This page is an international directory of resources useful to personal and planetary healing and transformation. It will be continually expanded, with your help, so please feel free to submit information by
Disclaimer: the listing of any particular organisation in this directory does not mean that it is necessarily endorsed by Rising Earth.
The Foundation for Community Encouragement
The Foundation for Community Encouragement is a non-profit educational foundation that teaches the principles and values of community to individuals, groups and organisations. Contact: FCE, PO Box 17210, Seattle, WA 98107-0910, USA. Tel: 888-784-9001 (toll-free). Fax: 206-784-9077. E-mail: Website: www.fce-community.org
Community Building in Britain
CBiB is a network of people who are committed to creating and supporting experiential situations in which the principles and methods of community building may be discovered and practised. E-mail: Website: http://members.aol.com/petercbib
Community Peacemakers
Community Peacemakers stand up for 'peace, non-violence and social justice', and assist people to become a personal peacemaker in the community. Amongst other things, they run educational programs on how to be a 'personal and community peace ambassador', which focus on how students and adults can opt to change their way of thinking away from a mind of social conflict into one of peace and non-violence. The program covers the themes of:
Contact: Community Peacemakers, 2908 Madeline Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94602-3337, USA. Tel: 510-530-1319. Fax: 510-530-1527. E-mail: Website: http://emf.net/~swaaden/peacemaker
LETS (Local Exchange Trading System)
People get together and create their own local currency, give themselves account numbers, and then make out a list of their 'offers' and their 'wants'. These can be anything from babysitting and decorating to counselling and healing. The lists are then compiled into a monthly bulletin which is circulated, although trading can also happen through adverts and personal contacts.
LETSLINK UK provides full information and support. Contact: LETSLINK UK, 2 Kent Street, Portsmouth, Hants P01 3BS. Tel: 01705 730639.
LETS Connect: an information and support network for the UK LETS community. Has an up-to-date contact list of UK LETS. Send an A4 SAE to: Mandy and John Winkworth, 12 Leasowe Green, Lightmoor, Telford TF4 3QX. Tel: 01952 590687.
The LETSystem website provides information on starting your own LETSystem and has a list of worldwide contacts: www.gmlets.u-net.com
New Economics Foundation
The New Economics Foundation introduced LETS to the UK in 1985. It campaigns for new economic approaches centring on people and the environment rather than consumption and growth. It advises both organisations and individuals, and publishes a community economics action guide called Community Works. Contact: New Economics Foundation, Cinnamon House, 6-8 Cole Street, London SE1 4YH, UK. Tel: 0171 407 7447. Fax: 0171 407 6473. E-mail: Website: www.neweconomics.org
International Society for Ecology and Culture
ISEC is a founder member of the International Forum on Globalisation. Along with other NGOs, they are campaigning for 'a new economic and financial "architecture" that would make local and national economies viable again'. Contact: ISEC, Apple Barn, Week, Dartington, Devon TQ9 6JP, UK. Tel: 01803 868650. Fax: 01803 868651. E-mail:
Traidcraft
Traidcraft is a fair trade organisation that believes in giving poor workers in the developing world the opportunity to use their skills with dignity, and paying them fair prices. Contact: Traidcraft, Kingsway, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0NE, UK. Tel: 0191 491 0591. Fax: 0191 482 2690. Website: www.traidcraft.co.uk
The Global Eco-village Network
The Global Eco-village Network was founded in 1994 to support the development of sustainable human settlements, facilitate the exchange of information amongst the settlements, and make information available about eco-village concepts and demonstration sites. It has a database of relevant books, magazines, newsletters, and web links, and a directory for locating eco-villages and GEN network nodes. E-mail: (Oceania and Asia); (Europe); (Americas) Website: www.gaia.org
Earth Village Network
Earth Village Network is a worldwide foundation that sets up land trusts for the creation of sustainable permaculture communities and links these in a supportive network all over the world. Contact: Persh Hannah Sassoon, 6 Edinburgh Crescent, Kingsway, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3LL, UK. Tel: 01926 424480. E-mail: Website: http://intouch.info.nl/evn
The Natural Step
The Natural Step is a non-profit environmental education organisation working to build an ecologically and economically sustainable society. It provides a pragmatic framework which can be used to guide social, environmental, and economic actions. Website: www.naturalstep.org
The Global Sustainability Alliance
The Global Sustainability Alliance is working towards the creation of a global regenerative socio-economic system of sufficient critical mass to reverse the momentum of current environmental destruction on our Planet. It is concerned with the holistic systems management of communities, including a system of barter. E-mail: Website: www.wenet.net/~navigate/gsa/index.html
