant improvement in these distressing cases and is increasingly being considered as a treatment of choice for some conditions.

Very occasionally patients may experience some mild discomfort or light headiness in the immediate post treatment period, but this rarely lasts longer than 24-48 hours.

Chiropody / Podiatry

Chiropody / Podiatry can help relieve many painful foot conditions including in-growing toenails, verrucae, athlete's foot, corns and calluses. Our Chiropodist has a special interest in bio-mechanical evaluation of the lower limb. He can prescribe exercises, strapping and insoles to correct or accommodate lower limb dysfunction.

Our Chiropodist is State Registered, which is the only qualification applicable for employment in the National Health Service.

Acupuncture  

Acupuncture is part of a system of medicine that has been practiced in China for several thousand years.

Fundamental to an understanding of Chinese medicine is the concept of Qi, (chee), or the 'Life force'. Contained within this concept is the theory of 'Yin and Yang'. This Qi flows through the body in an invisible network of channels called meridians, which are associated with parts of the body, different organs and their functions. Acupuncture points are located on these channels. There are over one thousand acupuncture points on the body including points on the ear. Each acupuncture point has a defined therapeutic function and each has a different role to play in rectifying disharmony and bringing the body and mind back to a state of well-being.

The Acupuncture Practitioner assesses the condition by taking a thorough case history, feeling the pulse, examining the tongue and any other necessary physical examination. This all helps the practitioner to determine the state' of imbalance which is causing the illness.

The treatment is directed towards restoring the flow of Qi. Typically, the acupuncture treatment comprises primarily of insertion of very fine needles in acupuncture points. The insertion is virtually painless but some needle sensation may be experienced. The needles are either withdrawn quickly or left in for up to twenty minutes.

Acupuncture is now practised throughout the world to provide a safe and effective form of treatment for a variety of conditions. Although acupuncture is renowned for its effective treatment of pain, it has also been used successfully in the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, menstrual disorders, P.M.S., impotence, coughs, colds, eczema, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, migraine, headache, back pain, frozen shoulder, arthritis, angina, hypertension - and many more. As well as restoring health and relief of symptoms, acupuncture can also be used on a preventative basis.

When consulting an Acupuncture Practitioner, make sure he/she is a 'Registered Acupuncturist' who has completed an accredited course of training. A register and directory of qualified Practitioners is available from the British Acupuncture Council. The registered members use the designation M.B.Ac.C.

Counselling

Life has the habit of presenting us with challenges, often in the form of problems or crises. We can experience these as painful and confusing thoughts and feelings.

Most of the time we can manage or cope with these difficulties in our lives, however sometimes we can experience them as anxiety, depression or a sense of hopelessness. We can feel thoughts that seem to go round and round in our minds without ever being resolved.

When something is troubling us it often helps to talk to a professional in confidence. Through exploring our anxieties and feelings, we can gain a greater understanding and begin to make changes or deal with them. A qualified counsellor can provide such support.

Counselling can offer help with many aspects of our lives including work, relationships, health, making decisions, painful experiences or loss. It can help young people and children as well as adults.

Person-Centred Counsellors work from the philosophy that clients have all the resources necessary to know what is best that if the right conditions are provided, the client will be able to better understand themselves. In the climate of a trusting and respectful relationship, the counsellor is able to enter into and understand the experience of the client and therefore provide the necessary conditions for change.

All of us are unique individuals and sometimes the counsellor, as I do, will use an integrative approach, using other theoretical models of counselling to inform the process if that seems appropriate.

Confidentiality is an essential part of the counselling relationship. What is discussed between the counsellor and the client is treated with respect and discretion.

Only in very specific circumstances would it be likely that any client information would be made available to someone else. These circumstances will be made clear and agreed during the first session and any disclosure would only happen with the client's prior knowledge.

As a Member of the BACP, The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, adhere to all their principles of ethics and codes of practice.

Sessions

Sessions last 1 hour, although the first session may be longer, and are generally held weekly.

Homeopathic Health

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a gentle, safe and effective medicine that has been used for over 200 years. It is an individualised medicine prescribed on the patient's own unique set of symptoms.

How does homeopathy Work?

Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the patients presenting symptoms and work by stimulating the body's own natural ability to heal and balance. It can be used for both physical and emotional symptoms.

What are remedies made from?

Remedies are made from substances of any origin - animal, vegetable or mineral. They are prepared in a homeopathic pharmacy and are diluted to a minute dose so that they are safe. They are usually in the form of a pill but can also be in liquid form.

Are remedies safe to take?

Yes, homeopathic remedies are safe, non-toxic, non-addictive and can be taken by almost everyone including newborn babies.

Can homeopathic remedies be taken during pregnancy?

Homeopathic remedies are ideal for most 'Pregnant mothers to take when so many conventional medicines are not. Remedies can even be us through labour to support the birthing process.

Can I take homeopathic remedies with the medicines from my doctor? Yes, homeopathy can work very well in conjunction with many conventional medicines. They may also be helpful to reduce the side effects that we often experience from conventional medicines and can be integrated into many treatment regimes. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor.

How long will my treatment take?

The length of treatment time will depend on the individual and the nature of the complaint. Acute symptoms can clear up fairly quickly where as chronic complaints will take longer. Many patients also experience an overall feeling of improvement in their general well being during the healing process.

Homeopathy can treat almost any symptoms and you do not have to be unwell to benefit from it. Homeopathy is an ideal choice for promoting day-to-day health and balance.

It is advisable to seek treatment from a registered qualified practitioner and to consult with your doctor.

Karen Wright Homeopath L.C.H.E RSHom