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Acupuncture


Acupuncture is one of the most popular and well-established forms of complementary medicine in the UK with over two million private treatments taking place in the United Kingdom every year. It is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that’s been practised for thousands of years. There are about 3,000 acupuncturists and healthcare professionals in the UK, including doctors, physiotherapists and dentists.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine, metal needles at various carefully chosen points on the skin and is commonly used to treat pain, relieve common ailments and promote general health.

Other uses include:
Acupuncturists believe this procedure regulates the flow of ‘vital energy’, known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’), that circulates through a series of invisible channels in the body, known as meridians. Stimulating the acupuncture points is thought to release blockages in this energy flow and promote healing mechanisms. More conventional theories include triggering the production of ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain known as endorphins, blocking pain receptors or stimulating the nervous system by means of acupuncture needles.

There is a growing body of research evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture, especially to treat nausea (particularly post-operative), dental problems and low back pain. There is also some evidence that it may help other conditions including headaches, hay fever, osteoarthritis, neck pain, prostate problems, bed-wetting and labour pain.Other therapies such as moxa (burning an aromatic herb close to the skin to warm it) or cupping (placing metal or glass suction cups on the skin to increase circulation) may be used alongside acupuncture.

Most acupuncturists insert needles by hand but some use electro-acupuncture (electrical stimulation of needles), laser acupuncture (using a laser light pen), acupressure (fingertip stimulation of acupuncture points) or auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture) as well or instead. Some doctors and other health professionals use mainly ‘trigger point’ acupuncture, which involves selecting set points to treat pain.

The Gaur Health Group is stringent about safety. Our acupuncturists only use sterilised, disposable needles so there's no risk of infection and insert them carefully and correctly to prevent any injury.

Common mild side-effects are slight drowsiness after treatment, or mild soreness around some of the points that have been treated. You may get benefits after just one treatment, but often a course of six to ten treatments is recommended, especially for chronic problems. If you haven’t noticed any, or much, change after the first few treatments talk this over with your practitioner to see if it’s worth continuing. Treatments are often once a week to begin with and then spread over increasing intervals of time. Whenever possible, keep your GP informed about your acupuncture and its outcome.

Some acupuncture points are not safe during pregnancy, so always tell the acupuncturist if you are, or may be, pregnant. Also tell them if you're on any medication in case of interactions or side-effects.

Don’t have acupuncture when under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

All GHG acupuncturists are members of a professional body, such as the BAcC (British Acupuncture Council. They are a register of more than 2,500 acupuncturists, most of whom have done a minimum three years of training. Members have MBAcC after their name) or BMAS (Doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists and other regulated health care professionals generally take shorter courses and usually join the British Medical Acupuncture Society. They have MBMAS or DipMedAc after their names.) This guarantees their training has been checked and that they hold appropriate insurance.

What does the treatment involve?
Diagnosis:You’ll be asked questions about your health, your symptoms and often your general diet and lifestyle, including sleep habits, bowel movements and so on.

The practitioner will look at the colour and shape of your tongue and its coating, and will feel pulses in different positions on each of your wrists.

Non-medical acupuncturists train for years to feel for six pulses on each wrist that are believed to give information about each of the internal organs, as well as the body as a whole.

The acupuncturist may also press different acupuncture points, for example on your stomach or back, to check for tenderness or pain.
Treatment:The practitioner will explain the diagnosis and your treatment plan to you and give you an idea of what changes you may expect over what period of time.

You will be asked to sit or lie on a treatment couch and may be asked to remove some clothing.

Small, fine acupuncture needles will be inserted, either by hand or through a guide tube, at different points on your body, often on the wrists, ankles and feet, back and abdomen. As the needles are inserted, you shouldn’t feel anything apart from a mild sensation or slight soreness. It shouldn’t be painful.

The acupuncturist may use just a few or quite a number of needles and they can be of different lengths and thicknesses depending on the part of your body being treated.

If you're afraid of needles, finger pressure, heat treatment, pressure devices or lasers can be used instead.



Aromatherapy


Aromatherapy is one of the most popular forms of complementary therapy and is the therapeutic use of essential oils from flowers, trees and shrubs and their fruits, blooms, leaves, stems and roots. The oils are obtained by steam distillation, expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) or enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).