Global Environment and Technology Foundation
The Global Environment and Technology Foundation is a non-profit corporation that promotes the development and use of innovative technology to achieve sustainable development. Contact: Global Environment and Technology Foundation, 7010 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300, Annandale, Virginia 22003, USA. Tel: 703-750-6401. E-mail: Website: www.getf.org
The EnviroLink Network
The EnviroLink Network is a grassroots online community that unites hundreds of organisations and volunteers around the world with millions of people in more than 150 countries. EnviroLink is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, up-to-date environmental resources available. Website: www.envirolink.org
The Green Marketplace
The Green Marketplace evolved from the EnviroLink Network in response to the overwhelming demand from its users for products that are healthy for people and the planet. Website: www.greenmarketplace.com
The Green Pages
The Green Pages is the online version of Co-op America's popular National Green Pages directory of thousands of socially and environmentally responsible businesses, products and services. You'll find special offers and discounts on products you need every day. And there are information and tips on "green shopping" and how to support companies which do well by doing good. Website: www.coopamerica.org/gp
Real Goods
Real Goods is an online catalogue of environmentally friendly products and renewable energy technology. Website: www.realgoods.com
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain supplies alternative energy technology, composting toilets, greywater systems, water solutions, energy-efficient appliances, and environmental information. Contact: Jade Mountain Inc, PO Box 4616, Boulder, Colorado, USA. Tel: 800-442-1972. Fax: 303-449-8266. E-mail: Website: www.jademountain.com
The Centre for Alternative Technology
CAT is an educational charity striving to achieve the best cooperation between the natural, technological and human worlds. They test, live with and display strategies and tools for doing this. Contact: The Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1654 702400. Fax: +44 (0)1654 702782. E-mail: Website: www.cat.org.uk
The Development Center for Appropriate Technology
The Development Center for Appropriate Technology is a public service, nonprofit organisation for the purpose of supporting the development and use of sustainable approaches to meeting human and ecological needs through the appropriate use of technology. 'We know that today's complex problems cannot be solved by using technology independent of its context. To be appropriate, technology must be connected to the place, resources, economics, culture, and impacts of its use. We carry out our work in that larger context through a variety of interrelated projects based on principles of education, leadership, leverage, and synergy.' Contact: PO Box 27513, Tucson Arizona 85726-7513, USA. Tel: (520) 624-6628. Fax: (520) 798-3701. E-mail: Website: www.azstarnet.com/dcat
The Source for Renewable Energy
'The Source for Renewable Energy is a comprehensive buyer's guide and business directory to more than 3500 renewable energy businesses and organizations around the world. You can locate renewable energy businesses by geographic location, by product type, by business type and by name, or search for businesses using keywords.' Website: www.sourceguides.com/energy
Solar Energy International
SEI's Renewable Energy Education Program teaches the practical use of solar, wind and water power. 'Our workshops give individuals the knowledge and skills to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems and to build state-of-the-art solar homes that are efficient, practical and Earth-friendly.' Contact: Solar Energy International, PO Box 715, Carbondale, CO 81623-0715, USA. Tel: (970) 963-8855. Fax: (970) 963-8866. E-mail: Website: www.solarenergy.org
Ampair
'Our products give you your own independent electricity source whether for work, home or leisure. The energy is natural, clean, quiet, and non-polluting - and it's free. We design, build and supply a number of ecologically sound products for use in a variety of situations and powered in a number of ways.' Contact: PO Box 416, Poole, Dorset BH12 3LZ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1202 749994. Fax: +44 (0)1202 736653. E-mail: Website: www.ampair.com
Hemp Information and Products
Hemp is the strongest, most durable natural fibre. As a fabric it is ten times as strong as cotton, and lasts over three times longer. As paper it can be recycled up to eight times as opposed to three times for tree paper, and lasts many times longer. As a food source it provides high protein and essential fatty acids. It can also be used as a renewable, low-polluting source of biomass fuel. Because it is a high-yield crop, hemp produces more biomass than any plant that can be grown. One acre of hemp will produce four times as much paper as an acre of trees over a twenty-year period. Hemp requires no pesticides or herbicides as it naturally repels insects and weeds.
