Treatments
The therapies on this page are all available at the Caritas Clinic. Use the menu
on the left to browse directly to a particular therapy.
If you are unsure which therapy you require for your specific condition, please
do not hesitate to contact the clinic and speak with one of our experienced therapists
who will be happy to advise you.
We are a busy clinic and sometimes are unable to answer the phone, your call is
very important to us so please leave a message and we will endeavour to return your
call as soon as possible.
Thank you
Reflexology.
Reflexology is a non-invasive natural therapy, based on ancient techniques used
in China, Egypt and India.
It's aim is to balance the body's systems, using gently applied pressure
to specific areas of the feet or hands, which mirror the organs and structure of
the body. Thereby enhancing the body's own natural healing capabilities.
As a holistic therapy, Reflexology aims to integrate the mind, body and emotions.
Combining regular Reflexology with other therapies like massage and aromatherapy,
can be hugely beneficial to most conditions.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a system of healing, which has been used in China and the East for
several thousand years. It uses a holistic approach, which focuses on improving
the overall well being of the patient rather than the isolated treatment of specific
symptoms.
A network of invisible channels of energy (Qi or Chi, pronounced ‘Chee’) runs just
beneath the skin’s surface. The Qi moves in a balanced and smooth way in health,
but if this becomes unbalanced then pain and illness may result. The Qi can be affected
in several ways - there may be too much, too little, it may not flow smoothly, in
the wrong direction or it could be a combination any of these. The flow of Qi may
be affected by a number of factors, such as emotional states, i.e. stress, grief,
anger, or other factors such as poor nutrition, hereditary factors, trauma, weather
conditions or infection.
Very fine disposable acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points along the
channels to alter the balance of the Qi, thus effecting an energetic change to the
body and working to restore health and well being.
The aim of acupuncture when treating a person as a whole is to recover the equilibrium
between the emotional, physical and mental aspects of the person.
What happens during a treatment:
All patients are seen for an initial session, which lasts for an hour and a half.
This session is used to identify the patients’ condition or syndrome. This involves
taking the patient’s case history by asking questions about any symptoms the patient
may be experiencing, or any diagnosis given by a western physician.
There will be questions about the whole of the person such as digestion, sleep,
medical history and medication so that an entire picture of the person may be established
and from this patterns may be diagnosed so that the problem that is affecting them
can be treated. Several traditional methods also may be used such as pulse taking
and examining of the tongue. From this initial session, it will be possible to ascertain
the type of treatment the patient requires and to design a suitable course of treatment
that is tailored to that patient.
The course of treatment may not just involve acupuncture, but in some situations
massage, dietary advice, acupressure, electro-acupuncture, magnets and pre-prepared
traditional Chinese herbs formulas may be used. Once the case is taken a prescription
of points to treat is decided upon.
The needles may be felt as a slight prick when being put in place and then may cause
a tingling sensation or a dull ache, or perhaps nothing at all.
The needles are very fine, much smaller than a pin or hypodermic needle, and only
enter the skin 1-2 mm on some parts of the body but may go further up to 1- 2 cm
on others.
All needles are hygienic, sealed and are disposed of in the correct manner according
to the Department of Health procedures.
The needles are left in place for around 10 - 20 minutes depending on the constitution
of the patient, during which time you are left to relax. Anne may rotate the needles
during this period to stimulate the Qi.
Subsequent sessions will be about 45 minutes long. These sessions will be required
by the patient usually once a week initially although in very acute situations it
might be more, and as the condition improves, less frequently.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions due to the
fact that it can stimulate the body’s own healing process. Acupuncture is a part
of traditional Chinese medicine which is a medicine system in its own right so can
treat many different ailments. It can be used as a preventative measure when you
feel generally ‘run down’ and also when you ‘feel unwell’, but you do not necessarily
present with any symptoms – you just know you don’t feel ‘right’. Many patients
notice not only changes to the condition they sought help for but also improvements
with regard to their energy, confidence and quality of life. Because traditional
acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation,
it can be effective for a range of conditions. Acupuncturists treat the person,
not just the condition which they have, so each patient’s treatment plan will be
different. However, you can always ask Anne about similar patients’ experiences,
to give you an idea of what to expect.
The World Health Organisation in 2003 recognised the effectiveness of Acupuncture
for treating a range of conditions. For more information on this please click here.
