Complementary
therapy and personal care work at home
Complementary and alternative therapies are
thought to help to restore the body’s natural balance with
a holistic approach. This means considering the client's lifestyle,
diet and emotions, rather than just treating the symptoms of their
illness. Therapies can be used for many occasions, such as: to
alleviate pain, as a preventative health measure, or for relaxation.
Stress and tension is well recognised as being a trigger for many
ailments, and the wide range of complementary therapies addresses
this.
If you're interested in alternative therapy
and relate well to others, then you could consider a therapeutic,
healing or personal care method of earning some extra cash.
Many of the occupations listed below are
ideal for carrying out on evenings and weekends, as this is the
time when your potential customers are at home.
Many of these ideas also lend themselves
to making money in the workplace. Even with the recession making
many cut their spending, tired office and shop workers and executives
could spare the cost of a couple of lunches for a relaxing lunch-time
head, shoulders or foot massage. Working from home, or in the
work place, allows you to undercut the more expensive beauty salons
and spas.
Ideas in Action
All of these ideas can lend themselves to making money on a part-time,
or work from home basis. If you have or can acquire the necessary,
knowledge, skills and (where appropriate) qualifications, then
you can run classes, tutorials or therapy sessions at minimal
start-up cost. Gaining qualifications will enhance your skills
and also make your services more saleable - customers are likely
to be more confident choosing you for an alternative therapy treatment
if they can see you are well trained. A qualified practitioner
who is a member of a regulatory body is more likely to in demand.
The General
Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies
Try a search to find the appropriate teaching body or organisation
which can help you to find the information you need to carry out,
teach or gain qualifications in the area that interests you. Courses
are available for most subjects - from brief introductions through
to professional level courses which can take months or years to
complete.
Don't forget that you may be able to get a career
development loan
If you're looking for space to run a class, ask at your local
church or village hall, leisure centre or school if they can rent
you a room. For more personal and one-to-one sessions you can
visit the clients home, or set up a room in your house if you
have the space.
Acupressure
This therapeutic practice is believed to have been used before
acupuncture, and is basically acupuncture without the needles.
Instead, firm pressure is applied to the body's acupoints - pressure
points and meridians (originating from traditional
Chinese medicine, these are energy paths) - in order to decrease
or increase the body's energy flow, and so aid its natural healing
powers. The acupoints are believed to be linked to internal organs.
Pressure from the hands, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, elbows, feet
or knees can be used to treat a wide variety of problems: headaches,
backache, travel sickness, insomnia, arthritis, menstrual problems,
depression, etc. The complementary therapy Shiatsu uses acupressure
techniques. Check your local colleges for courses, online learning
is also available.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of pain relief and
therapy, using very thin needles inserted into acupuncture points
(there are more than 360), on various parts of the body.
Like acupressure, the aim of this ancient therapy is to restore
the body's equilibrium by focusing on the flow and internal balance
of energy (Qi), which is considered in eastern medicine as being
essential for well-being.
As with acupressure, the client's lifestyle, diet and emotions
are as important as their symptoms. Acupuncture is used for a
wide range of symptoms, including: pain relief, rheumatism, headaches,
migraines, neck and back pain, depression, stress, menstrual and
fertility problems,etc.
It is worth taking a course that gives you accreditation in acupuncture,
as although the therapy is not regulated by law at the moment
in the UK, it is likely to be in the near future.
British
Acupuncture Council
Alexander technique
This is a holistic technique involving improvements to the posture
and breathing, amongst other things. Followers claim it can improve
the quality of life in many areas, including mobility and performance.
The Alexander Technique helps you to look at your posture and
balance while you are performing everyday actions. This helps
you become aware of, and then be able to correct the tensions
throughout your body which can adversely affect your health.
The Alexander technique addresses harmful postural habits that
we can all slip into - hunched shoulders, stooped back, etc and
helps you gain good posture, improving your body's appearance
and health. It has proved particularly helpful with chronic neck
and back pain, migraines and headaches
The Society
of Teachers of The Alexander Technique
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy and a form of alternative
medicine that aims to treat a wide range of physical and mental
complaints, using essential oils (concentrated plant essences)
and other aromatic compounds. The oils can be evaporated in a
aromatherapy oil burner or diffuser, inhaled, a few drops added
to the bath, or applied topically blended with a carrier oil (usually
almond or grapeseed) - usually by massage.
