Therapies
Testimonials
Acupuncture
Acupuncture was developed in China over 3,000 years ago. It is a treatment of ailments and pain by penetrating the skin with special needles. Although its mode of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have a stimulating effect on the nervous system. It is believed that the life forces in you body, Chi, flows through channels called ‘Meridians’. These pathways criss-crosses the body nourishing every part with vital forces. Disease occurs when the energy flow is impaired.
The insertion of special, sterile, acupuncture needles in to specific and well chosen points on the body, and stimulating the needles is said to balance the proper flow of Chi to restore health.
Only single-use sterile needles are used in this clinic. Getting Acupuncture from me will not affect your status as a blood-donor. A letter is available for the Blood transfusion Service if you should require one.
The first 2 treatment may cause an aggravation of your symptoms. This is often followed by an alleviation. This response in normal and is often followed by a beneficial response.
Most people will require a course of 4 to 6 treatments although very occasionally, a single treatment will be sufficient. Much is dependent on the cause and lenght of time you have had your symptoms.
Autogenic Training
Autogenic Therapy is a powerful and comprehensive therapeutic system encompassing both mind and body. AT teaches skills enabling clients to utilise their own capacity for self-healing and self-development.
The core of AT is a training course during which clients learn a series of simple exercises in body awareness and relaxation designed to switch off the stress-related "fight and flight" system of the body and switch on the "rest, relaxation and recreation" system. During training the client has the opportunity to learn and experience passive concentration, a state of alert but detached awareness which enables the trainee to break through the vicious circle of excessive stress, whatever its origins. Once learnt, these techniques form a life-long skill which can become part of a health-promoting lifestyle. They require no special clothing or difficult postures.
Over 3000 scientific publications have shown AT to be a potent tool in preventative medicine, and an effective antidote to stress-related disorders of many kinds. It can relieve tension and insomnia, lessen anxiety and examination nerves, and help with a wide range of 'mind made' disorders. Recent research has shown a reduction in heart attack risks such as high blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
AT has been used by people of all walks of life to enhance healing, performance and creativity. It has been taught to international sports men and women to enhance performance, to airline pilots and crew to combat jet lag and fatigue, and in the business environment to optimise performance and concentration and reduce stress.
Those who have learnt Autogenic Therapy often report significant improvement within weeks, including; renewed energy and enthusiasmheightened creative ability greater coping ability and calmness under pressurereduction of stress anxiety levelsincreased confidence and assertivenessimproved teamwork amongst colleaguesbetter quality sleep
"I came to Stephen with a chronic back pain and tightness resulting from, as i found out, stress, bad posture and repetitive work related movements. He introduced me to NMT which proved to be a quick and quite painless way back to a normal functioning. Stephen not only helped me to get rid of the constant discomfort but also explained how i can avoid the pain in the future. I am back for a maintenance session now and then and i love it. Thanks a million."
Alex, Linlithgow
Carol, Falkirk
"Felt at ease straight away. Great service and advice provided pre, during and post massage. Highly recommended. Really appreciate the post- session videos they sent me the day after the massage."
Cranial Sacral therapy
Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.
Homeopathy
Derived from the Greek words ‘Homoios Pathos’ which means Similar Suffering. The idea is not new. In the days of Hippocrates and Paracelsus the knowledge “substances that produce symptoms could cure them” is common believe. For instance, if you have a person who is ill and his symptoms is similar to that of, say, Arsenic poisoning, then giving him a non-toxic dose of Arsenic can cure him. It was Dr Samual Hahnemann in the 1800’s that formalises homeopathy in to a meaningful science. He experimented with dilutions of poisons to treatment symptoms similar to that caused by poisoning.
Homoeopathic medicine is made from extracts of animals, plants and minerals. Each mother tinctures under goes a variable number of dilutions and agitation process that gives it Homoeopathic potency. These are then absorbed on to the surface of a carrier in tablet, granule or powder form, which makes dispensing easier.
There are hundreds of different remedies available today. Each remedy has its own pattern of symptoms. When I take a Homeopathic history from you, it is necessary for me to take some time to enquire about your symptoms to ascertain the nature of your symptoms as well as your personality, nature and habits. From these, I will match a remedy of comparable symptoms and offer it to you as a treatment. If the remedy matches your symptoms accurately, you can expect an improvement of your symptoms.