Resources:
Hemptech is a worldwide network of communications and hemp professionals working to reintroduce industrial hemp into our economy. Hemptech publishes books and reports, as well as providing consulting and other information services to the growing hemp industry. The Hemptech Directory lists hemp products and organisations. Contact: The Industrial Hemp Network, PO Box 1716 Sebastopol, CA 95473, USA. Tel: 707-823-2800. Fax: 707-823-2424. E-mail: Website: www.hemptech.com
HempIsPure provides hemp information and products. Contact: PO Box 52003, East Palo Alto, California 94303, USA. Tel: 1-415-321-5306. Fax: 1-415-321-5306. E-mail: Website: www.hempispure.com
The Hemp Collective. Contact: Silverdale, 15 Clyde Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2NJ, UK. Tel: 0161 445 5227. Fax: 0161 445 2556. E-mail: Website: www.thehempcollective.com
Planet Hemp provides hemp and cotton/hemp blends. Contact: 425 Park Avenue, Suite 2600, New York, NY 10022, USA. Tel: 1-800-681-4367. Fax: 1-646-654-6573. E-mail: Website: www.planethemp.com
Millennial Goods
Millennial Goods serves the growing network of individuals, communities and industries seeking sustainable products, services and education in the fields of energy, food and cooking, water, housing, construction, health, waste, transport, communications, permaculture and gardening, etc. Tel: 415-945-1833. E-mail: Website: www.millennialgoods.com
Permaculture
The term 'Permaculture' was coined by Bill Mollison in 1974 and refers to the idea of permanent, sustainable agriculture. It emphasises human participation in a design process with nature, and calls for the harmonious integration of the landscape with people providing their food, energy, shelter, and other needs in a sustainable way. For more information on Permaculture visit http://csf.colorado.edu/perma
The Permaculture Organisation, Old Cuming Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0LP, UK.
Biodynamics
Biodynamics is a method of agriculture which seeks to actively work with the health-giving forces of nature. 'Biodynamics is a science of life-forces, a recognition of the basic principles at work in nature, and an approach to agriculture which takes these principles into account to bring about balance and healing. In a very real way, then, Biodynamics is an ongoing path of knowledge rather than an assemblage of methods and techniques. Biodynamics is part of the work of Rudolf Steiner, known as anthroposophy - a new approach to science which integrates precise observation of natural phenomena, clear thinking, and knowledge of the spirit. It offers an account of the spiritual history of the Earth as a living being, and describes the evolution of the constitution of humanity and the kingdoms of nature.' Contact: Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association Inc, Building 1002B, Thoreau Center, The Presidio, PO Box 29135, San Francisco, CA 94129-0135, USA. Tel: (888) 516-7797. Fax (415) 561-7796. E-mail: Website: www.biodynamics.com
Sustainable Agriculture
The Committee for Sustainable Agriculture. The CSA is a nonprofit educational organisation that promotes ecologically sound agriculture. It brings people together from all over the world to share ideas and experiences in producing healthful food from a healthy Earth. 'When you support CSA, you are supporting the growing of abundant food, protecting natural resources, preserving diversity, honoring rural life and work, and inspiring better farming.' Contact: CSA, 406 Main Street, #313 Watsonville, CA 95076, USA. Tel: 831-763-2111. Fax 831-763-2112. Email: Website: www.csa-efc.org
Organic Foods and Farming
The Soil Association. Contact: The Organic Food and Farming Centre, 86 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB, UK. Tel: 01179 290661. Website: www.earthfoods.co.uk
The Organic Farming Research Foundation. Sponsors research related to organic farming practices, disseminates research results to organic farmers and growers, and educates the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues. Contact: PO Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, USA. Tel: 831-426-6606. Fax: 831-426-6670. E-mail: Website: www.ofrf.org
The Organic Consumers Association. Promotes food safety, organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices. Contact: BioDemocracy and Organic Consumers Association, 6114 Hwy 61, Little Marais, MN 55614, USA. Tel: (218) 226-4164. Fax: (218) 226-4157. E-mail: Website: www.purefood.org
Genetic Engineering
Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and the Genetic Engineering Network have a joint campaign against genetically modified food. Contact: 0171 865 8222. A free information sheet is available from The Genetic Engineering Network, PO Box 9656, London N4 4JY, UK. Tel: 0181 374 9516.
How to Avoid Genetic Foods is a publication available for £2.50 from The Nationwide Food Survey, Beacon House, Skelmersdale, Lancashire N8 6UR, UK (cheques payable to 'Nationwide Publications').
Seed-Saver Networks
Seed-saver networks aim to protect national and regional plant varieties, and have seed libraries and facilities to assist organic growing.
