COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES AND MENTAL HEALTH

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1 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 1 COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES AND MENTAL HEALTH

2 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 2 SAMH, Scotland s leading mental health charity, works to support people who experience mental health problems, homelessness, addictions and other forms of social exclusion. SAMH recognises that conventional medicine can be very important for people with mental health problems. However, we also know that many people find alternative approaches to be helpful. This leaflet is based on the experiences of some SAMH service users who have used complementary medicine: their experiences are highlighted throughout. Complementary therapies will not suit everyone, and you should consult your GP or other health professionals before using a new therapy. What are complementary therapies? Complementary therapies are those therapies which may be used to complement, or work alongside, conventional treatments. Complementary therapies tend to be "holistic", meaning that an individual is considered as a whole, with a range of physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs. Treatment takes into account every aspect of the individual; therefore the focus is not on a person s disability but on the person themselves. Who uses complementary therapies? Millions of people use complementary therapies worldwide, and there has been a growing interest in complementary therapies in mental health. Many people find they benefit from the greater emphasis of alternative approaches on the contribution people can make to their own well-being, rather than relying solely on psychiatric treatments or drugs. I think these therapies are essential not only to my physical health but, more importantly, to my mental health

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4 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 4 While some research does exist on the uses of complementary therapies for mental health problems, there is very little conclusive evidence to prove or disprove the usefulness of any particular therapy. Which complementary therapy is best for me? Different therapies will suit different people, so the only way to know if a particular therapy is right for you is to give it a try. While there is little doubt that people can derive great benefit from many of these therapies, it is important to remember that no reputable therapist would claim to be able to cure a serious mental health problem. You should be wary of leaping from one therapy to another in the hope of finding such a 'miracle cure'. Before starting any kind of complementary therapy, you should consider your reasons for doing so and the results you are hoping to achieve. For example, do you want to improve your overall wellbeing, or is there a specific health problem that you want to address? These questions may well affect your choice of treatment and practitioner.

5 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 5 What different types of complementary ther apies are there? The term complementary therapy covers a wide range of treatment methods; there are too many to list them all. Many are traditional remedies which were developed in different cultures over the centuries. Some examples of types of complementary therapy include: Exercise / Movement Therapies Movement therapies are based on the theory that the body influences the mind just as much as the mind influences the body. In these therapies movement is used as a healing medium to promote health. The term movement therapy can refer to a vast range of movement approaches, all used to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Examples of movement therapies include yoga, qigong and t'ai chi. I found yoga very relaxing Psychological and Relaxation Therapies A wide variety of complementary therapies claim to improve health by promoting relaxation. Examples include meditation, hypnotherapy and breathing exercises. Meditation practice focuses on stilling or emptying the mind. Typically, this is achieved by focusing on breathing or a sound (mantra) that you repeat to yourself. Hypnosis involves inducing a very relaxed state in which the person is more open to suggestions that affect their behaviour, or remove symptoms. I feel peaceful & calmer Alternative Systems of Medicine Alternative medicines often date back hundreds or even thousands of years, and are found in various forms in countries and cultures around the world. Examples include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine and herbal medicine. Such systems often involve supplementing a person's normal diet with additional nutrients, herbs, extracts, and certain foods. Sensory / Creative Therapies Creative therapies use the arts to explore feelings and thoughts to help people understand their state of mind. Some examples of creative therapies include colour therapy, music therapy and arts. Absolutely essential to improve my wellbeing

6 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 6 Spiritual or Energy Healing These complementary therapies are natural energy therapies. The idea is that our natural flow of energy always moves towards perfect health and well-being and that energy flows more freely when we are centred and grounded. However, when faced with difficulties in our life which we find difficult to cope with, we can hold onto this unresolved energy and create blockages in our energy field. This blockage then impacts on our vitality and can lead to ill-health and suffering. Spiritual or energy healing focuses on helping people to release these blockages. Some examples include crystal healing and reiki. I feel much more positive about myself Touch/Manipulative Therapies Touch/Manipulative therapy includes massage therapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy and reflexology. These types of complementary therapy involve the movement of muscular tissue through physical contact in order to relieve tension throughout the body. I enjoy Indian head massage nice and soothing What should I do before starting a complementary therapy? Tell your doctor This is especially important if you are taking any conventional medicines, or if the complementary therapy you are starting requires you to take any remedies or medicines. Some GPs and physiotherapists offer complementary therapies, and your doctor may be able to tell you if the therapy that interests you is available on the National Health Service. If not, they will still be able to offer you advice and may be able to recommend particular therapies or practitioners. Finding a complementary therapy practitioner If you are thinking of using complementary therapies, you should consider the following questions when choosing a practitioner: Is this a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional body? Can the practitioner give you the address and telephone number of this professional body? What are the practitioner s qualifications? What sort of training did they undertake and for how long?

7 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 7 How much does treatment cost? How many treatments are involved? What does the treatment actually involve? What will you be expected to do? Some local authorities provide relaxation tapes and offer classes in techniques such as yoga and stress management. You might also find some of these therapies in health care settings, day care centres and so on. What is the practitioner s attitude to any conventional medicine that you may be receiving? How much should I expect to pay for complementary therapies? Although it is worth checking whether complementary therapies are available to you through the NHS, you will usually have to pay for treatments yourself. It's also important to remember that you may need a course of treatments, rather than just a one-off session. Fees for a private therapist can range from about 10 to 40 (and more) per session. Some complementary therapy practitioners will negotiate a fee with you based on your income and ability to pay while others may offer a flat rate if you are unemployed. You should find that there are some low-cost (and possibly even free) options available if you look for them.

8 COMP THERAPIES 8pp ART:Layout 1 23/11/ :58 Page 8 Useful contacts Therapies United Therapies United is a free register of local therapists offering a range of complementary therapies throughout Scotland. This register can be accessed at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital This hospital offers homeopathy on the NHS, and regularly sees people with mental health problems. You can ask your GP or consultant to refer you. Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 OXQ Tel: British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA) The BCMA is an umbrella organisation which produces a guide and a code of conduct for practitioners. It also holds a register of practitioners. PO Box 5122, Bournemouth, BH8 0WG Tel: office@bcma.co.uk SAMH SAMH provides an information service every weekday between pm. The service offers information on issues related to mental health and mental health problems. You can contact the service on freephone or info@samh.org.uk For more information about the work of SAMH, or to become a SAMH member, contact us as: SAMH, Cumbrae House, 15 Carlton Court, Glasgow, Scotland, G5 9JP. Tel: enquire@samh.org.uk Website: Scottish Association for Mental Health. SAMH is a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland No Scottish Charity No. SC Registered office: Cumbrae House, 15 Carlton Court Glasgow G5 9JP. We are often able to make our publications available in alternative formats. Please contact us for more details. Printed using Revive 50:50 silk. Certified as a FSC Mixed sources coated grade containing 50% recovered waste and 50% virgin fibre. Breathing Space A free, confidential phone-line which anyone can call when feeling down or stressed. Tel: