Oxford is rich in skilled practitioners of a wide variety of healing modalities, which can be used in addition to conventional medicine and therapies.
Some of these practices, known as complementary or alternative medicine, are supported by evidence, legislated and may even be prescribed or recommended by GPs in the UK; others are considered more controversial, or lack peer-reviewed scientific backing. While some of the therapies listed below have their own systems of regulation and professional bodies such as those for cranio-sacral therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists, many are not officially regulated, or are covered by voluntary registers (for instance, the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists). If a practitioner is a member of a professional association that will usually mean that their training is accredited and they are insured. Depending on the association, it may also mean they have things like first aid training, supervision or mentoring, and continuing professional development requirements to fulfill.
Due to the relational nature of this kind of work, you will want to find not only the right therapy but also the right therapist to suit you. Don't be afraid to try a few different people until you find something that feels right.
For further Oxford medical advice, see our links here.
A Range of Therapies
For lots of info and a directory of practitioners: www.therapy-directory.org.uk
Local Alternative Health Centres, Practices and Clinics
Each offering a range of different treatments and practitioners.
Iffley Turn Practice, 3 Church Cowley Road,
Oxford OX4 3JR
Helix House, 15 Warwick Street, Oxford
OX4 1SZ
Summertown Clinic, 362 Banbury Road, Oxford
Bonn Square Therapy Room, New Road Baptist Church, Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ. Directly opposite the Westgate centre.
Cumnor Clinic, The Old School, 7a High Street, Cumnor OX2 9PE. 01865 863646
The Little Health Hub, West Oxford Community Association Centre, Botley Road, Oxford OX2 0BT.
The Wellbeing Clinic, 1 Windmill Road, Headington, OX3 7BL.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on the idea that health is dependent on the balance of vital energy forces within the body, and involves the insertion of slim needles into the skin to help the body come back into balance. Lists of practitioners are available from:
The British Acupuncture Council, 63 Jeddo Rd, London W12 NHQ; The Traditional Acupuncture Society, 1 The Ridgeway, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick CV37 9JL.
Local practitioners include:
Rebecca Avern is a world-leading expert in paediatric acupuncture, and runs a clinic for children at the Little Health Hub in West Oxford Community Centre.
Jess Buck is based in East Oxford.
Emily Carson, based in East Oxford.
Ben Davies at the Summertown Clinic
Ania Szczepanik has a treatment space just off the Cowley Road.
Jonathan Bruce at the Iffley Acupuncture Clinic
Heather Davidson at the Practice Rooms on North Parade
Joe Jennings Bsc TCM (Hons) at Holistic Health Oxford
Claudia Smith Lic Acc MBAc at the WellBeing Clinic
Alexander Technique
Improve your posture in order to improve your general health, well-being and with-it-ness. Kevin Wooding teaches the technique at his home studio in Jericho, Yoana Browning is based in Headington, Azize Stirling teaches in the south of the city, Eva Gronbech is also in OX4, and Patricia White can be found on the Banbury Road. The UK society is a good source of info for beginners/nationwide.
Applied Kinesiology
A system of diagnosis and treatment using muscle testing as functional neurological evaluation relating to structural, chemical (food intolerance, allergy etc.) and psychological dysfunction. Contact Clive Lindley-Jones B.Ed. D.O. M.R.O. Registered Osteopath, member of the International College of Applied Kinesiology, at Helix House.
Bach Flower Remedies
A simple and natural method of establishing equilibrium and harmony by means of wild flower extracts. General information from: The Bach Centre website, where you can also find a practitioner, and book a visit to see the beautiful cottage near Wallingford where Dr. Edward Bach lived and worked.
Bowen Therapy
The Bowen Fascial Release Technique is a remedial, hands-on therapy that is applied using very gentle pressure. Thumbs and fingers are used on precise points of the body to perform Bowen’s unique set of rolling-type moves which stimulate the muscles and soft tissue of the body, alternating with short breaks where the body begins to respond. There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue, and no force is used. The experience of a treatment is gentle, subtle, and relaxing.
