Positive Care Programme

About the therapies and workshops

The Positive Care Programme is designed to give a holistic approach to your wellbeing so that over time a positive change may be experienced.

Each week we like participants to attend:

  • A group workshop
  • A group activity
  • An individual therapy

There are nine therapies to choose from and we will try our best to meet your needs. You are asked to select the three therapies you most want to try and you will be booked in for three or four sessions of each of these. If you don’t like your decision you can request a change at any time throughout the programme.

INFORMATION ON THE INDIVIDUAL THERAPIES

ACUPUNCTURE–

What is it?Acupuncture is a healing technique that stimulates the flow of ‘Qi’ or energy in the body. Fine needles are inserted into the body and that helps to rebalance energy and alleviate many symptoms of ill health. Needles are retained for 20 minutes in the skin.

What does acupuncture feel like?Everyone experiences acupuncture in their own way but most people will describe a sensation similar to a dull ache or a tinglewhen the needles are inserted. Thisis usually followed by a pleasurable feeling of relaxation.

What can acupuncture treat?Acupuncture can be helpful in many physical and mental health conditions. Below is a list of conditions that are widely recognised as being particularly responsive to acupuncture:

Anxiety, appetite problems, arthritis, backache, bladder dysfunction, breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), colds, constipation, cystitis, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fertility issues, frozen shoulder, haemorrhoids, headaches, heartburn, indigestion, joint pain, leg cramps, lumbago, menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems e.g. PMT/PMT, heavy, painful or irregular periods, migraine, morning sickness and preparing for childbirth, osteoarthritis, rhinitis (acute), sciatica, sinusitis (acute), sore throat, stomach disorders e.g. bloating, lack of appetite, ulcers, stress, tennis elbow, trigeminal neuralgia.

What else you should knowIt is advisable not to receive treatment on an empty stomach or after you have consumed alcohol or substances such as cannabis.

Before your Acupuncture treatment you will be asked to sign a consent form. You may be required to remove some clothing, depending on your condition. Your dignity and privacy will be respected as far as is possible and you will be given towels to cover your body. The towels are removed during treatment only to gain access to one area of the body at a time. If you feel uncomfortable at any time please do say so and treatment shall be adjusted or ceased.

REFLEXOLOGY –

Reflexology is an ancient healing therapy which uses the thumbs and fingers to give a particular form of massage to the feet or hands. There are reflex points in the feet which correspond to specific parts of the body. By applying pressure to these points, the corresponding parts of the body are stimulated. This will trigger a response to clear any congestion in the body and so enable the body’s own healing processes to take place. In massaging all of both feet we therefore treat the whole body not just the problem area. It is very relaxing, which in itself encourages the healing process, and helps the body to work more efficiently.

Contraindications

  • Thrombosis

HEALING–

People who have long-term health problems and those who work as carers often feel low in energy and ‘unbalanced’. Natural Healing helps to restore the energy balance of the body, mind and spirit so people then have the energy to help heal themselves. Natural healing can bring about a sense of well-being and inner peace.

What is it? Healing is a completely natural process that promotes better health. The channeling of healing energies through the healer to the patient brings this about. The aim of healing is to bring all aspects of the self (mind, body and spirit) into harmony and balance. Healing re-energises and relaxes, so that the body’s natural resources are enabled to deal with illness or injury in the best possible way.

It can be helpful in a wide range of physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional conditions, sometimes to a remarkable degree. The nature of the illness is irrelevant to the outcome. In addition to its value in relieving pain and restoring function, healing is also notable for initiating improvements in patients' attitudes, clarity of thought, and quality of life.

Healing takes place fully clothed with the healer placing their hands on or above the person receiving healing. The person is likely to feel warm, comfortable and relaxed throughout the session and to leave with an enhanced feeling of relaxation, inner peace and wellbeing.

You do not need faith for healing to help you. Healers work from a wide range of philosophies and many see their ability as a natural resource. Nothing is expected of the patient except perhaps anopenness to allowing what might happen. An awareness of the need for change and the motivation to do so can also be helpful.

How long is healing needed before benefit is seen? Sometimes healing is successful in one treatment. Far more often, the improvement is gradual. It is rare for anyone to receive healing over a period of time without feeling some benefit.

Does healing influence medical treatment? No. Healing is complementary to orthodox medical treatment and does not interfere with it in any way. NHS doctors often refer patients for healing.

Who are the healers? The healers are trained to high professional standards through The Healing Trust (previously known as the National Federation of Spiritual Healers), which has a respected Code of Conduct.

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE –

Indian Head Massage is based on a traditional system of medicine known as Ayurveda, concerned with promoting positive health, beauty and long-life. In Indian Head Massage, not just the head, but also the face, upper back, neck and arms can also be massaged as these can all be vulnerable to stress.

Benefits and effects Relief from pain and muscular stiffness; increased mobility in joints; relief from eye strain, headaches, nasal congestion, tinnitus, migraine and insomnia; alleviation of stress, anxiety, lethargy and mild depression; increased energy levels; improved skin condition; strong, healthy and shiny hair; strengthened immune system.

