The term 'complementary therapies' includes a wide range of treatments. The aim of this page is to give an overview of some of them, and to show how to get further information on these therapies.
The information we give on each therapy is what practitioners of those therapies believe - it is NOT an independent assessment.
As the name suggests, these treatments complement or work together with more mainstream therapies. They do not replace mainstream therapies. If you are thinking about using a complementary therapy, you should:
- discuss this with your doctor or nurse
- keep taking your prescribed medication
- check whether the therapy is available on the NHS
- make sure that any therapist you consult is a member of the relevant professional body
- make sure that your therapist knows about any medication or other treatment you are using
- never try to diagnose or treat yourself
- avoid buying products (in shops, by post or over the internet) that you have not been advised to buy by a qualified therapist.
For each therapy, we give a brief overview, and the contact details of a national association.
Some of the therapies covered are believed to have specific health benefits for people with lung disease. However, many are simply believed to have a positive effect on your well being. By addressing your body as a whole, they aim to improve your general health.
This booklet is not intended to cover all complementary therapies. We are open to suggestions and if you feel the booklet would benefit from another therapy then please get in touch.
Acupuncture and acupressure
Alexander technique
Aromatherapy
Autogenics
Ayurvedic medicine
Bach Flower Remedies
Bowen technique
Buteyko technique
Chinese herbal medicine
Chiropractice
Counselling
Craniosacral therapy/cranial osteopathy
Healing
Herbal medicine/medical herbalism
Homeopathy
Hypnotherapy
Magnet therapy
Massage therapy
Naturopathy
Nutritional therapy
Osteopathy
Pilates
Reflexology
Reiki
Shiatsu
Stress management
Tai Chi
Yoga
Further source of information
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Acupressure and acupuncture are both forms of (TCM). TCM is based on the principle of internal balance and harmony, in all areas of body, mind and spirit. The theory and practice of Chinese medicine are underpinned by the concept of energy (chi) which circulates through the body along paths called meridians.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles into specific points in the body, in order to stimulate the flow of chi. Inserting and slightly manipulating the needles stimulates the body's own healing response, opens channels, removes blockages and regulates energy flow.
Acupuncture aims to improve overall well being, in addition to relieving individual symptoms.
Acupressure is acupuncture without needles. Fingers and thumbs, instead of needles, are used to apply pressure and stimulate the flow of chi.
The British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road
London W12 9HQ
t: 020 8735 0400
f: 020 8735 0404
e:
w: www.acupuncture.org.uk
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The Alexander technique educates your sense of how the various parts of your body are positioned - your posture. Its aim is to teach you how to recognise and overcome problems with the way you move. These can be caused by habit, or illness. The idea is that improving your posture can improve your wellbeing.
The technique relies on hands-on guidance, with a teacher or instructor. A session lasts between 30-60 minutes.
The Professional Association of Alexander Teachers (PAAT)
Angela Coates (Hon. Secretary PAAT)
18 Hilton Avenue
Birmingham B28 0PE
t: 0121 745 7707
e:
The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique ( STAT )
1st Floor
Linton House
39-51 Highgate Road
London NW5 1RS
t: 0845 230 7828
w: www.stat.org.uk
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Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, trees and other plants to treat disease. Essential oils can be applied directly (usually diluted) to affected areas, taken internally or inhaled to provide therapeutic effect.
The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
82 Ashby Road
Hinckley
Leicestershire LE10 1SN
t: 01455 637 987
e:
w: www.ifparoma.org
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Autogenic therapy is a series of mental exercises. They are designed to switch off the body's 'fight or flight' responses to stress and switch on those related to relaxation. The mind-body skills you learn are said to improve your capacity for self-healing and self-development.
The British Autogenic Society
The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital
Great Ormond Street
London WC1 3HR
t: 020 7391 8908
f: 020 7391 8908
w: www.autogenic-therapy.org.uk
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Ayurveda is a natural healing system developed in India. Literally translated, it means "the science of life". It is a comprehensive system of medicine that places equal emphasis on the body, mind and spirit, and aims to restore the internal harmony of the individual. Ayurvedic treatments include diet, exercise, meditation, herbs, massage, exposure to sunlight, and controlled breathing.
Ayurvedic Medical Association UK
The Hale Clinic
7 Park Crescent
London W1N 3HE
t: 020 7631 0156
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Bach Flower Remedies are dilutions of wild flower essences. There are thirty-eight original Bach remedies plus the well known "Rescue Remedy". Each one is used for certain mental and emotional problems. The thirty-eight remedies form a complete system which practitioners can prescribe for a variety of human emotional imbalances.
The Bach Flower Research Programme
PO Box 102
Hereford HR2 0UW
e:
w: www.edwardbach.org
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The Bowen technique encourages good health by balancing and stimulating the flow of energy through your body. A Bowen practitioner will use their fingers and thumbs to apply a gentle, rolling pressure across your muscles, tendons and tissue. There are regular breaks between these moves, which give the body time to benefit. By combining moves, the practitioner is able to treat the body as a whole or target a specific problem.