It is believed that the Bowen Fascial Release Technique prompts the body to reset, repair and balance itself. Clients report the experience of pain relief, improvement of function, and recovery of energy. The technique is used to treat sports injuries, stiffness, and a whole host of aches and pains. Most of the moves can be performed through light clothing such as T-shirts or leggings. Find out more from the thebowentechnique.com.
Bowen Therapy is available locally from Peter Crabb. Peter is a qualified practitioner, fully insured and a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapies. He has clinics in Aylesbury, Bicester and Arncott. For a practitioner closer to Oxford city, contact Janet Scanlon, a Bowen therapist and herbalist based in Kidlington.
Chiropody / Podiatry (foot care)
Not a complementary therapy as such, and available free on the NHS (depending on local arrangements), chiropodists / podiatrists treat conditions of the foot and lower limb - from ingrown toenails to arthritis. A quick Google search will reveal several Oxford specialists.
Chiropractic services
Chiropractics are concerned with the mechanical disorders of the joints, particularly those of the spine, and their effects on the nervous system. Diagnostic methods can include X-ray. Treatment is mainly by specific manipulation, without drugs or surgery. McTimoney is a particularly gentle form of treatment with no cracking and crunching, suitable for all ages and pregnant women.
Oxford Chiropractic Clinic is in Headington, located in a private hospital.
With a prize for the best name, The Backstory offers chiropractic and postural correction on the Banbury Road.
Olivia Thompson B.Sc practises near Henley.
The McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon offers a reduced rate student clinic, as well as apointments with fully qualified practitioners.
Dawn Akers is at the Cumnor Clinic, where she also practises Cranio-Sacral Therapy.
Also in Cumnor is The Central Chiropractic Clinic.
For treatment in Kidlington, find Inspire Chiropractic.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
A type of gentle, non-manipulative offshoot of osteopathy, created in 1899, with therapists putting their hands gently on a patient in order to perceive tensions, twists, holds and asymmetries in the body and help them release. Find out more from
The UK Craniosacral Therapy Association .
Local cranio-sacral therapists include:
Hinny Wass at the Little Health Hub at West Oxford Community Centre and also near Donnington Bridge in South Oxford.
Emily Carson in East Oxford. Emily specialises in women's health, and is also an acupuncturist.
Christina Sageis in Littlemore, she is also a teacher of yoga, and she specialises in addiction.
Ania Szczepanikworks just off the Cowley Road, who also practises acupuncture.
Ally Stott is based close to central Oxford, and also offers Wholearth Psychotherapy.
Marguerite Wallis is in Florence Park, East Oxford, and she is also a physiotherapist.
Jay Aggett is based at The WellBeing Clinic in Headington.
Dawn Akers is at the Cumnor Clinic. Dawn is also a McTimoney chiropractor.
Crystal Sound Baths
Anna O Yoga offers seasonal yoga, nidra and soundbath workshop at various venues around Oxford.
Debbie Bayliss runs gong baths around Oxfordshire, including floating sessions, with participants lying on huge airbeds, floating on a swimming pool.
Counselling / Psychotherapy
Cate Potter is based on Bullingdon Road, and offers psychoanalytical, psychodynamic and humanistic therapies.
Vikki Schwebel offers psychotherapy and counselling in Cowley.
Julie Jenner is an Integrative Body Psychotherapist. Individuals, couples and groups all welcome. Julie is based at the Practice Rooms on North Parade.
Wendy Isobel McLaughlin is a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor in Marston. Child, adolescent, parenting and university. Humanistic and mindfulness-based.
Ally Stottoffers Counselling, Wholearth Psychotherapy and Spiritual Mentoring. She is an experienced UKCP registered psychotherapist.
Sacha Barlow offers counselling for couples, individuals, and adolescents, in Cutteslowe.
A range of talking therapies is also available at the WellBeing Clinic with various counsellors and therapists.
Herbal Medicine
Uses plant remedies.
Janet Scanlon MNIMH MBTER, Medical Herbalist and Bowen Technique Practitioner, practises from a clinic in Kidlington.
Katie Reid MSc MNIMH, is a Medical Herbalist who practices from The Practice Rooms on North Parade.
Joe Jennings Bsc TCM (Hons) at Holistic Health Oxford. Joe is an acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine. He runs a community clinic in Florence Park Community Centre.
