Treatments

Stepping Stones provides a range of Treatments and Therapies

Our treatments offer you the chance to re-energise for the challenges ahead. From Chiropody to massage treatments, we offer therapies and treatments that help both body and mind. For the body, we have Physiotherapists and Osteopaths to help you stay fit and healthy, to maximise your day to day potential. As for the mind, we have fully qualified Counsellors who will give you the opportunity to talk about things in a secure setting.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a way of affecting a person's energy in order to promote health. This is done through the insertion of needles into acupuncture points, which stimulates the flow of energy where it has become blocked, and helps energy to reach areas where it is most needed. It is often because of a blockage or imbalance in the flow of energy that symptoms appear, be they physical, mental or emotional.

Classical Five-Element Acupuncture

Classical Five -Element Acupuncture is remarkable in that it diagnoses and treats the cause of the disease, whatever symptoms you might have. It works not only with the body but also with the mind and the emotions.

Symptoms are very often the result of a deeper underlying imbalance in your energy. They are often also the result of an energetic blockage. This means that literally you do not have access to all of your potential energy.

When the underlying energetic imbalance is discovered and treated, and when any blockages are cleared, your innate healing powers can come into effect and symptoms will start to disappear.

The aim of this treatment is ultimately to restore complete harmony in the energy flowing through you. As a result you should not only feel better, but also more completely 'yourself'.

What will happen on your first visit?

Your initial consultation may last up to 2.5 hours, during which the therapist will talk to you about why you have come for acupuncture treatment, your medical history, your lifestyle, and your overall state of health, in order to gain as much information as possible, and to assess your individual needs. They will check your blood pressure, and carry out a number of other checks, which will enable them to plan the most effective treatment for you. This session is very important in terms of understanding how you would like acupuncture to help you, and in making a diagnosis. There is not usually a treatment in this session.

How often will you need treatment?

Frequency of treatment will depend on your individual needs. It may depend on the nature of your reason for coming for treatment, on the kind of lifestyle you lead, or on how long you have been feeling unwell. Normally you will be recommended to begin coming for treatment once a week at first. Some change is often felt after about five or six treatments, although this might be sooner or later. When change occurs we would reduce the frequency of your visits. Ultimately it is most beneficial to come for treatment around the times of seasonal change. Many people like to have monthly or bimonthly treatments as a way of ensuring an optimum level of well being.

What does it feel like?

Treatment involves the use of fine needles, which are inserted into acupuncture points all over the body. You will often feel a powerful charge or tug, as the treatment takes effect. This is the sensation of your own energy starting to move. We also often use a dried herb, moxa, which is burned in small cones over the point, warming and stimulating the point, and preparing it for the insertion of the needle. After treatment many patients experience a feeling of relaxation or enhanced well being. It is important after treatment to allow the effects to be absorbed, and not to drink alcohol for 24 hours.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is an education of the way we use ourselves specifically our muscles in any movement or activity. With lessons in the Alexander Technique we become much more aware of our own sense of balance, and of any accompanying tensions that have become part of our habitual way of standing, walking, sitting, or moving in other ways. We then begin to recognise and undo these patterns of unnecessary tension. We learn to use ourselves in a way that enables us to move with more efficiency and ease and which prevents further habitual tensions from developing. This restores co-ordination to our body as a whole and allows us greater awareness, freedom of thought and movement, flexibility and lightness.

With each lesson we learn skills that we can use in our daily life. In this way the Alexander Technique is entirely practical and can be applied in any situation, for example in activities such as walking, sitting, lifting, gardening, dancing, singing, playing a sport, or music.

The Alexander Technique is known for alleviating pain (such as sciatica and RSI, back pain), tension, anxiety, and stress, breathing and voice problems, among many other discomforts. Substantial medical research, published in the British Medical Journal in 2008 corroborates many years of personal experience that the Alexander Technique relieves chronic back pain on a long-term basis.