The Bowen Association
PO Box 4358
Dorchester DT1 3GX
t: 0700 269 8324
w: www.bowen-technique.co.uk
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The Buteyko method is a set of breathing exercises which aim to teach people to relax and breathe more effectively.
Through these exercises and changes to diet and environment, practitioners say people with lung conditions such as asthma and COPD can improve their condition.
The Buteyko Breathing Association
15 Stanley Place
Chipping Ongar CM5 9SU
t: 01277 366906
w: www.buteykobreathing.org
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Chinese herbalism is a central part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, every herb has a different role and is classified according to its qualities (in terms of being hot, cold, damp or dry), and its taste (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent). Chinese herbs are usually prescribed as part of formulas that may contain 10 to 15 herbs.
The practitioner may also tailor a formula to suit an individual person, choosing from nearly 6,000 herbs and sometimes animal and mineral ingredients.
The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM)
Office 5, 1 Exeter Street
Norwich NR2 4QB
t: 01603 623994
f: 01603 667557
e:
w: www.rchm.co.uk
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Chiropractice focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems with our body's framework: our spine, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles (also called our 'musculo-skeletal system'). It aims to treat how this affects our nervous system, and our general health.
Chiropractors re-align the spine by adjusting vertebrae, but they also work on the rest of the musculo-skeletal system. By re-aligning the spine and mobilising joints, chiropractors claim to relieve pressure on the nervous system, relieve joint and muscle pain and help problems that may affect your breathing.
The British Chiropractic Association
59 Castle Street
Reading RG1 7SN
t: 0118 950 5950
e:
w: www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
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Counselling is a method of therapy, where a trained counsellor builds up a relationship of trust with the person they are treating. The aim of this relationship is to allow you to feel safe enough to explore feelings, emotions and problems and reach a solution. This can be very helpful in dealing with the mental and emotional problems that affect many people with lung conditions.
Counselling can take place on a one-to-one basis or in groups, depending on your requirements and needs.
Some GP practices have counsellors who work with them.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP House
15 St. Johns Business Park
Lutterworth LE17 4HB
t: 0870 443 5252
f: 0870 443 5161
w: www.bacp.co.uk
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Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch and subtle manipulation to encourage the body to rebalance and heal itself. The practitioner focuses on the cranial system, which is the skull, spine and tail bone. Therapy usually involves the practitioner working with their hands while you are lying down, clothed.
The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK
Monomark House
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3XX
t: 07000 784 735
e:
w: www.craniosacral.co.uk
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Healing aims to restore health through the channeling of energy forms. Practitioners are believed to channel healing energy to the person they are treating through laying-on of hands, thought or prayer. This stimulates the body's natural healing processes.
Healing can be carried out face-to-face, through laying-on of hands, or at a distance by thought or prayer.
Confederation of Healing Organisations
27 Montefiore Court
London N16 5TY
t: 020 8800 3569
w: www.confederation-of-healing-organisations.org
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Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts to treat illness and disease. It aims to be holistic - treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Herbalists prepare remedies tailored to people's symptoms, ailments and needs.
National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH)
Elm House
54 Mary Arches Street
Exeter EX4 3BA
t: 01392 426022
f: 01392 498963
e:
w: www.nimh.org.uk
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Homeopathy treats illness and disease using a remedy or medicine which is similar to the ailment. The basic principle of homeopathy is that 'like cures like'. Homeopaths believe that symptoms of disease are seen as signs that the body is trying to deal with illness. A homeopath will not try to suppress symptoms, but will prescribe a remedy that in Homeopathy aims to support this healing process. This is intended to stimulate the body's self-healing powers, or 'vital force, into action.
British Homeopathic Organisation
Hahnemann House
29 Park Street West
Luton LU1 3BE
t: 0870 444 3950
f: 0870 444 3960
w: www.trusthomeopathy.org
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Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a form of treatment. Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind.
During hypnosis, you enter a relaxed state, in which your breathing, heart and metabolic rates slow down and the conscious mind is bypassed, leaving the unconscious or sub-conscious mind open to suggestion.
Hypnotherapy has been used to treat a number of conditions, especially anxiety, stress, addictions and phobias.
National Council for Hypnotherapy
PO Box 421
Charwelton
Daventry NN11 1AS
t: 0800 952 0545
w: www.hypnotherapists.org.uk
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Magnotherapy is the use of magnets to charge iron atoms in our red blood cells. This is said to have a wide range of benefits. It improves circulation so that more oxygen reaches cells; toxic wastes are removed more efficiently; muscle and joint pain is relieved and your general health is improved. Some practitioners think that magnets may generate or stimulate the basic 'vital energy'.
The British Institute of Magnet Therapy
Lower Race
Pontypool NP4 5UH
t: 01495 752122
e:
w: www.cogreslab.co.uk
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Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body - the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It relieves pain and anxiety and boosts circulation. Massage is believed to trigger the release of 'feel good' chemicals (endorphins) and block stress hormones.
