Nutrition is essential to good health and a vital food and a vital medicine. Every time we have some food – a meal, a snack or a drink – we are making a decision that will affect our body positively or negatively.

Our genetically inherited strengths and weaknesses and the way we interact with the environment means that we all have different vitamin and mineral requirements. Because everyone is unique, you need a nutritional programme tailored to your specific individual needs.

Assessment of your diet, life style and symptoms will help highlight areas of your health that nutrition could help to improve. Biochemical tests (hair, sweat, blood, urine) can be used to pinpoint more precisely what your needs are.

The major factors influencing your nutritional requirements will be: diet, life style, medical history, and any health complaints.

A diet and life style plan will be tailored to your needs, and, where necessary, further tests will be agreed and arranged.

As well as improving your general day-to-day health and sense of well-being, nutrition can be very successful in preventing and improving a range of symptoms and conditions, including:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Candida
• Chronic Fatigue
• Digestive Disorders
• High Blood Pressure
• Infertility
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Lack of energy
• Menopausal Symptoms
• Osteoporosis
• PMS
• Pre-conceptual care & pregnancy
• Stress
• Weight loss

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Neuro-Linguistic -Programming is a revolutionary method of change. It has grown out of the study of the mental processes of people who are exceptional at what they do as well as those who have been able to overcome mental, physical and emotional hurdles.

The field of NLP is based on the realization that we create our experience unconsciously by the ways in which we see, hear, and feel things in our mind/body.

The NLP practitioner can help you to discover and isolate any patterns of unconscious thought that are harmful or limiting to you. She then helps you to change these patterns to work in your favour by helping you to change your brain behaviour (neuro), take control of your unconscious thoughts (linguistic) and create new choices and behaviours in your life (programming). By tapping into your inner power you can move away from old blocks and limits and create new results in your life in areas as diverse as career, personal growth, relationships, goals and health.

Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy® are often used together with NLP to create lasting change.

NLP can be used to:

• Eliminate unwanted behaviour, limiting beliefs and habits
• Change your response to allergies and phobias
• Replace addictions such as nail biting and overeating with positive behaviours
• Boost your confidence and get rid of performance nerves
• Help you to sleep well

Breakthrough Session

In addition to short sessions using NLP and hypnosis, Breakthrough sessions using NLP are available. A Breakthrough session is a powerful form of coaching that takes place typically over 8-10 hours, over 2-3 sessions. By focusing on a key area of life such as Health, Relationships, Career, Money or Personal Growth you are able to identify and release blocks and self limitations enabling movement towards your goals in this area.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Although in its modern form massage dates back in Europe only to ca 1800, Greek and Roman physicians prescribed it as a form of treatment many centuries ago. In Asia it has been known and used for thousands of years. Physicians today recognise that massage benefits the body with the prevention, relief and cure of countless ailments and imbalances. It improves all bodily systems:

The Circulatory System

Massage quickens the blood flow by using direct pressure and stimulating the nerves. Nutrients are distributed around the body at a higher rate and the heart’s action is strengthened.

The Nervous System

Massage can either stimulate or soothe according to the methods used. Stimulation increases the activity of the muscles, vessels and glands while soothing massage movements relieve pain and nervous irritability.

The Lymphatic System

Direct massage pressure quickens the activity of the lymphatic ducts and glands promoting absorption and exchange of lymphatic fluids. This enables the body to eliminate harmful substances more quickly. A specific form of massage focused directly on the lymphatic system is called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (available at the Brackenbury Clinic).

The Respiratory System

Massage improves local circulation which increases the amount of carbonic acid gas in the body’s tissues. The lungs respond with deeper breathing.

The Digestive System

Massage excites the reflexive action of the nerves in the digestive system and also increases the amount of bile fluid produced by the liver. The manufacture of digestive juices in stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas are also helped by the increased activity of the glands and circulation, stimulated by massage.

The Muscular System

Massage strengthens the muscle tone through improved circulation and nutrition of the muscle tissue. It relaxes tense muscles and allows for greater ease of movement.

The Skeletal System

The improved circulation of the blood and lymph also brings more nutrients to and improves the circulation in the bones making them stronger and more flexible.

General Points:

• in general the practitioners offer whole body massage

• patients are asked to undress but will be covered on the massage table with only the part that is being massaged exposed

• patients should tell the practitioner about any health problems like headaches, migraines, high blood pressure, infections, recent operations or irritable bowl syndrome

• patients should refrain from eating for 1 ½ hours before treatment and should rest afterwards to gain the full benefits.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a profoundly relaxing massage technique that stimulates the body’s lymph circulatory system. Using a variety of gentle, repetitive movements over the skin it encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid along lymphatic vessels and through the filtration system of the lymph nodes.