The Henry Doubleday Research Association, The Organic Gardening Centre, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3LG, UK. Tel: 01203 303517. Fax: 01203 639229. E-mail: Website: http://nasc.nott.ac.uk:8200/HDRA.html
Seed Savers Exchange, 3076 North Winn Road, Decorah, Iowa 52101, USA. See the CSF website at http://csf.colorado.edu/sustainability/seeds.html
Association for Humanistic Psychology, BM Box 3582, London WC1N 3XX, UK. Tel: 0345 078506.
The Institute of Psychosynthesis, 65a Watford Way, Hendon, London N4 3AQ, UK.
The Psychosynthesis and Education Trust, 48 Guildford Road, Stockwell, London SW8 2BU, UK.
British Holistic Medical Association, 59 Lansdowne Place, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1FL. Tel/Fax: 01273 725951. E-mail: Website: www.bhma-sec.dircon.co.uk
Holistic Health Foundation, 2 De La Hay Avenue, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4HH, UK. Tel: 01752 671485.
British Association for Holistic Health, 179 Gloucester Place, London NW1 6DX.
British Complementary Medicine Association, 39 Presbury Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2PT. Tel: 01242 226 770.
Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 206-208 Latimer Road, London W10 6RE, UK.
National Foundation for Holistic Medicine, 66 Milton Road, Rye, New York, NY 10580, USA.
Association for Holistic Health, PO Box 12407, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
American Holistic Medical Association. Website: www.holisticmedicine.org
ACUPUNCTURE
The British Acupuncture Council, 63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9HQ. Tel: 020 8735 0400. Fax: 020 8735 0404. E-mail: (general enquiries) or (practitioner lists). Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk
Society of Auricular Acupuncture, Nurstead Lodge, Nurstead, Meopham, Kent DA13 9AD, UK. Tel: 01474 813902.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy uses essential plant oils that are administered by massage, steam inhalation, compression, and baths.
Aromatherapy Organisation Council, 3 Latymer Close, Braybrooke, Market Harborough, Leicester LE16 8LN, UK. Tel: 01858 434242.
Holistic Aromatherapy Foundation, 90 Tudor Drive, Mordon, Surrey SM4 4PF, UK. Tel: 020 8330 2166.
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, PO Box 17622, Boulder, CO 80308, USA. Tel: 314-963-2071. Fax: 314-963-4454. Email: Website: www.naha.org
A Guide to Choosing Essential Oils
- Buy essential oils (preferably organic) from a company that has an aromatherapist as a sales consultant.
- Look for oils sold in amber glass bottles with insert dropper.
- Note prices. If a range of 'pure essential oils' are all the same price, including rose and jasmine, you can be sure they are synthetic.
- Ask the supplier for a test strip, a thin taper made from filter paper. A pure essential oil will be absorbed by the filter, not leaving a greasy mark.
- If you suspect dilution (usually rectified coconut oil), make a test on the back of your hand; the effect will be oily. If strips are not available, keep a small piece of blotting paper handy.
- If the essential oil has been diluted in alcohol, the aroma will be weak and will fade quickly, as well as evaporate very quickly on contact with the air.
BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
Remedies are made from the flowers of wild plants, bushes, and trees.
The Dr Edward Bach Centre, Mount Vernon, Bakers Lane, Sotwell, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0PZ, UK. Tel: 01491 834678. Fax: 01491 825022. Website: www.bachcentre.com
SHIATSU
The fingers and thumbs are used on the body's pressure points to balance the energy flow.
The Shiatsu Society, Barber House, Storeys Bar Road, Sengate, Peterborough PE1 5YS, UK. Tel: 01733 758333.
REIKI
Practitioners channel universal energy to the patient.
The Reiki Association, Cornbrook Bridge House, Clee Hill, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 3QQ, UK. Tel: 01981 550829.
SHEN Therapy
SHEN therapists direct energy into the biofield to release contractions in the body which hold painful emotion. When held emotion is released, perception and behaviour change. SHEN helps to complete life transitions and to resolve emotional discomfort.
International SHEN Therapy Association, 3213 W. Wheeler, Suite 202 Seattle, WA 98199, USA. Tel: 206-298-9468. Fax: 206-283-1256.
SHEN Therapy Institute, 20 YFH Gate 6 Road, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA. Tel: 415-332-2593. Fax: 415-331-2455. E-mail:
SHEN Therapy Centre, PO Box 13034, Edinburgh EH13 9YD, UK. Tel/fax: 0131 478 4780.
HEALING
The Confederation of Healing Organisations, 113 High Street, Berkhamstead, Herts HP4 2DJ, UK.