Anyone can learn the Technique. There is no age requirement or limit and no level of fitness needed. Neither is any particular clothing required beyond wearing something that is comfortable and allows you freedom to move easily. Lessons consist of subtle and gentle hands-on and verbal guidance from a trained teacher which gives you feedback about your movements and muscular activity. For this reason it is a skill that usually is learned on a one-to-one basis, but it can also be learned in small groups.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda comprises two words, Ayu & Veda. Ayu means life and Veda, knowledge or science, the science of life.

Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases but taking a holistic approach to a complete way of life. Ayurveda is an Indian medical science with a long history of treatment, the origin of which can be traced back to the Vedas, the ancient books of knowledge, or science, from India. They give both practical and scientific information on various subjects which can be of benefit to human health.

Ayurveda uses physical, psychological and spiritual therapies, and is a treatment that believes in the inherent ability of the human body to heal and to restore its natural balance. Below are brief descriptions on some of the Ayurvedic treatments we offer:

Initial Consultation:

A thorough assessment using Ayurvedic procedures to get an in depth understanding of your problem.

Oleation (Snehana) / Sudation (Swedana):

Application of oil externally followed by heat inducing herbal or sand filled boluses.

Back Pain Relief Therapy (Kati Basti):

A special treatment for lower back problems preceded with a deep back and neck massage.

Pouring of Oil on the Forehead (Shirodhara):

A great rejuvenation treatment to combat stress, anxiety, concentration, insomnia and migraines.

Weight Reducing Massage (Udvartana):

A great massage for getting rid of cellulite and losing weight. Not for the faint hearted!

Errhine Therapy (Nasya):

A treatment for solving problems in the head, neck and shoulder areas.

Relaxing Massage:

Pacifying the body and mind. Gentle and soothing helping you to relax and sleep.

Revitalizing Massage:

Massage of pressure points (marma) that stimulates to clear blockages and restore balance.

Exhilarating Back Massage:

Muscle relaxing and revitalizing massage that promotes the flow of energy.

Head / Feet / Hand Massage:

Marmas are massaged in circular movements to improve circulation and energy levels.

Ayurvedic Facelift - includes Herbal Face Mask:

A treatment that relaxes, restores and uplifts the facial muscles to rid fine lines and sagging.

Hot Stone Therapy:

Water-heated basalt stones are massaged to key marma points to create a sensation of comfort and warmth.

Reiki Ayurvedic Massage:

A truly powerful holistic treatment combining the healing energies of Reiki and Ayurveda.

Beautician

Details Coming Soon.

Chiropody

Put simply, Chiropody is the care and treatment of feet and problems associated with them. Many people will at some point develop problems with their feet, and this tried and trusted technique will help resolve them. Our trained and qualified experts can help you with issues of the feet and lower limbs, including nail cutting, foot massage and ongoing foot care.

Counselling

We live in troubled times. Anxiety over money and relationships seem to be growing and everywhere we turn we encounter messages of doom from the media. In this environment of unease it is not surprising that we might find ourselves feeling lonely, alienated and misunderstood.

Our lives can seem meaningless and we look in vain for role models. Perhaps we might have issues with food; maybe with drink or drugs. Sometimes loss in our lives brings about such huge changes in our perception that we feel lost ourselves.

Finding one's personal power can help greatly with such issues and counselling provides such an opportunity. Some people want just a few sessions to explore a particular difficulty, others want to engage in open-ended work that goes deeper into the unconscious.

Our trained and experienced counsellors give you the space and time to talk things through, allowing you to address your symptoms and causes while avoiding the use of medication, with sessions held in a safe and confidential environment.

It is often said that 'the relationship is the therapy' and our Counsellors work is underpinned by this simple truth. We aim to create a healing space in which clients may express difficult feelings safely and without fear of judgment.

Our counsellors work collaboratively and they firmly believe in the value of self-empowerment: Their aim is to facilitate your personal growth so that you may begin to realise your true potential.

They work mostly in dialogue, but might invite you to express yourself through drawing or to work with objects.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

EFT works directly on the body's energy flow, and involves tapping on specific meridian points to release energy blockages, as you talk about your problems.