The main task of the lymphatic system is to eliminate waste products, toxins and excess fluid from the body. It may slow down or become blocked in places as we have to deal with increasing levels of stress and pollution. Additionally, some of us may have weakened lymphatic systems due to hereditary reasons or as a result of injury or illness.

MLD helps the lymphatic system to dispose of waste materials more effectively and quickly, thereby strengthening the immune system, relieving toxic congestion and protecting the body against disease.

Until relatively recently the lymph circulatory system was little studied or understood compared with the body’s other systems. In the 1930s Dr Emil and Astrid Vodder developed their method of MLD in Europe. Specialist clinics for lymphology were founded in their name during the ‘60s and ‘70s and today the ‘Vodder method’ is considered the gold standard of MLD practice.

MLD can be used for general relaxation, for cosmetic purposes and to help people with a variety of conditions, including:

• Oedema / fluid retention (puffy ankles, legs, arms, eyes) • Post-operative or post-traumatic oedema (including post-cosmetic surgery) • Lymphoedema  • Lipoedema  • M.E. / chronic fatigue • Constipation and other digestive disorders • Hormonal imbalance (teenage years, PMS) • Problems during / after pregnancy (swollen ankles, mastitis) • Migraine • Sinusitis / recurrent infections of the respiratory tract • Arthritis and rheumatism • Stress, tension, anxiety • Cellulite

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Hypnotherapy is a combination between hypnosis and counselling. Hypnosis is used as a tool in counselling where appropriate, yet sometimes it will be more appropriate to use counselling only. On occasions, we all find that we need someone to talk to – someone who is outside our life’s situation and who will not judge us. Often, the process of talking things through, in confidence and safety, is, in itself, enough to precipitate change. At times, this needs to be extended to look at things more closely.

Hypnosis helps the above process. As all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis, it becomes useful for self exploration or to make our own changes – the hypnotherapist being the facilitator or companion.

Hypnosis is a useful way to cut through the “yes, but…”, “should”, and “ought to” to gain access to the rich store of potential, wisdom and resources that we all have, even though, at times, we may feel somewhat cut off from it. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon and nothing you will not have experienced in your everyday life before. Daydreaming, that feeling of drifting off when reading, watching T.V. or listening to music and gazing into a fire are all trance states you may be familiar with and have enjoyed.

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis…

That your mind will be “taken over”; that you’ll be out of control; that if you were aware of you surrounding whilst in trance “it didn’t work”; that it is unnatural; that you’ll unwittingly reveal secrets; that the therapist may implant alien suggestions; that you won’t come out of it. NONE OF THESE ARE TRUE.

Hypnosis is useful in three main areas:

• Behavioural and habitual difficulties like
  Smoking, eating disorders from loosing a few pounds to compulsive eating, anorexia and bulimia, phobias, nervous habits, performance anxiety

• Emotional difficulties
  Anxiety, bereavement, depression, grief, lack of confidence, relationship difficulties

• Psychosomatic disorders
  Asthma, eczema, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similarities. This states that any substance which can cause symptoms in a healthy human being, whether physical, emotional or mental, can be used to treat an individual showing similar symptoms, when they appear as deviation from the normal functioning of that individual.

For example, Belladonna, its natural form the common poison Deadly Nightshade, provokes a high restless fever, thirst, irritability and a burning sore throat. Belladonna taken in its homeopathic form is prescribed for a person with similar symptoms to those mentioned. The homeopath has to find the remedy that matches the symptoms in order for treatment to be effective.

The major difference between homeopathy and orthodox medicine is that homeopaths treat the whole person and not just the condition. They take into account the mental, emotional and physical characteristics, previous medical history and family history etc., in order to obtain a complete picture. The homeopath then prescribes a remedy with the aim to stimulate the natural healing energy present in every individual. There are more than 2000 remedies which come from the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms. A sophisticated process of dilution and succussion is used to develop the healing properties inherent in these substances.

Your homeopath will normally ask you to wait one month before a follow-up appointment. Thus the remedy is given plenty of time in which to trigger the body’s natural healing energy into starting the healing process. During this period certain changes may occur. Sometimes there is a physical reaction after taking a remedy, often in the form of a discharge, i.e. a cold. Sometimes there may be a temporary release of emotional symptoms. Sometimes old, forgotten symptoms may reappear briefly. Your homeopath will explain that this is a good sign and means that the body is dealing with conditions that were previously suppressed or not dealt with.

Patients ask how long it will take before they feel better. This is impossible to predict because each individual case is different and results depend on how much there is to unravel. Deep seated ailments, which may have been around for years do not disappear over night. However, after taking the remedy patients soon start to feel better in themselves with energy rising and more enjoyment of life.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Herbal medicine is made exclusively from plants and is suitable for all age groups including babies. It is the oldest and safest form of medicine and is increasingly being validated by scientific research. Herbs can be used individually or blended together for individual prescriptions. They can be taken as tinctures, teas, tablets or capsules. Herbal creams and ointments are prepared for external use for skin conditions or for joint complaints to assist with the relief of inflammation during treatment.

