Therapies

• Homeopathy
• The Bowen Technique
• Shiatsu
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Indian Head Massage

Homeopathy is an ancient form of medicine which uses remedies made from diluted natural substances to ‘treat like with like’, enabling the body to free itself from symptoms and regain its equilibrium. The first consultation with the homeopath will take about one and a half hours, to give time for the homeopath to begin to understand the new patient as a whole person who is experiencing particular symptoms. This total picture is matched closely with a homeopathic remedy which is then prescribed for the patient to take as tablets or drops and reviewed in a briefer follow up appointment with the homeopath usually after about one month. For more information on homeopathy, please consult the site of the Society of Homeopaths: www.homeopathy-soh.org

The Bowen Technique is a gentle, subtle and relaxing hands-on treatment which aims to balance the whole person, not just the symptoms. It can be performed through one layer of light clothing and has brought rapid and lasting relief to people of all ages who were suffering, for example, from back, neck and shoulder pain, knee problems, sports injuries, sciatica, frozen shoulders as well as stress-related difficulties. An appointment for treatment using the Bowen Technique will take approximately 45 minutes. The Bowen Technique and Homeopathy work particularly well together and may be offered at Ilkley Complementary Therapies in one joint consultation with one therapist. For more information on the Bowen Technique, please consult the site of the European College of Bowen Studies: www.thebowentechnique.com

Shiatsu is a holistic Oriental Body Therapy, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a wide variety of options, from extremely still and gentle meditative treatments to dynamic rotations and whole body twists, stretches and rocking movements. Each treatment is different and designed for each person on each day. The treatment is usually performed on a futon on the floor, but a chair may be used when more appropriate. Shiatsu is calming and relaxing in nature, but dynamic in its effect, prompting the body to re-adjust itself so that deep healing may take place. Most conditions respond well to Shiatsu, but typical symptoms brought for treatment include migraine, back, muscular and joint problems, digestive, reproductive, circulatory and respiratory problems. Energy related, emotional and auto-immune problems also respond well to Shiatsu. For more information on Shiatsu, please consult the site of the Shiatsu Society: www.shiatsusociety.org

Reflexology is a treatment based on the principle of all parts of the body being reflected in specific areas on the feet and hands. The reflexes on the feet and hands are a map of the whole body, and massage and pressure to all these reflex points provides a route to treating all parts of the body. Treatment is most often given to the feet and is very relaxing and enjoyable . Socks and shoes are removed and the patient usually sits comfortably on a therapy couch for the treatment. Each reflexology appointment usually lasts approximately one hour. For more information on Reflexology, please consult the website of the Association of Reflexologists: www.aor.org.uk

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, an energy which is all around us. Treatment is given through clothing, by the practitioner simply places their hands non-intrusively in a series of positions which cover the whole body. The recipient receives the Reiki energy in whatever way is most appropriate for them at that time, from a healing energy at an acute level, to help heal recent surface injuries, to the deeper, more chronic treatment of long-standing difficulties, both physical and emotional. It is a very relaxing therapy. Each Reiki appointment usually lasts approximately one hour. Ilkley Complementary Therapies is also able to offer Reiki attunements for people wishing to use this powerful healing energy themselves. For further information on Reiki, please consult the website of the Reiki Association: www.reikiassociation.org.uk

Indian Head Massage is a gentle massage, through clothing, of areas of the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, head, ears and face, which has been practised in India for many centuries, bringing relief from stress, anxiety and depression. It is a very relaxing therapy. Indian head massage helps increase joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, frees knots of muscular tension, relaxes connective tissue, and aids in the elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products. It is particularly good for reducing the effects of stress and tension.

For more information, please consult the website of Embody Health Guide: www.embodyforyou.com