Often, after your consultation, I will prescribe three tablets of what I consider the best remedy for you. These are to be take one every four hours for three tablets. Suck or chew each tablet in a clean mouth without touching the tablets with your hands. Use a clean spoon to transfer it to your mouth.
Sometimes, it is not possible to improve your symptoms without an initial worsening. In fact, an aggravation of your symptoms after you have taken your remedy is often followed by a good improvement. It is not possible to predict how often your treatment will need repeating. In some patients, a single course of three tablet will provide a life long improvement. In others, a repeat treatment is required in a few days, weeks or months.
Before you come to see me, it will be worth your while trying some of these simple first-aid remedies if your condition fits the list below. You may find a course of 3 tablets of these treatments sufficient without a costly consultation with me. If, however, your condition is more complex, or you have not got a response from the listed remedies, I shall be happy to see you.
Dr Paul Lim MB ChB DRCOG
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Anxiety – Argentum Nitricum 30c one tab as required
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Colds/Runny Nose/Sinusitis – Pulsatilla 30c x3 tablets.
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Colic, Abdominal, (Inc. Infant Colic, IBS, Gastroenteritis) – Colocynth 30c x3 tablets (Granules available for infants, 6-12 granules four hourly)
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Eczema – Sulphur 30c x3 tablets
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Gastroenteritis/Sickness & diarrhoea/Food poisoning – Arsenicum Album 30c x3 tablets.
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Hay Fever – Mixed Pollen 30c x3 tablets
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Pre-Menstrual Syndrome – Sepia 30c x3 Tablets.
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Rheumatic pains/stiffness of joints – Rhus.Tox. 30c x3 tablets
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Sore throats – Causticum 30c x3 tablets.
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Tendon/ligament injury – Ruta Grav. 30c x3 tablets
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Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis – Gelsemium 30c x3 tablets.
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Trauma, Ailments after, (Physical or Psychological) Arnica 30c one tab. Two hourly for 10 tablets in your waking period.
Hypnosis & NLP
Some will think of hypnosis as some form of manipulation our fellow humans inflicted on some unfortunate soles, bewitching them into doing and thinking horrible things. Well, it can be and being aware of it will help you protect yourself from these infringements.
In actual fact, most of the bewitching is done by ourselves. We often say horrible things about ourselves to ourselves. Our internal dialogue tells us we are being silly, we cannot do somethings, we are being stupid, etc, sounds familiar? One survey found that we say, on average, 570 negative things to ourselves everyday and only say 7 good things each day. Tell yourself you are useless at something often enough and you will believe it. Hypnosis and NLP can help you believe in yourself again, achieve things you never though you could achieve and give you the edge you require to achieve in society.
Our mind is like a very sophisticated computer with a blank memory when we were born. If we were brought up in a caring and nurturing environment, we have a good chance for functioning normally. For one that has been through a terrible up bringing, with lots of disappointments and loss of trust, it becomes dysfunctional.
Hypnosis and NLP give you a chance to reset some of the faulty parameters. In the hands of an experience and trusted therapist, you can boost you confidence, reduce you anxiety and get your worried into satisfactory proportion.
Science has taught us that we normally have Right and Left Brain functions. The Left tended to be more logical, recognising things in patterns. It tends to make us fastidious, predicting that if event 1 happens, events 2 will follow then event 3 and then event 4 and so on. In some people, even before event 1 happens, they are predicting event 4 happening, making them anxious.
The Right brain is more creative, giving us lots of options. Re-training your Right brain by using your non dominant had more ofter can help you be more optimistic about you outcome, making Hypnosis and NLP more effective during your treatment.
Indian Head Massage
Treatment involves massage to the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, face and scalp, with the client remaining seated in an upright position. It often brings immediate relief to the neck and shoulders where stress can affect the major muscle groups.
Tensions are eased and fibrous knots and nodules melt away. The efficiency of the circulatory and lymphatic systems improves, toxins are dispersed from tense muscles and flexibility and fluidity of movement is restored.
Kinetic Chain Release (KCR)
Postural realignment in just one session to help bring your body back to it's dynamic, lively, energetic, natural state. Ever heard of someone that has one leg longer than another? Do you feel you suffer from this? Then this treatment would be ideal for you. In most cases people's femur's or thight bone has rotated upwards and in towards the perlvis. Over time this tightens up other muscles in the area which have a knock on effect throuhout your body. KCR seeks to reddress and realign your body, normally in just one session.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
A comprehensive look at your overall body. Identifying the current problems, their origins and the areas that need to be addressed. It involves deep tissue massage with certain unique stretching techniques that lower the overall tone of the muscle and allows it to return to it's best.