These essential oils are usually either massaged into the body, to be absorbed through the skin, or inhaled by means of vaporisers. They may also be added to steam inhalations or baths, added to compresses or spread throughout a room with diffusers. Many nurses, doctors, massage therapists, osteopaths and trained aromatherapists practice aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is often used to relieve stress, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, tension and pain, and to aid relaxation and general wellbeing. Scents from essential oils can stimulate olfactory (smell) receptors in the nose, and brain scans have shown that this can then trigger activity in certain areas of the brain linked to mood and memory. Components of essential oils may also be absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream and are then thought to influence the nervous system, mental state and emotions, and possibly even organ function, although the exact mechanism for this is still unclear. Aromatherapy is increasingly being used in cancer care and in sports therapy.

Common, mild side-effect are slight drowsiness. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery immediately after treatment. Because essential oils are very concentrated and some cause irritation if applied directly to the skin, they are always diluted in a vegetable carrier oil before being applied to the skin.

People who have aromatherapy for relaxation and pleasure may have a treatment every week. Treatments for ailments such as respiratory problems, are usually weekly over several sessions and then gradually spread over increasing intervals to fortnightly or monthly follow-ups.

Certain essential oils may not be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or high blood pressure. In such cases, always get advice on appropriate oils and massage techniques from a trained aromatherapist. Aromatherapy should not be used with infants and very young children, or immediately after surgery. It is also not advised if you have epilepsy, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis or contagious skin conditions. Areas of broken skin should also be avoided.

The new voluntary, self-regulatory body for aromatherapists in the UK is the Aromatherapy Council. It's in the process of establishing a directory of members who are properly qualified and who follow its code of professional practice. Its site has links to the various individual aromatherapy associations active in the UK, which currently all operate their own directories of qualified practitioners. Trained aromatherapists can also be found via the Aromatherapy and Allied Practitioners' Association.

What does the treatment entail?
Diagnosis:Aromatherapists do not make medical diagnoses unless they're medically qualified, so if you are in any doubt about your condition you should consult your NHS GP or your GHG Private GP.
Treatment:The aromatherapist will take a medical history and then determine which oil, or combination of oils, will be the most beneficial for you. You'll normally be asked to undress to your underwear and then be covered with towels in a warm room.

The oils will be diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond or grape seed, and then massaged into your neck, shoulders and upper back, or given as a full body massage, or a facial.

Various massage techniques may be used although Swedish massage is the most common.

An aromatherapy massage can last from 20 to 90 minutes depending on whether its a partial or full body massage.

Some aromatherapists also use manual lymphatic drainage and/or acupressure techniques as part of their treatment.


Nutritionist


Nutritionists believe that you are what you eat and what you eat affects many areas of health. Nutritional Therapy helps you to work out which are the best foods for you as an individual to help you to optimize your health and get the most out of life.

Nutritionists are trained to sympathetically use the complex dynamic interactions of food and nutrients within the body's bio-system to work in harmony with the body and kick start its natural defence and operational systems rather than override them like so many modern medicines do.

Gaur Health Group nutritionists are registered with BANT ((British Association Nutritional Therapy). BANT certified nutritionists will try to work in synergy with your GP but using more in depth nutrition knowledge to look beyond and in greater detail at the problem that your doctor has often first diagnosed.

BANT describes nutritional therapy as the application of nutritional science in the promotion of optimum health and peak performance, disease prevention and patient care. Nutritional therapy can help you with weight loss & weight management, dieting and maintaining your ideal healthy weight.

It can also help you if you are suffering from–
Nutritionists can also help to increase your energy levels and deal with modern stressful lifestyles, optimise your diet for a healthy pregnancy, help you choose the right foods for your children and optimise vegetarian and vegan diets.



Osteopathy


Where Can Osteopathy Help?
About half the patients who consult an osteopath are suffering from low back pain. These back problems can take different forms such as lumbago or the popularly described “slipped disc” which may cause sciatica. These conditions are rarely alleviated by drugs. To obtain more permanent relief it is necessary to try and eliminate their underlying cause, something an osteopath is specially trained to do.

A third of Britons suffer from an episode of backache in any given fortnight. This is a major cause of sickness absenteeism, causing the country an estimated £300 million a year in production losses and sickness benefit. Many people spend weeks in bed before they finally recover from their back pain. Others find that a visit to an osteopath can dramatically shorten their recovery time as carefully designed osteopathic treatment can relieve or completely cure the vast majority of back pains.

