Natural Health Centres – What are they for?
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Sometimes referred to as Complimentary Therapy Centres, or Holistic Centres, they are all very similar in their purpose and the services provided.
The concept of a Centre is simple, to offer people a range of treatments that help to improve health and wellbeing. The treatments offered depends entirely on how many rooms are available, and how many therapists are working from the Centre at any one time. Therapists are well trained and qualified professionals, usually with experience of a wide variety of therapies.
Why do we need Natural Health Centres?
Integrating Natural Health treatments alongside orthodox medicines gives patients a way to take responsibility for their recovery. Some people try alternative methods because they are not happy with the treatment or side effects of drugs that they receive from their GP - others are drawn to try something different because they like the idea of using natural methods to treat ailments. Some people may even visit a Natural Health Centre because they are at the end of their tether and are not improving using conventional medicines.
Let's take a hypothetical patient - Joe.
Joe is suffering stomach upsets, headaches and sleeplessness. He visits his doctor, who diagnoses stress at work as the cause of his symptoms. The Doctor offers drugs that will stop the sickness, painkillers for the headaches and sedatives to aid sleep. Although sensibly advising Joe to relax, the doctor cannot stop Joe getting stressed when he returns to work.
Joe decides he needs to find a permanent solution to this problem. His job is stressful - but he cannot afford to walk away from it. After hearing about his local Natural Health Centre and he pays a visit, where he is offered a range of therapies that will help him. There are natural therapies for pain relief, digestive disorders, and sleeplessness.
Joe can receive therapy sessions to equip him with the tools to deal with the stress so that it no longer makes him ill.
Joe feels empowered and happy - confident that he is going to make a full, sustained recovery to full health.
What ailments can be treated by Natural Therapies?
Quite simply, just about everything. Natural Therapy is about treating the whole body, both physical and mental wellbeing is considered.
Mental issues can cause physical symptoms, (as with stress) and physical illnesses can cause mental issues.(for example, depression)
Remember these are natural treatments, many help the body by making it fitter to cope with diseases and conditions. Some work by making you feel positive and rested. Therapists never claim to cure you, but they offer treatments to help. In some cases, you will have to help yourself, guided by your therapist.
How do you find the right therapy for you?
Sadly, most of us take virtually no responsibility for our health. We visit the doctor, are told what is wrong, and simply take the drugs or treatments. We expect to be fixed - immediately, and with very little effort on our part.
Your local Natural Health Centre will have lots of leaflets and information. Find books at your local library, and of course the internet is awash with information. Talk to therapists, they will advise suitable treatments for you. Ultimately, you take responsibility for what treatment you try, but remember to discuss with the therapist what benefits you are seeking.
Why not try treatments simply to experience something new?
Reflexology is wonderfully relaxing, Alexander Technique is great for improving posture. You don't need to be ill to visit a Natural Health Centre, simply have an open mind and a willingness to try something natural and new. I recommend you visit a Natural Health Centre to check it out for yourself, you have nothing to lose.
An excellent source of information on Complementary Therapies is The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health www.fih.org.uk
