Complementary Therapy

EST (Electro Stimulation Therapy):

What is EST?

EST is now available at HAGAM. This treatment is based on the principles of acupuncture but does not use needles. Painless electrical pulses are sent through the body via surface electrodes that are placed on various acupuncture points on the skin.

EST works by stimulating the production of natural substances in the body (such as serotonin and endorphins) that boost our ability to cope with stress and pain. It has proved particularly beneficial for those who have suffered from drug or alcohol problems and who may be experiencing a number of withdrawal symptoms.

What are the benefits of EST?

EST has been proved to be successful in helping;

• Anxiety, agitation and stress
• Symptoms of acute withdrawal
• Sleep problems and lethargy
• Low energy and depression
• Cravings
• Boosting the immune system
• Aiding relaxation
• Getting the body back into balance

What does treatment consist of?

EST is carried out using a unit called AAA-401. This is a small battery-operated electrical box with four outputs that make it possible to treat four points at the same time. The AAA-401 has a number of different settings that enable the treatment worker to use particular electrical frequencies to treat individual symptoms.

In a typical session an assessment of 5-10 minutes would take place to get a brief insight into the client’s medical history and present symptoms. This would help determine which frequency would be suitable for the treatment and would also give you a chance to discuss anything about EST that you may be unsure about. This would then usually be followed by;

• An auricular session lasting 5-10 minutes. This is when various acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated by gently pressing a small probe against those points. Small clips may also be placed on the ear for further benefit.
• A full treatment session lasting around 30 minutes. This might involve treating points on the ears, ankles, feet, knees and/or hands (depending on your symptoms). During the session you will be able to lie back and relax while the treatment takes place
• A couple of minutes relaxation time when the treatment has finished to allow you to readjust and feel the benefits of the treatment

Please note:you may need to bare your feet and lower legs for the full treatment so please wear appropriate clothing

Does having EST hurt?

Most people find the sensation of EST quite pleasant. At most it is a mild tingling sensation that some describe as very mild pins and needles. It should certainly never feel uncomfortable. In the unlikely case of you feeling uncomfortable you should let the treatment worker know immediately and they can reduce the current flow

How many sessions should I have?

In general there are no specific limits set as to how much treatment to have. EST is not an addictive treatment and can be stopped at any time by either the practitioner or the client. Most people report feeling the benefits after just a few sessions of having EST and some continue it long term as a source of relaxation therapy.

However, in order to make our service accessible to as many people as possible, HAGAM will offer 6 weekly sessions to anyone wishing to try EST. After these 6 sessions we will review the treatment and, if you wish to continue, we will put you back on the waiting list for the next 6 sessions that become available. This method is to help ensure that everyone who wants to try EST gets a chance to experience the treatment.

Is EST suitable for everybody?

As with any treatment there are a number of health issues that should be assessed before carrying out EST. These include;

• If you suffer from epilepsy it is safe to use EST only at certain frequencies
• If you have diabetes it is safe to use EST if you are otherwise healthy and stable
• If you have suffered from a deep vein thrombosis in the past it is not advisable to apply EST to this area of the body.
• If you have a metal plate or pins in the body it is not advisable to use EST in this area
• If you suffer from any mental health problem
• EST should not be used if you are pregnant
• EST should not be used if you have a recently diagnosed heart condition or a pacemaker.
• EST should not be used if you’ve had a neurological condition such as brain cancer or tumour

In some of the above cases the practitioner may ask for your consent to contact your GP or health worker before you are able to access EST treatment.

If you wish to try EST or you require any further information please contact HAGAM.

Herbal Teas:

Relaxation Tea

We offer relaxation and detox teas to aid our clients improve the quality of their life.

Relaxation Tea contains Camomile, Scullcap, Motherwort, Damiana, Passiflora, Vervain and Red Clover Blossom. Based on its ingredients, some of the possible benefits of the Relaxation Tea are;

Detox Tea

Detox tea contains Camomile, Scullcap, Elderflower, Peppermint, Catmint and Yarrow. Based on its ingredients, some of the possible benefits of the Detox Tea are;