One of the major, and most popular, services MS Research and Relief Fund offer to people affected by Multiple Sclerosis is that of complementary therapies.

Meet two of our therapists

Whilst never being able to cure MS or replace conventional medical treatment, some therapies, as their name suggests, may be able to complement the work of conventional medicine.

Complementary therapies such as reflexology may help with stress and relaxation, which may, in turn improve a person's general well being.

We provide complementary therapies, and some gentle exercise classes, on a regular basis to people affected by MS at various locations in the North East of England.

Located at Benmar House (which is on the grounds of Collingwood School in Stobhill), the service is available from Monday to Thursday. All therapies are free to people with MS and their primary carers.

If you would like any more information on this service, or any other service we offer, please contact us.

The full range of therapies we offer include:

Reflexology

Reflexology works on the feet to help heal the whole person and not just the prevailing symptoms.

It is thought that reflexology can help restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium by encouraging the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress.

Swedish Massage

'Swedish Massage' refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Indian Head Massage

Massaging the head can do much to relieve stress and tension.

The technique involves controlled caresses and focuses mainly on the face and scalp. It can also continue down the upper back, neck, shoulders and upper arms. As well as easing headaches and stress, it is claimed there are many conditions it can help.

Crystal Healing

Crystal healers claim that every living organism has a 'vibrational energy system,' which includes chakras, subtle bodies and meridians. By using the appropriate crystals one can 'tune' an energy system or rebalance energies, thus improving well-being.

The earliest records of crystal healing come from ancient Egypt. Healing with crystals has been recorded in India's Ayurvedic records and in traditional Chinese medicine from around five thousand years ago.

Reiki

Reiki is a method of natural healing which involves channelling the energy through the hands of the practitioner to the receiver to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Reiki therapy redirects the flow of energy and produces inner harmony, helps relieve stress and depression, promoting self awareness and growth.

Hot Stones

Stone massage therapy utilizes heat-retaining warm basalt and cool sedimentary massage stones, as well as semi-precious stones and crystals, and .

Thermal conduction in the warm stones brings about local and systemic changes in the body, and influences the energy centres for body and mind balancing. The use of massage techniques in conjunction with the stones helps produce energy that assists with and directs vital flow to areas of blockage.

Sports Massage

A Sports Massage can help to energise or relax a person, and improve the range of motion and muscle flexibility. It can also increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen through improved circulation, as well as help ease tension, remove knots and help in recovering from injuries.

Conductive Education

A rehabilitation system for people with MS based on active learning delivered by qualified practitioners known as Conductors.

MSRRF are funding a Conductive Education service for people with MS at the Percy Hedley Foundation in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The service is developing in consultation with the National Institute for Conductive Education.
The course will consist of a consultation, followed by intensive sessions and regular follow-up.
If you live in or near Newcastle upon Tyne and would like to take part or if you would like more information contact Dave Farham on 01670 505829 or contact:

Anne Coates,
Head Physiotherapist
Percy Hedley Foundation
Station Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8YY
Tel 0191 2665491
E mail a.coates@percyhedley.org.uk

More information on Conductive Education can be found here.

http://www.cannonhillhouse.org.uk/multiple_sclerosis/