Chiropractic is a recognised health care discipline characterised by the use of spinal manipulation and other skeletal, physical and soft tissue adjustment procedures. Treatments aim to re-align bones to relieve muscle spasm, pain, immobile joints, ligaments and tendons. Other uses include relieving problems with circulation, lymphatic drainage, nervous and digestive systems. The client's bones are manipulated by the practitioner with precise pressure, usually while the client is positioned on an examination table.
Chiropractic is used during pregnancy and after the birth for treating
back pain, pelvic discomfort,
symphysis pain and muscle spasm. In more recent years there has been a trend towards treating unsettled, irritable babies who may have experienced a complicated birth with gentle chiropractic manipulations of the baby's skull and spine.
Pregnant women often need repetitive sessions of chiropractic treatment because their ligaments and muscles are softened due to increased hormones, making their bones prone to slipping easily out of alignment. A chiropractic manipulation may also be performed between 4 to 6 weeks after the birth, before the ligaments lose their flexibility.
A qualified chiropractor has completed a minimum 5 year degree and would ideally be experienced in dealing with pregnant women and babies, depending on who is being treated. Many Australian health funds rebate chiropractic treatments.
Colour therapy
Colour therapy is based on the belief that colour has therapeutic properties, enabling them to alter emotions and psychological conditions. Rudolph Steiner developed colour therapy based on seven energy centres running through the body. Each colour - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet - is believed to affect certain parts of the body, revitalising physical emotional and spiritual health. Colour therapy aims to restore balance and physical well being.