The term Complementary therapies refers to alternative therapies that can be used to treat certain medical conditions. There are many different types however there is no universally agreed definition.

They should not be used instead of traditional medicine and importantly,  for all medical conditions you should speak to your GP for their professional advice.

Complementary therapies include:

  • Acupressure
  • Bowen and Alexander Technique
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Reflexology
  • Reiki
  • Colonic Hydrotherapy
  • Naturopathy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Indian Head Massage
  • Kinesiology
  • Shiatsu Massage Therapy
  • Swedish Massage

It is important when you consider complementary therapies that you ensure your practitioner is qualified. Some cash plan providers will allow you to claim for alternative therapies of this type.

You can only claim if you are using a practitioner with the correct qualifications.

NICE have recognised some complementary therapies in limited circumstances. For example, The Alexander Technique for Parkinson’s Disease and manual therapy for lower back pain.

Osteopathy and chiropractic treatment are regulated in the same way as conventional practitioners even though they may be classed as a complementary medicine or alternative therapy.

In summary you could use this type of treatment alongside traditional medicine but not instead of it. You should always seek professional medical advice before experimenting with alternative therapies.

Moreover, this is especially important if you have a number of pre-existing conditions. Additionally you must ensure the treatment is appropriate for your condition to avoid any complications.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. It is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage

*The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), is the largest leading professional association for therapists in the UK and Ireland and they confirm that Hot Stone Massage is arguably one of the most popular therapies around today and that it is not only extremely relaxing, but also very effective due to the heat introduced to tense muscles. Hot stone massage therapy is a specialist massage. Your therapist applies smooth heated stones to the body, combining the benefits of massage and heat in one unified treatment. Spas typically use basalt stones which are river rocks. They are normally heated in a hot…

A closer look at Reiki

A closer look at Reiki

Reiki is a complementary therapy which can be covered on a Health Cash Plan from some providers in the UK. If you have this benefit as part of your policy it will mean you can claim cash back for treatment. There will be a benefit limit in place. What is Reiki? The UK Reiki Federation is one of the largest Reiki only professional associations. The Japanese word Reiki is translated as universal life force energy. It is a non-invasive complementary therapy that has been taught in the UK since the late 1900’s however, it has been used in Eastern medicine…

A closer look at Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

A closer look at Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

The origination of this complementary therapy is back in the 1930’s. Dr Emil Vodder created a range of movements which brought relief to some chronic conditions such as sinus congestion and catarrh. It has now moved forward and has gained acceptance throughout the world as a component in the treatment and control of lymphoedema.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy

What is Hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a skilled talking therapy which is used during hypnosis. It looks to help you direct your imagination in order to bring you desired changes in your thoughts, emotions and behaviour whilst experiencing a sense of deep relaxation. Hypnotherapy can help you manage a variety of problems. These issues could include medical, dental and psychological conditions. It can also be used to encourage you to incorporate exercise in to your life, stop smoking and lose weight. What can I expect in my first Hypnotherapy session? If you are considering Hypnotherapy for the first time, you may…

A closer look at Reflexology

A closer look at Reflexology

Reflexology has been used for many thousands of years. It involves a method of massage to reflex areas of the feet and hands although the feet are more commonly used.  A reflexologist cannot give a medical diagnosis but by having the whole body represented in the feet by way of reflex areas, this method offers a means of treating the body as a whole. The British Reflexology Association (B.R.A) was founded in 1985. It acts as a representative body for persons practicing methods of Reflexology as a profession and for students who are training in this method of complementary medicine….

A look at Naturopathy

A look at Naturopathy

This month we focus on the practice of Naturopathy, a form of therapy now recognised by many of the leading cash plan providers in the UK.
SMP Healthcare’s Lianne Muller has spoken to Britta Hochkeppel from Vita Serena in depth about this method of healing.

A look at acupuncture

A look at acupuncture

This month we focus on the practice of acupuncture, a form of therapy now recognised by many of the leading private medical insurers in the UK and often covered in the therapies section of their policies.
SMP Healthcare’s Lianne Muller has spoken to Edward Waller BSc. Lic Ac. MAAcC in depth about this traditional method of healing.