National Federation of Spiritual Healers, Old Manor Farm Studio, Church Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 6RG, UK. Tel: 01932 783164. Fax: 01932 779648. E-mail: Website: www.nfsh.org.uk
Association for Therapeutic Healers, Flat 5, 54-56 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London WC2, UK.
CRYSTAL HEALING
The treatment uses crystals that are placed within the body's energy field or on specific body parts that require treatment.
Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations, 72 Pasture Road, Goole, East Yorkshire, UK. Tel: 01405 769119.
HOMEOPATHY
Society of Homeopaths, 2 Artisan Road, Northampton NN1 4HU, UK. Tel: 01604 621400.
British Homoeopathic Association, 27a Devonshire Street, London W1N 1RJ, UK. Tel: 020 7935 2163.
North American Society of Homeopaths, 1122 East Pike Street, Suite 1122, Seattle, WA 98122. Tel: 541-345-9815. E-mail: Website: www.homeopathy.org
American Institute of Homeopathy, 801 N. Fairfax St, Suite 306, Alexandria,Virginia 22314. Tel: 703-246-9501. Website: www.healthy.net/associations/pa/aih
International Foundation for Homeopathy, PO Box 7, Edmonds, WA 98020, USA. Tel: 425-776-4147. Fax: 425-776-1499. E-mail: Website: www.healthy.net/ifh
IRIDOLOGY AND SCLEROLOGY
Iridology is the study of the signs and markings in the iris of the eye and how they relate to the health of the body. Sclerology is the study of the whites of the eyes for their health implications. The size, configuration, colour, intensity and location of eye markings give important clues as to what is happening in the body. Sclerology confirms the findings in the iris and can be used to prioritise treatment as the sclera signs are more immediate.
International Association of Clinical Iridologists, 853 Finchley Road, London NW11 8LX, UK.
Holistic Iridology Association, 90 Tudor Drive, Morden, Surrey SM4 4PF, UK.
International Sclerology Institute. Website: www.sclerology-institute.org
KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology is based on the principle that certain muscle groups are related to specific body parts. Muscle tests are used to detect any energy blockages and imbalances. The practitioner uses light touch, deep massage, and gives dietary advice. Muscle testing used to identify structural, chemical, and mental imbalance. Uses nutrition, manipulation, diet, and exercise to restore wellbeing.
Association of Systematic Kinesiology, 39 Browns Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT5 85T. Tel: 020 8399 3215. Fax: 020 8390 1010. E-mail: Website: www.kinesiology.co.uk
The Kinesiology Federation, PO Box 17153, Edinburgh EH11 3WQ. Tel/Fax: 08700 113545. E-mail: Website: www.kinesiologyfederation.org
Kinesiology Institute, 4067 Carmel Springs Way, San Diego, CA 92130, USA. Tel: (619) 755-8407. Fax: (619) 755-8457. E-mail: Website: www.kinesiologyinstitute.com
Touch For Health Kinesiology Association, 11262 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, USA. Tel: 800-466-8342 or 310-313-5580. Fax: 310-313-9319. E-mail: Website: www.tfh.org
Website for Touch For Health Kinesiology Association of Australia: www.touch4health.org.au
Kinesiology Network: www.kinesiology.net
MERIDIAN THERAPY
Meridian Therapy is the term for a variety of therapeutic approaches to working with the meridians. A Meridian Therapist will normally draw on more than one approach in order to help their clients on an individual basis.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a therapeutic approach for releasing negative emotions, beliefs, traumas, and conditioning. The basic theory is that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system. The disturbance is corrected energetically by working with a certain sequence of meridian points.TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique) alleviates trauma and energy blockages by touching certain points on the skull and near the eyes, in a specific way. See www.tat-intl.com
BSFF (Be Set Free Fast) is a descriptive acronym for Behavioral and Emotional Symptom Elimination Training For Resolving Excess Emotion-Fear, Anger, Sadness and Trauma. BSFF directly addresses the subconscious processes that establish and trigger debilitating and dysfunctional reactions. Rather than dealing with various underlying root causes to a problem one at a time, BSFF deals with groups of problems to get faster and gentler results. See http://members.aol.com/eliums/bsff.html
TAB (Touch And Breathe) is a method involving the touching rather than tapping of meridian points while breathing.
TFT (Thought Field Therapy) is based on using a system related to Applied Kinesiology called causal diagnosis to reveal specific treatment sequences (algorithms) of treatment points for specific problems.
MATT (Miracle Acupressure Tapping Technique) is designed to facilitate four processes: a) releasing b) forgiving c) replacing and d) reconnecting to the divine or core Self using a variety of meridian tapping points and affirmations.
