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Ayurveda
Acupuncture
This
therapy has been used for many thousands of years in the
East to treat many conditions. It forms a part of the whole
system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese believe
that if there is balance in the body we are healthy. This
balance depends of the flow of energy which they call 'Qi',
through channels or meridians in the body. If this energy
flow is blocked or weakened in any way, illness occurs. The
acupuncturist carefully assesses each person individually to
determine where these blockages are. Very fine needles are
then inserted at specific points on the body called
acupoints, to stimulate the flow of energy and correct any
imbalances.
Acupressure
This
technique is essentially acupuncture without the needles! It
involves using precise degrees of pressure on the acupoints
where the needles would usually be placed in acupuncture.
Each case is again assessed individually. The principle of
the technique is the same: to stimulate the flow of energy
and correct any imbalances which are causing illness.
Alexander Technique
Alexander
practitioners will teach you this technique, which involves
learning how to change your posture to use your body more
efficiently. This usually takes about 30 lessons. You are
encouraged to build these changes into your everyday life
until they become second nature. This helps to improve
tension, stress and general well-being.
Herbal Medicine
Many
modern drugs come from herbs. For example, morphine from
poppies and aspirin from willow bark. There are a number of
herbs which can help asthma. These include thyme, coltsfoot
and mullein. The remedies come in a variety of forms
including essential oils and tonics. A qualified herbalist
will mix a suitable combination for each individual patient.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy
involves administering a minute dose of the substance which
would cause symptoms similar to those experienced in the
condition if given in a larger dose. The principle of
homeopathy can therefore be thought of as 'treating like
with like'. This is an extremely safe technique and is
usually given in tablet form.
Hypnotherapy
This
is a deep relaxation technique which involves suggestions to
change a person's thinking and beliefs about their illness.
You have to really want to change and believe you can
improve, for this technique to have any benefit.
Naturopathy
This
involves maximising the healing properties of nature.
Naturopathy involves water therapy, nutritional advice,
relaxation, stress management and osteopathy. Some
naturopaths also use herbs and homeopathy.
Nutritional Therapy
This
therapy uses nutrients such as minerals, and vitamins to
overcome illness. The therapist will assess you carefully
looking for any possible food intolerances, toxicity levels,
allergies or nutritional deficiencies. You may be put on an
elimination diet or have allergen tests to see if any foods
cause you to have an allergic reaction. The therapist will
then modify your diet according to what is found. In some studies dietary supplements such as, Vitamin C, Zinc
containing edibles have also been identified as asthma
protective.
Yoga
Yoga
exercises involve stretching, exercises on posture,
breathing practices and meditation. They can help asthma and
a wide range of other conditions and improve general
well-being and fitness. Yogic
maneuvers
such as "Kunjal", "Jal Neti", "Pranayama"
have been found useful in asthma.
T'ai Chi
Tai
Chi, another aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is
becoming very popular in the western world. It seeks to
unite the individual with the universal energy through
postures, movements and breathing exercises. The way in
which the movements are combined with breathing is essential
to the art, and helps to guide the circulation of the blood
so that tissues throughout the body can be repaired and
cleansed more efficiently.
Osteopathy
This
technique involves restoring balance in the body's
structure. Best known for helping structurally related
problems, it can also be useful in asthma by helping to ease
muscular tension and spasm.
Reflexology
Reflexologists
believe that the body can be divided into 10 zones, with
energy lines passing through these zones ending in your feet
and hands. A blockage in any part of the body will affect
the flow of energy through that zone causing illness. This
technique involves stimulating these zones, called reflex
zones, from their corresponding points on the feet or hands
by massage. This in turn promotes the flow of energy thereby
restoring the body's natural balance. The theory is similar
to that of acupuncture and acupressure
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