Many people use complementary therapies to help maintain positive mental health or to help with mental health problems. There is a wide range of complementary therapies, mostly provided privately, although some are also available through NHS and voluntary sector organisations. Complementary therapies that people use to maintain positive mental and physical health and wellbeing include yoga, tai chi, relaxation, shiatsu and therapeutic massage. Other therapies are more treatment based such as homoeopathy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and reflexology, but all may be used as maintenance therapy for positive mental and physical health and wellbeing.

There is a lot of debate about whether complementary therapies work or not, but what is clear is that their popularity has increased significantly over recent years and many people feel that they have been helped by them.
For those thinking of trying a complementary therapy it is important to be clear about what you want the therapy to do for you and that you check the qualifications of the therapist. The therapist should be registered with a professional body and it is advisable to do some research about this so you can be assured that they are properly qualified and have insurance cover.

There are a number of complementary health practices in Sheffield and these may be a good starting point as they usually offer a range of therapies and should require that people working for them are suitably qualified and insured for their work. Health promoting activities such as yoga, tai chi and relaxation groups are often run in health centres, GP practices or by voluntary sector organisations.