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Frequently Asked Questions... |
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· Are complementary therapies safe? · Can I use complementary therapies alongside seeing my GP? · I am on medication. Will you tell me to stop taking it? · Can babies and children benefit from complementary therapies? · I am housebound, can I still have an appointment? · How do I know which Practitioner to choose? · Can I use complementary therapies when undergoing chemotherapy? · I am pregnant. Should I avoid complementary therapies? · Do I need to get my GP’s permission before having a treatment? · How many treatments will I need? · Do I need to bring anything with me when I attend my first appointment? · Why do you need to know about my diet and lifestyle? · How do I know which therapy will help me most? · After a treatment, will you tell my GP about your findings? · Can I bring a friend to sit-in with me during a treatment? · Do I need to accompany my child during a treatment? · Are there any side effects with complementary therapies?
Are complementary therapies safe? Yes, if you choose a properly qualified and experienced practitioner. There are very few contra-indications with complementary therapies. During your initial consultation, the practitioner will ask a series of questions that will enable an appropriate treatment programme to be compiled for you. If you have any questions about the therapy, the practitioner will be happy to advise you. Can I use complementary therapies alongside seeing my GP? Yes. Complementary therapies work well alongside orthodox medicine. In fact, some GP’s are now referring their patients to complementary practitioners and many hospitals now offer therapies such as reflexology. A complementary practitioner will never diagnose or prescribe medication for you, nor will they adjust any of the medication that you are taking. I am on medication. Will you tell me to stop taking it? No. A complementary therapist will never suggest that you stop taking or change the dosage of any medication that has been prescribed for you. They may recommend that you visit your GP for a review of your medication from time to time if they feel that your state of health has changed. A complementary therapist will work alongside your doctor to facilitate an improvement in your health and well being. Can babies and children benefit from complementary therapies? Yes. Many common childhood conditions respond well to complementary therapies. It is essential that a parent or guardian is present during any treatments. The treatment programme will be tailored to the child’s needs. This may mean that the treatment is shortened or lighter pressure is used. I am housebound. Can I still have an appointment? Yes. Many complementary practitioners will visit you in your home if you are immobile. How do I know which Practitioner to choose? As there are few regulations in place for complementary practitioners, choosing the right therapist can be difficult. Always look for the letters after the practitioner’s name, such as MIIR (Reg’d), MIFPA, T.A.Th and find out what they mean. Ask the practitioner about their training and experience. A professional therapist will be more than happy to tell you about their background. If you are unsure, contact the awarding body for the therapy in question to check that the practitioner is registered. Lisa Brelsford is fully qualified to offer Reflexology, and Reiki and is currently training to become a Life Coach. She is registered with the International Institute of Reflexology and the International Council of Holistic Practitioners and is committed to continuous professional development. Can I have complementary therapies whilst undergoing Chemotherapy? Many complementary therapies can be helpful to patients undergoing cancer treatment. In fact, reflexology is offered in many oncology departments. It is suggested that you discuss your desire to try complementary therapies with your specialist first and then contact a reputable practitioner for advice on the most suitable treatment programme. I am pregnant. Should I avoid complementary therapies? No. During pregnancy, complementary therapies can be extremely beneficial in helping to cope with symptoms such as morning sickness, tiredness, oedema and hypertension. Regular treatments can also keep you calm and relaxed and help to prepare your body for childbirth and hormonal fluctuations. A professional practitioner will tailor treatments to ensure that they are suitable for you. Do I need to get my GP's permission before having a treatment? Not unless you want to. Some patients prefer to discuss embarking on a course of complementary therapies with their GP first, however this is up to you. If you have a serious health condition, it is wise to get advice. A professional complementary practitioner may recommend that you contact your doctor if there is anything that they feel needs addressing. How many treatments will I need? This varies depending on your current state of health. Usually it is suggested that you try a course of 4-6 treatments initially, followed by a review of the resulting improvements. After your initial consultation the practitioner will advise you on what they feel is required. If you are using complementary therapies purely for relaxation and enjoyment, rather than to tackle a complex health condition, you can book treatments as and when you like. Do I need to bring anything with me when I attend my first appointment? Just yourself! If you are taking medication or supplements, it is sensible to bring a list of what you take, the dosage and how frequently you take them, or bring the products with you to the first treatment. Why do you need to know about my diet and lifestyle? Diet and exercise play a key role in healthcare. By building up a picture of your diet and lifestyle, the practitioner will be able to make suggestions to you which may help to reduce your presenting health condition. Where necessary, you may be advised to seek the help of a qualified nutritionist. How do I know which therapy will help me most? If you are unsure about which treatment to choose, please contact the practitioner to discuss your situation and state of health and you will be advised on the most appropriate therapy to meet your needs. You may want to try more than one therapy over a period of time, to find the one that brings you the most benefit. After a treatment, will you tell my GP about your findings? Only with your consent. Usually there is no need for us to report to your GP, however if there is a situation where the complementary practitioner feels there is cause for concern, they may feel it appropriate to speak to your GP. In a serious situation, the practitioner has a duty of care to involve a doctor or person in authority. Practitioners work to a strict code of conduct, which includes instruction on client confidentiality. Can I bring a friend to sit-in with my during my treatment? Yes, if it will help you to feel more comfortable. Where a child or a patient with a severe psychological condition is undergoing a treatment it is essential that a parent, guardian or nominated chaperone is present. Do I need to accompany my child during a treatment? Yes. This is a legal requirement. You may be required to answer questions on your child’s behalf, particularly during the initial consultation when we need to understand about previous medical conditions, medication, surgery, etc. Are there any side effects to complementary therapies? Not usually, however some patients may experience what is termed as a ‘healing crisis’ after the first treatment. This is a reaction resulting in symptoms such as a runny nose, more frequent visits to the toilet, a mild headache or sweating. The symptoms will generally disappear after 48 hours and are a sign that the body is adjusting, detoxifying and responding to the treatment. Not everyone will experience such a reaction.
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