The treatment programme at Broadway Lodge provides clients with a healthy mix of challenge and support, work and relaxation. The transition into recovery whilst in treatment can be an overwhelming, emotional and stressful journey at times and along with addiction, some clients will suffer from a co-existing conditions that impact their mental health such as anxiety and depression.
We recognise the need to treat the individual as a whole – not only helping to provide the tools to achieve abstinence but to get to the underlying issues that are troubling the individual. This requires integrated treatment that is comprehensive and varied, not only focused on the 12 Steps but that also involves one to one counselling and other interventions that help to improve mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.
To supplement our workshops, lectures, counselling and physical activities, holistic therapies are available to help clients feel relaxed, quieten the mind, reduce tension and to encourage healing.
The therapies listed below are all available at Broadway Lodge and each has several health benefits. Every treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the individual to maximise its effectiveness.
Auricular Acupuncture
Acupuncture is argued to be one of the oldest healthcare treatments in the world. It is a very safe treatment that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to remedy any blockages in the body’s energy flow (aka ‘chi’ or ‘qi’) in order to restore balance and trigger the body’s healing response. At Broadway Lodge Auricular Acupuncture is available to clients daily. This practice focuses on needles being inserted into specific points in each ear followed by a mindfulness session whilst needles are still in place. It is helpful in reducing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms and other benefits can include pain relief, calming nerves, improving respiratory and digestive problems, easing headaches and enabling deep relaxation. Many of our 24-hour medical team are trained to practice Auricular Acupuncture and as well as being offered at fixed times during the weekly schedule, it is available before bedtime in order to feel calm at the end of the day and help aid a restful sleep.
Aromatherapy Massage
It is well known that massage can be deeply relaxing but there are many other health benefits. It can be helpful in reducing physical muscular pain, improving mobility and flexibility and improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage (helping to remove toxins from the body). Essential oils are applied to the skin onto the areas of concern so that during the massage, the oils are absorbed and the scent is inhaled to also promote healing and a sense of wellbeing.
Reflexology
During a reflexology session, the therapist applies pressure on various areas of the feet. Reflexology has an ability to stimulate nerve functions that help to increase energy levels, circulation, central nervous system, prevent migraines, clear urinary infections, help with sleep disorders and aid symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s thought that reflexology improves the blood flow to vital organs that can result in quicker healing and regrowth of any damaged cells.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage concentrates on pressure points in the recipient’s shoulders, neck, face and scalp. It can feel intensely relaxing and is particularly effective at releasing tension in muscles and joints in these areas and can relieve headache-causing blockages. Indian Head Massage increases oxygen levels to the head area which helps to improve restlessness and feelings of anxiety and depression and boosts the ability to think clearly. In addition, the massage techniques stimulate and lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the neck which in turn, helps to remove toxins from the body.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ‘Ray-Key’) is a practice that originated in Japan and is non-invasive whereby there is no physical touch between the therapist and client. The word ‘Reiki’ means ‘universal life energy’ and the treatment involves the therapist’s hands being held above different areas of the body for several minutes at a time to enable energy to flow through the therapist to the client, promoting emotional and physical healing. It is thought that if a person’s ‘life energy’ is high, they are more capable of being healthy and happy and therefore the aim of Reiki is to increase a person’s life energy. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include feelings of peace, security and wellbeing and is known to relieve stress and tension and reduce fatigue. It is also argued to be particularly beneficial for people suffering with addiction and those undergoing detoxification. It is not unusual for recipients of Reiki to feel warmth and tingling throughout the treatment. Many clients report that they have felt profound effects from Reiki and it is one of the most popular therapies we offer.
Tai Chi Qigong
Tai Chi Qigong is an ancient mind and body practice encompassing flowing postures and slow, graceful movements to soothing music. It is sometimes referred to as ‘moving meditation’ because of the combination of slow movements, breathing techniques, mental focus and the relaxing sensations often experienced. Individuals do not require a level of fitness to be able to participate therefore it is very accessible. Two classes are held every week at Broadway Lodge and clients will be led by an experienced therapist. Tai Chi Qigong can help to reduce stress, manage emotions, strengthen balance and the ability to cope with pain, fatigue and depression.
Perhaps reading this blog has inspired you to book in for a treatment or two with a local practitioner to switch off and allow your mind to slow down? It certainly has for us!
