I have been a practicing and insured complementary therapist for over 10 years, originally training in Therapeutic Massage with the Maitri Foundation in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Since undertaking that initial study I have added several other therapies to my repertoire.
I completed Dr Vodder's course in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with the North American Vodder School in 2000. This training is updated every two years to ensure adherence to the strict protocols and hand movements used in this treatment. My last update was in September 2009. I have also had the good fortune to complete a review course at the Földi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany. I am a member of MLDUK, an organisation of qualified and accredited MLD practitioners promoting public awareness of this technique. As a member of this organisation a review every two years is required, as well as being insured to practice.
I worked in a busy lymphoedema clinic for over 5 years and have experience of treating cancer patients and individuals who have primary and/or secondary lymphoedema. I also have training to use Kinesio® Taping (KT), which can be applied in conjunction with lymphoedema treatment. I am also using the Hivamat 200 Deep Oscillating Machine alongside MLD treatments.
I also work with Flower and Vibrational Essences and completed a two-year course with Clare Harvey, a leading expert in this field. My diploma was from the International Federation for Vibrational Medicine (IFVM) and I am a member of the British Flower and Vibrational Essence Association (BFVEA).
I certified in Zero Balancing (ZB, for short) in 2007 and am a member of the Zero Balancing Association of the UK, ZBAUK.
Further massage training includes LaStone Therapy, the "Original Hot Stone Treatment".
My main certifying body is the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists (APNT) and as such I am required to undertake 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year and to be insured to cover each of the therapies that I practice. This Association is affiliated with the British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA) and the General Council for Massage Therapy (GCMT).
It is important from time to time to slow down,
to go away by yourself,
and simply Be.
Eileen Caddy from The Dawn of Change
Looking for a therapist can sometimes be daunting. It is important that the person from whom you will be receiving treatment is qualified with a recognised certifying body and also insured to practice their therapy. If in doubt about someone's qualification, always ask where they trained and who awarded certification. If you are still unsure, take the information and check with the named certifying body prior to making an appointment. An insurance company will only insure therapists who are adequately qualified to practise and a therapist will be more than happy to show you their insurance certificate if asked.