The essences can be used to treat many physical complaints : menstrual
or hormonal problems, headaches, pain relief, insomnia, etc, and
are also said to aid emotional well-being. The essential oils
must be diluted and used with care, so it is advisable to gain
proper training to become a qualified IFPA aromatherapist.
International
Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
Ayurveda massage and nutrition
This is an ancient Indian alternative medicine, working holistically
to treat the whole person - using massage, yoga, nutrition and
diet. In Ayurveda we are all considered to be different individual
types, known as dosha, and these consist of Vata,
Pitta and Kapha.
Maintaining a balance of the doshas is believed to help the body
avoid illness, through a healthy diet and lifestyle, involving
yoga and massage, and this can help promote or restore health.
Ayurveda believes that everything is made up of five elements
: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Training is available with
many independent colleges and there are also online courses available.
Acredited courses are preferable, as qualification gives the therapist
and client added confidence in their abilities.
Find
which dosha type you are
Ayurveda
Practitioners Association
Beautician
Beauty therapy covers a wide range of treatments: manicures,
body massage, facials, pedicures, waxing, eyelash and eyebrow
tinting, spray tanning, nail treatments, skincare treatments,
make-up demonstrations, etc and can also incorporate aromatherapy
facials and massage, Indian head massage and reflexology.
You can easily cut the prices of spas and hotels by treating customers
in their own home, or by providing your service at your home,
or renting a room. Don't forget that you can organise cosmetics
parties and provide mini facials, massages, make-overs and make-up
demonstrations.
It is worthwhile training for the recognised NVQ qualifications
in beauty and spa therapy. These are available from many colleges
and some offer home study courses.
Counselling
Counsellors work at all levels dealing with a huge variety of
issues and problems using talking therapy or psychological therapy.
Counselling can be an effective treatment for many mental health
conditions and other conditions, such as: depression, eating disorders,
drug misuse, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, dealing with
chronic pain, etc.
Trained practitioners work with people for a short or long term
to enhance their well-being, and in some cases to encourage them
to make the changes they need to be healthy.
There are courses available at all levels, from brief introductions
to full time post-graduate courses. Many counselling courses are
part-time, generally evening or day release. Counsellors work
in many different settings, such as : schools, colleges, universities,
charities, General Practice, telephone helplines. Most employment
opportunities for councellors, especially if you want to work
with the NHS, will require qualification.
British Association for Counselling
& Psychotherapy
Crystal Therapy
Crystal therapy is an alternative medicine technique using stones
and crystals as healing tools. The therapist places crystals on
different parts of the body (usually the chakra
points) to create an aura of healing energy around the patient.
It is claimed this practice aids deep relaxation, helps to relieve
stress and pain, and promotes energy balance. The 7 chakras are
the body's energy centres.
You can train for a diploma in crystal healing - this usually
takes up to 2 years to complete.
crystal-healing
organisations
De-cluttering
De-cluttering is one of those things that's difficult to do for
yourself, but easy to do for someone else! Find out about how to
de-clutter
a home. This service can work alongside interior design - once
you've helped a client de-clutter you could then suggest style options
for that lovely new space. If you are organised, tactful, patient
and sympathetic offering a de-clutter service could be for you.
Advertise in your local papers, place cards in local shops. As with
interior design it's your work that promotes you, so offer to de-clutter
free first of all and hopefully word will spread and you'll get
requests.
Evening class teacher
Got a hobby that you love and are knowledgeable about? Then why
not pass your knowledge onto others. Local authorities run evening
classes on everything from art to wine-tasting to car repairs
and do-it-yourself, and teaching a class can be rewarding both
financially and socially. To teach a subject leading to an exam
or qualification you need to be qualified in that subject.
It's yet another part-time income opportunity that can fit in
well around a day job. Some centres require lecturers for day
sessions which could suit if you're retired or out of work. Contact
your local colleges to find any available opportunities.
Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer/ Diet Advisor
Personal Trainer
If your idea of fun is a jog or a session in the gym, you could
earn extra cash by running classes. There is a huge demand for
fitness and slimming help, both in leading a class or a training
session and on a one-to-one basis as a personal trainer. You will
need to work confidently with people, be motivational, dependable
and on time - most people will require your help either before
work early in the morning, or after work in the evening hours.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga is a system of poses and breathing control which
aims for balance and harmony within the body to create health
benefits. Yoga and meditation classes can help with relaxation,
anxiety, weight loss and a whole range of stress-related problems.
If you have the ability to instruct and pass your knowledge on
to others, then this could be for you. Yoga participants need
no special equipment apart from a mat, and you can hold yoga sessions
anywhere with sufficient space (including outdoors). The UK governing
body for yoga offers an assessed training programme lasting approximately
three years, but this can be completed part-time and there are
also opportunities for distance learning.
The British Wheel
of Yoga
Pilates Instructor
Pilates is low-impact form of exercise which emphasises proper
breath control and works to improve core strength. Using mat work
and equipment, pilates aims to work and stretch muscles in the
abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks to improve posture and
bring about better mental and physical health.
bodycontrol
pilates
Diet/Nutrition Advisor
A diet group can be a good way to earn some extra cash.
Maybe you've lost loads of weight yourself and want to spread
the word about your key to success or you simply relate well to
people and enjoy keeping fit and healthy. Some slimming companies
offer jobs to individuals that have successfully lost weight,
and have the right skills to run slimming classes, or there are
franchise opportunities if you want to work under a well known
company's name.
Slimming
World
Having personally experienced weight-loss you are more likely
to be able to recognise the difficulty with various diet plans,
and also be motivational to your class. There are plenty of diplomas
and certificates you could study for in the fitness and nutrition
field to enhance your skills, and these are usually available
at local college courses and with distance learning online.
Top diets
Studying a Certificate of Higher Education in Sport, Fitness
and Management will give help you to develop the professional
skills needed to become a coach, fitness instructor or diet advisor,
or there are various diplomas and courses available at local colleges,
or online study is widely available.
Hairdresser
Hairdressers are always in demand and it's the ideal job to carry
out on a part-time basis in clients homes. You need to be properly
trained to do it professionally, or risk the wrath of unhappy
clients. There are lots of hairdressing courses, and a recognised
qualification for a hairdresser is an NVQ Certificate/Diploma
in Hairdressing/Barbering.
There are different levels of NVQ qualification: Level 1 is required
if you want to become a hairdressing assistant; Level 2 is required
to become a junior stylist; Level 3 is suitable for hairdressers
with experience who wish to become a senior stylist. Many newly
qualified hairdressers find that working as a junior in a salon
gives them lots of useful experience. Hairdressing training is
available usually at local colleges.
Homeopathy
Treating illnesses and other health problems with counter-irritants
which mimic the symptoms of the original problem - like with like.
These preparations are used in high dilution, and whether they
actually work or just have a placebo effect, many people believe
in their efficacy. You can take part-time or full-time courses
as part of a validated degree programme. Most homeopaths are self-employed
with their own private practices, others work in homeopathy centres.
The
Society of Homeopaths
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is used to treat a wide range of medical and psychological
problems like addictions, such as smoking and alcohol addiction,
sleeplessness, stress through to phobias and obesity. This practice
has become more mainstream in recent years as people are preferring
to rely less on drugs for long term problems. The hypnotherapist
can help help people access deeper levels of awareness that can
enable them to stop damaging habits, such as smoking,etc.
Receiving training on an approved and recognised course will bring
you professional skills and provide you with contacts and work
opportunities. Once qualified you can work from your own home,
or rent a room to practice in, during hours that suit you and
your clients. Recommendation from happy clients can be the best
way to gain more customers in this field.
The
Hypnotherapy Association
Indian
head massage
Indian head massage can help with stress and tension and many
problems of the head, including sinus and migraines. As a part
of the ancient Indian Ayurvedic Healing System, it's also considered
to bring wider health benefits to the whole body.