ACT (Acupressure, Chakra Technique) focuses on the chakra system more than the meridian system though it uses both. In this technique the client places their hands on one or two chakras while repeating certain affirmations, asking certain questions, or being silent. There are a sequence of steps to facilitate a) releasing b) forgiving c) replacing and d) reconnecting to the divine or core Self in this technique.
CART (Creating, Allowing, Receiving Technique) is usually used following MATT or ACT, though it could be used as a stand alone tool. It is present-future oriented and is designed to facilitate positive change in the future. Clients repeat affirmations while tapping on one or two meridian points.
The Association For Meridian Therapies UK, Administrative Office, 21 Richmond Avenue, Handforth, Cheshire SK9 3JD, UK. E-mail: Website: www.meridiantherapies.org.uk
Thought Field Therapy Training Center, Callahan Techniques Ltd, 78-816 Via Carmel, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA. Tel: 760 564-1008. Fax: 760 564-5537. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tftrx.com
The Global Institute of Thought Field Therapy, 100 North Avenue, Winchester, VA 22601, USA. E-mail: [email protected]
BODY ELECTRONICS
Body Electronics was developed by John Whitman Ray as a system that integrates iridology, sclerology, nutrition, reflexology, acupressure, chiropractic, cranial osteopathy, and shamanic healing. The application of Body Electronics requires first of all a basic program of nutrient saturation, consisting of enzymes, organic minerals, essential fatty acids, natural vitamins, and amino acids, along with a raw food diet. The second requirement is an emotional preparation so that Body Electronics will have effective and long-lasting results. Body Electronics is in part a method of sustained pointholding which requires an understanding of nutrition, anatomical structure, physiological function, emotional interactivity, and mental processes within a framework of the Healing Crisis. In the human body there are formations of crystals in various acupoints or reflex points or along the spine and elsewhere in the body. These crystallisations or calcifications are found also within the joints, injury sites within the body and in the cranial sutures. As each crystal is compressed, the crystal slowly dissolves and releases an energy which can be experienced by the pointholder as well as the pointholdee.
Website: www.bodyelectronics.net
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Realignment of body to correct postural imbalances.
Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, 20 London House, 266 Fulham Road, London SW10 9EL, UK. Also 129 Camden Mews, London NW1 9AH, UK. Tel: 020 7284 3338
FELDENKRAIS
Focuses on the use of learning and movement to enhance body and mind coordination.
The Feldenkrais Guild UK, PO Box 370, London N10 3XA. Tel: 07000 785506. E-mail: Website: www.feldenkrais.co.uk
POLARITY THERAPY
Bodywork, involving a light touch that focuses on the spine, is used to balance the body's energy flow. Diet and exercise may be used as adjuncts.
UK Polarity Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX. Tel: 01483 417714.
American Polarity Therapy Association, 2888 Bluff Street, Suite149, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: 303-545-2080. Fax: 303-545-2161. E-mail: Website: www.polaritytherapy.org
MASSAGE THERAPY
The British Massage Therapy Council, Greenbank House, 65A Adelphi Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 7BH. Tel: 01772 881063. E-mail: Website: www.bmtc.co.uk
Massage Therapy Institute of Great Britain, PO Box 2726, London NW2 4NR, UK. Tel: 020 8208 1607.
SOMATICS
The word 'somatics' comes from the Greek 'Soma' and means the 'living body'. Somatic practitioners are aware of the interplay between body and mind and work sensitively to awaken a unified perception of the whole person. Hanna Somatic Education addresses chronic pain associated with muscle-joint malfunction. Thomas Hanna, the founder of the field of somatics explored various somatic methods including the Alexander Technique and the work of Moshe Feldenkrais. He saw how people's bodies show distinct muscular strains as responses to long-term stress, injury, habits or the cultural expectations of 'old age'. These muscular contractions create imbalances. As a result, joints get compressed, nerves get 'pinched' and a whole chain reaction is set in motion. Hanna somatic practitioners are trained to enable you to learn to reverse these effects, connecting you with your own resources to find freer ways of being and moving.
Applied Somatics incorporates bodywork, movement, Gestalt, group therapy, breathwork, meditation, talk therapy, and the therapist-client relationship as tools for healing and balance. The work helps us to compassionately recognise the ways in which we have been wounded and the strategies of survival we have created to avoid the pain. Those survival strategies that now hold us back from feeling whole, confident, and fully alive are given the opportunity to heal so we can grow into more powerful, responsive human beings.
