Treatment approaches for the whole being
As the individual is treated and not just the illness, there are many presentations that can be helped.
If you would like to find out whether you can be helped by having a consultation, send me a message from the clinic locations tab.
Herbal Medicine & Nutrition
Herbal and nutritional constituents play a big role in influencing the functioning of the body. Diet can be a risk factor for many diseases, so it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to take a detailed look at dietary habits in order to provide the most appropriate healthcare advice.
Weight issues, diabetes, cardiovascular health, inflammatory conditions and much more can all be improved with a close look at diet.
Stress management –exercise & relaxation practices
There is a deep connection between mind and body which can play a significant role in whether we help or hinder our health. It is often beneficial to reflect on our stress levels and how effectively we are dealing with them.
Stress is such a large part of modern living that in order to function efficiently we need to be able to manage it appropriately. Herbs and diet play their key roles, however it is good to acknowledge that encouraging healthy thought processes can be an important facet of the healing process.
Exercising the body in an appropriate way can bring about many health benefits both physically and mentally. Programmes of exercise can and should be tailored to the abilities of the individual but also to their tastes – whether it be a walk in the woods, the gym, football, salsa, yoga, gardening or even cold water swimming!
I also offer to teach a simple form of breath-awareness meditation. This is an easy to learn mindfulness technique which is calming and grounding, allowing perspective and balance in thought.
Mindfulness techniques are non-sectarian and can be defined as the achievement of a balanced mental state by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
How is the medicine taken?
Herbs are most commonly taken in the form of a tincture, (a liquid extract of the plant preserved in a small amount of alcohol).
Other preparations include a tisane (infused constituents of the dried herbs to make a tea), decoction (simmered constituents to make a tea), tablet or capsule form or occasionally a juice. They can also be applied externally in the form of creams, lotions, eye or ear-drops, douches and rinses etc.
The herbs and their doses can be tailored for babies & children, who respond well to this type of treatment.
The consultation
The first visit involves taking a detailed case history.
Some appointments can be held via videolink.
If it is a face to face consultation a physical examination may be carried out where appropriate and blood pressure and pulse are usually taken as a matter of routine.
A herbal prescription will be prescribed and dispensed after the consultation either to be posted or collected.
Detailed advice and explanation will be given concerning the treatment and management plan and I will usually email with the salient points and links to any additional advice or supplements. Advice to go to the GP for additional tests may be given if appropriate.
During subsequent visits your progress on the remedy is reviewed and adjustments made to the prescription as necessary.
Along with the herbs what is also covered during the consultation?
- Dietary advice
- Stress management
- Exercise
- Advice on other beneficial lifestyle measures
- Mindfulness practice (if desired)
Please follow & like us on Facebook!
