■ his appendix contains an A-Z of every complementary medical therapy W That I can fit in these pages!

All the main therapies that feature in this book have chapter references so that you can nip directly to the chapter if you want to find out much, much more. All the jargon words, such as Meridian And Acupoint, Are explained in the relevant chapters, too.

The A-Z also contains lots of other, perhaps lesser known, therapies that I wasn’t able to squeeze in anywhere else in the book. If a single, main contact link for the therapy exists, then I’ve tried to include that, too.

Mention of these less well-known therapies in the A-Z list doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re effective or have been scientifically validated or are even safe. However, neither can you necessarily assume they’re no good. Many of these therapies are relatively new and have not yet been investigated independently. For all we know, some of these therapies may even become mainstream in the future.

If you want to try out any of these therapies, find out as much as you can about the therapy and the practitioner’s level of skill and experience before treatment. Take a look at Chapter 1 and the individual chapters on all the main therapies for guidance on how to select a therapy, how to know if it’s effective, and the type of questions you may want to ask.

If I’ve missed out any therapy in this A-Z through oversight or ignorance, then please let me know about it and I’ll consider including it in future editions of this book.

I hope you find this handy reference guide useful.

Acupressure: The application of finger-tip or thumb pressure to different points on the body in order to balance the meridian (vital energy) system. For more, see Chapter 9 on acupuncture and Chapter 17 on massage.

Acupuncture: The insertion of fine needles into points on the skin, said to balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) that is believed to flow in invisible channels known as Meridians. For more, see Chapter 9 on acupuncture.

Alexander Technique: A technique for realigning posture devised by Australian actor, F. M. Alexander. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Allergy testing: A range of diagnostic approaches used to determine which food or inhaled substances may cause body imbalance or illness. For more, see Chapter 12 on nutritional medicine and Chapter 22 on energy medicine.

Amatsu: A modern-day synthesis of Anma Massage with Japanese bodywork techniques. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Anma: An ancient Japanese massage technique using fingers, thumbs, and hands, or sometimes elbows and feet, to apply pressure to acupoints and stimulate flow in the acupuncture meridians. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Anthroposophical medicine: A system of medicine based on creative therapies, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and healthy eating of foods grown bio-dynamically. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Applied kinesiology: See ‘Kinesiology’.

Aqua detox: A therapy involving placing the feet in an electrically operated footbath supposedly designed to remove toxins from the body. Regarded by some as a scam but others swear by it! For more, see Www. aquadetoxuk. com or Www. devicewatch. org/reports/aquadetox. shtml.

Aqua touch: A whole body treatment given in water.

Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils, extracted from plants, in massage, inhalations, and so on. For more, see Chapter 19 on aromatherapy.

Art therapy: The use of art (painting, drawing, collage making, sculpture, clay modelling, and so on) to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Auricular acupuncture: Acupuncture treatment for the whole body using just the ear! For more, see Chapter 9 on acupuncture.

Auro-soma: See ‘Colour therapy’.

Autogenic training/therapy (AT): A relaxation technique to ease mental and physical stress. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Ayurveda: Traditional Indian system of medicine with treatments that include diet, yoga, and meditation. Also includes Marma massage, Panchakarma purification techniques, Chavutti Thirumal, and Indian head massage. For more, see Chapter 5 on Ayurveda and Chapter 17 on massage.

Baby massage: Gentle massage strokes and stretches to stimulate the baby’s immune system and aid digestion and relaxation. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Bach flower remedies: Flower remedies developed by Dr Edward Bach for the treatment of emotional conditions. For more, see Chapter 22.

Bates method: Exercises to improve eye health and vision developed by Dr William Bates in the US. For more, see Chapter 16.

Bi-aura therapy: A system of bio-energy healing used to remove blockages in energy flow. See Chapter 22 for more.

Bibliotherapy: The therapeutic use of literature, through books, film, and theatre, to help resolve trauma or emotional problems. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Biodynamic massage: A form of massage therapy to release physical and energetic blockages. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Bio-energetics: A therapy involving holding various physical positions and exploring feelings to release inner blockages. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Bio-energy therapy: A system of gentle hand movements to increase the flow of vital energy, or Qi, In the body and remove blockages. See Chapter 22 and

Www. bioenergyhealing. net.

Biofeedback: The use of electronic devices to feed back information on body functions with the purpose of bringing them under voluntary control. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Biorhythm therapy: Calculating biorhythms, supposed cycles of emotional, physical, and mental ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ calculated mathematically on the basis of your birth date, to determine the best day for activities, operations, and so on. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Bowen technique: A soft-tissue therapy developed by Tom Bowen involving light finger and thumb movements over the body to relax and release tension. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Buteyko breathing technique: A system of breathing exercises devised to promote relaxed breathing and relieve asthma. For more, see Chapter 18.