Contraindications

  • Any recent head or neck injury
  • Severe bruising, cut or abrasions in the treatment area
  • Localised dilation of blood vessels
  • Uncontrolled epilepsy
  • Very high or low blood pressure
  • Active migraine
  • Diabetes
  • History of thrombosis or embolism
  • Dysfunction of the nervous system
  • Skin or scalp diseases or disorders
  • Recent operations
  • Pacemaker
  • Wearing contact lenses
  • Cancer

Aftercare AdvicePlease note that afterwards you may feel tender in the area that has been massaged. Any form of massage stimulates the lymphatic system to rid the body of toxins, therefore, for at least the first 24 hours:

  • Rest as much as possible
  • Drink plenty of water, herbal teas and fruit juices
  • Eat a light diet
  • Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, fatty, spicy foods and nicotine

Healing Crisis Very occasionally clients can experience something called a healing crisis after massage. This is a condition that can happen should the body have a great many toxins to be removed. Although you can feel pretty horrible, and this can last for a number of days, it is actually a good sign as it shows that the treatment is indeed working. Symptoms of a healing crisis are: Extreme tiredness, upset stomach, headaches, nausea, increased urination and generally feeling unwell.

MASSAGE –

Massage has been used in many cultures for thousands of years to release nervous tension and ease aching muscles, to comfort, relax, soothe and energize. It helps us feel connected to our bodies and restores a sense of well-being.

Being massaged is also useful in helping us become aware of body tension that has become so habitual we no longer realise it is there. Such long-standing tension makes that part of the body vulnerable to injury, and causes tiredness and aching (often in related – or seemingly unrelated! - muscles).

On the Positive Care Programme the massage will usually be given on a comfortable padded mat on the floor. For those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor, a chair will be used.

Each session will be half an hour. This does not really give time for much undressing, but a back massage with oil is possible for those who would like it. Otherwise a deep and effective massage can easily be given through clothing. Each person will receive a massagethat suits them, so just before you come, think about what you feel you need. If you have no idea, don't worry – we'll find out together.

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE –

What is it? Learning the Alexander Technique involves changing long-standing habits and relies on your active participation (but in a very gentle way). The Technique works by helping you to identify and prevent the harmful postural habits that may be the cause of stress and pain. The teacher uses a combination of gentle hands-on guidance and talking to help you find ease and balance within yourself in simple movements and everyday activities such as sitting, standing, walking or bending.

What does Alexander Technique feel like?

Alexander Technique helps release tension. After a session you may feel fantastic or tired! Both are entirely normal reactions. Sometimes people experience tingling or aching in a specific part of their body. Occasionally people may feel emotional – clients sometimes burst out laughing or start crying in a session, but this is relatively rare and nothing to get worried about.

What else should you know?

The Technique involves no specific exercises, requires no special equipment and can be practised wherever you are. It is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness.

Anyone who has a contagious condition should not come for lessons (because the teacher touches the client), but anyone else can come and gain a lot of benefit. I started having Alexander Technique lessons ten years ago when I was very ill with severe Chronic Fatigue. There are at least five Alexander Technique teachers in Yorkshire who are ex Chronic Fatigue sufferers. The Technique is both very gentle and also very empowering as it can offer a client some personal control in difficult and trying circumstances.

The only items of clothing you take off in a session are your shoes. Please wear socks to the workshop - not bare feet and wear a top that has sleeves (as I will be releasing tension around your shoulders by accessing your arm pits!).

Part of each session will involve lying down in the classic Alexander Technique semi-supine position – allowing maximum support and relief for the back. This position is easy to learn and it’s particularly helpful for anyone who gets tired easily as it is a constructive way of resting in a position that is good for the body.

SHIATSU –

Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning ‘finger pressure’. It is a new name for the oldest form of medicine - healing with hands. The giver uses thumbs, fingers and palms to connect with the receiver. The giver is connecting with what enables us and all life forms to function i.e. our vital life force or energy called Ki (in Japan), Chi (in China). This can sometimes get blocked. In everyday life, what we do or experience at work, at home, in our hobbies, in our emotions, or in our relationships with others, can sometimes block the body’s natural flow of vital energy. The blockage shows itself as pain, distress or illness. With sensitivity, the giver of shiatsu feels and positively influences the receiver’s vital energy, releasing the blockage and allowing the body’s vital energy to flow freely, as it should, so that the receiver can get the most out of their particular potential.

Shiatsu can help with many modern health problems:

  • migraines and headaches
  • back, neck and shoulder stiffness
  • muscle pain and aching joints
  • panic attacks and stress
  • menstrual problems
  • digestive problems
  • asthmatic symptoms

To receive shiatsu, you would lie down on a futon on the floor. If this is not a comfortable position for you, you may sit on a chair. You stay fully clothed. It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing and a pair of warm socks and not be too hungry or too full. You will be given the opportunity to say if there is any part of your body the giver should be careful of and if there is any part you wish to be given special attention.

It might take a few sessions of shiatsu before your body relaxes sufficiently to feel the benefit. You give yourself the best chance if you relax mind and body completely. The body has its own wisdom. It already knows the way to heal itself. All it needs is a nudge in the right direction. So relax - enjoy!

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