Counsellor, Lynn Crilly specialises in eating disorders having experienced them both as a carer and in her professional life.  Extending from her book, Hope with Eating Disorders , where she highlights the benefits of complementary therapies in the healing process, she told us which treatments she particularly recommends … 

Calmness, genuine control, and self-esteem are exactly what is lacking in the life of an eating disorder sufferer, and the value of complementary therapy is that it provides support for eating disorder sufferers on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual basis, allowing them to direct their energies into something which has positive and affirming principles.  It isn’t just the sufferers themselves that need a little TLC however; carers can also feel the benefit, helping to alleviate the stress and emotional and physical demands that caring for someone with an eating disorder can bring.

Reflexology

What is it? Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to specific areas on the feet to bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the body’s own healing processes and help the body return to a state of balance and wellbeing (homeostasis). A sequence is followed over both feet which incorporates all the organs, systems and meridians within the body, providing a totally holistic approach to wellbeing.

How does it help? It is excellent for restoring digestive order and hormonal balance. The treatment helps to correct imbalances in bodily systems, thus restoring the body’s natural healing power.

Acupuncture

What is it? The origins of acupuncture go back several thousand years and are based on the principle of energy, qi, flowing around the body via lines, channels or meridians and associated points.  The meridians are associated with organs and systems of the body and should, ideally, be in a state of balance and flow, however, our lifestyles have an impact on our wellbeing, and ultimately we can suffer from poor health, pain and illness as a result.

How does it help? Acupuncture is applied through the use of very fine needles inserted in points along the meridians with the aim of stimulating, reducing or moving energy to create flow and rebalance.

Yoga

What is it? A gentle form of exercise, yoga has a myriad of spiritual and physical benefits and is practised throughout the world.

How does it help? Yoga gives you ‘permission’ to look after yourself by listening to your needs and responding to them. It is about accepting who you are and tuning in to ‘you’. A gentle class with the emphasis on relaxation, meditation and breathing, helps to relieve both mental and physiological states such as anxiety, to plant the seed of self-acceptance, relieve stress through visualization and learn to be compassionate towards oneself.

Reiki

What is it? Reiki is a hands-on therapy facilitating deep levels of relaxation, stress relief, energy renewal and healing. The Japanese words rei and ki together mean ‘divinely guided life force energy’.  The therapist places their hands on the clothed client and the energy flows where it is most needed, allowing the client to relax to the point of falling asleep.

How does it help? Reiki restores balance to the body’s vital energy, allowing the recipient to absorb what they need. Healing takes place on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. The ultimate aim of Reiki is to bring about a calm and meditative state and a sense of emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

These are just a few of the options available to sufferers and carers alike, but the willingness of a sufferer to engage with complementary therapies shows that they are seeking positivity and a way to conquer their illness. This is one of the most crucial and valuable steps towards recovery.  For the carer, treatments provide respite in the form of time out to help renew their strength emotionally and physically.

 Hope with Eating Disorders is published by Hay House