Dr. Li practises Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture at the WellBeing Clinic in Headington.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy has two central principles. The first is that 'like cures like' - a substance that has a particular effect on the body can also be used to counteract that effect. The second principle involves several rounds of dilution of the substance in question, a process called succussion. Homeopaths believe that the more a substance is diluted, the more powerful it becomes as a treatment.
Dorothy Watt is a transformational homeopath who works in central Oxford and online. She specialises in supporting people who feel stuck with chronic physical or mental issues to take control of their health and move forward with their life. She also runs regular workshops teaching self-help homeopathy for day-to-day health issues, eg colds, teething pains, sprains and bruises.
Lizzie Austin practises at the WellBeing Clinic.
Sue Anello PHSH, homeopath, offers special rates to students seeking treatment for a variety of medical issues, as well as general well being. She also specialises in women's health and children/teens.
Heather Abel is based in Uffington.
Hypnotherapy
...'attempts to address an individual's subconscious mind, using the power of suggestion for beneficial change'. This quote comes from the voluntary registration board for hypnotherapists, The UK Hypnotherapy Directory, which you can visit to seek a hypnotherapist near you, as well as to find out how hypnotherapy might be able to help you with anything from quitting smoking to recovering from trauma. There are several practitioners in Oxford and the surrounding area.
Louise Nonweiler has a practice at The Complementary Healthcare Practice in Ock Street Abingdon and she is also an NLP and Reiki practitioner and life coach. For more information visit her
website or call 07939 481058.
Also available at the WellBeing Clinic.
https://timrajahypnotherapy.com/
Tim Raja uses hypnotherapy and EMDR to treat stress, anxiety, PTSD and phobias. He's based in the Practice Rooms on South Parade.
Insomnia / Sleep Therapy
Insomnia can be treated with traditional medicine, but sometimes a more holistic approach is required. For background info on a vast range of problems which might be affecting sleep, including apnoiea, snoring, bedwetting and narcolepsy, see The Sleep Council's website.
Derek Elliot, a senior yoga teacher, offers six week one to one courses to help set people on the road to better sleep. These incorporate identifying lifestyle areas which may be blocking sleep, and developing strategies to overcome them, combined with yoga or meditative practices to help relax. Treatments are available in Oxford in Summertown at the Practice Rooms or on Osney Island. Contact 07771 707178 or derekelliott@icloud.com or see www.sleepbliss.net.
Massage
Massage stimulates circulation of the blood and lymph fluids, fuels the muscles with fresh oxygen and nutrients while flushing away metabolic waste products, releases physical tension and soothes the nerves by lowering the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine and by releasing endorphins in the brain.
Yindee Massage Oxford: well-trained and insured professional Thai massage Therapists available just outside Florence Park in East Oxford. 'Yindee' is the Thai for 'Welcome'. To book an appointment ring 07517 845825.
Zoe Bicat, a calm, friendly and effective practitioner, offers whole-body acupressure massage at Helix House, as well as traditional Chinese injury rehabilitation therapy, plus Qi Gong classes.
Cristina Tanasescu is a Professional Holistic and Therapeutic Massage Therapist with more than 12 years experience, ITEC and Oxford School of Massage Diploma 2016, and is fully insured. She runs the Oxford Massage Centre, located at 293 London Road, Oxford, OX3 9EH.
Sue Evans has been trained in lymphatic drainage, trigger therapy, Indian head massage, pregnancy massage, reflexology, acupressure, shiatsu and hot stones. Receive 15% off in the shop if you have a treatment with Sue Evans at Neal's Yard Remedies, 56 High St, Oxford OX1 4AS. Visit her website Or to book call 07799 411994.
Janet Phillips is a qualified holistic massage therapist offering treatment of full body or just back, neck and shoulders, as well as reflexology, in Jericho. 07787 563721 or 01865 512281.
Also available at the WellBeing Clinic.
Paola Bisicchia is a certified Indian Head Massage practitioner, who offers Indian Head Massage as well as other alternative therapies. For more information visit her website.
