Being in a state of stress, repeated sadness, or anxiousness will take its toll on your body. After a while you may start suffering from depression, physical illnesses, mind fog or headaches.
Many of us will ignore it and try to carry on, convincing yourself that you’re fine or that you don’t need anybody else’s help.
What’s actually happening is your body being neglected. You might think that if you ignore it long enough, it will resolve itself or that it’s not too bad. But in reality, if you don’t give your body the attention it needs, your body will eventually force you to.
There are many ways to help heal your body, from over-the-counter medications to visiting the GP, but there are also other effective options you can try as well. Some of which your GP may direct you towards – alternative therapies.
There are many alternative therapies to choose from. But how do you know which one is the right one for you or which ones to consider?
Below we have listed the topmost searched alternative therapies and written some details to inform you about what they are and what they help with.
Before going through with the therapies, please ask to see proof of the following whenever you choose to visit an alternative practitioner:
- The practitioner is registered with their governing body or a governing body.
- The practitioner is insured.
- The practitioner is qualified in their field – ask to see their certificate.
- The practitioner has other happy patients where treatment has been successful. Ask to see references or receive the contact information of previous clients who have given their permission to be contacted.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a form of manual treatment that combines massage, exercise, and stretching. It also includes the use of heat in its treatment methods. It’s effective in making sure your body is functioning the way it should physically and can be especially helpful for those suffering from chronic pains and injuries. Physiotherapists will also give advice on lifestyle, health, and general exercises. It’s helpful to people of all ages and is available on the NHS.
What can physiotherapy help with?
Physiotherapy can help with:
- Sports injuries
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Rehabilitation
Who is the governing body with whom a physiotherapist must be registered with?
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy:
Address – 3rd Floor South, Chancery Exchange, 10 Furnival Street, London, EC4A 1AB
Telephone number – 0207 306 6666
Website address – www.csp.org.uk
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a hands-on manual therapy aimed at addressing problems with joints, bones, and muscles.
Chiropractors use a combination of massage, spinal manipulation, and adjustments to help ease pain in the body. Their purpose is to ensure that your body is functioning properly by aiming to increase blood flow, improve nerve conductivity, increase the body’s range of motion and more through treatment. Generally, treatment does not hurt but certain adjustments can be uncomfortable.
What can a chiropractor help with?
Chiropractor can help with:
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Muscle pains
- Joint pains
Who is the governing body with whom a chiropractor must be registered with?
The General Chiropractic Council:
Address – Park House, 186 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BT
Telephone number – 0207 713 5155
Email address – enquiries@gcc-uk.org
Website address – www.gcc-uk.org
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment using aromatic compounds, mainly from natural plant extracts. It’s also known as essential oil therapy as essential oils are used in the process, with the subject smelling the aromatic compound or absorbing the aromatic compound through the skin. The inhalation of these scents stimulates the olfactory system (sense of smell), which is connected to the limbic system (responsible for memory, emotional responses and more). It’s thought that inhaling these essential oils can influence the body’s emotions, promoting relaxation in the body and peace in the mind.
This treatment seeks to improve the mind, body, and soul, affecting your overall wellbeing.
What can aromatherapy help with?
Aromatherapy can help with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Sleep
- Insomnia
- Asthma
- PMS
- Morning sickness
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Menopause
- Arthritis
- Alopecia
- Inflammation
- Reducing anxiety, stress, and irritation
- Improves digestion
- Improves immunity
Who is the governing body with whom an aromatherapist must be registered with?
International federation of aromatherapists:
Address – 146 S Ealing Rd, London W5 4QJ
Telephone number – 0208 567 2243
Website address – www.ifaroma.org
Naturopathy
This treatment uses a combination of natural remedies to heal the body. It combines many therapies such as herbs, counselling, massage, exercise, acupuncture, and nutritional therapy.
A naturopath will treat the body as a whole and tailor a health plan for the individual, treating the root cause of the illness, not just the symptoms.
What can naturopathy help with?
A naturopath can help with:
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Obesity
- Digestive issues
- Pain
- Fatigue
Who is the governing body with whom a naturopath must be registered with?
The association of naturopathic practitioners:
Address – 25 Percy Circus, London, WC1X 9EU
Telephone number – 0203 319 9315
Email address – info@theanp.co.uk
Website address – www.theanp.co.uk
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient medical system that originates from India. It’s known as one of the oldest forms of healing, having been created over 3000 years ago. The treatment is based on the idea that promoting good health and ensuring a balance between the body, mind, and spirit will lead to health and wellbeing.
Ayurvedic medicine will purify your internal system and heal using a combination of herbal compounds, diet, meditation, breathing and yoga.
What can ayurvedic medicine help with?
Ayurvedic medicine can help with:
- Increasing your body’s resistance to disease
- Eliminating impurities from the body
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Eczema
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Reduces cholesterol levels
Who is the governing body with whom an ayurvedic practitioner must be registered with?
The association of ayurvedic professionals:
Address – 461 Brighton Road, South Croydon, CR2 6EW
Telephone number – 0208 405 4407
Email address – info@aapuk.net
Website address – www.aapuk.net
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a non-invasive treatment that combines massage, manipulation treatments, adjustments, stretching, exercise, and diet to heal. An osteopath treats conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.
The treatment removes the underlying issue of pain, increases range of movement in joints, and helps spinal issues due to postural problems.
What can an osteopath help with?
Osteopathy can help with:
- Back pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Neck pain
- Tennis elbow
- Sports injuries
- Postural issues
- Whiplash
Who is the governing body with whom an osteopath must be registered with?
The general osteopathic council:
Address – 176 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LU
Telephone number – 0207 357 6655
Email address – Info@osteopathy.org.uk
Website address – www.osteopathy.org.uk
Alexander Technique
The alexander technique was developed based on the belief that poor posture can cause many ailments in the body. It’s thought that this alternative therapy can improve posture, body awareness and movement through its relaxed approach. It re-trains your body to avoid poor postural habits and ensures the body is working efficiently to achieve overall wellness.
This treatment also aids in relieving pressure on the spine and nerves, removing harmful tension in the body.
What can Alexander Technique help with?
The alexander technique can help with:
- Sciatica
- Back ache
- Neck ache
- Shoulder ache
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Who is the governing body with whom an Alexander Technique practitioner must be registered with?
The society of teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT):
Address – PO Box 78503, London, N14
Telephone number – 0208 885 6524
Email – infor@alexandertechnique.co.uk
Website address – www.alexandertechnique.co.uk
Reflexology
Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is a non-invasive health therapy that focuses on applying pressure to parts of the feet. The treatment is based on the idea that different areas of the feet correspond to different organs and systems in the body, so applying pressure to certain areas can bring healing to the corresponding organs or system.
This therapy can reduce pain, stress and anxiety in the body and is sometimes combined with other therapies such as chiropractic or physiotherapy.
What can reflexology help with?
Reflexology can help with:
- Stress
- Relaxation
- Blood circulation
- Headaches and migraines
- Removal of toxins in the body
- PMS
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular issues
Who is the governing body with whom a reflexologist must be registered with?
The association of reflexologists:
Address – Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, TA1 3FA
Telephone number – 01823 351010
Email address – info@aor.org.uk
Website address – www.aor.org.uk
Share your experiences with these therapies in our forum and social media. Let us know how you deal with your stress and anxiety and check out some of our other articles for taking care of your health.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
