A quick guide to natural therapies

It can be confusing to decide which natural therapy is right for you. Here's a guide to a few well-known naturopathic treatments, and what ailments they aim to treat.

• Aromatherapy: this one involves the use of essential oils from plants and herbs, and is often combined with massage. It's frequently a component of beauty treatments, and regularly employed to treat gynaecological and skin problems and muscle injuries.
• Herbalism: is the use of plants and herbs with medicinal properties that stimulate the body's natural healing processes. This therapy is used to treat: pain, gynaecological problems, PMS, stress, sleep disturbance, digestive problems, headaches, acne and eczema.
• Homeopathy: a system of healing that involves taking a detailed history of the patient and introducing small amounts of a remedy to exacerbate and then cure a problem. It's used to treat: emotional issues, allergies and menstrual and menopausal disorders.
• Naturopathy: a combination of mainstream health science and a range of natural therapies to provide protection against common health problems. It's used to treat: weight problems, addictions, allergies, eczema and digestive problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome).
• Reflexology: this therapy is based on the belief that reflex points in the feet and hands correspond to various organs in the body. It's used to treat: stress, anxiety, asthma, menstrual problems and also digestive problems (such as constipation).

• Check your health fund. Osteopathy and chiropractic, for example, are commonly included in treatments that health plans cover.
• Rehabilitation patients and pensioners may find hospitals and hospices provide natural therapists' services at a reduced rate.
• If you're expecting to have long-term treatment, ask about discounts or a sliding scale for fees.
• Try a therapist who is starting a practice. They may charge less in order to build up their business.
• Try a training college. It will often be cheaper, provided you don't mind students treating you. They may lack experience, but will work under a qualified practitioner.

Massage techniques of various kinds have been used for thousands of years as a wonderfully effective way to relax, invigorate and heal. Whether you invest in a professional massage or learn a few basic strokes yourself, this therapy will boost circulation, lowering blood pressure and expelling toxins to help prevent illness.

Massage can be used on a daily basis or to alleviate unexpected aches and pains. These are just some of the reasons to use it.

• Massage is especially good for people in sedentary occupations. If you work at a desk all day long, it's worth asking your human resources department if the company would be willing to subsidize a massage therapist. Some organisations recognize the benefits to their workers and help to cover the cost.
• A good massage will help your muscles recover quickly after exercise and reduce spasms, tension and cramping.
• Massage can help lower blood pressure and reduce your pulse rate, in turn helping to relieve tension and stress.
• It can help reduce emotional stress, which often manifests as a dramatic tightening of the chest muscles and shortness of breath.
• Massage can accelerate the process of healing tissue by stimulating the circulation of blood. Accelerating the healing process in this way can in turn help to minimize swelling and contusions.
• It reduces cramping and spasms in the digestive tract and facilitates elimination through the large intestines to work as an aid for digestive problems.
• A good massage can instil both a general feeling of relaxation and well-being and a strong sense of invigoration.

However, it's important note that massage is not advised for everyone.

If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, suffer from cancer, have a broken bone, have a serious back injury, suffer from severe skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema, or have tissue damage you should consult your doctor before going for a massage. And, in particular cases, direct pressure should never be applied to varicose veins.

If you're at all unsure about whether or not massage is a good idea for you, be sure to check with your doctor.