Chelation therapy: A treatment designed to remove heavy metals from the body that has also been used to help clear blockages in the arteries. For more, see Chapter 12 on nutritional therapy.

Chinese medicine: Also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of medicine that for thousands of years has incorporated acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage (Tui na), Therapeutic exercises (Qi Gong), And dietary and lifestyle regimes. For more, see Chapter 4.

Chiropractic: A system of spinal manipulation and therapy for joint and muscular problems. See also McTimoney chiropractic. For more, see Chapter 15 on chiropractic.

Chua Ka: An ancient form of Mongolian massage originally used by warriors preparing themselves for battle. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Clinical ecology: Also known as environmental medicine, this involves assessment with electronic devices to detect sensitivities to foods, chemicals, moulds, pollens, and so on. For more, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine and Chapter 12 on nutrition.

Colonic hydrotherapy: Involves the therapeutic cleansing of the colon using water, or other liquids, which can be done by machine or manually. For more, see Chapter 13 on naturopathy.

Colour therapy: The use of coloured light, with different wavelengths and frequencies, or exposure to coloured materials, liquids (auro-soma), and so on, to affect the body therapeutically. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Cranial osteopathy: A subtle form of osteopathy that focuses on the ebb and flow of cerebro-spinal fluid and slight movements within the cranial bones. For more, see Chapter 14 on osteopathy.

Cranio-sacral therapy: A system of light pressure techniques on the cranium (skull) and sacrum (tailbone) that is designed to release tension and promote free flow of the fluid in the spinal cord. For more, see Chapter 14 on osteopathy.

Crystal healing: Healing via different types of crystals designed to balance energy in the body. For more, see Chapter 20.

Dance therapy: The use of movement and dance to promote mental and physical well-being. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Darkfield microscopy: A form of live blood analysis that uses powerful microscopes to illuminate the blood cells and is claimed to detect internal health problems and disease risk. For more, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine.

Deep-tissue massage: A form of massage that uses slow, deep finger pressure to break down scar tissue and release toxins, tension, and pain. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Do-In: A traditional Japanese system for personal and spiritual development that combines self-massage, acupressure, and shiatsu stretches with a macrobiotic diet, breathing exercises, and meditation. For more, see Chapter 7 on Japanese medicine.

Dolphin therapy: Swimming with dolphins has been found to be therapeutic for various conditions such as depression and autism. For more, see www. Idw. org/html/about_idw. html.

Dowsing: The use of a pendulum, branch, or rod to detect water or diagnose imbalance in the body. For more information, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine.

Dramatherapy: The use of theatrical techniques to increase self-awareness and promote mental and physical health. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Dream therapy: Analysing dreams for insights into current problems. See Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Emotional freedom technique (EFT): Involves light tapping with the fingers on 11 acupressure points to release emotional blockages. For more, see Chapter 21 on Psychological Therapies.

Feldenkrais technique: A system of gentle movements devised by Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli physicist and Judo expert, to reduce patterns of muscular tension and pain and promote ease of movement and vitality. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Feng shui: Various techniques used to rebalance energy flows in order to create harmonious environments and increase health, happiness, and prosperity. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Flotation: Floating in salt water in an enclosed tank to promote deep relaxation. This therapy grew out of American physiologist and psychoanalyst

John C. Lilly’s work on sensory deprivation in the 1950s. For more, see Chapter 18.

Gerson Diet: A form of nutritional therapy based on raw food, devised by German army surgeon Max Gerson in the 1950s, to control his migraines and now used as a therapeutic regime for cancer. For more, see Chapter 12 on nutritional medicine.

Healing: The use of the hands, heart, and mind to transfer healing energy and promote healing in another being. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing.

Hellerwork: A form of deep tissue massage combined with psychotherapy and postural realignment developed by Joseph Heller, a pupil of Dr Ida Rolf (creator of Rolfing). For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Herbal medicine: The use of the stems, roots, leaves, branches, and fruits of different plants to promote healing and relieve illness. Herbal traditions exist in both Eastern and Western traditions. For more, see Chapter 11 on herbal medicine.

Holographic re-patterning: Now renamed resonance patterning, this therapy synthesises polarity therapy, kinesiology, and acupuncture to ‘re-pattern body frequencies causing dissonance’. For more on polarity therapy and kinesiology see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Homeopathy: A therapy based on treating ‘like with like’ using infinitesimal doses of diluted plant, mineral, human, and animal substances to enable the body to repair itself. For more, see Chapter 10 on homeopathy.

