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Treatments / Therapies

Complementary, holistic and natural therapies are used by an increasing number of people either as an alternative to drug therapy (for example in the treatment of pain, depression, eczema or asthma) or as an accompaniment to conventional medical treatment to aid recovery, support the body and ameliorate side effects of medical intervention (for example as an adjunctive treatment in chemo or radiotherapy). The Natural Healthcare Centre offers a sound selection of therapies practised by a core team of skilled and experienced practitioners.

It is our aim to promote the very highest standards of treatment and to offer relevant information to help you choose the treatment most suited to you.

Acupuncture Acupuncture has been practised in China and the Far East for thousands of years as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a safe and effective system of healing and can be used to treat people of all ages with a wide range of illnesses. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body that have been known and used since antiquity to re-harmonise the flow of qi and restore health and wellbeing. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Initial treatment - £48, Follow Up - £34 (4 treatments - £125. 6 treatments - £175).

Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the use of "essential" oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with healing properties. In aromatherapy these potent oils are mixed with a carrier (usually soybean or almond oil) or the oils are diluted with alcohol or water and rubbed on the skin, sprayed in the air, inhaled or applied as a compress. The aroma of these "essential" oils directly stimulates the brain whilst the oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where they can affect the whole body and promote healing. Some scents like lavender have effects that promote a sense of well-being. Others can help with a range of conditions including low immunity, joint pain, healing wounds, poor memory, depression and poor circulation. Andrea Clarke BA(Hons) MCTha Full Body Initial treatment - £48, Part Body Initial Treatment - £35, Full Body Follow Up - £48, Part Body Follow Up - £35.

Bioelectrical Impedance Measurement Health Screening The BIM Assessment is a state-of-the-art tool designed to measure 58 different electrical "circuits" in your body related to specific organs and systems. These circuits map the meridian system known to acupuncture theory. Your measurements are then compared against a database of over 1.5 million tests to identify areas of your body that have moved away from the norm. With that powerful information the BIM assessment software will assist in effectively formulating a comprehensive support programme that includes detailed recommendations for an optimal supplementation regimen customised to your specific needs. Accurate and objective results are available in under 30 minutes. The test results are colour-coded in an easy-to-understand take-home report containing your specific recommendations and monitoring can be tracked easily - visit to visit. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Fee depends on individual health screen, click here to view cost.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Chinese Medicine has evolved and been successfully practised over thousands of years in the Far East and is increasingly available in the Western World. It offers an holistic and complete approach to medicine and can influence many recalcitrant conditions that are otherwise poorly treated. People of any age and constitution can safely use Chinese Medicine and it can be used in combination with orthodox western medical treatment. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Initial Consultation - £34, Follow up consultations - FREE, Herbs - £18 per week.

Chiropractic People of all ages and walks of life can benefit from chiropractic care, from babies and children, through adulthood and into later years and including pregnant women. Chiropractors treat problems with joints, bones and muscles, and the effects they have on the nervous system. Working on all the joints of the body, concentrating particularly on the spine, Chiropractors use their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments (the chiropractic word for manipulation) to improve the efficiency of the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability. Dr Anna Hindley BSc(Hons) DC Dr Dean Wilkins BSc(Hons) DC Initial Consultation - £45, Follow Up - £29.

Counselling Counselling is a unique situation for the client to explore the stresses and problems in their life, and provides the client with an opportunity for working towards living in a more satisfying way. The counsellor, knows little or nothing about the client, and makes no pre-judgements or assumptions. The counsellor respects the client's right to make his or her own decisions. Counselling may help if you feel depressed, sad, lonely, stressed, or out of sorts with yourself. If you are having problems with existing relationships, or experiencing difficulty in building new relationships. Maybe you have an unresolved issue/conflict to discuss, suffering from depression, feeling in emotional turmoil, it may help to talk to a Counsellor. Adrian Blamire AdvDip Couns., BACP & UKRC Accredited All consultations - £40.

Cranio-sacral Therapy Cranio-sacral therapy is based around the gentle and natural motion of fluids which surround the brain (inside the cranium) and spine (which ends at the sacrum). These fluids also affect the whole body. By making very light contact with the body, the cranio-sacral therapist can feel these fluids and release any constrictions which exist. It is a non-invasive therapy using only the lightest pressure. Richard Evans BA MEd MAR RCST Initial treatment - £35, Follow Up - £35, Child initial treatment - £28, Child follow up - £20.

Detoxification & Cleansing Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. But in our world today, body systems and organs that were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely overloaded; thus many unwanted substances stay in our tissues. Our bodies try to protect us from harmful material by setting it aside, surrounding it with mucus or fat so it won't cause imbalance or trigger an immune reaction. Ideally, we should live in a pollution free environment, eat untainted foods and drink pure water. This isn't practical, so the next best thing is to keep pollutants to a minimum and to periodically get rid of them through a detoxification programme. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Toxicity BIM health screen - £72, Follow Up - £54, Drainage supplements are priced seperately.

