Complementary Medicine
Complementary Medicine is that which is used in addition to (i.e. it complements) standard or conventional medicine and therapies. It is also referred to as Alternative Medicine, usually when used alone. Some of these practices are widespread, supported by evidence, legislated and may even be prescribed or recommended by GPs in the UK; others are considered more controversial, or less scientifically proven. Most of the therapies listed below have their own systems of regulation, for instance the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists.
For an extensive listing of alternative people, goods and services in Oxfordshire consult the Green (as opposed to Yellow) pages, available from Neal's Yard, Waterstone's, Uhuru Wholefoods, The Magic Café, The Inner Bookshop, etc.
For further medical advice, see our links here.
Acupressure Massage
For our review of Yvette Best's mobile sevice, click here
Acupuncture
Based on the principle that health is dependent on the balance of vital energy forces within the body. Lists of practitioners are available from: The British Acupuncture Association (MBAcA), 34 Alderney Street, London SW1V HEV; The Traditional Acupuncture Society, 1 The Ridgeway, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick CV37 9JL. Local practicioner: Michael McIntyre MRTCM, Midsummer Cottage, Nether Westcote, Kingham, Oxon (tel 01993 830419).
Alexander Technique
Improve your posture in order to improve your general health, well-being and with-it-ness. Oxford's centre is in Headington; info on AT in Oxfordshire can be found here; and the UK society is a good source of info for beginners/nationwide. Tel. Stephen Cooper: 765511.
Applied Kinesiology
A system of diagnosis and treatment using muscle testing as functional neurological evaluation relating to structural, chemical (food inteolerance, allergy etc) and psychological dysfunction. Contact Clive Lindley-Jones B.Ed. D.O. M.R.O. Registered Osteopath, member of the International College of Applied Kinesiology, 17 Warwick Street, Oxford, tel 243351.
Bach Flower Remedies
A simple and natural method of establishing complete quilibrium and harmony through the personality, by means of wild flowers extracts. General information from: The Bach Centre, Mount Vernon, Sotwell, Wallingford, Oxon OX0 0PZ (SAE please). Tel 01491 834678.
Chiropractic
Concerned with the mechanical disorders of the joints, particularly those of the spine, and their effects on the nervous system. Dianostic methods include X-ray. Treatment is mainly by specific manipulation without use of drugs or surgery. Oxford Chiropractic Clinic, contact Jonathan Howat DC (USA), 14 Holyoake Road, Headington, Oxford (tel 761802) - member of the British Register. Institute of Pure Chiropractic (McTimoney technique - a particularly gentle form of treatment), PO Box 126, Oxford OX1 1UF, tel 246687. The McTimoney Chiropractic Clinic, tel 761272, has a reduced fee for those on a low income (£5/treatment).
www.alternativevet.org : Visit this site for information on alternative medicine for animals. (Centre based at Stanford-in-the-Vale, Oxon.)
Counselling
Counselling for anxiety, stress, cultural issues, eating disorders, work problems, relationships available from Dr Anastasia Economou (Counsellor, Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). For more information call 510270.
Cranio - Sacral Therapy
Restoring the deeper rhythms of the body. Available from Oxford Natural Health Centre (715615) and Eau de Vie (200678) among others. For a review of the former, click here.
Herbal Medicine
Uses plant remedies. Contact: Anne and Michael McIntyre, Midsummer Cottage, Nether Westcote, Kingham, Oxon, tel (01993 830419). Members of the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists. Also at 362 Banbury Road, Oxford, tel 512392.
Homeopathy
Uses small doses of naturally occurring remedies to stimulate the body's own curative processes. There are several practitioners and one homeopathic vet in the area.
The Oxfordshire Homeopathic Group holds meetings in the Radcliffe Infirmary on the 4th Monday of every month at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact: David Morgan, 11 Besselsleigh Avenue, Wootton, Abingdon, tel (01235) 726136.
Sue Anello PHSH, homeopath, offers special rates to students seeking treatment for stress, emotional adjustment, concentration, chronic ailments such as asthma and skin problems, and general well being. She also specializes in women's health and children/teens. 0787 191 2207 or anellony@yahoo.com
Karima Brooke (LCPH, PhD) has a homeopathic practice in Botley and can also do home and workplace visits. Specialities: alternative travellers' health service; PTSD; fertility; mother & baby; flower essences. Contact: 01865 429339 or karima-brooke@hotmail.com
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
NLP is an alternative therapy that works by analysing and managing your stream of semi-conscious thoughts and attitudes. It has elements in common with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but uses a more holistic approach - working with visualisation as well as mental patterns caused by your personal history. It can provide effective help with a range of problems: anxiety, stress, weight loss, phobias etc. It can also help you to improve your performance in, for example, music or sport.
Chris Grimshaw of Turning Point uses NLP, hypnosis and related disciplines to help rewrite your mental programming in productive ways. 01865 251116 or 07765 633798.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Osteopaths treat a variety of common conditions including changes to posture in pregnancy; babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries.
The Statutory Register of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) opened on 9 May 1998. The title "osteopath" became protected by law from 9 May 2000 when the transitional registration period ended. As a result it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath in the UK unless registered with the GOsC. The above summary, and much more information, from www.osteopathy.org.uk For an index of Oxford Osteopaths, click here.
Registered Osteopath, Kuno van der Post, BSc(Hons), BOst, can help many different health problems including digestive and muscular pain, and sporting injuries. Student rates available. Horspath, Oxford, OX33 1RG, 07970 657696, www.reallywell.co.uk.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists use current evidence-based techniques such as manual therapy, massage, postural correction and exercise therapy to help fix common complaints such as neck / back pain, soft tissue injuries, joint / arthritic pain and work related injuries such as RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome.
At The Physio Practice we aim to provide gold standard care for musculoskeletal and sports injuries. So if you're having a problem with your body why not give us a call on 07765 245505 and ask to speak to David.
The Oxford Physiotherapy Service aims to provide an initial appointment within 3 working days of initial contact. We are open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and offer evening clinics. For Oxford University Students we offer a termtime clinic at Wadham College on a Tuesday & Thursday afternoon 3.30 - 6pm.
Tel: 01865 311686, Fax: 01865 558686, e-mail: info@oxphys.co.uk. 322 Banbury Road, Summertown, OX2 7ED.
Chartered Physiotherapists & Members of the Health Professions Council. (Established 1984)
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy provide information about Physiotherapy generally, and you can also use their website to check that your physiotherapist is registered.