Association for Hanna Somatic Education, 925 Golden Gate Drive, Napa, CA 94558-9601, USA. Phone / Fax: (707) 255-1259. Website: www.hannasomatics.com
The Lomi Foundation for Applied Somatics, Waterfall Towers, Suite C-218, 2455 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, California 95404, USA. Phone: (707) 579 0465. Website: www.lomi.org
BIODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
Biodynamic psychotherapy is the life work of Gerda Boyesen, the Norwegian psychologist and physiotherapist. It is based on a profound appreciation of the oneness of a person's body/mind/spirit, and integrates an enormously broad range of methods, addressing body and mind as one. Practitioners work not only with talking, but also with movements, both subtle and strong, and with many levels of hands-on work, as well as with meditative and sensory awareness.
London School of Biodynamic Psychotherapy, Willow Cottage, off Wokingham Road, Hurst, Berkshire RG10 0RU, UK. Website: www.biodynamicpsychotherapy.fsnet.co.uk
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Nutritional Therapy uses diet and supplement programmes to correct nutritional deficiences, combat allergies, and reduce toxic overloads.
Institute for Optimum Nutrition, Blades Court, Deodar Road, London SW15 2NU, UK. Tel: 0181 877 9993.
The Council for Nutrition Education and Therapy, 1 The Close, Halton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5NJ, UK.
British Association of Nutritional Therapists, BCM BANT, London WC1N 3XX, UK. Tel: 0870 606 1284.
Register of Nutritional Therapists Ltd, Hatton Green, Warwick CV35 7LA, UK.
CLINICAL ECOLOGY
Society for Environmental Therapy, 521 Foxhill Road, Ipswich IP3 8LW, UK.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the soft tissue and bones of the head, and the spine down to the sacrum. Dysfunction occurs when the the skull, spine, and surrounding membranes are prevented from expanding and contracting to accommodate the rhythmic flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. This can result in sensory, motor, or neurological problems. Therapists palpate to assess the strength, range, and symmetry of the cerebrospinal flow, and re-establish its normal flow by lightly manipulating the bones and soft tissue of the craniosacral system.
Craniosacral Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX, UK. Tel: 07000 784735. E-mail: Website: www.craniosacral.co.uk
The Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America, 1214 Belview Street, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1C7, Canada. E-mail: Website: www.craniosacraltherapy.org
International Cranial Association, 478 Baker Street, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 3QS, UK. Tel: 020 8367 5561.
OSTEOPATHY AND CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which works with the structure and function of the body. The maintenance of good mechanical function is essential to good health. Problems in the framework of the body can disturb the circulatory system or nerves to any part of the body, and affect any aspect of health. Osteopaths work to restore the structure and function of the body to a state of balance and harmony, so helping the whole person.
Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. Cranial Osteopaths are trained to feel a subtle rhythm that is present in all body tissues, and can feel whether a person is in an optimum state of health, or whether there is something preventing healthy movement of the tissues from occurring. Any adjustments applied are gentle and precise manipulations to correct alignments. Eight cranial and fourteen facial bones must articulate with each other so that all work together in harmony. Cranial bones and their attached membranes can be distorted, which can result in interference with any of the cranial nerves in the head and because of the fascial connection between occiput and sacrum there can be disturbances in the influence of sacral nerves as well. Cranial and sacral nerves are parasympathetic controllers of the senses, the movements of vital organs, and the secretions of glands.
General Osteopathic Council and British Osteopathy Association. Website: www.osteopathy.org.uk. E-mail:
American Academy of Osteopathy. Website: www.academyofosteopathy.org
The International Academy of Osteopathy. Website: www.iao.be
The American Osteopathic Association. Website: www.aoa-net.org
The Sutherland Society (UK Organisation for Cranial Osteopaths), Wellspring, 2 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SY, UK. Website: www.cranial.org.uk. E-mail:
For further resources see www.holisticmed.com/www/osteopathy.html
CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including gentle spinal manipulation. These adjustments restore nerve supply, correcting body chemistry and balance, relieve pain, and promote natural health. Due to strain, stress, and accidents, the spinal vertebrae can become misaligned or subluxated. This can result in pressure, obstruction or irritation to the nerves, and the organs, glands and tissues, which depend upon the nerve supply, may be adversely affected.