In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended that
acupuncture should be made available on the NHS, as a cost-effective short-term
treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain.
A few further problems acupuncture can be used for, but not a complete list, are
dental pain, nausea and vomiting, short-term relief of tension-type headache and
temporary relief for osteoarthritis knee pain.
You can get more information on current scientific research into the effectiveness
of acupuncture by visiting the British Acupuncture Council site at www.acupuncture.org.uk
or by speaking to Anne.
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Swedish Massage
Massage has been used for thousands of years as a simple and effective method of
attaining good health. It’s benefits have long been recognised throughout the world.
Per Henrick Ling’s “Swedish Movement Treatment”, grounded in anatomy, forms the
basis for the techniques used in the West today, which are often still referred
to as Swedish massage.
There are three basic massage techniques. Stroking or effleurage is a gentle
action which aids circulation and relaxes tense muscles. Kneading or petrissage
stretches and relaxes muscles. Friction or frottage is deep direct pressure
used to release tension in the muscles around the spine and shoulders.
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Nutritional Therapy
Eat well, feel great!
Have you noticed how the foods that you eat affect the way that you feel? Good food
is the cornerstone of health and vitality - what you eat has the potential to transform
your life and safeguard your health for the future.
Nutritional therapy can help you to achieve:
- more energy
- a positive mood
- a healthy weight
- mental clarity
- resistance to disease
- softer, smoother skin and much more....
Nutritional therapy aims to treat the underlying causes of poor health and not just
the symptoms.
Our Nutritional Therapist (Rita Carmichael) is a member of the British Association
for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy. We will work with you to devise a
personalised programme of healthy and delicious eating designed to fit in with your
lifestyle. Even small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference to
how you feel!
Here is what one client of Rita’s clients said:
“...just three months later my skin rashes have disappeared, my blood pressure has
been cut from 145/100 to 130/85, I have far more energy, and my stomach ulcer has
gone. Thanks Rita, I never thought getting healthy could be so much fun!”
To find out the root cause of your symptoms we use the latest saliva, stool, blood
and urine tests from reputable laboratories. In addition to a healthy eating plan
tailored to your specific requirements, high quality nutritional supplements may
also be recommended. We also run Metabolic Balance®, the hormone-balancing and weight
management programme. See the Metabolic Balance® information page to find out more.
If you would like to take control of your health, weight, moods and wellbeing and
enjoy more energy, softer skin and greater resistance to disease, nutritional therapy
could be the solution you are seeking.
To find out more visit www.nutrimatters.co.uk, call Rita on 07973 750 626 or Caritas
Natural Health Clinic on 0115 9258 345.
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Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a holistic therapy that works on the mind, body and spirit.
The process is a great stress reliever, bringing relief from the many symptoms.
It concentrates on the muscles of the upper back, neck, head, shoulders and face.
Working areas of stressed, tense muscles using different massage techniques.
As it is a seated massage Indian head can be applied almost anywhere and is widely
used in the workplace to relieve upper back pain and other office work related problems.
Indian Head massage actually started in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It features
in Ayurvedic texts that date back nearly 4000 years. It developed in the Himalayan
region of India by Indian holy men that were experts in their respective fields
of herbal medicine, exercise, anatomy and physiology and psychology. Ayurveda is
a truly holistic therapy that aims to balance physical, mental and spiritual health.
The philosophy underlying Ayurveda is the belief that health is the result of harmony
within. There must be harmony in our thoughts, our action and in our feelings in
order for us to be healthy. Disease is actually considered to be a positive sign
because it reveals something that needs to be healed.
In India, massage has always been important in Ayurvedic medicine. Massage directly
benefits all the systems, stimulating them to work more efficiently. It also calms
and relaxes the mind and releases tensions and emotions in the body that have become
trapped and as a consequence are causing pain and sometimes disease.
Massage is a part of Indian daily life and has been for thousands of years. They
believe that a daily massage helps to rejuvenate the body. Indians are massaged
from the day they are born to their death. Babies are massaged daily for the first
three years of their life. They then learn the techniques by working on their grandparents.
This tradition is still very much alive in Indian villages today.
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Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT)
“VRT
is a brief, highly effective reflexology technique that is applied to the weight-bearing
hand and foot reflexes.” Vertical reflex therapy originator Lynne Booth.