Sophia Argyris and Macarena Ortuzar trained at the Mudita School of Thai Yoga Massage and practise at Bonn Square Therapy Room, New Road Baptist Church, Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ. Thai Yoga Massage is practised fully clothed on a firm mat or futon and involves gentle rocking and twisting, joint and spine mobilisations and assisted yoga stretches. You can read a review of the experience here.
Ruth Emsley, a healer trained in a variety of different practices, provides services including massage. She also provides services in shamanic healing and in Focusing. Shamanic healing uses techniques from a variety of different cultural traditions and focuses on many different spiritual areas, from energy patterns to soul or ancestral healing. Focusing, in the alternative medicine sense, differs from the term used for everyday concentration. According to the website of the British Focusing Association, it is 'based on your natural ability to sense your body from the inside and your ability to create metaphors...Positive change occurs spontaneously as you symbolise the essence of your experience'. Ruth Emsley is based at Florence Park, and can be contacted through her website.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy uses various pseudoscientific practices including homeopathy, herbalism, and acupuncture, as well as lifestyle counseling. Local practitioners include Sarah Couchman at The Wellbeing Clinic, 1 Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, Ox37BL. To contact the clinic, call 01865 751111, and Sarah can be contacted on 07810 354407.
Emma Moorby is a Naturopath , EFT and NLP practitioner based in Oxford. Visit her website to arrange a free initial consultation
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
NLP is an alternative therapy that works by analysing and managing your stream of semi-conscious thoughts and attitudes. It has elements in common with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but uses a more holistic approach - working with visualisation as well as mental patterns caused by your personal history. It has been reported to provide effective help with a range of problems, and people have used it to manage anxiety, stress, weight loss, phobias etc, as well as to improve performance in music, sport or other activities.
Chris Grimshaw of Turning Point uses NLP, hypnosis and related disciplines to help rewrite your mental programming in productive ways. 01865 251116 or 07765 633798.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy aims to tackle the underlying cause of any health concern whilst alleviating any symptoms through dietary and lifestyle adjustments. By supporting the bodyÆs natural healing mechanisms it helps prevent disease and illness, and achieve long-term sustained health.
Local practitioner: Emma Maitland-Carew dip.ION, mBANT, NTC and NHS registered practitioner, 28 Beaumont Street, Oxford Tel: 07850 117802
Local practitioner: Isabelle Drayton dip. CNM, mBANT at Oxford Natural Health Centre, 3 Church Cowley Road, Iffley, Oxford, OX4 3JR Tel: 07775 425326
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Osteopaths treat a variety of common conditions, including changes to posture in pregnancy; repetitive strain injury; postural problems caused by driving or work strain; the pain of arthritis and sports injuries.
The Statutory Register of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) opened on 9 May 1998. The title "osteopath" became protected by law from 9 May 2000 when the transitional registration period ended. As a result it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath in the UK unless registered with the GOsC. The above summary, and much more information, is from www.osteopathy.org.uk
For an index of Oxford Osteopaths, click here.
Registered Osteopath, Kuno van der Post, BSc(Hons), BOst, can help many different health problems including digestive and muscular pain and sporting injuries. Student rates available. Horspath, Oxford, OX33 1RG; tel 07970 657696.
Anita Watson is a registered Osteopath and Iyengar Yoga teacher. She can treat pain in joints and nerves all over the body, including sports injuries, and stress, anxiety and fatigue; and can suggest personalised exercise programmes to help specific musculo-skeletal and postural issues. Private yoga sessions also available. Based in Yarnton, Oxford, OX5 1LR. Tel: 07970 527733.
Angela Power at Bonn Square Therapy Room (New Road Baptist Church, Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ) is a registered osteopath whose training includes visceral and cranial work. Her skill is in blending different techniques to develop individual treatment plans. This is especially effective for complex cases which have been hard to resolve for some time.
Daily Info also recommends The Summertown Clinic, on the Banbury Road. They offer Osteopathy (and many other therapies). In particular, Osteopath Clare Cullen was particularly quick and effective at diagnosing and treating mysterious back pain. The clinic don't seem interested in keeping you on as a patient longer than necessary, nor upselling you other therapies while you're there. They have a video to show you what to expect on a first visit.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists use current evidence-based techniques such as manual therapy, massage, postural correction and exercise therapy to help fix common complaints such as neck / back pain, soft tissue injuries, joint / arthritic pain and work-related injuries such as RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome.
