 A beginner's guide to some of the most popular therapies. Osteopathy Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Osteopaths look at the 'bio-mechanics' of a body - the movement of the skeletal structure and the surrounding muscular tissue - and their relationship with underlying organs. It is aimed at improving mobility and/or reducing inflammation by using gentle manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments, according to the General Osteopathic Council. Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine works on the principle that the physical body also has a system of energy lines, called meridians. TCM practitioners believe that the efficiency of these energy flows affects our physical health and assessing these energies by pulse, tongue and general disposition can determine which organs are under or over functioning and the strength of their vitality. It aims to restore balance to the body to help a range of problems including skin and respiratory complaints, pre-menstrual syndrome, anxiety, depression, stress-related diseases and insomnia. Acupuncture Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into pressure points in different parts of the body. It works on the principle that energy circulates through the body via channels called meridians, and when these channels become blocked we become unwell. The aim of the treatment is to put this balance right. Acupuncture can work in a number of ways. For example, it may relieve pain or inflammation, relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and improve mood. It may also be used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils obtained from plants. Each oil has different properties. For example, lavender is relaxing while grapefruit is uplifting and refreshing. Essential oils can be used for massage, added to the bath or used in an oil burner as an inhalation. These oils can be used on their own or in combination. Oils that are used for massage are always diluted in a base oil and treatments should be given by a trained aromatherapist. Aromatherapy oils can help with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For example, oils such as peppermint and ginger may relieve nausea. Lemon, bergamot and grapefruit may improve mood and reduce lethargy. Lavender, sandalwood and frankincense may reduce anxiety. Homeopathy Homeopathy works on the principle of treating 'like with like'. Patients are treated with substances, in tiny amounts, that produce much the same symptoms as the ones they originally had. The aim is to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself. Homeopathic treatments come from plant, mineral and animal sources and are known as remedies. The substances are diluted many times in alcohol or water until they are safe to use. Remedies can be in powder, granule, tablet or liquid form. For example, arnica may reduce bleeding or bruising following surgery as well as help heal the area. Like other complementary therapies, homeopathy looks at the whole person, not just their illness, so it is important to see a qualified homeopath. Reiki Reiki is the name given to a system of natural healing which evolved in Japan and uses non-intrusive hand movements. The practitioner gently places their hands in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. Practitioners believe it is possible to heal at any level of being - physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. | 
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