ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Balancing the Conventional with the Unconventional

At Unicare Pharmacy, we recognise the importance of unconventional medicine and believe that conventional treatment can be complemented with alternative therapies to maximise the process of healing. Hence we provide a range of alternative therapies including Homeopathy, Acupunture, Chiropody, Nutritional Consultancy and Naturopathy. Below, we have briefly tried to summarise the basic principles on which these complementary therapies operate.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a non-invasive system of treatment, which encourages the body's vital force to resist disease and promote healing through a wide range of modalities. Techniques used are often compatible with the vital curative activity of the body, such as air, water, sunlight, relaxation, exercise and dietary therapy. Many other techniques are used as well, for example; acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, energy medicine, bodywork, counselling and osteopathy to name a few. These modalities vary from practitioner to practitioner and depending on the country of practice. Naturopaths use different forms of diagnosis, these include: skin, hair, nails and tongue analysis, iridology, kinesiology, urinalysis, as well as other forms of non-invasive testing (depending on the practitioner).

There are four main principles that every Naturopath abides to:

1. Every human is an individual and is therefore treated as one
2. The cause of the condition is established and then treated, not simply the symptom
3. Each individual possesses the inherent power to heal themselves
4. The person is treated as a whole, including the physical, biochemical, emotional and spiritual, not just the affected part of the body.

Homeopathy

A comprehensive, holistic medical system that can treat most conditions, considering their physical, emotional and mental states. Homeopathic medicine aims at restoring the body's vital energetic balance in order to stimulate the body's natural healing process. This is achieved through the homeopathic principle of; 'like cures like', where a remedy will produce symptoms the same or similar to those which the patient has presented with. An example of this 'law of similars' would be coffee, a stimulant that can cause temporary insomnia, is used in minute potentised doses to relieve the insomnia.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared in a very special and unique manner, where they are diluted and then succussed many times, this process is called potentisation which makes the remedies more effective and reduces the chances of unwanted side effects. Homeopathy is a safe, non-toxic and non-habit forming practice that can be used by anyone of any age. Each patient is treated as an individual and homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine.

The word homeopathy comes from the greek meaning 'similar suffering', this approach was discovered by Samual Hahnemann, a german doctor in 1796.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a part of a traditional Chinese medicine system whose principles are based on the flow of Qi (energy) along meridians (energy channels). The philosophy is that there are many factors that disturb the flow of Qi, including emotional, physical and mental factors that result in disharmony of the body, producing diseases and malfunctioning. Acupuncture aims at improving overall well being by stimulating the body's own healing mechanism by inserting very fine needles along specific meridians, helping to restore the body's natural balance.

Chiropody

Chiropody, also commonly called Podiatry is a branch of orthodox medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower leg.

The foot is a highly complex structure that consists of 26 bones, held together by ligaments, tendons and muscles, with a network of nerves running through. Due to the foots anatomical position, it is exposed potentially to a range of infections and injuries such as; ingrown toenails, athletes foot, plantar warts, corns, calluses, bursitis, fractures, heel spurs, over-use syndromes and many others. In addition there are genetic conditions of the foot that a Chiropodist will treat, for example, clubfoot, flat feet and weak arches.

Chiropody not only diagnosis and treats disorders of the foot, but they bring awareness of the importance of pedal care and prevention of foot problems.

Depending on the presenting complaint, a chiropodist cuts nails, asseses walking and posture (biomechanics), carries out foot/nail surgery, prescribes orthotic insoles, training advice and muscle assessment.

All our therapies are provided by fully qualified, efficient and experienced practitioners at very competitive rates. Moreover, you may choose to take advantage of our frequent special offers, where you could get consultations at special rates. To book appointments any of the above alternative therapies please call 02084507002.