Professional Referrals: Evidence-Based Complementary Therapies for Whole-Person Care

A Holistic Extension of Conventional Practice

Many patients experience health concerns that are multifaceted—physical, emotional, and behavioural in nature. Complementary therapies can play an important adjunctive role in managing these complexities by supporting nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and body-based wellbeing.

We welcome referrals from GPs, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, midwives, CAMHS, oncology teams, pain specialists, and allied health professionals for safe, structured, evidence-informed complementary care.

Who might you refer?

We can support patients managing a wide range of presentations:

Addiction and Recovery Support

• Cravings, anxiety, and sleep support during early abstinence

• Auricular acupuncture protocols (e.g. NADA) for mood, sleep, and regulation

• Trauma-sensitive hypnotherapy for relapse triggers (where clinically appropriate)

Hormonal and Reproductive Health

• Puberty, menstrual irregularities, perimenopause

• Fertility stress

• Pregnancy and postnatal transition

• Parent-infant bonding support

Mental Health and Emotional Regulation

• Stress and burnout

• Anxiety, panic, low mood

• Overthinking, insomnia, and emotional overwhelm

• Trauma recovery (with appropriate clinical support)

• Anger, irritability, and emotional lability

Neurodivergence

• Support for emotional self-regulation in ADHD, ASD

• Anxiety reduction and sensory integration through non-verbal therapies

• Sleep and transition support

Oncology Support

• Nausea, sleep disruption, pain, and anxiety during treatment

• Emotional adjustment and fatigue during survivorship

• Safe use of therapies adapted to treatment stages and contraindications

Pain Management

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Migraine, tension headache, fibromyalgia

• Support for patients exploring self-regulation and non-pharmacological relief

Skin Health

• Stress-linked dermatological conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis, acne)

• Self-esteem and nervous system support

• Complementary topical or inhaled essential oil options based on safety

Sleep and Relaxation

• Circadian rhythm support

• Hypnotherapy and autonomic balance techniques

• Aromatherapy and reflexology to reduce hyper-arousal

Acupuncture & Auricular Acupuncture

Used for mood regulation, cravings, sleep, hot flashes, and pain. Auricular acupuncture (e.g. NADA protocol) has proven efficacy in addiction recovery, trauma symptoms, and autonomic regulation.
(Evidence: Wang et al., 2017; Margolin et al., 2005; Errington-Evans, 2012)

Aromatherapeutic Formulations & Inhalation Therapy

Essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and vetiver support mood, sleep, and vagal tone. Aromatic inhalation is a simple, non-invasive intervention suitable for youth, pregnant clients, and those with sensory sensitivities.
(Evidence: Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2008; Cooke & Ernst, 2000)

Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy is particularly effective for sleep issues, trauma symptoms, emotional eating, pain, and habit change.
(Evidence: Elkins et al., 2013; Hammond, 2010)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Face and Body)

Supports lymph flow, reduces oedema, promotes tissue healing, and enhances parasympathetic recovery, with evidence for use in lymphedema, post-surgical care, and inflammatory skin conditions (ISL, 2020; Ko et al., 2018).

Reflexology

Effective in reducing anxiety, pain, and improving quality of life, especially in oncology, pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances.
(Evidence: McVicar et al., 2007; Embong et al., 2015)

Swedish Massage (Non-Aromatherapeutic)

Used for chronic pain, musculoskeletal tension, stress, and sleep disorders. Adapted for oncology and pregnancy clients.
(Evidence: Field, 2016)

Modalities We Offer (With Clinical Applications)

How to Refer

Why Refer to Us

• Integrated care model – therapies offered as an adjunct to medical and psychological interventions

• Qualified and insured practitioners with experience of professional communication and safe practice

• Trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, youth-safe environments and after care

• Outcome tracking and consent-based collaboration with referrers

• Tailored combinations of therapies depending on the patient’s presentation and goals

We use a range of clinical intake tools and can refer clients to or back to their GP for symptoms that require medical input. Some clients are referred to us after GP assessment when they are advised to explore safe complementary support.

Referrals and professional recommendations are welcome.

We can support:

• One-off complementary assessments

• Ongoing integrated care plans

• Short-term symptom management

• Support through life transitions

Email: hello@northeastclinical.co.uk
Phone: 07368 638324
Referral Form: Available on request

We respond within 48 hours, and (with consent) can provide a clinical summary of therapy focus and response.

References

• Cooke, B., & Ernst, E. (2000). Aromatherapy: A systematic review. British Journal of General Practice, 50(455), 493–496.

• Elkins, G., Fisher, W., & Johnson, A. (2013). Clinical hypnosis for behavioral and medical disorders: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 61(3), 295–312.

• Embong, N. H., Soh, Y. C., Ming, L. C., & Wong, T. W. (2015). Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 5(4), 197–206.

• Errington-Evans, N. (2012). Acupuncture for anxiety. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 18(4), 277–284.

• Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19–31.

• Hammond, D. C. (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2), 263–273.

• International Society of Lymphology. (2020). The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lymphedema: 2020 consensus document of the International Society of Lymphology. Lymphology, 53(1), 3–19.

• Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Graham, J. E., Malarkey, W. B., Porter, K., Lemeshow, S., & Glaser, R. (2008). Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 33(3), 328–339.

• Ko, D. S., Lerner, R., Klose, G., & Cosimi, A. B. (2018). Effective treatment of lymphedema of the extremities. Archives of Surgery, 133(4), 452–458.

• Leduc, O., & Leduc, A. (2000). Drainage lymphatique: Théorie et pratique. Masson.

• Margolin, A., Avants, S. K., & Holford, T. R. (2005). Interventions for drug use: Auricular acupuncture in substance abuse treatment. American Journal of Public Health, 92(10), 1640–1642.

• McVicar, A., Greenwood, C. R., Fewell, F., D’Arcy, V., & Chandrasekharan, S. (2007). Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: A pilot study in healthy individuals. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 13(3), 137–145.

• Wang, Y., Li, M., & Liu, X. (2017). Effects of auricular acupuncture on anger and aggression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 10(4), 258–263.