Seated Shiatsu
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A seated Shiatsu session will usually last 30 minutes and can be a great introduction for those new to Shiatsu.
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As seated Shiatsu focuses on the client's upper body it is excellent for issues in the upper body, helping to release muscular tension that is often the result of stress.
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Seated shiatsu is a very relaxing experience that can help to calm the mind, promote relaxation and in turn improve your mood, relieve tension and aid your sleep.
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A seated shiatsu session takes place on a chair or stool, whereas a full shiatsu session would traditionally take place on a futon on the floor or on a therapy table if this is more suitable.
Shiatsu
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Shiatsu is a natural healing discipline that originates in Japan, it stimulates and aims to rebalance the body’s vital energy flow (known as ‘Ki’ in Japanese) in order to promote good health.
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Similar to Acupuncture it springs from ancient Oriental principals though the practitioner uses thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and sometimes feet to apply pressure, rather than needles.
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A Shiatsu session takes place on a futon on the floor with the aid of cushions and blankets to ensure total comfort, and unlike most massage therapies the client remains fully clothed throughout the session.
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A 1 hour full body Shiatsu session is tailored to your individual needs and with the aim of supporting you in your own healing process.
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Shiatsu is excellent for promoting relaxation and helps prevent the build-up of stress. As a holistic therapy it works on the individual as a complete being, not just the physical body but also on an emotional, spiritual and/or mental level. It may produce long-term changes to your health and well-being as well as relieving general muscle tension and aiding joint mobility.
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Using acupressure points, deep penetration and active stretches, it releases tension and promotes awareness of correct posture.
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Clients are asked to wear comfortable, loose clothing and remain fully clothed during the session.
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If you are unsure if Shiatsu is suitable for you please contact Justine Lim.
Sports Massage Therapy
This style of massage not only helps recovery from injury, but more importantly is very effective in the prevention of injuries. It should therefore be an integral part of a training or fitness program for all those involved in physical activity, whether you are an amateur or a professional sports person.
Sports massage is effective for many kinds of muscular and soft tissue problems as well as injury, whether it is due to posture, occupational stress or sporting activities.
This style of massage not only helps recovery from injury, but more importantly is very effective in the prevention of injuries. It should therefore be an integral part of a training or fitness program for all those involved in physical activity, whether you are an amateur or a professional sports person.
After sporting activity there is a build-up of waste material and often also micro-trauma (microscopic tears in muscle tissue) as well as slight swelling in the muscles. By using techniques like effleurage and petrissage to stimulate blood circulation, Sports massage greatly aids the removal of waste products from the muscle tissues, and supplies these areas with increased blood and nutrients needed for tissue health and repair.
Further techniques, such as friction, mobilization, soft tissue release (STR), muscle energy techniques (MET) and neuromuscular techniques (NMT) are applied to help mobilize joints, reduce pain and break down scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and soft tissue, as well as to stretch and realign specific areas of damage or tangled fibers. Contracted muscles can be lengthened and areas of tightness are relaxed, helping to speed up recovery time and improve muscle performance and efficiency.
Sports massage focuses on the problem area, rather than giving you a full-body massage. A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific Problem in an area of your Body
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry needling is an invasive procedure whereby solid filament (acupuncture) needles are inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a trigger point. A trigger point (sometimes known as a knot) is related to the production and maintenance of the PAIN cycle. A muscle in spasm becomes a damaged muscle. Spasm reduces blood flow in the area, then that muscle develops scar tissue. Which leads to joint and muscle inhibition. Inserting a needle in the spasm relaxes that area which can improve the body as a whole.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a holistic treatment based on the principle that there are areas and points on the feet, hands, and ears that map via the nervous system to corresponding parts of the body. When pressure is applied to these areas and points it stimulates the movement of energy along the nerve channels, and helps to restore homeostasis (balance) in the whole body. Reflexology is known as Zone Therapy in countries other than the UK.
Working along Holistic principles, reflexology takes into account, Mind, Body and spirt as these are all interrelated. The things that happen in your life effect all levels of your being, whether you notice or not. If you feel under pressure or stressed, the effect on your body will be detrimental as your muscles remain tense and taut, constricting the circulation and nerves, compromising their functioning. Similarly, if you have a physical mishap your feelings will be affected by the pain you experience the way the accident happened, and the effect it has on you afterwards. Even though I am working mostly on the feet in reflexology I will be working the whole of the body, both inside and out throughout the treatment.