It was developed by Gary Craig who was looking for a way to help his clients achieve a positive outlook and lasting relief from their physical and emotional problems as quickly as possible. By resolving emotional stress and harmful negative emotions it really can eliminate symptoms and change how you are feeling in minutes. After only one session you will be aware of positive changes, and feel better able to cope with your problems.

Our physical symptoms can sometimes be a manifestation of our emotional pain and suffering. Bad backs, aches and pains, a cold or cough that never ends, may be the body's way of responding to stress or emotional trauma. EFT can remove these so-called chronic problems by releasing the emotion that is causing them.

You will be shown how to use EFT to help yourself whenever you need to, and ways to deal with anxiety, panic, traumatic memories and overwhelming emotions. It can help to relieve addictions, allergies, anger, back pain, nervous habits, insomnia, irritable bowel disorder, sadness, tension, stress, weight loss, low self-esteem, and the burden of unresolved issues that cause pain and distress.

This treatment does not involve any medicines, and EFT can be used anywhere and anytime. It can also be combined with other therapies such as homeopathy.

Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?

The principles of homeopathy were developed over two hundred years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a gifted doctor and scientist, who wanted a gentle and effective way to restore his patients to health. Before the development of antibiotics, homeopathy was widely used in many homes, and in some hospitals in this country. It is a system of medicine based on three main principles:

Like Cures Like: A substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can cure a similar set of symptoms in a sick person. Homeopathic Urtica Urens, for example, is made from stinging nettles, and can be taken to relieve conditions such as itchy red skin rashes or hives.
Potentisation of Remedies: Describes the process by which remedies are prepared. This involves dilution in water and vigorous shaking, which makes the remedies safe and effective.
The Minimum Dose: Usually a small amount is all that is needed. This is administered in the form of a small, sweet tasting pill.

What does a Consultation Involve?

You will be asked to talk about yourself, your general health and specific symptoms. The homeopath's job is to find the remedy which matches your symptoms, however individual or unusual. This is the remedy which will relieve your physical symptoms, improve your mood, and balance your emotions, enabling a return to health.

How does it Work?

Once you begin treatment you may find that some old symptoms return briefly before disappearing for good. Or you may simply feel a little better day by day, and over time you will notice improvements in energy or feel happier and more relaxed.

What can Homeopathy Treat?

Homeopathic remedies can be taken by adults and children, including babies. They are safe for anyone of any age, whatever their state of health. Their use in pregnancy and childbirth can bring relief to mother and baby, as well as providing a safe solution to problems of fertility.

Homeopathy is especially effective for chronic conditions. Research has shown a good success rate in the treatment of eczema, and ear complaints in children as well as allergies, chronic pain, infertility, menopause, migraines, and stress.

Homeopathy is compatible with other therapies, and treatments, and can be used to speed recovery after surgery; or to assist healing after physical injury; or combined with counselling or EFT where someone is suffering emotional trauma.

Homeopathic remedies are fast acting and without side-effects, and you can expect to feel better as soon as you start treatment.

Hypnotherapy

There is an increasing recognition today that our unconscious minds play a significant and primary role in determining our behaviours, emotions and beliefs and thereby in creating our life experiences, and in fact the very circumstances of our lives. Hypnotherapy can be used to trigger positive changes in any area of your life including health, confidence, performance, relationships, emotions and habits.

Hypnotherapy is a gentle process of accessing the unconscious mind and enlisting its support to evoke beneficial and healing responses that allows you to release your true potential. It can help:

De-Stress & experience Deep Relaxation;
Improve Sleep habits & overcome Insomnia;
Change Ineffective Habits & Addictions - such as Smoking, Overeating or Nail Biting;
Release Phobias;
Clear Negative Emotions and release Limiting Beliefs;
Improve your Relationships;
Access Peak Performance;
Improve your Career;
Connect and receive guidance from your Higher Self, Spirit Guides; and much more.

Our therapist is available to help you recognize and to overcome patterns that you sense are holding you back and to make the changes you desire.

