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Aromatherapy isn’t just about smelling good and feeling relaxed, although those two things are incredibly important, aromatherapy helps with some of the problems connected with substance misuse. There are many different “essential oils”, each with its own unique properties to help you. The oils are made from pressing different plants and flowers and the aromatherapist will mix different oils for your own unique blend depending on what you want them for. Some oils can calm you down; others can pick you up. Some oils can help you to increase your energy levels; other oils may be able to help you with aches and pains.
The use of essential oils can help to improve both your physical and mental well being. The oils can be used in different ways. They can be massaged into your skin or put in your bath, meaning that the oil is absorbed into your blood stream, or they can be put on your clothes or pillow and that way enter your blood stream through your respiratory system.
Aromatherapy helps with addressing substance misuse in the following ways.
• Helping you to relax
• Boosting your immune system
• Increasing your energy levels
• Aiding sleep
• Calming and soothing your mind
• Reducing tension
• Lifting dark moods and reducing feelings of depression
Aromatherapy can be used on it's own or combined with the massage therapy by having an aromatherapy massage.
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Acupuncture came from China many years ago. Acupuncture uses our bodies own energy 'Qi' (pronounced chee) by placing small pins on specific points across the body and has been used in the UK with people who are using substances since 1990. At Early Break the acupuncture therapists have been trained in the NADA 5 Point Acupuncture Protocol.
In acupuncture the ear is seen as a mini map of the body with over 200 acupuncture points each corresponding to different parts of the body. The NADA acupuncture uses 5 points in each ear and has been proven to help people who are making changes to their substance use. Some of the benfits of acupuncture are
- reduced cravings for substances
- feeling of relaxation and well being
- reduced withdrawal symptoms
- improved sleep pattern
- stimulation and strengthening of organ systems especially the Kidney, Liver and Lungs
Each of the points used has its benefits and a combination of points can be used depending on what the person wants out of the therapy. Below are the different points and the benefits of each.
- Sympathetic point- a relaxation point and can also relieve anxiety and stress
- Shenmen point- a chilling out point that can also improve sleep
- Kidney point- a detoxification point that reduces toxins in the kidney
- Liver point- a detoxification point that reduces toxins in the liver and blood
- Lung points (upper and lower) reduces toxins in the lungs, skin and immune system
Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture but instead of pins, small silver or gold beads are applied to the surface of the ear by adhesive tape on the acupuncture points. These beads tend to become sticky after 3-4 days and are easily removed by peeling back the adhesive tape.
Acupressure can be used on it's own or following acupuncture.
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Electro Stimulation Therapy (EST) is a relaxing, non invaive therapy. It is sometimes called Black Box Treatment because the box it is stored in is black! EST is a very safe and simple treatment where small electrical pulses are passed through the body via ear clips, small hand held dumb bells or small rubber pads. These electrical pulses help stimulate the body's natural production of certain chemicals that can be depleated through the use of substances. The power for the EST box is supplied by batteries not mains electricity.
There are a number of benefits from EST such as
• It can lift low moods
• It helps to combat cravings
• It helps to reduce stress levels
• It can help to improve sleep patterns
With EST you feel an increased benefit from receiving the therapy the more often you have it. |
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Massage helps to reduce stress, anxiety and tension by relaxing both the mind and the body. It can create a sense of well being, enhanced self esteem, and ease emotional trauma through relaxation. It also helps to elevate the mood and reduce pain by the release of endorphins. Regular massage may also strengthen the immune system, due to the release of toxins and increase in white blood cells.
Having an Indian Head Massage is a fabulous experience. It is relaxing and calming and helps to restore inner harmony. The therapist massages your head, neck and shoulders and can use aromatherapy oils so that you also get the benefits from them.
Indian Head Massage has ben proven to help people who are wanting to make changes to their substance use. Some of the beneifts are
• General relaxation for tired and stressed muscles
• Knots and tensions released from the neck, shoulders and upper back
• Improved circulation
• Relieves anxiety
• Improved concentration and alertness
• Helps relieve tiredness, edginess and feelings of anxiety |