The following therapies are available at Alpha Better Health.

 
Image of girl using the EFT technique.

EFT is a safe, psychotherapeutic alternative medicine tool which belongs to the same family of energy therapies as acupuncture. The theory behind EFT is that negative emotions are caused by a disruption to the body's energy system. EFT contends that, in order to remove the negative responses, the energy imbalance must be addressed at the same time as the negative emotions.

The basic EFT technique involves holding a disturbing memory or emotion in mind while simultaneously tapping on a series of 13 specific points on the body (these correspond to the meridian points used in acupuncture).

Although (as with any therapy or medication) there are no absolute guarantees of success, EFT has helped many people to free themselves from emotional distress including deeply-entrenched phobias, trauma and physical pain; others have experienced improvements in a wide range of sporting activities.

Image of hands radiating energy.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy. The term has been applied to various techniques which can restore and balance your natural life-force energy. Reiki is neither a dogma nor a religion; it is a method of maintaining your sense of well-being on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, and is also a unique tool for personal transformation and growth. It can be performed in person as well as at a distance (e.g. online).

Image of Indian head massage session.

Indian Head Massage has been adapted from Ayurvedic techniques to ease tension and strain in the shoulders, neck, scalp and face. It is a highly effective technique for the treatment of stress and stress-related conditions. Since it can be carried out anywhere and is relatively quick to perform, it is becoming particularly popular in the workplace.

Indian Head Massage is usually performed with pure essential oils and without the need to undress; it can also be performed without oils.

It is practised on young and old alike and the benefits include:

  • improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to the head, neck, scalp, face and shoulder area;
  • a deep sense of relaxation and a feeling of total well-being;
  • relief from headaches and migraine;
  • relaxation of the head, neck and shoulder muscles;
  • stimulation of hair growth (including strengthening and improving the fullness of the hair);
  • improvement in concentration and memory;
  • relief from anxiety and insomnia;
  • alleviation of eyestrain;
  • relief from emotional stress;
  • healthy skin;
  • relief from depression;
  • increased confidence and self-esteem; and
  • a feeling of calm and balance

Image of Hopi ear candle session.

Hopi ear candles are derived from a shamanistic tradition and their historic roots can be traced back to the indigenous populations of North and South America. The tradition was brought to modern Europe by the Hopi, the oldest Pueblo tribe, who have vast medical knowledge and deep spirituality.

Traditionally, the candles are used to induce a state of trance and to expel negative energy. They are made with natural ingredients (pure beeswax, honey extract and traditional herbs such as sage, St. John's Wort, chamomile and pure essential oils). While they burn, the pleasant heat sensation causes a light suction action which has a massage-like effect on the eardrum, creating a feeling of deep relaxation and a sense of security. The locally-administered heat induces a pleasant feeling of warmth, stimulates peripheral blood circulation, intensifies the immunological defence system and lymph-cleansing circulation, stimulates energy points and reflex zones and creates a balance of pressure in the ears and forehead. Though results may vary from patient to patient, Hopi candles have been found to help with a wide range of problems including:

  • excessive or compacted wax in the ears;
  • irritation in ears and sinuses;
  • pressure regulation in cases of sinusitis, rhinitis, glue ear, colds, flu, headaches and migraine;
  • stimulation of local and reflex energy flow;
  • energetic revitalisation in cases of hearing impairment;
  • relaxing and calming effect in cases of stress; and
  • noises in the ears, ringing, tinnitus

The contra-indications for this form of treatment are:

  • infection of the ear;
  • inflammation of the ear;
  • surgery on the ear within the last 3 months;
  • perforation of the ear drum;
  • lack of ear drum;
  • auricular cysts;
  • grommets, drains or ventilation tubes fitted; and
  • known allergy to candle wax

Image of chakras in human body.

Chakra therapies: We collect energy from several different levels of vibrations (including color) that are utilized in various parts of the body. It is also believed that our bodies contain seven main chakra centres and that we are connected to each one on several different levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. These centres are aligned along the spinal column. If there are disturbances on any level, this shows in the chakra's vitality level. Each centre also acts as its own intelligence centre; this means that each chakra is not only associated with our physical health but also controls aspects connected to our emotional, mental and belief system.

On the physical level, each chakra governs a main organ or gland which is then connected to other body parts that resonate at the same frequency (e.g. the heart chakra governs the thymus gland and also influences the functioning of the heart, lungs, bronchia system, lymph glands, secondary circulatory system, immune system as well as the arm and hands).

The word "chakra" is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. Each chakra is a wheel-like, spinning vortex that whirls in a circular motion forming a vacuum in the center and draws in anything it encounters on its particular vibratory level. It is said that our body contains hundred of chakras that are the key to the operation of our being. These "spinning wheels" draw in coded information from our surroundings; this might consist of color vibrations, ultra-violet rays, radio waves, micro waves or another person's aura.

Image of person meditating.

Meditation can have a profound effect on your life. The word is derived from two Latin words: meditari (to think, to dwell upon, to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation "medha" means wisdom.

Meditation means awareness and whatever you do with awareness can constitute meditation (focusing on your breath, listening to the birds etc.). As long as these activities are free from any other distraction, they can be effective as meditation.

Meditation involves a cessation of thought processes and is more a way of life than a technique. It creates a state of consciousness in which the mind is free from scattered thoughts. In recent years, it has become very popular with people from widely-differing backgrounds and there is an increasing body of scientific and medical evidence to suggest that it brings considerable physical and emotional benefits. With regular practice, meditation can librate the body's energy and expand the quality of consciousness.