Vertical reflex therapy is a remarkable reflexology discovery where the dorsal hand
or foot reflexes are briefly treated while weight-bearing. It can be used as a quick
treatment by itself or alongside the conventional reflexology treatment as a “booster.”
By applying pressure to specific areas of the feet while standing and using the
corresponding points on the hand,
VRT
can have an effect almost immediately.
Research:
In 1997 a small medically approved
VRT
study on geriatric pain and mobility problems resulted in a 60% maintained improvement
in 7 weeks.
A survey of reflexology/VRT
in the workplace in 2002 resulted in an 80+% recorded improvement when daily self-help
VRT
on the hands was implemented. This unusual and fantastic therapy is becoming increasingly
popular with more and more reflexology therapists. It benefits many conditions and
enhances conventional reflexology treatments, thus giving clients a better chance
of recovery.
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Aromatherapy
The word aromatherapy was only brought into use in the 20th century.
It means ‘a therapy using essential oils derived from plants.’
Essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin or during inhalation.
This can be done in many ways, either by massage, applied with a cream or lotion,
inhaled in a steam bath, through bathing, or warmed in an oil burner which fills
a room with vapours for inhalation.
It is known that essential oils were used in China and India at the same time as
in ancient Egypt. The oldest form of Indian medicine is Ayurveda, meaning knowledge
of longevity. One of the main aspects of Ayurveda is massage and essential oils
were often used, especially sandalwood.
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Hopi Ear Candling
Ear candling is a well-established therapy tracing its roots back over hundreds
of years. Since ancient times man has been fascinated with fire. He tried to control
this element in order to benefit from fire’s qualities of light and heat.
Ear candles have been found to have a similar fascination, and have been used in
many cultures. The roots can be found among the people of the Siberian prairies,
Asia and the native North and South American Indians. Ancient rock paintings
show the use of ear candles in initiation rituals and medicinal ceremonies.
The Hopi, the oldest Pueblo people, who are centred in Arizona had a high level
of knowledge of medicine and also a high level of spirituality. They used to use
candles to induce a trance like feeling in their young braves.
Candles today are used throughout the world including the Mediterranean, Latin and
North America, Africa and Australasia.
The Biosun candles, which are manufactured in Germany and used in the clinic are
based on the traditional Hopi candles and are often the only ear candles covered
by insurance companies.
How they work
First of all the candles are lit and gently inserted into the ear. The ingredients,
which are impregnated into the cotton, vaporise and are consequently drawn down
the hollow tube into the outer ear by the chimney effect.
A mild suction occurs and the heat of the released vapours circulates inside the
ear and gently massages the eardrum (tympanic membrane). This action helps to regulate
the pressure systems inside the head including the sinuses.
The details of the treatment and the results of the candling will be noted by the
therapist so that the client and the therapist are aware of any changes. Notes will
also be made of any changes between treatments.
At the end of the treatment, if there is no wax and no residue within the substance
of the candle this is indicative that the ear is clear.
If the client still has problems after three treatments; they should be referred
to their GP for further consultation.
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Maternity Reflexology
If you are a Mum and have already experience the long and beautiful (or maybe not
so beautiful) road of pregnancy, I am sure you will agree that anything within those
40 weeks which may ease your discomfort, reduce anxiety levels or just offer a little
“time out” is going to be welcome.
Reflexology is a non-invasive natural therapy, based on ancient techniques used
in China, Egypt and India. It's aim is to balance the body's systems, using
gently applied pressure to specific areas of the feet which mirror the organs and
structure of the body. Thereby, enhancing the body's own natural healing capabilities.
As a holistic therapy, Reflexology aims to integrate the mind, body and emotions.
Maternity reflexology uses advanced techniques adapted to the needs of all aspects
of conception, pregnancy and post-natal care.
Receiving reflexology during your pregnancy does not guarantee you will have a short,
pain-free or easy labour and birth. What it will do is ensure you are in the best
possible health and state of mind to cope with your own personal experience.
Please Note:
It is impossible to harm an unborn child by using reflexology techniques. If you
are unsure about receiving treatments during your pregnancy, find a reflexologist
who has taken a post-graduate course in maternity reflexology and has the knowledge
to treat you accordingly.
