Acupressure
The application of pressure to the body to affect the flow of energy.
It is believed to predate acupuncture (where pressure is applied through needles). Instead, acupressure gurus use hands, fingers, thumbs or knuckles to stimulate the body’s meridian system, an ancient, oriental network of pressure points.

Acupuncture
The technique of inserting and manipulating needles into specific acu-points on the body to restore health and well-being. It’s thought to have originated in China and is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Affirmation
This is where a desirable intention or condition of the world or mind is deliberately repeated to implant it in the mind.
Affirmations are sometime seen as an effective method of programming the unconscious mind, and are thought to be most effective when repeated in a quiet and restful state of mind and body.

Agoraphobia
An anxiety disorder involving a fear of experiencing a difficult or embarrassing situation from which the sufferer cannot escape.
Agoraphobics may have severe panic attacks if they feel trapped, insecure or out of their comfort zone. They may also be extremely sensitised to their own bodily sensations which can cause them to over-react to normal events such as shortness of breath or a raised heart beat after exercise.
In many cases Agoraphobia can be successfully treated through a mixture of graduated exposure therapy and cognitive therapy. Antidepressant medication can also help.

Alexander Technique
This teaches how to recognise and overthrow limitations within a person’s movement or thinking, which have become habituated.
The technique is usually taught in one-to-one lessons or in short groups, using hand contact and verbal instructions. The most commonly addressed limitation is unnecessary muscular tension.

Alternative medicine
Refers to practices used in place of conventional medicine.
This includes practices that incorporate spiritual, metaphysical or religious factors, non-European medical traditions and newly developed approaches to healing.

Analytical psychology
Sometimes called Jungian psychology, this is a school of thought based on the ideas of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung.
Its aim is the personal experience of the deep forces and motivations which underlie human behaviour. It is distinct from Freudian psychoanalysis.

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
An intervention where an animal is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is designed to improve physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning.
Caring for pets often encourages nurturance, responsibility and adherence to a daily schedule, all of which can serve as effective motivation for participants.
Many different kinds of animals can be used within AAT including dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits and other small animals.

Aromatherapy
A generic term referring to various traditions that make use of essential oils (extracted from plants, trees, bark, grasses and seeds) to affect a person’s mood or health. This is sometimes combined with other alternative medical practices or spiritual beliefs.
It is a holistic method of caring for the body. When inhaled, the oils work on the brain and nervous system through the olfactory nerves, helping to alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Autogenic training
A relaxation technique where patients learn to relax their limbs, heart and breathing. The goal is to create a pleasant, warm feeling throughout the body and coolness in the forehead.
Rather than the mystic or spiritual aspect associated with yoga and meditation, this is simply a method of influencing the autonomic nervous system.
It is used to combat stress-induced psychosomatic disorders.

Ayurvedic medicine
A form of alternative medicine used in India, consisting mostly of dietary and herbal treatments, and the use of meditation.
Patients have their internal Vatta (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water) assessed, which determines their mind-body balance.
Followers of Ayurveda believe too much or too little of any of these can off-set the balance and lead to a number or ailments.
Practitioners may also treat clients through ayurvedic massage, which loosens deep-seated toxins in the joints and releases them into the system for elimination through natural processes.