For example, Hypnotherapy offers powerful means to develop mindfulness in relationships and to erase negative emotional triggers and associations that create trouble even when our best intention is to be loving. Most of us would be shocked to learn how much self-doubting and self-attacking inner dialogue was going on inside our minds. With hypnotherapy you can become aware of these 'toxic tapes' and replace them with inner tapes that consciously encourage and inspire you to make your best efforts on your own behalf and in your relationships with others.

Stopping Smoking Sessions

You and the therapist will meet for approximately one hour, where you will go through a process that allows you to WILLINGLY quit smoking - and look forward to it! The session involves you talking about your smoking habit and the therapist challenging some of your current smoking beliefs! You then use the remaining time to finish off with a powerful hypnotherapy session which allows you to integrate your new choices supported with powerful suggestions about how YOU want your life to be as a non-smoker. This allows you to leave the session as a non-smoker, with an increased sense of confidence and wellbeing.

Massage Therapies

Honed by centuries of practice, massages offer precious moments of calm and pleasure. Working through the body, a masseur will use their hands to resolve problems of mind and body, loosening stiff joints and causing reflex actions in other parts of the body to treat symptoms you might be experiencing.

Nutritional Therapies

Our Nutritional Therapists will be able to guide you through the maze of information surrounding good diet and healthy eating. A well-balanced diet is vital for well-being, giving you the energy you need to lead a busy and successful life.

Nutritional therapy is a holistic approach to health, concentrating on you as an individual. It recognises that everyone is different with unique bodies, lifestyles and demands. By taking into consideration the emotional as well as physical aspects of health, Nutritional Therapy identifies imbalances by addressing the underlying causes of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.

A Nutritional Therapy consultation will provide you with the tools to address your health concerns. Our therapist will work with you to provide a personalised, achievable healthy eating programme with recommended food choices that accommodate your tastes and lifestyle. Supplements and lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help harness your body's natural powers to heal and repair itself. Everyone has the potential to feel well and Nutritional Therapy can help you towards achieving that goal.

Nutritional Therapy may help with most chronic health problems and is particularly beneficial for those suffering from hormonal problems, digestive issues, bloating, lack of energy, skin conditions and stress.

Some conditions that respond well to Nutritional Therapy are:

Acne
Anxiety
Bloating
Cystitis
Embarrassing Wind
Hayfever
Infertility
Insomnia
Lack of Concentration
Stress
Weight Problems

Allergies Headaches
Arthritis
Candida
Constipation
Frequent Colds & Infections
High Blood Pressure
Inflammatory Conditions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lack of Energy
Skin Conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis)

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is an established recognised system of diagnosis and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is a system of therapy that emphasizes normal body mechanics and manipulation to correct faulty body structures. Often these techniques are used in conjunction with more conventional forms of medical care, such as prescribing medication and performing surgery.

Osteopathy is a complementary medicine that not only takes in account the physical symptoms but the lifestyle, attitudes and current health of the patient. Therefore when visiting your osteopath you will not only receive advice on how to reduce physical symptoms such as immediate pain, but postural advice, exercise advice, lifestyle advice, hydrotherapy advice and nutritional advice. These factors are considered important as they help to optimise your external and internal environment, helping them to work effectively with each other and therefore help in reducing the discomfort with which you presented to the clinic.

Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries

Below are some of the ailments that our Physiotherapists can treat:

Sports Injuries
Spinal Problems - Sciatica, Prolapsed Disc, Stiff Neck
RSI, Whiplash
Joint Problems - Arthritis, Stiffness, Frozen Shoulder
TMJ Problems, Clicking Jaw
Chest Complaints - Pneumonia, Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchitis
Headaches & Migraines
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ergonomic Assessment
Paediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions
Post-operative Orthopaedic Problems
Spinal Rehabilitation

They can also provide back rehabilitation for the conditions listed below:

Arthritis of the spine
Osteoporosis
Prolapsed Disc
Sciatica
Spondylolysthesis
Degenerative Spinal Disease
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Scoliosis
Specialist Physiotherapy Service
Pregnancy & Paediatric

They specialise in treating musculoskeletal problems associated with pregnancy. We can diagnose and safely treat the strains that affect pregnant and post-natal women such as:

Neck pain
Joint Problems / Disorders
Postural Problems
Lower Back Pain
Pelvic pain
Symphysis Pubis Problems

Our Physiotherapists also treat the following conditions in children:

Infant Torticollis
Clubfoot
Neck pain
Toe Walking

All physiotherapy sessions, including the initial assessment and physiotherapy treatment last 30 minutes.

