Treatments
Herbal Medicines
I use a wide variety of herbal remedies from several traditions which have been used successfully over many years and are well-documented. Herbal tinctures are used mainly because they keep so well but also because they allow the herbalist to blend formulae to suit an individual's specific needs. A tincture is made by steeping the herb in alcohol to allow extraction of its active constituents. I also make herbal caps, creams, oils and recommend other uses of herbs such as teas and decoctions, poultices and liniments as well as baths and other methods.
Treatments
As a traditional herbalist my main protocol is botanical medicines but as a naturopath I also use an eclectic range of non-invasive natural techniques and therapies which might include nutrition, aromatherapy, supplementary regimes and general lifestyle advice, all tailor-made for the individual.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a long tradition in the healing arts and is used in massage, for bathing and for burning. Essential oils are literal powerhouses and only a few drops can have significant effects when used appropriately, bringing relaxation and mood-enhancement as well as smelling delightful. Our sense of smell, through the olfactory nerve, is a direct connection with the outdoor world and can often trigger memories and associations. Hence oils can be used to bring emotional well-being on top of having a physical effect.
Nutrition
When health is an issue it is often a case of too little or too much of something in our diets, which is compounded by lifestyle factors. By looking at the foods you do or don't eat and accessing the amount of nutrition in your diet we can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly. This will involve cutting down or reducing some foods while increasing others to address any nutritional imbalances. This process can be assisted by the appropriate use of supplements. The supplements I use are derived from natural sources, organic where possible and not tested on animals. I recommended supplements to address any outstanding nutritional deficits but also because in this day and age with so much over-processing of foods and toxins in our environment I believe we need an extra boost.
I also offer, in association with various labs, food intolerance testing kits to help pinpoint food sensitivities which may be implicated in various health problems.
Lifestyle
Exercise is one of the pillars of health and our bodies are designed to move. Many of us could do with getting away from watching banal TV shows and getting out into the fresh air. The interaction of sunlight on our skin produces vitamin D which is important for calcium absorption among other things. (A lack of this vitamin can also often be seen in cases of depression and Seasonal Adjustment Disorder). I offer pertinent advice on exercise regimes appropriate to the individual. Generally speaking most people don't take enough exercise but occasionally some people can do too much. Finding the right balance is vital for overall well-being and clarity of mind, AND it can be fun!
Laboratory Testing
I offer a wide range of testing facilities through state-of-the-art labs which includes tests for hormone profiles, heavy metal toxicity, parasites, food intolerance, homocysteine and many others. Information leaflets about lab tests are available at the clinic or can be forwarded on request. The tests involved are often far more thorough than many other standard tests and by pinpointing potential factors in terms of toxic burden for example we can identify problems often before they develop into symptoms; or uncover factors which may be contributing significantly to current symptoms. In many chronic conditions the causes are often multifactorial so lab tests can be of great use and help in forming a strategy to bring us back towards health.
Naturopathy
Naturopaths use all of the above methods alongside other natural therapies to help bring the body back to its natural state of balance(homeostasis). We consider disease from a holistic perspective and that true health is a balanced combination of physical, mental and emotional factors. Although I am not a councilor it is important to address our thoughts and feelings and how they impact upon us. It may be the case that someone may need to talk over matters further and I will refer a client to a qualified practitioner accordingly. If you have a serious medical condition please consult your GP or specialist before coming to see me.
We are all unique, and each of us has different needs. It is important to realise however that you are ultimately responsible for your own health. It is necessary to appreciate that you may have to make considerable changes in your life. Understanding this is central to the naturopathic process and can be very self-empowering and rewarding.
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