A large proportion of headaches, 80% or more originate from stiffness and tension in the neck. This gives rise to pain often radiating over the skull from the base of the neck to the eyes. Heat and analgesic tablets frequently ease this pain but long term relief often requires accurate osteopathic diagnosis and treatment of the underlying problem.

Osteopaths specialise in diagnosing disorders of the spine, joints and muscles. Osteopaths are very effective in alleviating most types of acute and chronic pain.

Some conditions are listed below.
Osteopathy For Children
Children may suffer from joint pain, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries as a result of playground falls and school accidents. As children reach their teens many of them take part in high level and contact sports where osteopathy can assist in treating any sports injuries they may receive. Headaches, neck and back pain often occur in many teens as many of them spend long hours using the computer, have poor study postures and carry heavy school bags and laptops.

Other problems where an osteopath can help children are:

Osteopathy For Pregnant Women
Osteopaths can help pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy and can be carried out right up until the end stages. Pregnant women can often suffer back pain and sciatica during pregnancy, mainly due to the increase in weight being carried and to the change in the spinal posture. Both of these place an additional strain on the back muscles. After the birth many women continue to suffer from back pain due to lifting and carrying the new baby.

Neck and shoulder pain during pregnancy often arise because of breast enlargement and continue after birth because of breastfeeding.

An osteopath can also help with:
Osteopathy For Babies
Gentle cranial techniques can help in relieving the after effects of birth traumas such as compression of the head during forceps deliveries.

Non invasive cranial, functional and visceral osteopathic techniques are used to treat problems such as infant colic, sleep disturbance and recurrent vomiting.

An osteopath can help babies for conditions such as:
Osteopathy For Older Members Of Our Society
Many older patients worry about the safety of manual therapy and whether the treatment may be too forceful for them, however osteopaths have a wide range of gentle and non invasive techniques at their disposal for this purpose.

With age people tend to suffer more from aches and pains and often degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis also become more common. Osteopaths can do much to help maintain mobility and quality of life.

An osteopath can help older people for conditions such as:
What Is Osteopathy And Does It Work?
Osteopathy is an established state recognised profession. It is the modern scientific development of two of the oldest forms of treatment known to man, massage and manipulation. Osteopaths work with their hands to treat conditions affecting the body’s musculo-skeletal system (the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and connective tissue) by a combination of - Combinations of all the above aim to correct the faults diagnosed.

Osteopathy As A Profession
Qualified osteopaths have an academic qualification indicated by D.O. or BSc(Ost) after their names. All osteopaths have to be registered with our governing body, The General Osteopathic Council. This is a guarantee of their training, skill and ethical standing.

An osteopathic degree is recognised all over the world and a registered osteopath can set up practice almost anywhere.

Osteopaths follow an extensive full time four-five year degree course training in anatomy, physiology, pathological processes, biomechanics and clinical methods. This equips the osteopath to analyse the problem and diagnose the complaints using a variety of clinical skills, often backed up where necessary by X-ray examinations and biochemical tests.



Private GP


Most Gaur Health Group clinics have a private GP available for all patients and businesses.

Our doctors are all fully qualified, experienced and accustomed to treating private patients with fast-moving lifestyles.

An appointment with one of our private GP’s provides the ideal way to get treatment for a range of conditions needing prompt attention - like a severe headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, infections, muscular or joint pain and many more - as well as more serious and chronic problems.

Our GP’s also provide second opinions as well as all other GP services such as –

We do not aim to replace your NHS GP, but to complement your existing care with fast access to skilled doctors, close to your place of work.

If you need a referral to a specialist this can be arranged promptly; a prompt referral like this can sometimes be a life-saver. Referrals may be made by our private GP to a Consultant and a report could also be sent to your own GP in order to keep your medical records complete.

Accessible to Everyone
The Gaur Health Group is committed to providing healthcare excellence that is accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.

We also welcome overseas patients. If you live outside the UK and want to receive treatment at a Gaur Health Group clinic or medical institution please contact the Head Office.

