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What is remedial massage?

Remedial massage is a type of massage therapy that involves the hands-on treatment of soft tissues within the body. Remedial massage helps to increase the delivery of blood and oxygen to the treated areas, which can ease day-to-day stresses and muscular tension, aid recovery, and promote relaxation. Therapists will adapt the pressure and techniques to suit your individual needs and preferences.

There are many different types of massage therapy. Some concentrate on specific areas of the body, such as Indian head massage. Other types may use specific tools or techniques to deliver the treatment, such as heated stones or shells.

What can be the benefits of remedial massage?

• Lowers anxiety and stress
• Increases circulation
• Relieves muscle tension and headaches
• Improves sleep quality

Is my remedial massage therapist qualified?

To find a registered and qualified therapist you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

We will also accept claims for chair massage, hot stone massage and Indian head massage under this benefit.

What is sports massage?

Sports massage involves manipulating the muscle fibres and other soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons to help correct problems and imbalances, mainly caused by repetitive or strenuous physical activity and/or trauma. Sports massage before and/or after exercise may enhance performance, aid recovery and could help prevent injuries.

Sports massage tends to focus on deeper tissues and pressure points, so it can be uncomfortable to receive. However, this pressure can help to release muscle tension and increase flexibility. Be sure to make your therapist aware of the level of pressure you can tolerate during treatment.

What can be the benefits of sports massage?

• Reduces muscle tension
• Increases flexibility of soft tissues  
• Reduces muscle stiffness and soreness
• Reduces recovery time
• Increases relaxation
• Reduces symptoms of stress 

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered and qualified therapist you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

What is manual lymphatic drainage?

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) therapy is an advanced, but gentle form of massage, carried out by trained practitioners, designed to improve the function of the lymphatic system. This is primarily achieved through very light, rhythmical movements of the skin, which stimulate the contraction of the lymphatic vessels. As a result, the lymphatic system is encouraged to work more efficiently.

A well-functioning lymphatic system is vital to healthy body tissue, and plays a crucial role in the body’s immune  responses.

MLD is often used in combination with skin care, compression garments, exercise, and multi-layer bandaging - particularly when treating Lymphoedema. 

What are the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage?

• Increases relaxation
• Reduces pain and can aid the healing of fractures and soft tissues
• Can accelerate the healing process following both medical and cosmetic surgery
• Assists with relieving fluid congestion and retention, for example swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes, swollen legs due to pregnancy water retention due to pre-menstrual syndrome.
• Promotes healing of wounds and burns and can improve the appearance and texture of old scars.

Is my therapist qualified?

To find out more about MLD and find a registered and qualified therapist you can visit the following website:

• http://www.mlduk.org.uk/

What is reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy healing that was developed in Japan. Practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing where a universal energy is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient to encourage emotional or physical healing. Its aim is to relax, ease stress and tension and help with overall wellbeing.

There is no massage or manipulation during the treatment, practitioners place their hands in a series of non-intrusive positions on or near the body to change and balance energy fields in and around the body.

What are the benefits of reiki?

• Can aid in relaxation and be calming for adults and children
• Can bring feeling of peace and centeredness
• Can improve ability to cope better with life challenges
• Can boost mood
• Can supports relaxation during pregnancy

Is my practitioner qualified?

To find a registered qualified practitioner you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

What is kinesiology?

Kinesiology is a natural therapy which uses muscle response testing to identify and correct imbalances in order to promote and restore excellent health and well-being.

During a typical session the Kinesiologist will take a health and medical history and work with the client to identify and address their individual concerns. Assessments are made using gentle manual muscle response testing where the Kinesiologist seeks to identify the issues which may be affecting the client's health and well-being in order to restore balance. Clients are fully clothed.

The most appropriate corrections and remedies are also identified using muscle response testing. Kinesiology is a truly holistic complementary therapy and can identify priority areas for intervention as well as the most effective techniques and remedies based on the individual needs of each client.

Kinesiology assistance can include gentle physical corrections of muscles, recommendations for foods or approved bio-chemical supplements and remedies and a variety of techniques for emotional and energetic imbalance.

Many different factors affect and contribute to our health and well-being and using Kinesiology (muscle response testing) clients can be supported to come into balance and achieve their optimum health and well-being.

