We’ve come a long way as a society regarding counselling and therapy. Gone are the days when having a counsellor in your phone contacts was seen as a sign of being ‘crazy’ or a giant red flag. Today, many people feel confident revealing that they’ve sourced help for mental-health issues, with some even going a step further and posting about their experiences with therapy on social media.
Unfortunately, it is becoming harder to access therapy in the UK. The current cost of living crisis has only made mental-health support less accessible, with many Brits now cancelling therapy appointments due to rising costs. As a result, the spotlight is turning to alternative therapies which may be more affordable and accessible.
In this article, we explore alternative medicines to try instead of conventional therapy.
Alternative And Complementary Medicine In The UK
Alternative and complementary medicines are growing increasingly popular in the UK which means that there’s a strong market for businesses offering these services. However, if you’re looking into becoming a licensed therapist and inviting people into your premises, by law, you’ll need to obtain insurance for therapists.
Having appropriate insurance will protect you and your business if an individual is injured or makes a malpractice claim against you or your employees.
Acupuncture
Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into certain areas of the body.
Acupuncture is believed to stimulate various parts of the central nervous system and release chemicals into the muscles and the brain. These are thought to stimulate the natural healing capabilities of the body and boost both physical and mental wellbeing.
Reiki
The practice of Reiki involves using gentle touch or placing the hands just above different areas of the body. An original Japanese practice, Reiki Sessions are believed to introduce external energy into the body, enhancing physical and emotional wellbeing.
Despite many people being sceptical of Reiki, it’s becoming more mainstream in the UK and Reiki therapy is even recommended to help cancer patients to manage pain and anxiety.
Tai chi
Tai chi began as a form of self-defence but has since evolved into a type of exercise designed to combat stress rather than a physical opponent. Graceful, flowing movements are used to ensure that the body is constantly in motion. The aim is to transition into each pose in a slow, controlled manner while breathing deeply.
Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy works by guiding a person into relaxation and intense concentration to allow them to gain a heightened sense of awareness.
While hypnosis isn’t as magical as Hollywood movies might have you believe, hypnotherapy can be a valuable complement to counselling or therapy. It’s ideal for treating anxiety, phobias and depression and can also support those suffering from grief, loss or stress.