Health screening
Health screening is very important for all individuals. It gives you the chance to –
  1. Pick up any health problems at an early stage
  2. Allows you to address any particular health concerns
  3. Allows you to consider and re-evaluate general health issues, risk factors and your general lifestyle

The GHG offers two types of health screening for both men and women. Each of these health screens can be customised further according to your exact needs.

Our private GP will take a detailed history, conduct an examination and perform all the necessary and appropriate tests. You will receive a detailed written report about the findings and in depth advice on your health and lifestyle.

If a health problem is found we will immediately arrange a follow up appointment and arrange for further investigations or refer you to a specialist quickly and efficiently.

In line with recent European legislation and current recommendations, we do not perform routine chest X-Rays but these can be arranged if clinically indicated.

Standard Health Screening for women
This popular health screen is designed to detect health problems most likely to affect women. It includes a detailed medical history followed by the examination which involves -
Additional tests such as the chlamydia test and the mammography can be arranged at an additional cost. It is advisable that unless there is a clinical indication that women do not begin mammographic screening until aged 40.

Comprehensive Health Screening for women
This comprehensive health screen is designed to detect health problems most likely to affect women. It includes a detailed medical history followed by the examination which involves -
Additional tests such as the mammography and the vision test can be arranged at an additional cost. Unless there is a clinical indication, it is advisable for women not to begin mammographic screening until aged 40.

Standard Health Screening for men
This popular health screen is designed to detect health problems most likely to affect men. It includes a detailed medical history followed by the examination which involves -

Additional tests such as PSA & FOB (for patients 40 and over) can be arranged at an additional cost.

Comprehensive Health Screening for men
This comprehensive health screen is designed to detect health problems most likely to affect men. It includes a detailed medical history followed by the examination which involves -

Occupational Health
Our private GP’s offer the full range of occupational health services, from pre-employment screening and support, to policy development and medical reports. We can help with assessment of work-related issues like upper limb disorders, neck pain, headache, visual problems and absenteeism due to illness

Our GP’s are also committed in helping companies manage their employee’s health and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

If you have an employee with a specific health issue or absent through illness, we will see them promptly and provide a detailed report to you so that you can manage the situation.

Travel Health
Another important service that our GP’s can provide is the need for urgent vaccinations for those last minute holidays.

Sexual Health
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases and early medical intervention is very important and allows you to take control of your own health and maintain your sexual health.

There is no single test that screens for all sexually transmitted diseases so different types of samples may be needed to cover most likely problems.

Many sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be treated easily with antibiotics. Other sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV and Herpes can be managed in a way that will decrease symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.

The GHG offers two different types of sexual health screening for both men and women. Both include a full consultation and an in-depth discussion about your sexual health.

You will receive your results at a follow up consultation. Total confidentiality is guaranteed at all times.

Standard Sexual Health Screen for Women
This includes tests for chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, and herpes virus antigen. Vaginal swabs, urine samples and blood samples are taken.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Screen for Women
In addition to the above, this screen also includes testing for HIV (1 and 2) antibodies, Hepatitis B virus antigens and a more specific test for syphilis.

Standard Sexual Health Screen for Men
This includes tests for chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, ureaplasma and mycoplasma. Swabs (urethral), urine samples and blood samples are taken.

Comprehansive Sexual Health Screen for Men
In addition to the above, this screen also includes testing for HIV (1 and 2) antibodies, Hepatitis B virus antigens and a more specific test for syphilis.



Reflexology


Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms. Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn’t until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as ‘zone therapy’. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone. In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.

Reflexology can be used to help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.

Reflexology has been shown to be effective for back pain, migraine, infertility, arthritis, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries and stress related conditions.

While many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognise reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy. With ever increasing levels of stress, it is important people take more responsibility for their own health care needs. Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain health in all areas of our lives.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After you have completed a course of reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.

The Association was founded in 1984. It arose from a need to establish standards and to provide a network of qualified practitioners to which the public could refer with confidence. The aim of the Association is to help maintain a high standard of practice and patient care and to promote reflexology. Members are bound by the Association’s Codes of Practice and Ethics.

What does the treatment entail?
On the first visit, the reflexology practitioner will have a preliminary talk with you to determine your present and past health and lifestyle.

The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy is unique to each person.

A professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body. After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is a part of the healing process.

This is vital information to feed back to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment. This will help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.