Hot stone massage: The application of stones, heated or cooled to different temperatures, to different parts of the body to promote circulation and relaxation. For more details, see Www. lastonetherapy. com.

Hydrotherapy: All kinds of therapeutic treatments using water. For more, see Chapters 8 and 13 on Nature Cure and naturopathy.

Hydrotherm massage: A massage performed while you lie on a mattress filled with warm water. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Hypnotherapy: The introduction of therapeutic suggestions to the mind during a receptive and relaxed state to facilitate healing of mental, physical, and emotional problems. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Indian head massage: See ‘Ayurveda’.

Indonesian massage: A form of deep-tissue massage that uses the thumbs to work deep into the muscles and surrounding tissues. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Iridology: Diagnosis of the iris in the eye, viewed under magnification. For more, see Chapter 13 on naturopathy.

Jin Shin Do: A synthesis of acupressure, Qi gong Exercises, and psychology for releasing physical and emotional tension. For more, see Chapter 17 or

Www. jinshindo. org.

Johrei: A healing approach involving the channelling of ‘universal energy’ or ‘divine light’ through the giver to the receiver. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing therapies.

Kahuna: A Hawaiian form of deep-tissue massage for the whole body, sometimes called Lomi Lomi. For more about massage, see Chapter 17.

Kinesiology: A system of muscle testing to detect and regulate body imbalances. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Kum nye: Poses and breathing exercises designed to increase awareness and still the mind, a part of Tibetan medicine. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

LaStone therapy: See ‘Hot stone massage’.

Laughter therapy: Using humour and laughter to boost mental and physical well-being. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Light therapy: Therapy that involves exposure to sunlight, full-spectrum light, or coloured light. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Magnet therapy: The use of fixed magnets or pulsed magnetic field devices to stimulate tissue healing, improve circulation, and aid muscle relaxation. For more, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine.

Manual lymphatic drainage: A gentle massage approach designed to stimulate the flow of lymph in the tissues. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Massage: Gentle pressure applied with the fingers and hands and sometimes other body parts (such as knuckles, elbows, or feet) to relax and heal, performed with or without oil. For info on all types of massage, see Chapter 17.

McTimoney chiropractic: A gentle form of manipulation therapy devised by British engineer and chiropractor John McTimoney. For more, see Chapter 15 on chiropractic.

Metamorphic technique: A gentle touch technique designed to release emotional, mental, and physical blocks created while in the womb. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

MORA therapy: A type of ‘bio-resonance’ therapy using an electro-acupuncture device to test for allergies and imbalances. For more, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine.

Music therapy: The use of musical sounds and sound frequencies to stimulate healing. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Myofascial massage: A type of massage that stretches the tissues to release tension and pain. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Naturopathy: A system of natural medicine incorporating nutritional and herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and Nature Cure and designed to stimulate the body’s innate healing ability. For more, see Chapter 13 on naturopathy.

Neuro-linguistic programming: A set of techniques for modifying language, behaviour, and experience. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Neuromuscular therapy: Also known as trigger-point therapy or myotherapy, this involves direct thumb or finger pressure on tender points, known as trigger points, to improve circulation and release pain. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Nutritional therapy: Also called nutritional medicine, this therapy uses foods and sometimes nutritional supplements to improve digestion and ease common ailments. For more, see Chapter 12 on nutritional medicine.

On-site massage therapy: Mobile massage therapists take a portable chair into workplaces and perform 15- to 30-minute massages on the head, neck, upper back, and arms. For more about the different types of massage, see Chapter 17.

Orthomolecular therapy: The treatment of disease using concentrated doses of vitamins and minerals. For more, see Chapter 12 on nutritional therapy.

Osteopathy: A type of manipulation therapy that uses mobilisation and massage techniques to improve mobility and restore structural balance. For more, see Chapter 14.

Oxygen therapy: The use of oxygen, either inhaled or introduced into extracted blood as in ozone therapy, which is believed to oxygenate the tissues and help limit the spread of bacteria and cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT): The application of light-sensitive substances to increase oxygenation at cancer sites, which is believed to help trigger cancer cell death. For more information, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine

Or Www. doveclinic. com.

Pilates: A system of exercises for increasing body awareness, improving posture and alignment, and increasing flexibility. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Play therapy: The use of sand play, art, story telling, drama, puppetry, music, movement, and so on to help children with emotional, behavioural, and mental health problems. For more, see Chapter 23 on creative therapies.

Polarity therapy: A system using massage techniques, touch, and healing to rebalance the body’s ‘energy field’. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Pranayama: See ‘Yoga’.

Pregnancy massage: Massage technique specially designed for use with pregnant women to ease discomfort and facilitate blood flow to the unborn child. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Psionics: A form of dowsing similar to radionics. For more, see the discussion on radionics in Chapter 22.