OxPhysio - Advanced Physiotherapy Service comprises six experienced physiotherapists whose areas of special interest include: back and neck, orthopaedics, sports injuries, foot and ankle, tendonopathies, rheumatology and osteoporosis, arthritis, hip, knee, ante and post natal conditions, pilates.
They have clinics in Summertown (within Ferry Leisure Centre, Diamond Place, Summertown, OX2 7DP) and Botley (Raleigh Park Clinic, 45 Raleigh Park Road, Oxford. OX2 9AR) and they also do home visits. Tel: 01865 764613. The team also run Pilates classes in Headington and Risinghurst Community Centres.
The Physio Practice is based at Westminster Sports Centre, Botley (part of Oxford Brookes University) and OXSRAD Sport Centre, Marston. They concentrate on musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Contact David on 07765 245505.
The Oxford Physiotherapy Service in Summertown aims to provide an initial appointment within 3 working days of initial contact. They also offer a termtime clinic at Wadham College for Oxford University students. They are Chartered Physiotherapists & Members of the Health Professions Council. Find them at Unit 1, Florence House, 29 Grove Street, Oxford OX2 7JT. Tel: 01865 311686, fax: 01865 558686.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy provide information about physiotherapy generally; you can also use their website to check that your physiotherapist is registered.
Reflexology
Reflexology is described as a treatment for all health issues that balances your mind and body. It is based on the idea that your feet mirror the rest of your body; treatment occurs through specialist massage that works major organs, glands and chakras. Find out more on the Association of Reflexologists website. Local practitioners include Sue Evans at Neal's Yard Remedies, 56 High St, Oxford. Also available at the WellBeing Clinic.
Reiki
Japanese for 'Universal Life Energy', 'reiki' aims to strengthen the body's internal energy flow ('ki', 'ch'i' or 'qi' - pronounced 'chee') in order to promote self-healing. Reiki practitioners gently lay hands on a (clothed) patient in a series of strategic locations. Find out more on the UK Reiki Association website. So far no scientific trials have found evidence to support the use of reiki in healing. On the other hand the potential dangers of using it are considered very low, unless reiki were to replace conventional medicine in the treatment of serious medical conditions.
Local practitioners include Doctor Paola Bisicchia at www.lotusenergyhealing.com, Silvie Hylton-Potts at The Wellbeing Clinic (Headington), Helix House (off Iffley Road, east Oxford), Sue Evans at Neal's Yard Remedies, Ruth Emsley (Florence Park), and Airmid Reiki, a practice run by Asia Bochenek, based in Botley.
Rolfing
Named after Ida Rolf, an American biochemist in the 1950s, Rolfing is a deep tissue technique which aims to help body alignment through manipulation of the fascia (a layer of connective tissue). Standard treatment is a course of 10 sessions each with a specific focus. Find out more via the Rolfing UK website, who list certified practitioners. Local practitioners include Florian Thomas's Align In Time practice. Florian's background is in music and the stage, and he offers combined Rolfing sessions and singing lessons as well as Rolfing by itself, and he has particular experience useful to treating musicians and perrformers.
Shamanic Healing
Shamanism involves a practitioner contacting the spirit world while in an altered state of consciousness. As a religious practice it has been part of ancient cultures all over the world, in different forms. There is no recognised regulatory body for modern forms of shamanism, though it is seeing a resurgence particularly as a practice for healing. A treatment might involve talking, drumming, singing, rattling, prayer, the use of incense and energy work on the body.
Local practitioners include Ruth Emsley www.ankitahealing.com or email ruth@ankitahealing.com; and Sue Pennington suepennington.com/shamanism.
Shiatsu
Japanese for 'finger pressure', shiatsu uses (clothed) massage to relax the patient and relieve many different symptoms. Find out more via the UK Shiatsu Society website. Local practitioners (as under Reiki) include Silvie Hylton-Potts.
Veterinary Medicine
www.alternativevet.org is a good source of information on alternative medicine for animals. Its centre is based at Stanford-in-the-Vale, Oxon.