Massage, Sports Massage And Indian Head Massage


Massage therapy involves different types of touch, pressure or flowing movements applied to the skin and underlying tissues. Touch is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to promote circulation and release tension. Oils or powder may be used to enable smooth, flowing massage movements.

Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid the removal of waste products. Massage is also believed to stimulate skin receptors and the nervous system triggering the release of ‘feel-good’ chemicals, known as endorphins that help us relax. It may also help ‘block’ pain signals. Massage therapy has also been shown to give short-term benefits to those undergoing chemotherapy, by relieving anxiety and depression.

Massage therapy is used to alleviate stress, release muscular tension, aid relaxation, to relieve pain, to facilitate healing from injury and finally to enhance wellbeing. It is a part of many cancer care programmes and is also used for premature babies, infants, young children and older people. Massage therapy can also offer some help for certain physical conditions such as constipation and menstrual pain and plays an important part in sports therapy. Massage is practised by both conventional and complementary medicine practitioners, including nurses, osteopaths, chiropractors, reflexologists and aromatherapists.

Massage is not suitable on broken, damaged, bruised, swollen or infected skin, burns, open cuts or wounds, over varicose or inflamed veins or when someone has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a fever. It is also not advised if someone has suspected broken bones, brittle bone disease (osteoporosis), advanced cancers or serious heart problems. Special care should be taken with babies and infants, pregnant women, older people and those with cancer, diabetes or other serious diseases, or people who have recently had an operation. Care should also be taken with those on blood-thinning medication.

Massage is generally very safe when practised by trained therapists. Mild side-effects are slight drowsiness owing to relaxation during treatment. You are often advised to rest briefly before resuming daily activities such as driving. Daily treatments are advised to treat pain or sports injuries, a weekly massage is often given for relaxation and the relief of stress and anxiety and these may last for a set number of weeks or be on an ongoing basis.

All Gaur Health Group massage therapists have had thorough training at a reputable institution and are members of the General Council for Massage Therapy.

There are many different types of massage techniques and approaches. Some are listed below -

Indian head massage: This massage concentrates on the head and shoulders for relieve of stress and anxiety build up.
Ayurvedic massage: This is a pressure point or hot oil massage that may involve whole-body massage or only parts of the body such as Indian head massage.
Biodynamic massage: This is a form of therapy to promote the release of physical and emotional blockages in the body especially in the abdomen.
Hot stone massage: This is the application of different types of warm or cool stones to the skin to relax muscles or reduce swelling and inflammation.
Lymphatic massage:Lymphatic massage (also known as manual lymphatic drainage). This massage uses light and gentle techniques to improve the circulation of lymph fluid in the body.
Remedial massage: This is a soft-tissue massage and is commonly used to treat muscle and joint pain and sports injuries.
Shiatsu:This technique uses pressure from the fingertips, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees or feet and is applied to the body often through clothing. It is said to improve the flow of vital energy known as ‘ki’, increase circulation and release tension.
Sports massage: This massage involves a range of techniques for treating sport injuries and aiding performance.
Swedish massage:Swedish massage (also known as therapeutic massage) – Swedish massage incorporates a range of techniques applied to the skin using oils including effleurage (stretching and relaxing superficial muscles), petrissage (kneading and squeezing deeper muscles and tissues), friction and compression (rubbing and ‘holding’ the tissues to break down scar tissue and relax muscles), tapotement (rhythmical movements and tapping performed with the edge of the hand or heel of the palm to increase blood circulation) and vibration (rhythmical movements for releasing tension and boosting circulation).

What does the massage treatment involve?
Diagnosis:Massage therapists do not make medical diagnoses, so if you are in any doubt about your condition you should consult your NHS GP or your GHG Private GP.
Treatment:Usually a brief medical history will be taken to determine the most appropriate form of massage for you.

For many types of massage you will be asked to undress down to your underwear and lie on a massage couch, where you will be covered with warmed towels or a sheet. The room will be warm enough to allow you to relax fully.

Certain forms of massage, such as Shiatsu, are performed through clothing. Oils may be used as in Swedish massage or aromatherapy and either the whole body or just a certain part such as the feet in reflexology will be massaged. Associated techniques such as hot packs or infra-red heat lamps may also be used as part of the treatment.

A massage can last anything from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on whether it's a partial or full massage, but commonly takes 30 to 60 minutes.
 
 
 
 
 


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