Chinese herbalism to crystal healing: A-Z of complementary medicine

Chinese herbalism

Part of traditional Chinese medicine (which also includes acupuncture and qigong), Chinese herbalism seeks to bring the body back into harmony by redressing the balance of both yin and yang and the ‘five elements' of fire, earth, water, wood and metal. A practitioner won't diagnose a disease, but decides which herbal cure to use based on the individual's particular set of symptoms. Chinese herbalism is used to treat a wide range of problems, including eczema, migraine, PMS and irritable bowel syndrome. To find a practitioner, contact The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine on 01603 623994 or visit:

Chiropractic

Originating in the US in the late 19th century, chiropractic uses special manipulation techniques designed to relax the spinal muscles and so encourage the body to heal itself. Believed to release muscle tension, improve circulation and reduce joint stiffness, it is mainly used for back and neck pain, muscle problems and sciatica, but also for digestive and menstrual problems, tinnitus and asthma. To find a practitioner, call the General Chiropractic Council on 020 7713 5155 or visit: www.gcc-uk.org.

Colour therapy

Colour therapists believe that the body gives off its own colour aura and that by reading this they can determine which different colours or hues are needed in the healing process. Used for stress-related conditions, such as insomnia, headaches and depression, treatment often includes illumination therapy, where a coloured light is shone all around the patient or on a particular part of their body. For more information and for a list of therapists, visit the website of the International Association of Colour at: www.iac-colour.co.uk

Cranial osteopathy

Developed in the 1930s by an American osteopath, cranial osteopathy uses gentle pressure on the skull to relieve tension and bring the body back into harmony. It is commonly used for the treatment of headaches and sinus problems, and is thought to be particularly useful for treating babies with colic or sleep troubles. To find a practitioner, visit the website of the General Osteopathic Council at www.iac-colour.co.uk or call 020 7357 6655.

Cranio-sacral therapy

Developed from cranial osteopathy, cranio-sacral therapy focuses on the membranes that surround the brain and spine. Gentle pressure is applied to the head and the base of the spine to release tension, either physical or emotional, and so activate the body's natural healing mechanisms. The therapy is used to treat various problems, including muscular pain, arthritis, headaches and depression. For more information, visit the website of The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK at www.craniosacral.co.uk. or call 07000 784 735.

Crystal healing

Crystal healers attribute therapeutic and magical powers to precious and semi-precious gemstones and believe it's possible to channel a crystal's healing energy by placing it on the appropriate acupoint or part of the body that needs treating. Crystal healing is often used in conjunction with other therapies to enhance the treatment process. For more information or to find a therapist, visit the website of the Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations at www.crystal-healing.org.

A-Z of complementary medicine...

...acupuncture to Ayurveda

...floatation therapy to hypnotherapy

...iridology to nutritional therapy

...osteopathy to reflexology

...shiatsu to zero balancing

These natural remedies are intended to be complementary therapies only and should not be interpreted as substitutes for conventional medicines. For specific health problems, please see your GP. For more information on conventional medicines, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk