Therapies
REFLEXOLOGY
Massage therapy aims to provide people with time and space for a relaxing and soothing experience in a warm, supportive atmosphere. Massage improves the circulation. It relaxes tense muscles and is an excellent way to unwind and help restore a sense of well being and balance.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromas can have incredibly powerful effects on our senses and well-being. Whether we notice it or not, we are all influenced by the fragrances around us. But by far the most powerful therapeutic scents of all are those from nature’s own pharmacy, essential oils, these oils that can energize, soothe and de-stress, boost confidence and even drive away the blues.
Whether we realise it or not, Aromatherapy is very much a part of our everyday lives. From the smells of freshly brewed coffee and newly baked bread to the bracing sea air or freshly mown grass, the sense of well-being that aromas evoke can be quite remarkable. Walk into any chemist’s shop and you will find all manner of products based upon this principle, ranging from lavender bath oils to tea tree shampoo and potpourri of every fragrance imaginable, including sea-breeze.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Both research and a wealth of `user` experience show that physiotherapy has a vital role in containing the effects of MS. Individual sessions provide the basis for trained assessment of the MS person in particular areas of difficulty and the exercise routines best needed to control and improve these conditions. The individual’s progress can therefore be monitored and his/her programme adjusted to suit any changes in condition as soon as they become detected.
Exercise is never easy but people are only asked to do what they are capable of and what is right for their MS state. Taking ‘physio’ helps most people to maintain a disciplined approach to regular exercise. In spite of the variety of symptoms of MS, there are certain important factors similar to them all. Hence different people with different symptoms can benefit greatly from the same set of exercises.
Some of the symptoms of MS, such as muscle weakness or spasm, occur as a secondary symptom to the initial nerve damage, therefore if the body is persuaded to move normally – even if its reflex responses have diminished – the adverse effect that abnormal movement has on muscles will be delayed. The aims of neuro-physiotherapy are to:
•improve and maintain joint mobility
•improve and maintain balance and co-ordination
•delay muscle spasms
•maintain general fitness
•maintain normal patterns of movement
These in turn will help limb control, reduce spasticity, and improve strength, aid walking and act against further secondary complications.
The interruption of normal nerve signals from the brain to the limb muscles often makes movement become more difficult. However appropriate exercise can maintain muscle function, encourage blood circulation and benefit posture. The center’s physiotherapist is skilled and experienced in the needs of MS sufferers and will develop a personal programme.
SHIATSU
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions – from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.
Common conditions which have been helped by Shiatsu
Back pain
Headaches, migraines
Whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
Joint pain and reduced mobility
Menstrual problems
Digestive problems
Asthmatic symptoms
Sports injuries
Depression
Benefits of Shiatsu
Relaxes mind and body
Restores and balances energy
Eases tension and stiffness
Improves breathing
Improves posture
Improves circulation
Enhances well being
REIKI
Reiki is an ancient hands on healing therapy.
It is a safe and natural therapy used to promote the natural healing processes of the body.
Reiki promotes healing, harmony and balance to bring about optimum health and well being in all areas – the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Reiki is complimentary to other therapies and will enhance their effectiveness.
Reiki can:
Bring about deep relaxation
Dissolve energy blockages
Detoxify the body
Supply healing life energy
Increase the vibration frequency of the body
A truly holistic technique Reiki works on all levels to soothe the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
The effects of Reiki linger long after the session ends.
When it comes to complimentary and alternative therapies, Reiki is deservedly becoming better known and this wonderful treatment based on ancient Japanese healing is enjoying an increasing following all over the world
Reiki translates from Japanese as “universal life force” and it evokes the flow of positive energy in all living beings.
A simple way of channeling the natural healing force
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
There are many complimentary and alternative therapies to choose from, grounded in the traditions of the ancients, but few are quite as well suited for the classic problems caused by everyday tensions as Indian Head Massage.
Although called a ‘head’ massage the therapy goes further than the scalp. It works on the shoulders and neck, where it attacks deep-seated stress and strain. Indian Head Massage is excellent for treating scalp and hair problems, but can also help prevent headaches and soothe insomnia. Research suggests it may boost blood and lymph circulation, improving ability to detoxify and keep infections at bay. It also relieves muscle tension and can improve joint mobility.
YOGA
Yoga is able to assist people with MS. Its gentle movements and breathing and meditation techniques improve and help maintain energy flow with minimal physical effort. Fitness and clarity of mind are improved, whilst further degeneration can in many cases be slowed down
Massage
Massage aims to provide people with time and space for a relaxing and soothing experience in a warm, supportive atmosphere. Massage improves the circulation. It relaxes tense muscles and is an excellent way to unwind and help restore a sense of well being and balance.
Healing
DIETARY ADVICE
There is much scientific evidence indicating that an appropriate nutritional balanced and diet have a positive role in MS. Studies looking at the area of the world where MS occurs have shown that its incidence is closely correlated to the consumption of saturated fats. These are present in full fat products, meat and confectionery.
In the diet recommended by the MS National Therapy Centers, the consumption of essential fatty acids is increased and that of saturated fats decreased. This nutritional programme also includes increased consumption of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fiber; all important for general health.
Research shows that the nutritional plan can help people living with MS by helping combat fatigue and increasing resistance to infection
COUNSELLING
MS is an illness which places enormous strain on families and counseling is often desirable. Advice can be given at the Centre by trained personnel or we can refer you to a professional counselor from a local or national professional body. Some initial advice can be given on the telephone in an emergency.
It is recognized that mind and body are inseparable, what affects one invariably affects the other. Hence it is equally as important to provide help and support for the emotional aspect as well as the physical effects and the symptoms.
