Osteopathy seeks to overcome, without the use of drugs, a wide range of disorders resulting from the body's framework and moving parts,  After taking account of the patient's full medical history and an examination, treatment where necessary consists of gentle manipulation , massage and articulation of joints.  Osteopathy is particularly effective in alleviating acute and chronic pains such as lumbago, fibrositis, sciatica, rheumatic pains in the legs and arms, migraine, headaches, back pain, sporting injuries and problems caused by bad posture. PLEASE NOTE: We have no Osteopath currently available
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Acupuncture is a healing art, based on the cycles and laws of nature operating within the human body.  Chinese medicine uses descriptions of natural elements such as fire, earth, water, wind and metal to describe the various forces and energies interacting within our bodily physiology; when these forces act in harmony together then we experience well being of mind and body.
Acupuncturists use points on the surface of the body to access this flow of energy and to affect it as required by the insertion of fine sterilised needles which are as slender as a human hair and are disposable after use.  Sometimes the application of warmth is necessary through a process known as moxibustion. Acupuncture treats both acute and chronic conditions and, generally speaking, is relatively painless to receive.
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Herbal medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine known to man and is still the main source of treatment for 80% of the world's population.
It is 'holistic' in nature, meaning that it addresses the whole person, looking at the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of those who come for care.  It views health as a positive state, not just the absence of disease.  The patient is assessed as an individual and herbal formulas are compiled to match each person's individual symptoms.   The herbs will stimulate the body's innate ability to heal itself and the herbalist will advise the patient on diet and lifestyle changes that may assist in restoring their health.  The patient and herbalist will work together  and illness can sometimes be a stepping stone to change.
Conditions which may be helped by herbal medicine include skin conditions, infections, digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, chest conditions and allergies.

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Massage is perhaps one of the oldest and simplest of all treatments.  In the East it is accepted as natural that people of all ages can benefit from regular massage.  Here in the West, although its value has been recognised in the world of sport its use has only quite recently spread to other areas, i.e. complementary health.  Massage as a therapy has evolved out of one of our most instinctive desire - to touch and be touched.  As a species we can exist without many things, but physical contact is not one of them.
Massage is a manipulation of the body's soft tissues with specific techniques to promote or restore health.   Detection through the therapist's hands is then treated by massage techniques, mainly for the muscles, ligaments and tendon. Regular massage can benefit both physical health and emotional health, restoring the person into a balanced state of mind and well-being.
Conditions which would benefit from massage are: strain and injury; stress; sleeplessness; PMS; fatigue; cellulite; headache; and backache.
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Disorders of the feet have often been considered so unimportant as to be unworthy of research and treatment, and much harm has been done by the treatment of ailments by persons who have no professional knowledge of surgical chiropody, thus causing unnecessary suffering to the patient.  The chiropodist at Avalon provides a service for the prevention and treatment of foot disorders, including corns, callous, verrucæ and nail problems.
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Responding to the demands of the stressful lives that many of us lead, Avalon Health Centre is pleased to offer the services of a qualified Psychotherapist.  Please ring for an appointment.
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Many health problems can be traced to poor and inappropriate nutrition and food allergies.   An allergy test can quickly and accurately discover these problems. Advice is given on how to avoid those foods you are sensitive to and how to follow a proper diet for you, that is also enjoyable.  These very simple changes in your diet often improve conditions such as constantly feeling low and lifeless, problems with ulcers, P.M.T., menopausal problems, migraine, and many more.
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Hypnotherapy treats a variety of conditions from smoking addictions through to severe depression.  It is increasingly being used as an adjunct to ordinary medicine where it provides a valuable alternative to anæsthesia and is a useful tool in the relief or control of pain and stress.  Hypnosis may be defined as a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion.  This does not mean falling asleep or being lulled into a deep trance state as you are able to converse easily whilst under hypnosis and cannot be led or forced into situations against your will.
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This is a deep but controlled massage to the feet where reflexes can be found to all parts of the body.  Through this treatment the nerves, blood circulation and glands can be brought into harmony with each other and many conditions can be alleviated by reflexology massage, which is both pain relieving and relaxing.
