Holistic therapy is no longer an entirely unorthodox concept in today's world, specially since the idea of integrative medicine is becoming more popular and New Age healing methods are getting increasingly accepted.

Briton Roger J Moore is a well-known holistic/intuitive therapist who formerly worked for the Hua Hin health resort Chiva-Som and is now based in Phuket.

 Moore's journey on the holistic path began 20 years ago after he collapsed while working out in a gym - something he never imagined would have happened to him as a muscular, young sportsman. The incident taught him that being fit and healthy were two entirely different things. That's when he set his sights on finding ways to heal himself by means of ancient Greek holistic medicine combined with various forms of Oriental exercise such as tai chi.

"My approach is simple - you are your own best doctor. Nobody knows your body like you do. It's all about listening, feeling and making a connection with it," he says.

For the past two decades Moore has devoted his time to studying numerous health, fitness and holistic techniques from several cultures, ranging from the Native American tribes to ancient Taoist healing techniques. He eventually developed treatments that are unique to him and the individual needs of each of his clients. His methods can vary from showing people how to exercise properly to using Reiki power to realigning a person's chakras, or centres of spiritual power in the body.

He travels around the world teaching his unique healing arts and helping people restore their balance. He has been hailed by many celebrity clients, namely stars like Sting, Madonna, Rachel Weisz and Van Morrison as well as sporting world figures such as such as Gary Lineker, Roy Martin and Eddie Jordan.

A regular session with Moore usually begins with a consultation based on his knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis such as meridian tapping and deep manipulation of pressure points. The client's tongue, skin, ears, eyes and body movements are looked at thoroughly to determine the person's state of health and and the types of treatments, advice on diets and posture correction techniques that should follow.

"Most health problems arise from not taking care of simple things such as posture. Poor posture cuts off energy. A lot of people don't know how to move correctly and this affects their chi energy flow in their whole body. And it's important that people realise and make changes. Taking care of your health is something you have to work at with ongoing effort. I can show each person how to do this for the rest of their lives."

To my surprise, his diagnosis of me echoed what my doctor and chiropractor have been telling me all these years. Although, there were some things he said that deeply reflected my most buried emotions, thoughts known only to myself. His advice was for me to control my thoughts via meditation and do plenty of deep-breathing exercises. Finally he did a lengthy Reiki session on my body to "channel my energy". To my amazement, I woke up feeling a deep sensation of calm radiating throughout my body and mind. It was definitely something I was glad I experienced.

Rangsita Sirivanich

The Nation

Roger J Moore is offering holistic treatments at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket until July 22. For details, e-mail spa@bluecanyonclub.com or visit www.bluecanyon-club.com/offers/spa.htm.