Debbie Holler specialises in Maternity Reflexology, she trained with Susanne Enzer,
a retired midwife and experienced reflexologist. She has treated many “pregnant
feet” and has felt very privileged to be a part of this wonderful journey with all
of her expectant clients.
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Manipulative Therapy
The use of manipulation has been around since ancient times, and has its origins
in the art of bone setting. Manipulative Therapists work with the bones, muscles
and connective tissue using their hands to diagnose and treat abnormalities of structure
and function.
Manipulative Therapists understand about muscles - often the most ignored part of
the body and realise that mental, physical and emotional stresses often contribute
to injuries by affecting the muscles. We will want to discover the cause of your
pain so will need to know about your general health and medical history.
Benefits of Manipulative Therapy
- Relieves pain. Conditions such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, arthritic pain,
sciatica to headaches are all commonly treated successfully with Manipulative Therapy
- Reduces muscle spasm and improve mobility. None of us want to stiffen up!
- Restores a healthy structure which is essential to avoid chronic conditions developing
and to keep in peak condition. If your structure is faulty, like the foundations
of a house, it will affect everything. This is why Manipulative Therapy is so good
for so many conditions
- Reduces inflammation and slows down degeneration. Treatment boosts circulation that
tends to slow down with time
- Restores health. People suffering from conditions such as asthma and other respiratory
problems, M.E. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, abdominal pain
and other problems have benefited from Manipulative Therapy treatment
- Assists with the health problems of all ages and occupations.
Conditions where Manipulative Therapy may be helpful:
- Back Pain
- Frozen Shoulder
- M.E. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Migraine
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Muscle Strains
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Tilted Pelvis
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Asthma and other respiratory disorders
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Reiki/seichem/tera-mai
Reiki is an ancient system of healing believed to have spread through Tibet, India
and China a few thousand years ago. The Japanese minister Mikao Usui rediscovered
it in ancient Sanskrit texts in about 1820 and gradually its use as a treatment
has grown.
Reiki comes from two Japanese words ‘Rei’ and ‘Ki’ and is pronounced ‘ray-key’.
Reiki translates as Universal Chi (Ki is Japanese for Chi) or Universal Life Force.
This is directed through the practitioner’s hands to the patient to heal the problem
area. It has nothing to do with religion, faith or belief systems and can
be received by anyone willing to be healed.
Seichem (say-keem) was given to Katherine Milner, an American healer in 1991, but
is thought to either originate in ancient Egypt, or to be a lost part of ancient
reiki. She incorporated it into her system of reiki called Tera-Mai. Tera-Mai is
a standardized system of healing which includes both reiki and seichem, and is a
form of enhanced reiki, which was standardized to ease its passing from teacher
to student. Tera-Mai includes all the elemental rays of healing. These aspects are
Reiki (the Earth element), Sakara (the Fire element), Sophie-El (the Water element)
and Angelic-light (the Air element).
Anne usually combines this with her Acupuncture treatments, so you will usually
have had an Acupuncture case history taken, but this is not absolutely necessary
if only Reiki is wanted, in which case a shorter case is taken.
Reiki seichem works on the electromagnetic field (or aura) of the body. It helps
to rebalance the mind, body and spirit of the person.
This is a non-invasive treatment. You will be asked to lie down in a calm and relaxed
atmosphere. Anne will place her hands on or near your body. You may feel warmth,
a breeze, a coolness, tingling or pulsing sensation.
Most people feel a sense of calm and relaxation after the treatment.
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Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the theory that “Like cures like” -
that is, a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to treat
those same symptoms in illness.
Poisonous substances, diluted many times are use to make a remedy, usually in tablet
form which is safe to use, yet homeopaths believe sufficient “likeness” remains
between the remedy and illness to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
The Theory
The body has a vital force which maintains health and when the body is under attack
and the force put under strain, illness can occur. The symptoms are seen as the
body’s force fighting back and stimulating self-healing. Homeopathic treatment aims
to stimulate this self-healing.
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Lymph Drainage Massage
Lymph drainage massage is a slow rhythmic massage, which follows the path of the
lymphatic system of the body. It aims to eliminate waste more efficiently, reduce
swelling and improve skin texture.
Lymph drainage massage - a therapeutic massage treatment that uses very light
pressure and long, gentle strokes to increase lymphatic flow and get rid of toxins
in your body.
