A-Z of Therapies

Qi Gong aims to cleanse or purify the flow of qi (the essential life force of Chinese medicine) along the meridians, which are the body’s focal points and channels through which its qi energy flows. Qi Gong utilises posture, movement, breathing, meditation and visualisation to exercise and regulate one’s mind and body. This directly and immediately influences a person’s physiological state and,…

Reiki is an ancient, natural healing art and science of channeling universal life energy to promote spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well-being. Healing energy is transmitted through the hands and is available to any person interested in discovering their inborn healing ability. The experience can be one of warmth, tingling or simply an expanded feeling of peace, security and well-bein…

Reflexology originally known as zone therapy, is an ancient natural healing art based on the principle that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet, hands and outer ear, which correspond to every part of the body. Through application of pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques on particular areas, this drugless therapy creates a physiological change in the body and serves to relax …

Rheumatology is the medical specialty concerned with the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. Rheumatologists are specially trained to find the cause of swelling and pain. It’s advisable to seek early diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can begin immediately. Your treatment may involve working closely with your general practitioner and other specialists to…

Shiatsu is a gentle but powerful holistic Japanese form of bodywork designed to heal and promote health by influencing and improving the state of natural energy in the body. Literally translated it means ‘finger pressure’. Shiatsu is a combination of two ancient techniques, Japanese Massage (Anma) and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shiatsu’s sensitive stretching and deep pressure is slowly appli…

Rolfing, or structural integration, is an original and scientifically endorsed system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organises the whole body in relation to gravity. It works on connective tissue, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (the structure that surrounds muscles). Dr. Ida Rolf, biochemistry Ph.D. is the founder and developer of the structural integ…

The basic theory of traction is that it stretches the vertebrae and surrounding muscles in order to provide relief and to return the spine to its original form. There are several types of traction, ranging from stretching patients on a bed manually, …

People who have tried conservative methods without success and continue to have ongoing disability may be candidates for surgery. The most common procedures are: Laminectomy is performed on the lower back or neck to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots that have been compressed either through a herniated disc, disc fragment, tumor or bone spur. The lamina is a portion of bone in the back…

Tai Chi is a gentle form of martial art. This slow-intensity form of exercise is a complete holistic therapy and art, bringing balance and health to the body and mind. Tai Chi is performed slowly, evenly and thoughtfully, with an emphasis on continuity of movement. It is suitable for anyone regardless of age or physical condition. The exercise programme, completely non-impact, yet involving the…

Water exercise is one of the best low-impact activities that improves our fitness and overall well-being. The faster you move, and the harder you push and pull, the more resistance the water provides – resulting in a gentle, but effective workout. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight of a person by approximately 90%. The stress on weight-bearing joints, bones and muscles is therefore reduce…