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Naturopathy, otherwise known as Natural Therapeutics or Nature Cure, is defined as a system of therapeutics in which neither surgical nor pharmaceutical agencies are used, dependence being placed only upon natural forces.  More than this, Naturopathy is a holistic system of healing which seeks to promote positive health by removing obstructions to vitality, whilst stimulating the body's inherent self-healing tendency.  It is therefore a 'vitalistic' system.
Philosophy.  Naturopathy has as its foundation a philosophy shared by all natural and holistic therapies, in that it acknowledges the fundamental truth of the body's own capacity for self-healing, through a complex vital mechanism which strives constantly to maintain a dynamic, homeostatic equilibrium with the living organism.  Obstruction of, or interference with this mechanism manifests as "disease".  The aim of the Naturopath is to remove or minimise these factors, thus allowing the healing force of nature (vis medicatrix naturæ), to restore body, mind and spirit to optimum health.
Diagnosis.  Diagnosis, in the medical context, is of secondary importance to the Naturopath, since naturopathic practitioners are not overly concerned with the giving of Greek names to complaints or with there specific symptomatic treatment.  Diseases are not recognised as distinct entities by the Naturopath, but are regarded as the outcome of deeper and wider imbalances, which can only be rectified by understanding and appropriate action, which should ideally be non-toxic, non-invasive and non-suppressive in its effects.  However, an overall assessment of the prospective patient's general health and vitality is made during the initial consultation.  This may include traditional naturopathic methods such as iridology as well as the standard clinical tests of blood pressure, urinalysis, etc.  An extensive case history is usually taken, along with a postural and structural examination.
Consultation.  The greater part of naturopathic work is educational and the patient is encouraged to adopt a moderate, self-disciplined attitude towards their lifestyle, and to cultivate a wholesome interest in matters of health and environment.  Naturopathy is sometimes demanding of the patient, emphasising as it does that there are no short cuts to optimum well-being and that good health cannot be got on prescription or bought from a therapist.  Therefore and understanding of the basic concepts, intelligent application of treatment regimen and a willingness to participate in the miracle of self-healing are qualities that the Naturopath seeks to address and nurture in his patient.
Treatment.  In practice basic naturopathic treatment usually encompasses three major spheres:
1. Nutrition and dietetics - based upon sound principles of scientific research , whole foods and selective remedial nutrition. Food combining has always been recommended by naturopathic practitioners.
2. Physical Therapy - often utilising osteopathic principles of structural adjustment to normalise physiological mechanisms.  Massage, hydrotherapy and postural integration fall into this category and remedial exercise is often employed.
3. Applied Psychology - this area takes into account the emotional or spiritual background of the disease condition and aims towards positive re-appraisal of attitudes, with orientation towards enhances well-being. Relaxation techniques, meditation and counselling are applied in this field.
In addition to these basic modalities, some Naturopaths may adopt a more eclectic approach, employing adjunctive therapies such as radionics, homeopathy, biochemistry, Bach flower remedies or herbal infusions.  However, practitioners of Natural Hygiene, or "straight" Nature Cure refuse, on principle, to admit these supplementary treatments.
Scope.  Naturopathy is, above all, a system of constructive healthcare which is both preventative and remedial when properly applied.  Many people consult a Naturopath, even though they are quite well, with a view to improving their vitality and well-being.  Others find their way to natural therapy after having been unresponsive to medical treatment.   Yet other may prefer drugless treatment as a matter of personal conviction, or may be wary of the potential side-effects of pharmaceutical products.  Naturopathic treatment can be especially helpful in conditions which result from the stresses of living in an unnatural environment, coupled with poor eating habits, devitalised foods and irregular sedentary lifestyles.  Very often the implementation of simple measures based upon sound naturopathic advice can do a great deal to offset these factors and help to redress the precarious balance between health and disease.
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Signs and markings on the iris, (the coloured part of the eye), enable the experiences iridologist to determine the cause of many symptoms as well as the origin and pathway of many diseases which may otherwise not have been found using other methods. This in turn often assists in making a more accurate diagnosis of your problem, and the most appropriate course of treatment recommended.
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