There are 7,000-7,200 nerve endings in the human foot, and each of these is a reflex point that corresponds to a body part. Reflexology uses special finger/thumb manipulations to stimulate reflex points, which will stimulate the flow of energy to the corresponding body part. This gradually helps to restore homeostasis and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself, physically and emotionally. As reflex points are minute, the movements are quite precise and care must be taken to cover all of them to ensure that the treatment is comprehensive and therefore a holistic treatment for the whole body. However, there is no reason why a specific reflex point can't be worked on more if an imbalance is detected. Imbalances manifest themselves through crystals at the affected reflex point, which vary from being slightly crunchy like sugar to lumps of varying sizes. Dispersing these crystals is what unblocks energy channels, and this is done by applying firm pressure with the thumb or fingers.
Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation in the body, improves blood circulation, reduces aches and pains, soothes tired feet, and promotes overall healing. Reflexology is a recommended therapy and it should not replace any kind of medical treatment.
Reiki
Reiki is Japanese for ‘universal life energy, and is also a word used to describe a system of natural healing, This tradition was founded by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted there is balance and harmony within and around us, and we experience a sense of wellbeing.
Reiki treatment is a process that anyone can enjoy in the normal course of their life. The treatment is carried out fully clothed. Reiki can aid relaxation, assist the body’s natural healing processes and develop emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Reiki can also induce deep relaxation, relieve emotional stress and improve overall wellbeing and release blockages within the body. Reiki can be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatment and often helps to provide emotional support during recovery. The practice is taught by Reiki masters / teachers who have trained in the tradition passed on in person from master to student.
Aromatherapy Massage
Researchers have found that massage therapy sends calming and healing signals throughout the body, triggering a wide variety of positive changes. Massage can affect all body systems, but primarily stimulates the circulatory, nervous, lymphatic, and musculoskeletal systems.
Benefits of regular Massage
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Relaxes the body
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Calms the nervous system
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Lowers blood pressure
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Slows respiration
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Loosens tight muscles
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Stretches connective tissue
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Reduces chronic pain
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Improves skin tone
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Increases red blood cell count
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Relieves tired and aching muscles
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Aids recovery from injury
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Reduces tension headaches
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Increases tissue metabolism
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Speeds recovery from illness
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Increases blood and lymph circulation
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Stimulates endorphins
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Strengthens the immune system
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Reduces swelling
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Improves posture
Mental and emotional benefits
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Reduces mental stress
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Promotes good quality sleep
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Improves productivity
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Induce mental relaxation
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Improves concentration.
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Reduce anxiety
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Enhances self-image
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Provides a feeling of well being
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Nurtures and stimulates emotional growth
Hot Stone Massage
What is hot stone massage?
Evidence of stone massage dates back to before written history, in fact to over 3000 years.
Ancient civilisations, believed that hot stones were beneficial for cleansing the body relaxing the heart, grounding the soul and soothing the mind.
The treatment originates in ancient India and china, and more recently, the north American Indians living in the southwest states. The traditions and healing rituals, in which the stones were used, including lying the stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing stones for health and protection, using stones in diagnosis and treatment of disease during ceremonies such as sweat lodges or in medicine wheels. Some native healers used heated stones to ease the discomforts experienced during menstruation applied cold stones to impede blood flow after giving birth.
The roman empire was noted for their creation of the roman baths. Many of these rituals still exists to day in the form of hydrotherapy practices and the use of saunas, hot immersion, baths and marble stone/cold pools.
More recently it is thriving today in many healing centres and spas throughout North America, Europe, and is catching on fast in other parts of the world.
How does it work?
Hot stone massage combines the benefits of hydrotherapy and ‘Thermalism’ or Thermotherapy (the use of heat applications) with massage strokes, using stones to create a deep, relaxing and healing treatment.
Using the heat of the stones to warm the skin allows the skin to absorb moisturizing and therapeutic oils, while at the same time preparing the musculature of the body so the therapist can work into the deeper muscle layers.
Benefits
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Increased local circulation
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Improved blood flow to surrounding tissues
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Greater ability to transport toxins and waste products from the area
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Hot/cold stones provide a fantastic tool creating a sense of depth to the massage without putting extra wear and tear on the therapist’s hands.