Information
What's involved in a consultation?
At our first consultation we will spend approximately one hour going over the symptoms you are presenting with, looking at when they began and for any possible precipitating influences. This is achieved by an analysis of your past medical history including hereditary factors and a look at your current diet and lifestyle. We will also do a symptom check of the body organs such as the cardiovascular, digestive or musculo-skeletal systems for example. I also use a combination of conventional and traditional investigative methods and techniques. This provides a snapshot of your overall health picture. If you have been diagnosed by a GP or specialist please let the practitioner know.
What happens afterwards?
After the consultation I will make a series of suggestions which I believe will be of benefit for you. This will usually involve advice on your diet and lifestyle. Poor diet, lack of exercise, toxic exposure, ongoing stress and 'burning the candle at both ends' can have a negative impact on our health. Understanding how this affects us and being prepared to do something about it (such as making dietary changes or giving up smoking or beginning an effective exercise regime) can be your first steps to reclaiming your health; but unless you are prepared to take on responsibility for your own health (and to empower yourself in the process) then you might reconsider coming along for a consultation. Your health is your decision but it also requires effort on your part!
The Holistic Approach!
Health is not just about physical symptoms. I use a holistic approach and consider health to be a balance of the physical, mental and emotional. While I try to address the symptoms you are currently experiencing I will also try to look for underlying causes. This 'root and branch' approach is fundamental to naturopathic principles.
I use an eclectic range of natural therapies but generally herbal medicines in the form of tinctures, oils, teas or tablets are recommended. I only use the best quality materials, organic where possible, locally sourced or fair trade and NOT tested on animals (I prefer plant materials that have been tested on humans for centuries). I may also refer you to your GP or another practitioner which I feel may be of importance. I do suggest that you come back to see me at least once 3-4 weeks after your initial consultation. I will measure improvements, analyze any new symptoms, check for progress and advise accordingly. It is not always possible to pinpoint exactly where things are going wrong because health is a multifactorial process after all, so we need to look at the various factors over time.
I don't do 'magic bullets'. Natural remedies work slowly but consequently can be more effective, longer-lasting and generally without any side-effects, provided they are taken as directed by your practitioner. It is important that you inform me of known medical conditions, medications you are taking, allergies you may have or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. I am fully trained in the safe use of herbs including herb/drug interactions. Herbs, when used appropriately, can be of great benefit.
How long do I need to take the herbs for, or follow a dietary/lifestyle regime?
In general for every year you have had symptoms I suggest one month of treatment. This gives you a rough guide to what can be involved so you know what to expect. Every one of us is unique so people respond in different ways, however those who tend to follow ALL the suggestions made tend to make improvements quicker. When I make dietary suggestions it is because I believe you have a sensitivity to a certain food, or that a certain food is contributing to your symptoms, often both. In some cases avoiding those foods for a short time and slowly introducing them again may be enough while in other cases you may have to avoid some things indefinitely. I also work with diagnostic labs to pinpoint food sensitivity. These are expensive but can be very useful in the long run. Good diet, fresh water, plenty of exercise, positive mental attitude and proper rest are the pillars of health!
Sounds good but how much does it all cost?
2010 Prices Held!
First Consultation - Belfast £35/London £40 (@ 60mins)
Second Consultation - Belfast £25/London £35 (@ 45mins)
Third Consultation (and thereafter) - Belfast £20/London £30 (@ 30mins)
Herbal tinctures - £20 for 300ml 3 week course. These are tailor-made in house.
Essential Oils - £5-£10 for 10ml blends. These are tailor-made in house.
Supplements - Prices vary considerably depending on brand and current stock but I try to offer good deals compared to shops. Please ask for the current price list.
Lab tests - Optional lab tests are available for a wide range of investigations such as food intolerance, hormone profile, heavy metal analysis and parasite testing. Leaflets are available in house or email me for information and current pricing.
An average consultation costs around £60, including consultation fee and a 3 week course of tincture for example. This may seem expensive on the face of it but at the end of the day if you don't have your health then what do you have? Health is our wealth so cost really shouldn't be an issue. For those on benefits or with low income however I will certainly come to some arrangement.
Please note that if you wish to cancel an appointment please give at least 48 hours notice or you may be charged accordingly. Be advised - currently we do not have facilities for credit/debit cards.
To book an appointment or to ask for more information click here.