Referrals made through your GP or doctor are not required for self-paid referrals, however you should speak to your insurance company first if you wish for them to reimburse you. We are fully registered to treat clients from AXA PPP, Bupa and other major insurance companies.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a gentle therapeutic pressure massage applied to the feet or/and hands to stimulate the reflex points there and so balance the body and its systems. This enables the body to work harmoniously and in good health, creating a feeling of well being.

Reflexology is safe, natural and non - invasive, providing more than just physical benefits as it deeply calms, balances and harmonises your entire mind, body and spirit.

Human touch and interaction are at the heart of Reflexology and it has been found to be beneficial for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions including: back pain, migraine, infertility, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive disorders and stress related conditions.

Reflexology can detect subtle changes in specific areas of the feet/hands and the application and effect of this therapy are unique to each person.

Reflexology is suitable for all age groups including pregnant women and children. After having completed reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatment in order to maintain health and well - being.

Reiki

The Japanese word Reiki means the 'Universal Energy' which flows through all living things, and is also known as 'ki',' chi' and 'prana'. The practice of using this energy for healing was developed by a Professor Mikao Usui from Japan in the early 20th Century. The healer will place their hands on or near the head , body and limbs, to allow the energy to flow wherever it needs to go via the chakras or energy centres. Reiki is a non-invasive therapy and the aim is to restore balance and harmony to the client, as any imbalance can eventually lead to illness, whether it is caused by mental, emotional or physical reasons.

Healing

Healing is sometimes called Spiritual Healing, Energy Healing, or Hands-on Healing, or referred to as the laying on of hands. The healer may place their hands on or near the client to channel the healing energy wherever it needs to go. Many people believe the healing is directed by outside forces such as Doctors and helpers who have passed on, Spirit Guides, Angels, or Religious Deities. Many healers feel this outside influence as they are giving healing. However no religious or other belief is needed to receive Healing - it is open to all who need it or want it.

What is Reiki used for?

It is used for a wide range of physical, mental and emotional conditions including the relief of stress and tension, insomnia, the relief of pain, anxiety, and negative feelings of fear, anger, and lack of self worth. Healing is increasingly being used in complementary therapy centres, hospitals, hospices, cancer support groups, GP surgeries, and for post operative recovery as it has been shown to speed up recovery rates and to reduce or eliminate pain.

Please note that Reiki/Healing is a complementary therapy and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine. However, it can be used with confidence alongside orthodox healthcare. You should always consult a doctor if you have a medical problem. Healers are bound by their Code of Conduct and are not allowed to medically diagnose, or to claim any cures.

What will happen at the session?

On your first appointment the therapist or the centre will ask you to fill in a confidential registration form with brief details of why you are seeking healing. The therapist will discuss this with you if you wish. You are also asked whether you consent or not to have touch (contact) healing.

The healing session is a very peaceful and relaxing experience. There is no need to remove clothing, but it is more comfortable if you take your shoes, coats, scarves etc. off. You will sit on a chair or lie on a couch, and the healer may ask you to turn over halfway through if you are having a long session. Some healers will give you a relaxing or healing visualization first. It is quite common for clients to start crying or to become emotional as they let go of stored emotions and tension, so do not worry if this happens. You may fall asleep or be aware of warmth/cold/tingling sensations. It is different each time and for each client. The healer will usually explain how he/she will let you know that they have finished. They will briefly discuss your experience and any further treatment. It is recommended that you drink some water after healing and to not drive immediately.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a unique form of Japanese bodywork, which was accepted by the Japanese Government as a form of therapy in the 1950's. Although a modern form of bodywork, its roots are firmly imbedded in the traditions of Classical Oriental Medicine (COM), which have dominated China and Japan for centuries.

