Our complementary therapies

We provide the following therapies to people who are affected by drug and alcohol misuse issues.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture uses needles to stimulate acupuncture points on the outer ear. It originated in China over 2000 years ago, and has since been used to help relieve many chronic complaints, such as arthritis, anxiety, asthma, back pain, depression, addiction, hay fever, insomnia and migraine.

We only use 5 needles for auricular acupuncture. The needles are sterile and are only used once before safe disposal. Only the tip of the needle enters the skin, which is a painless procedure.

You can sit or lie down for the treatment, and you don't have to remove any clothes, other than any jewellery you may have on your ears. If you are pregnant or suffer from haemophilia, we will need a doctor's letter to confirm that it is safe to treat you.

Treatment will take about 50 minutes, and we recommend weekly sessions.

Reflexology Massage

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that reflex areas in the hands and feet correspond to particular parts of the body. The application of pressure to these areas can relieve tension and stress, improve circulation, and promote the natural functions of the body. Reflexology has been used for thousands of years to bring the body into harmonious balance.

Treatment is given while you lie on a massage bed, allowing you to fully relax. We use perfume free talcum powder or foot massage cream, and you will need to remove your shoes and socks and any toe rings or ankle bracelets.

If you are pregnant, receiving post-operative treatment, intoxicated, or suffering from heart disease, thrombosis, infectious disease, high temperature, diabetes or epilepsy, you will need to provide a doctor's letter confirming that it is safe for you to receive treatment.

Reflexology treatments last for about 50 minutes, and we recommend repeated treatments in order to benefit fully.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is based on the Ayurvedic system of medicine, and has been traditionally practised in India for thousands of years. The Ayurvedic approach to health focuses on the balance of mind, body and spirit, and recommends the use of massage alongside herbs, cleansing, yoga, medication and exercise. A variety of massage techniques are used on the head, neck, shoulders and upper arms to revitalise, relieve tension and promote relaxation.

You will need to remove any earrings and necklaces, and your t-shirt or blouse only if oils are used. Treatment is given while you are seated.

If you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy, are intoxicated, have recent scar tissue or undiagnosed bumps or swellings, or are suffering from fever, infection, recent haemorrhages, migraine, head or neck injury, nervous system dysfunction or cancer, you will be required to provide a doctor's letter confirming that it is safe for you to receive treatment.

Indian head massage takes about 30 minutes, and repeated treatments can be even more beneficial.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy oils have been used for over six thousand years to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Aromatherapy massage is a gentle and relaxing massage, using essential oils to aid physical and mental well being.

As oils are used, it will be necessary to remove all outer garments, leaving your underwear on. At no time will your body be left exposed; all steps are taken to preserve your modesty and dignity.

If you are pregnant, intoxicated, receiving post-operative treatment, or suffering from heart disease, thrombosis, fever, infectious disease, epilepsy or diabetes, it is essential that you provide a doctor's letter confirming that you can receive treatment safely.

Treatment will last approximately 50 minutes, and you are welcome to book further treatments if you wish.

Aftercare Advice

  1. Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
  2. Avoid heavy meals for at least 2 - 3 hours. Eat raw fruit or vegetables if you are hungry, this will help to cleanse your body and allow it to put energy into healing.
  3. Rest as much as possible to allow the body to heal.
  4. Take warm baths to prolong the feeling of relaxation.
  5. Try some self-massage techniques.
  6. Listen to relaxing music.
  7. Drink herbal tea or fresh juice, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  8. Avoid smoking - if you can't stop altogether, limit the number of cigarettes you smoke.
  9. Leave the oils on your body or hair for as long as possible, preferably overnight.

Aftercare for the Hair

  1. The first time you wash your hair after treatment, do not wet the hair before applying shampoo.
  2. Work shampoo through dry hair, leave for 30 seconds, then rinse with warm water.
  3. If necessary, wash hair again as usual.
  4. Brush hair regularly to stimulate circulation, distribute natural oils, and remove loose hairs.
  5. Protect hair from the harsh effects of the sun and chemicals in swimming baths.
  6. Avoid using curling tongs, hair dryers and heated rollers, as the heat can damage the hair.
  7. Avoid having your hair permed or dyed.
  8. Remember that a good diet is the secret to healthy hair.