Complementary Therapy Vouchers

Perth and Kinross offer free complementary therapy sessions to unpaid carers who have an updated or reviewed Adult Carers Support Plan with Perth and Kinross Council or are registered with PKAVS. Carers will be sent a pack which will include a welcome letter, 6 vouchers (which are valid for 12 months from the date of issue) and a hardcopy of the Approved Provider List.

We do constantly review the APL – you can download the most up to date version here https://www.pkavs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/STANDARD-APL-v02-0223.pdf

We currently have over 30 Therapists on our list who offer a variety of different therapies for carers. Apart from that, unpaid carers can also use their vouchers to book some counselling therapy.

If you are interested in Carer Complementary Therapy Vouchers, you can make a referral online here or call the Adult Carers Team on 01738 567076.

Below is a description of each of the therapies that are on offer:

Therapies

Acupressure massage

Acupressure massage involves applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels. Acupuncture and Acupressure use the same points, but whereas acupuncture uses needles, Acupressure uses the pressure of hands.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massage is a type of massage therapy but with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to the massage oil or lotion.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander technique teaches improved posture and movement, which is believed to help reduce and prevent problems caused by unhelpful habits.

Back, neck and shoulder massage

Back, neck and shoulder massage involves applying pressure in these areas.

Bowen therapy

Is a non-invasive, complementary holistic therapy. It targets certain points on the body with gentle rolling movements to help it balance, repair and reset itself. Clients are believed to experience energy recovery, a reduction in pain and an improvement of function.

Colour Therapy

Colour Therapy is a very relaxing therapy working with the seven rainbow colours plus rose pink, magenta and white. Included in the session is an optional light massage of hands and arms, head and shoulders, feet and lower legs.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is an exceptionally gentle yet extremely powerful form of treatment, which engages with the deepest inherent healing forces within the body in order to enable integration of the whole body-mind.

Crystal Ascension Therapy

The client reclines comfortably in a supportive environment whilst having specially selected crystals placed on and around their body. This allows any blockages in energy flow to be identified.

Dru Yogo

Dru Yoga is a graceful and potent form of yoga, based on soft flowing movements, directed breathing and visualisation. With its foundations set firmly in ancient yogic tradition, Dru works on body, mind and spirit to rejuvenate your whole being.

Eastern facial massage

The East has a strong tradition of using facial massage, using techniques of rubbing, stretching, stroking and pumping to help improve the complexion.

Facial massage

Using gentle pressure this massage is carried out on the face, neck and shoulder area (and can include the scalp too). The face has many muscles and massaging this area can result in a great sense of relaxation, reducing tension.

Flower Remedies

It is a gentle form of healing intended to treat the person as an individual. They come in the form of a tincture which can be taken directly on the tongue or in water. They are safe to take with any other medicines. Can safely be taken by children, babies and animals.

Foot and hand massage

A gentle and soothing massage of the feet, ankles and lower legs and hands with or without a choice of essential oils.

Hot stone massage

Hot Stone Massage uses smooth, heated stones. Some are placed on specific points on the body (such as the back, hands, etc.) and others are held by the massage therapist and used to work the muscles.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is a massage of the head, scalp, face, neck, shoulders and arms. The pressure points on the face are also gently stimulated and stroked.

Massage

Massage involves applying different types and levels of pressure to different parts of the body including muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and joints.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a soothing therapy that aims to encourage the body to relax and work naturally to restore its own balance. Reflexology is based on the belief that all parts of the body are reflected in the feet and hands and by massaging and applying gentle pressure to these areas, it is hoped to have an effect on the corresponding part of the body and thus restore balance.

Reiki

Reiki is a deeply relaxing therapy for body and mind, dissolves energy blocks, detoxes and increases energy levels. This takes place fully clothed on a treatment table with hands lightly placed on the body’s main chakras, (energy centres) from head to toe.

Relaxation therapy / Stress Management

Relaxation therapies may use a variety of techniques such as guided meditation, breathing techniques, to achieve calmness and relaxation. Sessions can teach clients to use these techniques themselves to help them through times of stress and anxiety. Stress Management helps people identify their stress-triggers, and how to deal with them. It is possible to combine Relaxation Therapy and Stress Management.

Remedial massage

Remedial massage is used to treat strains, sprains, broken bones, bruising or any injury where the skin is intact.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu literally translates as ‘finger pressure’ and involves a range of techniques including the application of pressure, stretches, touch and manipulative techniques. Sessions are either carried out on a futon, in a seated position or on a couch, dependent on location and fitness levels of the receivers.

Swedish massage

The therapist will apply oil or massage balm to whichever area of the body is being massaged to allow their hand to glide gently over the client applying pressure to stroke, knead and stretch the muscles to alleviate tension and reduce stress. This therapy can be gentle or deep depending on the individual.

Thai foot and hand massage

Thai Massage involves hands-on stretching and massage, along with the stimulation of the reflex points.

Relationship Counselling

It provides carers with professional support with their relationship as a couple (that is primarily but not exclusively with the person they care for). It provides them with a safe space to develop understanding into how the changes in the dynamic of the relationship can affect them, how to avoid or minimise problems and difficulties arising and ultimately, how to cope with their caring role alongside other roles they play in each other’s lives. Counselling may help the carer individually or as part of the couple depending on their difficulties, need and circumstances.