The word Shiatsu literally translates as 'finger pressure' and refers to the therapeutic application of pressure to the meridian system and its acu-points, which run along the surface of the body and then deep into the organs and tissues within. The Japanese have extended the use of fingers to palms and elbows along with a complete range of muscles stretches and gentle joint mobilizations, which combine to provide the patient with a deeply relaxing, natural and healthy form of touch therapy.

Shiatsu can be used for physical problems such as back pain and injuries, for the relief of a great range symptoms such as headache, insomnia, digestive bloating or period pain, to stimulate the bodies immune system during illness or convalescence or to balance the emotions and de-stress the body. As such Shiatsu can be used to help in specific conditions or just as a part of a well balanced life-style programme.

Shiatsu is best applied through light clothing (loose cotton T-shirt, trousers and socks are best)

Tui Na

The words Tui Na can be translated as 'push-grasp' or 'poke-pinch' in Chinese. Tui Na is still a relatively new and unknown therapy in most Western countries. The main purpose of Tui Na is to bring the body in to balance by using Chinese acupressure techniques like brushing, kneading, rolling/pressing and rubbing the areas between joints to get the energy moving in the meridians and muscles to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many other health related concerns.

Yoga

Yoga is the oldest living science, art and philosophy of life. It has evolved over thousands of years, has never failed and continues to evolve in accordance with the needs of humanity. The ancient Yoga masters were deeply aware that each aspect of man's existence: physical, mental and spiritual was capable of extensive development. If you agree that one of the main objectives in life should be the serious undertaking of this development, then the science of Yoga would provide a path to your 'self realization'.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a form of the ancient Indian Hatha Yoga. It has been refined by and thus named after one of the greatest living masters of this art, B. K. S. Iyengar. It is distinguished from other forms by the emphasis on working in a very precise way in the asanas (postures), attention to the alignment of the body and use of props (if necessary), which helps the learner to achieve the best posture.

Medical research has shown that the regular practice of asanas can help (regardless of age) diverse ailments, such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins, heart conditions, back pain, stress; it helps to keep body weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels in control etc.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga was brought to the West in 1969 by the Master of Kundalini Yoga and Mahan Tantric - Yogi Bhajan. He was the founder of the 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy Organisation) and held a Ph. D. in the Psychology of Communication. Yogi Bhajan taught and inspired thousands of people around the world. His mission was to create the teachers, but not to collect the students.

Yoga means 'to join together', 'to unite'. Yoga is the union of the individual's consciousness and the Infinite Consciousness. Kundalini Yoga is the fastest way to establish an aligned relationship between the body, mind and the soul. In the Sanskrit Kundalini means 'a lock of the beloved one'. Kundalini is the human's vital and creative potential. In the ancient times people visualised the Kundalini energy as the uncoiled serpent, lying at the base of the human's spine. With the dedicated practice and applied techniques this sleeping serpent (the energy) is awakened and the energy starts to flow from the base up to the crown, which can give the vast self-experience, spiritual elevation, inner healing and the experience of ecstasy.

Yogi Bhajan indicated that Kundalini Yoga is a Science which works on the 7 chakras (energy centres around the physical body), the arcline and the aura. Also it balances the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system, builds up the stamina and endurance, creates the stillness of the mind and the healing, releases the inner blocks on emotional and physical levels, increases the vitality and radiance.

The techniques involve a set of particular exercises (kriyas) or postures (asanas), different types of breathing (pranayamas), meditation with the hand position (mudras) and the sound current (mantras) and the relaxation. Kundalini Yoga enables to harness the energy of the mind and the emotions, so we can be in control of ourselves, rather than being controlled by the thoughts and feelings. It is accessible to all, whatever your age or fitness level.

It is suggested to wear white lose cotton clothes and to cover the head with the natural fabric, also white, during the practice of yoga. White natural fabric neutralizes the energy around the physical body and protects the aura from the negativity. White is the colour of the pure aura (electro-magnetic field around the physical body).