Therapies for our times

* VINOTHERAPY

Since the opening of the world's first official wine spa in France in 1999, several others around the world have followed suit in offering vinotherapy. The treatments, which include bathing in wine or grape extract (above), merlot or chardonnay wraps, sauvignon massages and vine wraps with wine mud, are said to firm the skin and slow down the ageing process due to the high antioxidant content of wine.

* STONE THERAPY

The physiological benefits of hot basalt rocks and cold marble stones being placed on the body (above) is said to have been "scientifically and medically proven". The "vascular gymnastics" of the circulatory system assist the body in self-healing, improve the lymphatic and immune systems and normalise body functions. Apparently.

* BEE VENOM THERAPY

Bee venom therapists apply bee venom to specific points on the body's surface (right). Patients are tested first for sensitivity. Bee venom stimulates the release of cortisone (cortisol) and is said to be effective in treating rheumatic diseases.

* MICROWAVE RESONANCE THERAPY

This is a synthesis of acupuncture and biophysics. Acupuncture points are stimulated by high frequency microwaves (52-78GHz). There are claims for "remarkable clinical results" achieved in surgery, ortho-paedics, traumatology, cardiovascular disorders, urology, gynaecology, dermatology, cardiology, neurology and oncology.

* TRANSDERMAL OXYGENATION SAUNA THERAPY

This involves being seated in a steam cabinet, with your head and neck exposed. "Oxygenation" gases are then pumped into the cabinet. It is said to help sufferers of fatigue, ME and bacterial or fungal infections, while increased blood and tissue oxygenation promotes mental and physical alertness.

* ZERO BALANCING

This body-work system aims to align the "energy body" with the physical body. Finger pressure and stretches create points of stillness around which the body can relax and reorganise. Devotees say it can help to resolve trauma (physical or emotional), and help people to cope better with periods of stress or change.

* DO IN

Meaning "self-stimulation" in Japanese, Do In combines some principles of shiatsu and acupressure with stretches, exercises, breathing and meditation techniques, in some cases in tandem with a macrobiotic diet. It's said to gather and strengthen energy (ki) in the meridian systems of the body.

* HOLOGRAPHIC REPATTERNING

This compares a human being to a hologram. The idea is that a holographic plate can accommodate millions of images and one has only to change the angle of the light to see a different picture. The client is required to lie down and the practitioner then begins an "energy transaction". It is said to help with chronic poor health, unhappy relationships, low confidence and depression.

* AUTO-URINE THERAPY

This is age-old practice of India is free and always available. It is considered by some to be effective in treating an array of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hepatitis, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes and herpes. More than three million Chinese drink their own urine, believing it to be good for their health.

(Source: Independent)