Definition of Therapies in Integrated Medicine

Short and Simplified Descriptions of CAM Disciplines

Acupuncture — Originating from China, acupuncture involves inserting small needles into various points in the body to stimulate nerve impulses. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the idea of 'qi' (vital energy) which is said to travel around the body along 'meridians' which the acupuncture points affect. The Qi can be balanced by stimulating these points, thereby restoring health in a broad spectrum of  conditions.  FIND LOCAL THERAPISTS

Alexander Technique — Based on a theory that the way a person uses their body affects their general health. This technique encourages people to optimise their health by teaching them to stand, sit and move according to the body's 'natural design and function'. This is, in essence, a taught technique, rather than a therapy.

Aromatherapy — Use of plant extract essential oils inhaled, used as a massage oil, or occasionally ingested. Common in France but practised there by medical doctors only. Can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or as a relaxant.

Chiropractic — Used almost entirely to treat musculo-skeletal complaints through adjusting muscles, tendons and joints and using manipulation and massage techniques. Diagnostic procedures include case histories, conventional clinical examination and x-rays. Chiropractic was originally based on the idea that 'reduced nerve flow' led to disease.

Herbal medicine — A system of medicine which uses various remedies derived from plants and plant extracts to treat disorders and maintain good health. Another term for this type of treatment is phytotherapy. Including Chinese Herbal Medicine — A tradition of medicine used for thousands of years in China, which has its own system of diagnosis. Uses combinations of herbs to address a wide range of health problems. In Traditional Chinese medicine herbal medicine is use as one of a number of treatment methods to restore the balance of Yin and Yang energy; these include acupuncture, massage and the exercise technique Qigong.

Homeopathy — A therapy based on the theory of treating like with like. Homeopathic remedies use highly diluted substances that if given in higher doses to a healthy person would produce the symptoms that the dilutions are being given to treat. In assessing the patient homeopaths often take into account a range of physical, emotional and lifestyle factors which contribute to the diagnosis.

Osteopathy — A system of diagnosis and treatment, usually by manipulation, that mainly focuses on musculo-skeletal problems, but a few schools claim benefits across a wider spectrum of disorders. Historically differs from chiropractic in its underlying theory that it is impairment of blood supply and not nerve supply that leads to problems. However in practice there is less difference than might be assumed. Mainstream osteopathy focuses on musculo-skeletal problems; but prior to osteopathy gaining statutory protection of title, other branches of this therapy purported to diagnose and treat a range of disorders. One such branch is now known as cranio-sacral therapy, which should be considered as a distinct therapy which would fall into Group 3.

Massage — Therapies that use rubbing, kneading and the application of pressure to address aches, pains and musculo-skeletal problems. Often used as a relaxant.

Hypnotherapy — The use of hypnosis in treating behavioural disease and dysfunction, principally mental disorders.

Reflexology — A system of massage of the feet based on the idea that there are invisible zones running vertically through the body, so that each organ has a corresponding location in the foot. It has also been claimed to stimulate blood supply and relieve tension.

Shiatsu — A type of massage originating from Japan which aims to stimulate the body's healing ability by applying light pressure to points across the body. Relies on the meridian system of 'qi' in a similar way to traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

Healing — A system of spiritual healing, sometimes based on prayer and religious beliefs, that attempts to tackle illness through non-physical means, usually by directing thoughts towards an individual. Often involves 'the laying on of hands'.

Nutritional therapy — Term used to cover the use of nutritional methods to address and prevent disease. Uses diets and nutritional supplements. Often used to address allergies and chronic digestive problems. The difference between nutritional medicine and dietetics is that nutritional therapists work independently in accordance with naturopathic principles and focus on disorders which they believe can be attributed to nutritional deficiency, food intolerance or toxic overload. They believe these three factors are involved in a wide range of health problems. Dieticians usually work under medical supervision, using diets to encourage healthy eating and tackle a narrower range of diseases. Nutritional therapists often use exclusion diets and herbal remedies to tackle patients' problems.

Doctors of Integrated Medicine

Including:

Anthroposophical medicine — 'Anthroposophy' describes people in terms of their physicality, their soul and their spirit. Anthroposophical medicine aims to stimulate a person's natural healing forces through studying the influence of their soul and spirit on their physical body.

Ayurvedic Medicine — An ancient discipline, originating in India, based upon the principle of mind- spirit-body interaction and employing natural herbs, usually mixtures, in treatment.

Naturopathy — A method of treatment based on the principle that the natural laws of life apply inside the body as well as outside. Uses a range of natural approaches including diet and herbs and encourages exposure to sun and fresh air to maximise the body's natural responses.

Feldenkrais Method — Feldenkrais Method is a self-help therapy which teaches effortless movement through improved mind and body co-ordination. Dr Moshe Feldenkrais explained: 'We aim to help the body to move with minimum effort and maximum efficiency, not through muscular strength but increased consciousness of how it works'. By using gentle movement and sensory awareness, smooth and rapid changes to poor posture, tight muscles and habitual patterns can take place. Feldenkrais Method is suitable for patients who want to develop tools for self-help.

Bowen Therapy — The Bowen Technique is a gentle manipulative therapy used to treat muscular, skeletal or nervous system imbalance and injury. It uses precise and light movements to manipulate muscles and connective tissue. The adjustment takes place when the movement is released; it is similar to tuning a stringed instrument that sends harmonic vibrations that balance the body. The technique is so gentle it can be used on anyone from infants to the elderly. It produces a deep relaxation and can release blocked emotional energy, which can accelerate the healing process.

Reiki — is a method of natural healing based on the application of Universal Life Force Energy (the name literally means Universal Life Force Energy). The healing is non-invasive, usually performed with the patient sitting or lying down fully clothed. The healer uses light touch or no touch at all.

Cranio-Sacral therapy — Cranio-Sacral therapists are trained to feel the subtle rhythms in the body. These rhythms are sometimes blocked or interrupted by trauma and stress. By using the hands to reflect back to the body the pattern it is holding, the therapist provides an opportunity for the body to let go of its restrictive pattern and return to an easier mode of functioning. It is a very gentle therapy, generating deep relaxation and is particularly suitable for treating birth trauma in infants and chronic patterns of stress in the body.

Adapted from the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee Report 6