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified therapist you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.fht.org.uk/
• https://www.kinesiologyfederation.co.uk/
• https://www.systematic-kinesiology.co.uk/directory/find-a-practitioner-near-you.aspx

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a touch based therapy that uses acupressure to release tension and help bring balance to the body’s energy flow, known as Ki or Qi (pronounced chee). It can also involve body positioning and breathing techniques.

What can be the benefits of Shiatsu?

• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
• Eases muscle aches and stiffness
• Can relieve constipation and digestive problems
• Can aid treatment for migraines and headaches
• Can improve sleep quality

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified therapist you can check on the following website:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

What is Bowen therapy?

Bowen therapy is a soft tissue therapy that involves the therapist using their fingers or thumbs to move over muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia throughout various parts of the body. It is designed to stimulate the tissue and nerve pathways, creating a focus for the brain. 

What can be the benefits of Bowen technique?

• Can offer pain relief
• Can improve flexibility
• Can improve relaxation, emotional and mental wellbeing

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified therapist you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

What is the Alexander technique?

The Alexander technique teaches you to maintain a naturally balanced posture throughout your everyday movements. It uses gentle hand-on guidance to help you gain a better understanding of balance and coordination, which is believed to help reduce and prevent problems that can be caused by everyday movements such as sitting, standing, walking or bending.

What can be the benefits of Alexander technique?

• Can help with long term back and neck pain
• Can improve muscle tension and stiffness
• Can help improve posture
• Can help with breathing and vocal problems
• Can help to relieve stress and anxiety

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified therapist you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a holistic medicine, which uses specially prepared, highly diluted substances (given mainly in tablet form) with the aim of triggering the body’s own healing mechanisms.

A homeopath will prescribe remedies according to the patient’s specific set of symptoms, and how they experience them, taking into account their overall level of health. A homeopath’s job is to gain a thorough understanding of your health and the exact symptoms you are experiencing. With detailed knowledge they can find a homeopathic medicine (known as a ‘remedy’) that matches you and your symptoms as closely as possible. Your homeopath will want to understand what is unique about you, and how your body and mind express themselves. Because homeopathy looks at the whole picture, patients who have the same diagnosed illness – hay fever, for example – are each likely to need different homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathic treatment has an excellent safety record and because homeopathic medicines are non-toxic, they can be used by babies, children and during pregnancy.

Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, chemical, mineral or animal sources, and are prepared by specialist homeopathic pharmacies using a careful process of dilution and succussion.

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified practitioner you can check on the following websites:

• https://homeopathy-soh.org/

What is colonic irrigation?

Colonic irrigation, also referred to as colon hydrotherapy, involves using warm water to flush waste from the colon/large intestine. During the procedure, the patient lies on their side while hygienic equipment uses warm water to gently cleanse the colon and the therapist will perform a massage to ensure an effective cleanse. Water pressure and temperature are carefully controlled and all waste is flushed discreetly out of the body through a tube.

The procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes, during which time about 60 litres of water are passed through the colon. 

What can be the benefits of colonic irrigation?

• Cleans the colon of waste products
• Can provide a feeling of overall wellbeing
• Can support the management of occasional constipation
• Can reduce undesirable gas production

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered and qualified practitioner you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.fht.org.uk/

What is ear candling?

Ear candling involves inserting a slow-burning, hollow tube into the ear canal which is then lit, producing a relaxing, warming effect in the ear and surrounding area. The candles are made from cotton or linen, which is hardened with beeswax and infused with honey and various herbs. Both ears are treated during a candling session, which will typically conclude with a soothing massage of the scalp or neck, ears and face.

Ear Candling is used by people for a variety of reasons. Some use it to help them manage or cope with specific physical problems, while others use it as means of relaxation, or to help maintain good health and a sense of general well-being.

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified practitioner you can check on the following websites:

• www.fht.org.uk

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy that uses skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that can elicit changes in perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours.

There are different methods of hypnotherapy, so the therapist will discuss medical history, desired therapeutic goals, general health and lifestyle to decide the best approach for the individual. 

What can be the benefits of hypnotherapy?

May help to address issues relating to but not limited to:

• Support with phobias, fears and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Depression
• Stress
• Post-trauma anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Weight loss
• Manage the relief of perceived pain
• Minor skin conditions exacerbated by stress
• Support with stopping smoking
• Confidence issues 

Is my therapist qualified?

To find a registered qualified practitioner you can check on the following websites:

• https://www.cnhc.org.uk/
• https://www.nationalhypnotherapysoceity.org/find-therapist