McTimoney Chiropractic, a branch of the chiropractic profession, is an effective low force whole body method of adjusting, that aims to correct the alignment of bones of the spine and other joints of the body. The chiropractor will palpate the bony structure, adjusting individual bones and joints of the skull, thorax, spine, pelvis and limbs as needed, realigning and rebalancing the entire body. The bones are never forced into place, but by adjusting with a very rapid thrust and immediate release, the bone being adjusted “toggles” or rebounds towards its correct position. Patients report a wide range of improvements, ranging from: relief from migraines, neck and shoulder problems, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome - all affected by the nerves coming from the top of the spine; to relief from low back pain, sciatica and menstrual problems - all relieved by adjustments to the lower spine. These improvements occur because the body is no longer responding to incorrect nerve impulses.
The British Chiropractic Association, Blagrave House, 17 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1QB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)118 950 5950. Fax: +44 (0)118 958 8946. Website: www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
The American Chiropractic Association, 1701 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209, USA. Tel: 800/986-4636. Fax: 703/243-2593. Website: www.amerchiro.org
The General Chiropractic Association (UK). Tel: 0845 601 1796. Website: www.gcc-uk.org
The McTimoney Chiropractic Association, 21 High Street, Eynsham, Oxford, OX49 4HE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1865 880974. Fax: +44 (0)1865 880975. Website: www.mctimoney-chiropractic.org. E-mail:
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflex points on the feet or hands are thought to correspond to every part of the body. Pressure is applied to activate natural internal healing.
The British Reflexology Association, Monks Orchard, Whitbourne, Worcester WR6 5RB. Tel: 01886 821207. Fax: 01886 822017. E-mail: Website: www.britreflex.co.uk
Association of Reflexologists, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX, UK. Tel: 08705 673320. E-mail: Website: www.reflexology.org/aor
The Holistic Association of Reflexologists, The Holistic Healing Centre, 92 Sheering Road, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0JW, UK.
International Federation of Reflexologists, 76-78 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CRO 1EF, UK. Tel: 020 8667 9458.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine uses plants in tablet and fluid form to treat and prevent disease. Scientific data on the medicinal use of herbs can be found at www.amfoundation.org/herbmed.htm
General Council and Register of Consultant Herbalists, 32 King Edward Road, Swansea SA1 4LL, UK. Tel: 01792 655886. Website: www.londonhealth.co.uk/generalcouncilandregisterofconsultantherbalists.asp
National Institute of Medical Herbalists, 56 Longbrook Street, Exeter EX4 6AH, UK. Tel: 01392 426022.
NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy uses diet, osteopathy, and hydrotherapy to treat illness and help the body to rebalance itself.
General Council and Register of Naturopaths, Goswell House, 2 Goswell Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0JG, UK. Tel: 01458 840072. E-mail: Website: www.naturopathy.org.uk/gcrn.htm
RIBIRTHING
British Rebirth Society, 6 Rokeby Street, Lemington, Newcastle-on-Tyne NE15 8RR, UK. Tel: 0191 2647553.
NATURAL BIRTH AND BABY MASSAGE
Active Birth Centre, 25 Bickerton Road, London N19 5JT, UK. Tel: 0171 482 5554. Fax: 0171 267 9683. E-mail:
The National Network of Baby Massage Teachers (UK). Tel: 0171 272 0987.
The British Society of Dowsers, Sycamore Barn, Tamley Lane, Hastingleigh, Ashford, Kent TN25 5HW. Tel/Fax: 01233 750253. E-mail: Website: www.dowsers.demon.co.uk
The American Society of Dowsers, PO Box 24, Danville, VT 05828, USA. Tel: 800-711-9530 or 802-684-3417. E-mail: Website: http://dowsers.new-hampshire.net
The Canadian Society of Dowsers, Bernard Urben, Treasurer, 21 Oberon Street, Nepean, Ontario K2H 7X6, Canada.
Dowsers Society of NSW, c/o Mrs E. Miksevicius, 126 Fiddens Wharf Road, Killara, NSW 2071, Australia 2031.
New Zealand Society of Dowsers, PO Box 41-095, St. Luke's Sq., Mt Albert, Auckland 3, New Zealand.
The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is a non-profit educational and research organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and teaching of shamanic knowledge. Led by its founder Dr Michael Harner, its field staff works with tribal shamans from the Amazon to Siberia. The Foundation has a well established educational programme of workshops and training courses, from basic to advanced, offered around the world. Contact: Foundation for Shamanic Studies, PO Box 1939, Mill Valley, California 94942, USA. Tel: 415-380-8282. E-mail: Website: www.shamanism.org
The Sacred Trust is a non-profit educational organisation which offers an ongoing curriculum of training and workshops with some of the most influential teachers of shamanism from around the world. Contact: The Sacred Trust, PO Box 603, Bath BA1 2ZU, UK. Tel: 01225 852615. Fax: 01225 858961.