Herbal medicine can work quickly with acute conditions but more time has to be allowed for chronic conditions that have manifested over several months or years, although relief from many symptoms can often be felt early in treatment.

Herbalists are trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of herbal medicine and medical science. A holistic approach is taken towards healing and seeking to find the underlying cause of disease rather than looking at only easing the symptoms. The aim of treatment is to restore your health and prevent disease. Advice on diet, nutrition and lifestyle will also be included as part of the course of treatment.

At the first consultation as well as listening to present problems a thorough case history and family history will be taken and include diet and lifestyle. Sometimes additional examinations or non invasive tests may be necessary. It is always advisable to allow an hour and a half for first consultations. This way all of the important issues can be covered from the start.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Deep Tissue Massage is more than just a very firm massage with a lot of pressure exerted by the therapist. Although pressure is important, the intent is different from a Swedish or light oil massage.

With Deep Tissue Massage, the therapist is primarily working on the body’s connective tissue or ‘fascia’. Fascia can be found almost everywhere in the body; they sheath muscle fibres and the muscles themselves, form ligaments and tendons, and surround bones, organs, even the brain and spinal cord. They are both the glue and the protective covering of so much in the body. When the fascia are healthy they will move freely with the body. However, after injury, illness or prolonged lack of movement, the fascia can become hardened and stick to surrounding structures. This can cause pain, a reduction in the range of motion of an affected joint, and hardening fascia can accentuate poor postural patterns, for instance Dowagers Hump in the upper back. In Deep Tissue Massage, the therapist’s intention is to soften and help release chronically tight fascia which will allow the body to re-find its correct posture.

The sessions

At the start of a Deep Tissue Massage session the therapist will assess the client’s needs. He will then work specifically on areas that require release. The therapist uses a variety of long, deep strokes, slowly paced in specific areas to create softening and release, along with applied pressure and therapeutic stretching. The effect of working in one area will be felt in the whole body. Deep Tissue Massage of the whole body in one 60-minute- session is not possible nor is it advisable to work so deeply on all the body in one session.

The benefits of DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep Tissue Massage can be highly effective for

• Reducing chronic soft tissue pain in areas such as the back, neck, shoulders, and legs – Breaking up old scar tissue that has ‘stuck’ to surrounding tissue (adhesions)
• Speeding up healing time of muscular and soft tissue injuries, strains and sprains
• Reducing tightness and improving flexibility and joint range of motion

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

 

Cranial Osteopathy is a form of osteopathic treatment that uses particularly gentle and subtle methods to affect change throughout the body. The cranial osteopath applies very light pressure on the skull or other parts of the body, releasing stress and tension and restoring balance.

All body tissues are constantly going through very subtle rhythmical changes of shape, which are normal and healthy. The skull is capable of accommodating the involuntary motion of the brain by changing its own shape very slightly. However, when an impact or injury to the head occurs, the healthy brain movement can be hindered or blocked. This can cause problems not only in the head, but in organs and systems anywhere in the body.

Through the involuntary motion in the tissues, cranial osteopaths are able to detect the buried traumas and stresses in the body and treat them in a gentle and effective way. Cranial osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, but because of its gentle approach, it is particularly popular in the treatment of babies, children and the elderly.

Cranial osteopaths often see babies who suffer from colic, feeding and sleeping difficulties, ear infections, congestion, wind or sickness, sinus problems and many other complaints. Many new mothers choose to see a cranial osteopath for both themselves and their newborn to help release the stressful impact of the birth.

A cranial osteopathy treatment is usually a very pleasant experience. Patients may feel sensations of light pressure or warmth and often reach a state of deep relaxation by the end of the session. Cranial osteopathy aims not only to relieve symptoms, but to help the body function in its optimum capacity.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.

Counselling helps people change for the better. Being really listened to can help you understand and make more sense of the problems you are facing. If you want to change something about your life then counselling can make a real difference.

People come to counselling for many different reasons: often because they want to change something about their relationships with partners, ex-partners, children or other significant people. They may feel depressed or anxious that life is not worth living. They may be facing difficulties at work or have no employment. They may have trouble concentrating or sleeping. They may have drug or alcohol problems. They may have eating disorders.

They may simply want to feel better about themselves, happier, more able to cope with everyday life.

They may be less clear about the reasons why but know that something is not right for them. They may not know what they want but know what they have is not ok.

Talking confidentially to someone who is trained to work with difficult feelings, not to judge you or impose upon you can be very liberating and can bring about the changes you desire.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.