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:
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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.
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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 tingle when
the needles are inserted. This is 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 know It 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
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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 an openness 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.
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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 Advice Please 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.
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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 massage that 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.
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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 semisupine 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
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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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