SERVICE DETAILS
Parkinson’s UK reports that although there is little scientific evidence to show that complementary therapies can slow, stop or reverse development of Parkinson’s, many people with the condition have reported positive experiences from therapy sessions. The Branch Committee recognises that care-partners may also benefit from treatments. We have re-launched our Branch funded complementary therapies project, open to people with Parkinson’s and/or their main care-partner living in Edinburgh, Midlothian, East and West Lothian.
The Branch will pay for people to access up to 3 therapy sessions from qualified therapists we have identified and approved. Access to the therapies is by referral from the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Team or Parkinson’s UK Local Adviser. Therapies currently available include Aromatherapy, Hypnotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, and Massage. Treatments are given at the therapist’s premises.
Current Therapies Offered:
Acupuncture...
Originally recognised as a traditional Chinese therapy, acupuncture is now evidenced to be useful in treating many conditions by more westernised principles. Science has demonstrated that acupuncture makes use of the nerves and circulation to affect the body in different ways.
For People with Parkinson’s, you will be assessed to determine what would be appropriate for you. Very fine needles are inserted into the skin at different points, depending on what the aim of the treatment is. It may be to relieve pain, muscle tightness or spasm or to aid relaxation to name but a few.
It is recommended that to gain full benefit from this treatment you have four full sessions. Please click on this link for more information. www.optimum-physiotherapy.co.uk
Aromatherapy...
Body massage using plant essential oils blended to suit each client. The oils are chosen for their chemical properties with the intention of having a positive effect on an individual’s physical and mental well-being.
Hypnotherapy...
Hypnotherapy can help you to develop a mind-set that will enable you to more effectively manage the emotional impact of living with Parkinson’s. It can help you to reframe your perceptions and responses, positively impacting upon your levels of wellbeing, confidence and self-efficacy. Hypnotherapy cannot cure Parkinson’s but it may be able to mitigate its psychological impact. Please click on this link for more information. We have now introduced a hypnotherapy programme for menopausal women with Parkinson’s, which can be found in the link above.
It is recommended that to gain full benefit from this treatment you have four full sessions.
Indian Head Massage...
The massage is carried out with the client seated and fully clothed and includes work on the scalp, neck, back, shoulders, upper arms and face (with any of these parts being omitted if appropriate).
Massage...
In this instance, massage of the head, neck, shoulders and back OR massage of the hands, lower arms, lower legs and feet is offered to release stress and tension.
Reflexology...
Uses a combination of massage and gentle pressure techniques on specific areas and points on the feet and/or hands, which are believed to reflex to specific organs and body systems, with the intention of stimulating the body’s own natural ability to heal and rebalance. It’s also extremely relaxing.
Reiki...
Originating in Japan, the therapy works to rebalance the body’s subtle life force (referred to as Ki, Chi or Qi) by placing of the therapist’s palms on or over the body, with the intention of helping the body to heal and rebalance. The client remains fully clothed.
Sound Therapy...
These sessions for care-partners involve the use of a variety of sound creation tools to help the recipient experience a subtle shift in consciousness, promoting a deep state of relaxation, calming of mind-chatter, release of physical and emotional tension, and a letting go of negative thought patterns. Our therapist, Helen uses Himalayan bowls, crystal bowls and a variety of other instruments but the focus is on gongs. These produce a multitude of tones and overtones, so creating an envelope of sound in the room. It is not just about what the recipient hears but the vibrations subtly picked up by the body. Sound therapists refer to such sessions as sound baths or gong baths because the recipient is immersed in an envelope of sound vibrations – not a drop of water in site. Recipients lie on a comfortable recliner with a covering blanket to stay warm. Find out more via Helen’s website https://www.soundandwellbeing.co.uk.
More information
Treatments are given at the therapists premises, except for Hypnotherapy which takes place via Zoom, or the clients home, by arrangement. Once issued to you, you do not have to use the 4 vouchers with the same therapist. We are keen that you find something that works for you. We plan to add other therapies.
To find out more about the project please contact Branch Committee Member, Gina Allen at gina@edinburghparkinsons.org.
