Time to unwind
In the not so distant past, the majority of Complementary Therapies were generally seen either as luxury pamper sessions for the idle rich, or considered to be nothing short of hocus pocus carried out by Charlatans who's only interest was to relieve you of your hard earned money.
Today, however, they are viewed more favourably as an essential part of everyday
living. Accessed by those looking for an aid to induce relaxation and reduce the often self imposed stress created by the increased pace of modern
life, without resorting to prescribed medications.
The link between stress and stress
related diseases, such as Insommnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Headaches and Migraines etc. has been well documented. Some General Practioners will now refer patients for a specific therapy, having recognised the
benefits of receiving either a course of treatment or a regular therapy session. A few G.P.Practices even offer Complementary Therapies.
Whilst many stress related diseases have a medical aetiology, any stress caused by external forces, such as work, berevement, deadlines etc. have been shown to exacerbate the diseases symptoms.
In an age where everything has to be done 'Yesterday', many people fail to find the necessary 'Down time' that our bodies require to heal or relax. Whilst a small amount of stress is considered to be healthy, excessive and prolongued stress becomes harmful.
This is where Complementary Therapies come into there own. By facilitating an hour or more of uninterupted relaxation, the client is able to unwind and recharge. When done on a regular basis, most clients feel more relaxed and able to cope with their daily routines and demands, thereby reducing their stress levels.
Whilst Complementary Therapies may not be for everyone, for those who choose to follow a more natural method of relaxation, they would appear to work. Whether is is due to the therapy itself, the clients belief that they work or a combination of both, remains open for disscussion. The main point is if it works for you, then it has to be a better option than 'Poppin pills,' surely?
- I have tried it, Paola ... well most of it, and I think Sue hit the nail on the head. If it works go for it. I have a general intolerance of drugs (yet I swallow the damn things like smarties to contain a suspected heart condition and lwoer my blood pressure) so I'm sufficiently open-minded to try anything, and I don't expect the quick fix (although i suspect that Laurie may be right when she says many people do.)
I agree with Helen about the healthcare professionals. One of the phsyios at our GP surgery is also an acupuncturist, and the surgery also has hypnotherapists on call, but they've drawn the line at opening a massage parlour.
I insist that the only thing that has ever worked for me is bloody-mindedness: an absolute refusal to concede defeat coupled to a realistic view of my capabilities. Running a couple of marathons would proabably do my weight, breathing and muscle tone the power of good, but it's not gonna happen. A lively swim a couple of times a week has a similar effect, if less dramatic.
I can no more explain the improvement in an arthritic giraffe than I can explain the hypnotising of chickens by pressing ther head down and drawing a line on the floor in front of them (it's been done) but I don' t feel the need to question them. What works, works.
I take nothing for my arthritis, I take painkillers only when I'm going to bed and that just to help me drift off to sleep. Beyond that, the pills I swallow are necessary only because I won't make the lifestyle changes needed to combat high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and trucker's tummy. Arthritis is crippling me, but aside from pain relief, it's probably beyond repair and no amount of NSAIDs, acupuncture, bach flower remedies, yoga, or dancing naked round the rose bush under a full moon will have any effect upon what are effectively, rotten joints. If I'd taken action 10-15 years ago, maybe.
So I'm left with only two weapons: that pig-headed refusal to give in and a one-megaton sense of humour. Works for me. - I've treated my fair share of sceptics and try as I might, I'm having some trouble recalling any who stated that they felt 'No benefit at all' from the treatments they had.
One possible reason for their scepticism, may be down to their 'Unrealistic expectations' of what results they can expect.
If they come expecting a 'Quick fix' to a situation that has been building over a significant time, then they will be disappointed.
If the initial consultation is carried out properly, the Therapist should be able to pick up on any misconceptions and give more accurate expectations. - I agree with Helen, here, I don't think it's 'all in the mind' - I'm the world's biggest sceptic, and some shiatsu-related tapping thing recently resulted in me being - or feeling - freed from stuff that had been bothering me for years...just like giraffes, you don't need to believe - the mumbo-jumbo works! Even David should try it!
- Everything begins in the mind! (The thought is the father of the deed!). Does it really matter why it works as long as it does? I definitely think there is something in it. You can put a hen to sleep by brushing its head with its wing and you can calm horses by blowing into their noses.
- I've trained as a hypnotherapist and worked as the administrator of a natural therapies centre (chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopath, shiatsu massage - you name it) and for whatever reason, it often works wonders. My GP is also a trained hypnotherapist and naturopath. But as to whether it's all in the mind - I've just watched a program about the local zoos, in the course of which they gave a giraffe acupuncture for his arthritic joints. He certainly moved more easily after it, and doubt if he was a true believer.
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