Complementary Therapies

Our Complementary Therapies aim to help reduce some of the side effects of living with HIV as well as some of the medications we have to take.They can also help with some of the aches and pains associated with getting older – which are often further exacerbated by HIV.

All our therapies are provided free of charge by qualified and insured therapists.If you are a qualified therapist and would like to volunteer with Cara please click on the volunteering page.

If you want to book a 6 session course or a one-off taster please phone us or email admin@caralife.com.Please also read our cancellation policy at the end of this page.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique works by helping you to identify and prevent the harmful postural habits that aggravate, or may be the cause of, stress, pain and under-performance. You will learn how to release tension and rediscover balance of mind and body. With increased awareness you can be poised without stiffness; move gracefully and powerfully with less effort; be alert and focused with less strain; breathe and speak more easily and freely and be calm and confident. Learn more about Alexander Technique here.
Currently unavailable.

Aromatherapy-Massage

Emma told us ‘Aromatherapy does not mean feather-light massage – unless the client wants that!’ Her massage style combines a variety of techniques, including deep tissue work, stretches and mobilisations. She mostly works using ‘no hands massage’ techniques, a style of massage which can bring particularly deep levels of relaxation and muscular tension relief. The essential oils are an important part of the treatment. Emma works holistically, choosing oils and massage strokes to suit the needs of each client.

Available with Elena on Tuesday mornings, Emma, from EarthFlowerTherapies, on Tuesday afternoon, Kimlynne on Saturday mornings and Tanja on Saturday afternoons. Learn more about Aromatherapy Massage here.

Cranio-sacral Therapy

‘A profound yet gentle technique engaging the body’s natural healing processes. It is carried out with the client lying down, fully clothed in a quiet and peaceful environment. You may feel pleasant sensations of warmth and deep relaxation’. Learn more about Cranio-sacral therapy here
Available with Leela on Monday afternoons.

Ear and body Acupuncture

A form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear is a micro-system of the body; by stimulating the outer ear with small needles it is thought possible to alleviate pain and other conditions elsewhere in the body. Learn more about acupuncture here.
Available with Javier on Thursday afternoons.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It posits that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs treatment not the disease. Learn more about Homeopathy here.
Available with Conxi on Wednesday mornings.

Reflexology

Sharon told us that ‘Reflexology is a therapy that uses the feet as a map, or mirror, of the whole body. By manipulating and applying pressure to certain parts of the feet the whole body can be re-tuned and brought back into balance. I offer a hands-on therapy for reducing stress and tension, and focusing on the needs of the client.’ Learn more about Reflexology here.

Available with Sharon on Friday mornings, Elena on Tuesday mornings and Mamta on Saturday mornings.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a physical therapy that supports and strengthens the body's natural ability to heal and balance itself. It works on the whole person - not just the physical body, but also in a psychological, spiritual and emotional sense. Shiatsu originated in Japan from traditional Chinese medicine, with influences from more recent Western therapies. Although Shiatsu means 'finger pressure' in Japanese, in practice a practitioner uses touch, comfortable pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body's physical structure and balance the energy flow. It is a deeply relaxing experience; regular treatments can alleviate stress and illness and maintain health and feelings of well being. Learn more about Shiatsu here.

Available with Szilvi on Wednesdays.

Yoga

Yoga is a system of body poses that, when practiced correctly, lead to a strong, fit and healthy body and mind. Yoga comes with an endless list of physical and mental benefits. It differs greatly from simply just going to the gym in that you work all parts of the body, not just the big, superficial muscles, but also the heart, lungs and organs - and it can also work on the mind. Learn more about Yoga here.

Available with Lauren on the 2nd Thursday of each month 11:30am – 12:30pm, please wear loose clothing (women only).

Cancellation policy

As therapies are provided by volunteers generously giving their services free of charge, and because they often get booked up months ahead, we have a cancellation policy that we expect everyone to adhere to.

It is our policy that anyone not turning up for a session they’ve booked, or failing to provide 48 hours notice of cancellation, will be unable to book another therapy for a 3 month time-out period.

If you serve 2 Time-out periods your next missed appointment will result in you being unable to book any more therapy sessions.

If you need to cancel an appointment please let us know as soon as you do – don’t leave it until we call or text to remind you of your booking.