In Focus: Complementary therapies – Energetic therapies

[OvacomeSupport]

Hello All

As part of the February In Focus series looking at complementary therapies, I thought this week to provide some information on energetic therapies. These are therapies which work from the premise that energy (qi/chi) flows in channels (meridians) around our bodies. It often has a basis in traditional Chinese medicine. This is just to provide a very basic introduction & start a discussion, more information is available on the Macmillan and Cancer Research UK websites, and at the links given below.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture places fine needles at certain points in the body. Within traditional Chinese medicine this is to alter energy flow. The approach within Western medicine is to stimulate nerves. Acupuncture is proven to help with pain and as such you may be able to access treatment on the NHS. Other symptoms it may help with include sickness, fatigue, breathlessness, and menopausal symptoms.

The British Medical Acupuncture Society promotes the use and scientific understanding of acupuncture within medicine. You can search for a practitioner on their website here: medical-acupuncture.co.uk/F...

The British Acupuncture Council is the leading self-regulatory body for the practice of traditional acupuncture in the UK. You can search for a practitioner on their website here: acupuncture.org.uk/componen...

Shiatsu/Reiki: Shiatsu and reiki are both based on traditional Japanese massage therapy. Like acupuncture, they seek to affect energy flow to promote wellbeing. You stay fully clothed for the treatment. The practitioner will apply pressure at certain points on your body. With reiki, they may not touch you at all.

Unlike acupuncture, there isn’t an established evidence base for the effectiveness of these treatments, but some cancer centres, hospices and other services will offer treatments.

Registration for practitioners is voluntary in the UK. The Shiatsu Society (UK) has a register of practitioners on their website here: shiatsusociety.org/ The UK Reiki Federation has a list of practitioners (who need to have trained to Level 2 or 3) on their website here: reikifed.co.uk/find-reiki-p...

T’ai Chi/Qi gong: These aren’t complementary therapies but I thought it might be helpful to mention here as these exercises are based in traditional Chinese medicine theory and aim to encourage energy flow to promote health. Originally a martial art, they are now practised more as a gentle exercise, using flowing movements and deep breathing. Research into t'ai chi suggests it can help reduce stress, and improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase leg strength.

The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain has a list of teachers on their website here: taichiunion.com/instructors/

I hope this is helpful. Please do share your knowledge & experience of any of these in the comments below.

Best wishes

Anna

Ovacome Support Service Manager

[Wheelsofsteel]

Really useful Anna. Thank you for posting. Heather x

[Emsymits]

Very useful. It is great that complementary treatments are being discussed.

X