Psychic healing: Healing given by someone while in a trance-like or meditative state, involving the transfer of energy and sometimes even ’surgery’, where the body is apparently entered by hand or cut open without anaesthetic or surgical instruments. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing therapies.

Psychosynthesis: A form of psychological therapy that emphasises self-awareness and Soul Knowledge. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Qi gong: Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this form of movement therapy is designed to free the flow of Qi (vital energy) and promote flexibility and healing. For more, see Chapter 4 on TCM and Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Quantum touch: A form of energy healing using such elements as hand healing and breathing techniques. For more, see Www. quantumtouch. com.

Radionics: A form of dowsing, using a hand-held pendulum or a radionic device to detect energetic imbalances in the body and ‘broadcast’ healing at a distance. For more, see Chapter 22 on energy medicine.

Rebirthing: The use of breathing and other physical techniques to ‘re-enact’ your birth and resolve birth traumas that can impact on later life. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Reflexology: A form of foot massage using finger-tip and thumb pressure to nerve reflex points on the feet. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Regression therapy: Sometimes called past-life therapy or past-life regression therapy, this therapy involves deep relaxation and then being taken back supposedly to specific times in your early life or even past lives. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Reiki: A Japanese healing approach involving the transfer of healing energy. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing.

Remedial massage: A form of soft tissue massage often used for healing joint pain and sports and other injuries. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Rolfing: Also called structural integration, a bodywork system for correcting misalignment developed by Ida Rolf in the 1950s. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Self-massage: Simple do-it-yourself massage techniques, using finger-tip and hand pressure and kneading to release tension and promote circulation. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Shamanic healing: The use of rituals, singing, dancing, drumming, fasting, consciousness-altering plants, and trance-like states for self-development and healing. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing therapies.

Shiatsu: A Japanese massage system, often performed through clothing, involving pressure from fingers, elbows, feet, and knees to rebalance the body. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Sonodynamic therapy: This therapy uses low-level ultrasound in an attempt to destroy tumour cells. For more, see Chapter 22 and Www. doveclinic. com.

Spiritual healing: The channelling of universal healing energy or ‘life force’ via a trained healer intended to promote mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing therapies.

Sports massage: A combination of massage techniques designed to enhance sports performance and promote healing of injuries. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Swedish massage: A popular form of massage developed in Sweden and sometimes called therapeutic massage, Swedish massage is based on kneading, stroking, and pummelling movements designed to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Ta’i chi: Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this movement therapy involves slow, flowing sequences of movements and breathing techniques to stimulate and regulate the flow of Qi Energy. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Thai massage: A thorough form of deep-tissue massage with muscle stretching and pressure techniques designed to ease tension and pain and promote relaxation. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Therapeutic touch: A type of laying-on-of-hands therapy. For more, see Chapter 20 on healing.

Thought field therapy (TFT): A form of psychological treatment designed to ease emotional problems, stress, and anxiety rapidly. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Tibetan massage: An ancient Tibetan medical technique involving oil massage and pressure to particular points on the body to ease pain and obstructions and promote healing. For more, see Chapter 6 on Tibetan medicine.

Touch for Health: Developed out of applied kinesiology by US chiropractor John Thie, who believed simple techniques for body balancing could be learnt and used by anyone. See also ‘Kinesiology’.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): See ‘Chinese medicine’.

Tragerwork: A system of gentle, rhythmical movements, devised by one-time chronic back-sufferer Milton Trager, to ease tension and pain and improve mobility. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Trigger-point therapy: See ‘Neuromuscular therapy’.

Tsubo therapy: Therapy involving stimulation of Tsubo, Acupoints, using massage, heat treatment, or electrical stimulus. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Tui na: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) form of massage that uses fingers, hands, arms, elbows, and knees to rub, knead, and roll the skin. Tui na Is designed to release blockages in the acupuncture meridians and to release muscular tension. For more, see Chapter 17 on massage.

Visualisation: Sometimes also called mental imagery, guided imagery, or creative visualisation, this therapy involves creating positive images, while in a relaxed state, to help resolve mental or physical problems. For more, see Chapter 21 on psychological therapies.

Watsu: Shiatsu performed in the water! The idea is that the body is relaxed and weightless to aid stretches. See also ‘Shiatsu’.

Yoga: A system of therapeutic exercises and breathing (pranayama) And meditation techniques that are a part of Ayurveda. For more, see Chapter 5 on Ayurveda and Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Zero balancing: A light manipulation therapy designed to rebalance the ‘energetic body’. For more, see Chapter 16 on bodywork therapies.

Zone therapy: See ‘Reflexology’.