As the subject of the massage does not need to undress, lie down
or do anything other than sit in a chair, Indian head massage
is popular in offices and can be a good seller as a lunchtime
'stress buster' - relieving eye strain, neck and shoulder tension,
promoting hair growth,
Getting qualified is advised before you offer your services -
VTCT, the government approved awarding body for the hairdressing
and beauty sector, offers Indian Head Massage courses at many
colleges.
vtct
Life Coaching
This practice helps people identify goals they want to achieve
in life and helps themo fulfil their potential. You need to be
able to empower individuals, be motivational, organised, encouraging
and patient to be successful as a life coach. Life coaching is
not currently regulated in the UK, but there are various professional
bodies with code of ethics that uphold standards for coaching.
Coach
Federation
Massage
Massage can improve your health by acting directly on the body
and also by promoting a feeling of well-being and reducing stress.
Courses are available ranging from a one day introduction through
to long term in-depth courses. If you want to work in the health
service you will need professional training involving a code of
ethics and which allows you to take out professional indemnity
insurance.
Some local authorities require massage practitioners to take out
a license, so check your area. Massage therapy can be practised
from your own home, during hours that suit you and your customers.
massage
training
Nail technician
Like hairdressing and beauty care, this is an easy one to carry
out on a part-time basis in clients' homes. The boom in the popularity
of artificial nail extensions, manicures and pedicures has led
to a much wider range of courses becoming available. You can take
basic and advanced courses in manicure and pedicure of natural
nails, fitting and sculpting acrylic and fibreglass nails, and
airbrusing and painting.
You can work from home, run a mobile business or contact local
hairdressers for work. Nail care can also sell as part of a party-plan,
by holding manicure parties and selling cosmetics as well as manicures,
nails and nail-care products. You may need a licence from your
local environmental health department and qualifications required
vary – some insist that you have an NVQ.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a complementary health therapy involving the practice
of massaging or applying pressure to areas of the hands and feet,
to promote well-being or address problems throughout the body.
Reflexologists work holistically - treating the lifestyle and
whole person, rather than just concentrating on the specific complaint.
This ancient therapy is based on the premise of reflex areas on
the feet and hands being linked to other areas and organs of the
body.
Association
of Reflexologists
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique and form of spiritual healing for
reducing stress, by placing hands on the body to channel healing
energy or 'ki' to improve mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
There is no accreditation, regulation or a central body for Reiki.
The Reiki
Federation seeks to standardise Reiki and maintain and evaluate
professional standards of training.
Relaxation
Relaxation classes can take place on a group or one to one basis.
They can combine elements of meditation, yoga and other disciplines
and can have a therapeutic effect buy reducing blood pressure
and overall stress levels.
Shaitsu
Another massage related therapy closely related to acupressure.
The practicioner uses his or her fingers, palms and thumbs to
correct body imbalances and improve overall health, as well as
specific problems. Courses range from one day workshops to 3-year
Practitioner Diplomas.
The Shiatsu
Society
Thai foot massage
This complementary therapy uses massage with Thai foot sticks
to stimulate reflex points on the feet and legs. A treatment will
generally incorporate a leg and foot massage as well. Thai foot
massage can improve circulation in the feet and legs, and help
de-stress as the body's energy paths are unblocked. Courses are
usually available at local colleges and it is better to study
where you receive a certificate or diploma, recognised by the
Federation of Holistic Therapists.
FHT
Yoga
see above Fitness Instructor
Legal
Aspects
Legislation varies from area to area and
country to country - in your jurisdiction, you may need to be
licenced, registered or hold a specific qualification to carry
out many of the above activities. You may also need public liability
insurance.
Always check to see the legal requirements
in your locality, you can do this by contacting your local authority,
chamber of commerce, business bureau or the relevant professional
body or association.
If you need to brush up on your skills
or learn some new ones don't forget that there are often affordable
or free classes in many types of therapy as well as lots of online
support and advice.
Complementary and alternative therapies
should never be suggested as a replacement to medical treatment.
