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The information contained here will enable you to make an informed decision in finding a complementary therapy which is most useful for you. SI does not advocate complementary therapies as a substitute to medication for people with schizophrenia. We would recommend that these therapies should only be undertaken following discussion with your doctor.
A-Z of Complimentary Therapies
The following is a list of therapies commonly practised, although it represents a very limited range of what is available.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted into specific points to relieve symptoms and improve energy levels. Chinese herbs are often used along with acupuncture.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to treat symptoms.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the medical practice of treating like with like. Homeopathy sees the symptom as the body’s reaction against the illness as it attempts to overcome it, and seeks to stimulate and not suppress the reaction.
Massage
Massage relaxes your body, improves circulation and loosens knotted muscles where tension is held. The types of massage you are likely to encounter include Holistic, Swedish, therapeutic and massage with aromatherapy oils.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the manipulation of pressure points in the feet. The soles of the feet are seen as a map of the body, with specific points corresponding to organs and other structures in the body.
Reiki
The word Reiki means ’universal life energy’. Reiki works on balancing the energy system in the body, be it on a spiritual, emotional or physical level.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu, meaning finger pressure, is a Japanese healing art. The practitioner applies gentle but firm pressure to energy paths in the body.
Meditation
Meditation is an exercise of the mind. Its purpose is to become aware of how the mind works and how with a clear mind you can become more calm and relaxed and also experience joy and peace.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is meditation in movement. A series of slow and rhythmic movements are used to calm and balance the mind, body and spirit.
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that concentrates on breathing, stretching and the holding of positions.
Visualisation & Guided Imagery
These techniques are aimed at relaxation and positive thinking. You create images or pictures in your head of ways you would like to improve your health. The following is a list of therapies commonly practised, although it represents a very limited range of what is available.
What are the benefits of complementary therapies and what are their possible side effects?
There is a growing interest in the role that complementary therapies have to play in the management of stress. They are beneficial in developing increased self-awareness and well-being, thus improving the quality of your life and supporting you to greater confidence. Most complementary therapies are relatively safe and pleasurable, with no adverse side effects. However, some people occasionally experience side effects. Examples of the side effects include tiredness, fluctuations in energy, diarrhoea or a runny nose. Emotionally, you may feel unsettled or vulnerable. These effects occur because your body is undergoing a change and toxins are being cleared. This has a cleansing effect on the body. Please contact your practitioner or doctor if your reaction to the session is causing you any anxiety.
Choosing the therapy which is best for you
Your choice of therapy may be influenced by a range of factors and is very much a personal choice. First check out what it is you need. Do you want treatment for a specific condition? What do you feel comfortable with? Is what you want available in your area? Can you afford it?
Be open to exploring what is available. Find out through friends, family and psychiatric services what options you have. Look more deeply into a therapy you might be considering before making an appointment. Keep yourself informed and evaluate any information you receive before making a decision.
How do you go about finding a practitioner?
At present in Ireland there is no statutory body which regulates the practice of complementary therapy. The recent Government health strategy includes proposals to register complementary therapists. Each therapy organisation will have to compile an official register of practitioners whose clinical competence will be scrutinised before they make it onto the list.
Only registered therapists will be legally permitted to call themselves herbalists, homeopaths, acupuncturists and so on. Until then, your best guide can often be by word of mouth, i.e. through friends, family or health professionals. More and more people are recognising the benefits of holistic therapies, so information will be easier to come by. However word of mouth does not always guarantee that the therapy is right for you, so be sure to gather as much information as you can before making your choice.
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