THE human body is a fascinating piece of machinery and when finely tuned, it usually runs without problems.

But from time to time we can all be knocked of balance, either through illness, an accident or emotional trauma.

While many turn to conventional medicine more and more people are seeking alternative treatments.

One of the latest therapies to gain popularity in this country is Quantum Touch – a hands-on healing technique that encourages the body to heal itself.

Jane Varey, who lives in Norton, has recently qualified to practise Quantum Touch, which is said to work quickly to alleviate emotional and physical pain.

The married mother of two teenage sons became interested in alternative therapies while working at a pharmacy in Malton. She became particularly fascinated in homeopathy, which works by stimulating the body to heal itself through remedies derived mainly from plants and minerals.

“I went on a course in Strensall to learn more about homeopathy and it was like a lightbulb going on; I just thought to myself ‘I get this’,” she said.

“I knew that this was what I wanted to do and decided to take a further course to become registered homeopath.”

Over the years, Jane treated people with everything from migraines to menopausal symptoms.

“Homeopathy is not a quick fix to a problem – something they have suffered with for years can’t be sorted out in one session,” Jane said.

“It requires a commitment and a new way of looking at your own health.”

Jane found out about Quantum Touch through a friend earlier this year and after watching a DVD on the subject decided to join one of the local workshops.

Quantum Touch was founded about 30 years ago by Richard Gordon who, after a number of health scares, went to study at a school of natural healing and came across the power to aid healing using your hands.

The Quantum Touch practitioner learns to focus and amplify life-force energy ‘Chi’ and ‘Prana’ by combining various breathing and body awareness exercises. They learn to create a high level of energy that can be place around an area of pain, stress, inflammation or disease which then entrains to the higher frequency, thus amplifying the body’s ability to heal itself.

“Basically, blocked energy creates pain or disease and what I am trying to do is unblock that energy so that it can flow around the body’s system again.

“The more energised people are, the better they are able to cope with whatever comes their way.”

Jane said Quantum Touch was excellent for all forms of pain relief such as sports injuries, scar tissue and arthritis but could also be used as a supplementary treatment to more serious illnesses such as MS and cancer.

“There is no manipulation, pressure or cracking of bones, just simply laying on of hands,” Jane said.

“It can work very quickly at alleviating pain, whether emotional or physical, and is particularly good at realigning bones which works at a quantum level but is seen at a physical level.”

After years of sitting at a desk – and often cradling a telephone on my shoulder while writing – I know my posture is not great and I do suffer from a bad back.

Jane first got me to stand while she checked how straight I stood and quickly noticed that one hip was slightly higher than the other.

I am aware of the problem – it was something I was born with – and was impressed she had spotted it so quickly.

Jane said it was something Quantum Touch could help.

“It will be contributing to your back problems and obviously it is not something we could sort out in one session but you should feel a difference in two or three days,” Jane told me.

She spent half an hour working on my hips and lower back and the whole process was very relaxing. I also felt a definite tingling and warmth, particularly in my back.

The advantage for many people is that you can remain fully-clothed during the treatment and it can be carried out any where.

Jane said: “It is very rewarding to treat people and feel that I may have helped them in someway and also empowered them to help themselves.”

As for my back, I’ve tried numerous different treatments over the years with varying success but on this occasion it did seem better. Now all I need to do is drop all those bad work habits and remember to sort my posture out and sit up straight.

* To find our more about Quantum Touch and the other therapies Jane offers phone 01653 600450 or email janevarey66@hotmail.co.uk