What is lymph?
Lymph is a clear, yellowish fluid that flows around your body, carrying white blood
cells and antibodies to your tissues and organs. Lymph is essential to your immune
system and help you fight infection.
It's a fact that we dump toxins into our bodies every day, most commonly:
- Eating fatty foods
- Eating too much sugar
- Living in polluted towns / cities
- Drinking excess alcohol
Your lymphatic system's job is to flush all the toxins away, and keep you healthy.
Lymphatic drainage massage boosts the flow of lymph around your body, refreshing
your immune system and flushing out toxins.
Because the lymphatic system is so important to keeping your immune system working
properly, improving its flow and drainage around the body can benefit you in many
ways. Lymphatic drainage massage can have a profound effect on your general health:
Preparing for a lymph drainage massage
As with any treatment, the treatment is most beneficial if you prepare and allow
yourself plenty of time both before and after the treatment.
It's a good idea to give yourself plenty of time either side of the massage, so
that you don't feel rushed.
Precautions
You should always tell your therapist in advance about any of the following as this
may affect the kind of treatment you receive:
- Have any broken skin or sores on your scalp
- Are, or think you might be, pregnant
- Have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication
- Have recently had an injury or operation
- Are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol. It's also a good to
drink plenty of water, which will help your body to flush the toxins out of your
body.
What to expect from lymph drainage massage
This massage treatment takes place in a heated room as warmth is an important factor
in increasing lymphatic flow. Also the warmth helps to relax you.
Lymph drainage massage is given on a massage table, and you will be draped in discreetly-placed
towels. The therapist will generally work their way up from your feet unless any
specialist requirements are being adhered to.
Lymph drainage massage uses very light pressure, as well as long, gentle, rhythmic
strokes and soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes (the main
lymph nodes are situated in the neck, armpits, and groin). Our full body lymph drainage
massage last for 1 hour and 15 mins.
Afterwards
Lymph drainage can leave you feeling exhausted and also leave you really thirsty,
so ensure you have plenty of fresh water to hand and to acheive maximum benefit,
please book this treatment on a day when you can relax afterwards.
Lymphatic drainage is about flushing out your system. You can aid lymphatic
drainage by drinking plenty of water every day.
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Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnotic techniques to bring about therapeutic
change. It may be helpful to think of this process as one of ‘inner focus’ in which
you will enter a deeply relaxed state, often called a hypnotic trance. You are then
able to engage more fully with your own inner process. I, as your hypnotherapist,
act as a facilitator as you uncover those thoughts, feelings and behaviors, which
may at one time have served a useful purpose, but which are now getting in the way
of your full enjoyment of life. I can then also help you to discover what you would
like to put in place in order to make positive changes so that you move forward
into a happy, healthy and successful future.
In fact, hypnotherapy can be very effective, even when other approaches have not
worked…and there are no unpleasant side-effects. When administered by a professionally
trained and skilled hypnotherapist the benefits are long lasting and can be permanent.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Your therapist’s gently guiding voice will lead you into a state where your body
and mind are deeply relaxed. Although you will enter a state of deep relaxation
and receptivity, you will remain conscious throughout. Some people fear that they
will lose control or be made to do things that they do not want to do. You can be
reassured that, in fact, you will always remain in control and if you wanted to
be able to come out of hypnosis at any time, you would be perfectly able to do so.
Whilst you are in a hypnotic trance you are in a highly suggestible state, but the
suggestions made still have to be acceptable to you, or you would simply reject
them. Far from losing control, you will find that you become more aware, and are
able to make more positive choices about how you respond in any situation.
What will happen if I decide to come for hypnotherapy?
When you first come, your therapist will take some details of your background, including
medical history. She will also ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing, what
problems you are looking for help with and what you hope to achieve. If, following
the initial consultation, you decide to go ahead with hypnotherapy please be reassured
that she is committed to helping you achieve good results in as short a time as
possible.
What will happen if I decide to come for hypnotherapy?
When you first come, your therapist will take some details of your background, including
medical history. She will also ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing, what
problems you are looking for help with and what you hope to achieve. If, following
the initial consultation, you decide to go ahead with hypnotherapy please be reassured
that she is committed to helping you achieve good results in as short a time as
possible.
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