Complementary Therapies

Complementary Therapy Services

We offer some complementary therapies to people with epilepsy and their carers at both our Glasgow and Edinburgh offices. Complementary therapies can help to de-stress and relax the body and mind. This can have a very positive impact on the overall wellbeing and may help reduce the number of seizures you experience. Complementary therapies are not an alternative to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). It is important that you continue to take your medication.

Complementary Therapy Service - Glasgow

Our therapist, Bruce Shiell, is a member of the Complementary Therapists Association (Embody), and has experience supporting people with epilepsy.

The following treatments are available on Tuesday mornings, between 10am and 1pm at our Glasgow office:

On site massage

This is a fully clothed treatment using a massage chair - a relaxing workout  for neck and shoulder tension

Thai Yoga Massage

This is a fully clothed massage using a padded mat on the floor - a deep form of applied yoga which stretches and presses muscles

Reiki

A relaxing treatment which stimulates the flow of energy through your body

All treatments can be adapted for people who use wheelchairs.

Treatments are priced to make them accessible to all:

• 20 mins - £5
• 40 mins - £10
• 1 hour - £15

If you want to find out more or book a session, please phone 0141-4274911.

Complementary Therapy Service - Edinburgh

Our resident complementary therapist is Sue Walker DIR, DSM, TIHM, OSM, BMI, Reiki. She has been practicing Therapeutic Massage, Advanced Reflexology, Traditional Indian Head Massage, On-Site Acupressure Massage and more recently Reiki for 8 years. Sue is a member of the Scottish Massage Therapist Organisation. Sue is also First Aid trained and has attended Epilepsy Awareness training.

The cost of the therapies is subsidised by Epilepsy Scotland. If you have epilepsy a treatment will cost £12. If you care for someone with epilepsy a treatment costs £15.

The following therapies are available at the Epilepsy Scotland Edinburgh office:

Therapeutic Massage

This therapy has physical, emotional and psychological benefits. It can relieve muscle tension and stiffness, soothe nerves, improve sleep patterns, reduce pain, relieve tension related headaches and eye-strain, enhance health and nourishment of skin, improve posture and reduce levels of anxiety.

The effects of a really good massage are far reaching and can leave you feeling relaxed and sleepy or invigorated and full of energy.

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on a belief that energy zones run throughout the body. Reflexologists believe that there are reflex areas which correspond to all the major organs, glands and parts of the body. These body reflexes are mapped on the feet and hands. Regular reflexology treatments, work on these reflex points to encourage the energy to flow freely. This can have physical, mental and emotional benefits.

This is a deeply relaxing and effective therapy for all ages. It is good for general stress relief, maintaining health and relaxation.

Traditional Indian Head Massage

This is an accepted ancient therapy believed to release tension and improve circulation. Physical and emotional stress occurring in our everyday lives can result in a tightening of the scalp and neck. Indian Head Massage can release stress and tension from the scalp, neck and shoulder areas. People can experience immense relaxation and a feeling of well-being. No special oils are used, just a sequence of deeply relaxing moves. Acupressure points on the head are gently pressed while you are seated.

This type of massage can have lasting benefits and creates calm and peaceful feelings.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning 'universal life force energy'. The treatment usually lasts for about 40 – 50 minutes. It is a non–physical, spiritually guided life force healing. It can balance, harmonise and restore our energy systems and can be very relaxing. It is a simple, natural energy healing technique used to refresh and restore the mind, body and spirit. Studies show that a deep state of relaxation can lower blood pressure, heart rate and relieve tension, stress and anxiety. This helps promote mental calmness and clarity.

Reiki energy promotes self–healing, relaxation, vitality and health.

If you want to find out more, or book an appointment, please phone our Edinburgh office on 0131 226 5458.