The British Massage Therapy Council
17 Rymers Lane
Oxford OX4 3JU
t/f: 01865 774123
e:
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Naturopathy aims to strengthen the body's natural defences and internal function, so the body can be restored to full health. The theory of naturopathy is underpinned by a 'vital force' which drives the self-healing processes of the body. Naturopaths believe that illness is the result of a weakness in 'vital force'.
Naturopathy employs a broad range of natural healing practices, including: hydrotherapy (using hot and cold baths, mineral spas and douches); herbal and homeopathic remedies; detox regimes (including fasting, enemas and colonic irrigation); breathing exercises; and massage.
The British Naturopathic Association
Goswell House, 2 Goswell Road
Street BA16 0JG
t: 0870 745 6984
f: 0870 745 6985
w: www.naturopaths.org.uk
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Nutritional therapy uses food and supplements to encourage the body's natural healing. Nutritional therapists choose these diets and supplements by asking about your medical history, your food and lifestyle. They may carry out blood and urine samples, food sensitivity and hair and sweat analysis for any mineral imbalances or toxic metal build up.
The British Association for Nutritional Therapy
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3XX
t: 08706 061284
f: 08706 061284
e:
w: www.bant.org.uk
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Osteopathy is the manipulation of the body's framework - muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and connective tissue (also called our 'musculo-skeletal system') - to treat or prevent injury and illness. This framework protects our internal organs and bodily systems. Osteopaths believe that if the framework is out of line, it prevents our organs and bodily systems from working properly. This leads to ill health.
British Osteopathic Association
Langham House West
Mill Street
Luton LU1 2NA
t: 01582 488 455
f: 01582 481 533
e:
w: www.osteopathy.org
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Pilates (pronounced pi-lah-tees) is a form of exercise that improves your body's core strength and posture. This is done through a series of exercises that involve stretching and conditioning.
Pilates is also good for relieving stress. You can relax and focus while improving your bodys condition.
Pilates Foundation UK Ltd
PO Box 57060
London EC4P 4XB
t: 07071 781 859
f: 020 7739 7866
w: www.bodycontrol.co.uk
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Reflexology is a specialised form of massage of the feet and hands. Reflexologists believe that points - or reflex points - on the feet and hands, are linked to other areas of your body. Reflex points can link to organs, glands, bones and muscles. By massaging the reflex points, practitioners can help those other areas of your body.
Association of Reflexologists
5 Fore Street
Taunton TA1 1HX
t: 0870 567 3320
f: 01823 336646
e:
w: www.aor.org.uk
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Reiki is a hands-on therapy and a form of spiritual healing. A Reiki practitioner will lay hands gently on or just over the body for a few minutes, at a series of positions on the head, and at the front and back of the body. Practitioners believe that good health relies on the smooth and balanced flow of universal life energy, known as Reiki, through the body. Reiki is often used to treat stress-related conditions, but is also thought to be helpful for other disorders.
The Reiki Association
15A Towngate
Highburton
Huddersfield HD8 0QP
t: 07704 270 727
e:
w: www.reikiassociation.org.uk
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Literally meaning 'finger pressure', Shiatsu is a hands-on therapy technique originating in Japan. It is a form of acupressure (see traditional Chinese medicine) which uses varying rhythms and degrees of pressure to balance the life energy that flows through specific pathways (meridians) in the body. Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed.
Shiatsu Society
Eastlands Court
St Peters Road
Rugby CV21 3QP
t: 0845 130 4560
f: 01788 555052
w: www.shiatsu.org
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Stress management consists of a range of techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Globe Centre
PO Box 9
Accrington BB5 0XB
t: 01254 875 277
f: 01254 239 114
e:
w: www.babcp.org.uk
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Tai Chi is a martial arts therapy. It is considered a soft style martial art, applied with deep relaxation. It also uses strong energy from the mind and body, without unnecessary stress or tension being introduced into the muscles.
The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain
1 Littlemill Drive
Crookston
Glasgow G76 7RF
e:
w: www.taichiunion.com
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Yoga takes a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit, and aims to help you cope with the challenges of daily life. Yoga can also complement treatments for specific medical conditions. In yoga classes, people learn to stretch and flex their body, develop awareness of their breathing, to relax and sometimes meditate.
The British Wheel of Yoga
25 Jermyn Street
Sleaford NG34 7RU
t: 01529 306 851
f: 01529 303 233
w: www.bwy.org.uk
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The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health
The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health is dedicated to helping people, practitioners and communities create an integrated approach to health and wellbeing. They do this by promoting understanding of integrated health, building confidence in integrated approaches to health and widening people's access to integrated healthcare.
The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health
33-41 Dallington Street
London EC1V 0BB
t: 020 3119 3100
f: 020 3119 3101
e:
w: www.fih.org.uk
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Page last medically reviewed: Feb '07