DNA Testing Our DNA Clinic is part of a network of DNA Clinics set up around the UK in association with DNACLINICS Limited. The aim of the DNA Clinic is to offer face to face consultations and support, with counselling if appropriate, while providing the most accurate DNA test available. A wide range of DNA tests are available including paternity tests, sibling analysis, grand parentage analysis and Y chromosome analysis. The DNA test compares the DNA from all individuals involved, to establish whether a biological relationship exists. A DNA test is the most accurate way to determine whether individuals are related. The DNA test carried out at the Laboratories will analyse 16 genetic locations, which is the most accurate DNA test available. The price of the DNA test entitles you to an initial consultation (1/2 hour), during which the DNA samples (mouth swabs) will be taken and an optional results session (around 15 minutes), during which you will be given your DNA test result. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Click here for test fees.

Energy Field Healing Energy field healing (EFH) works through the human energy field or, as you may know it, the aura. It works in the area surrounding the body to rebalance, realign and clear blocked, stagnant and non-serving energies which are impeding the natural flow and energy (chi, ki, prana or life force). In the field there can be evidence of mental patterning, trauma, tearing, excess energies or negative thought forms which can be held in the field long after we have dealt with the event which caused them. By ensuring smooth flow in the field, chakras and central channel, balance and harmony can be restored. In turn this will affect the physical body, restoring health and well-being. When we are in a good state of health the field has flow, balance and buoyancy. This allows energy and information to filter down unhampered from the outer layers of the field and into the physical body via the chakras (energy centres). Andrea Clarke BA(Hons) MCTha Initial treatment - £35, Follow Up - £35 (4 sessions booked - £120).

Food Intolerance Testing While less than 2% of the population suffer from classical food allergies, some researchers estimate that up to 80% of the population can suffer from food intolerances. It can affect anyone at any age, but since symptoms often occur some time after the food has been eaten it can be difficult to find the problem food without being tested for intolerances. For example, the milk or bread eaten on one day could be the cause of joint pain three days later. Some food intolerances are caused by digestive enzyme deficiencies or chemical sensitivity, others by poor gut bacteria balance, intestinal parasites, candidiasis or leaky gut syndrome. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Initial test - £68, Follow up - £48.

Homoeopathy Homoeopathy was developed over 250 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a German Doctor. The fundamental principle of homoeopathy is that any substance which can produce symptoms in a healthy person, can also, if specially prepared and diluted cure those same symptoms in someone who is sick. This principle is called the Principle of Similars (or 'Like Cures Like'). A safe and gentle, yet profoundly effective form of treatment, Homoeopathy works by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Homoeopathy is an alternative form of medicine with a proven track record using natural substances, treating the whole person on all levels, physical, mental and emotional. It also recognises that individuals suffer illness in different ways. This means that for the same condition two people may require completely different remedies. Remedies are made from a wide variety of natural substances, drawn mainly from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. They are prepared in special Homoeopathic Pharmacies. The substance undergoes a process known as 'potentisation' and 'succussion'. This process creates a highly diluted remedy which contains a strong therapeutic action, with no dangerous side-effects. As new remedies are introduced they are tested on healthy volunteers to see what symptoms they produce, working on the principle that 'like cures like' and enhancing the number of remedies we can utilise in Homoeopathy. Helen Saunders RSHom LCH Initial consultation - £50, Follow Up - £35, Child initial consultation - £30, Child follow up - £25.

Hot Stones Massage Hot Stone Massage is a truly relaxing treatment using hot stones of varying sizes on parts of the body - from the forehead to between the toes - giving a deep massage and creating a sensation of warmth and comfort. The heat from the stones feels great and is also wholly therapeutic - helping detox the body and relaxing the nervous system. The stones used are smooth, volcanic basalt that retain their heat on the body for as long as possible. Smooth cool crystals are then used after the heat of the hot stones to stimulate the body leaving you feeling completely refreshed and invigorated. Claire Watson BSc (Hons), VTCT, MICHT Initial treatment - £25 for 30 mins, £35 for 60 mins, £40 for 90 mins, Follow up - £25 for 30 mins, £35 for 60 mins, £40 for 90 mins.

Hypnotherapy Hypnosis is a totally natural state of mind. A deep state of relaxation similar to the feeling one experiences when tired lying in your bed and you are so overcome with comfort. If you have tried meditation or yoga you may have experienced something similar. Many people claim that they have never been hypnotised, but will admit to having drifted off while thinking of something special, forgetting large chunks of a car journey (highway hypnosis), or even when you are deeply absorbed in a book and you find yourself drifting off somewhere else. These are all what we call natural trance states Within a therapeutic setting, hypnosis is induced by a Hypnotherapist through various methods of relaxation. As a result the person goes into a trance state, giving the person and the therapist the ideal state to make changes. An experienced Hypnotherapist can use hypnosis to desensitize a person's fear or phobias, improve their self image, or gain other emotional goals. Anil Arora Dips.Hyp MNCH(lic) LNCP Fee per session - £55 (Concessions available).

Life Coaching Investing in yourself has to be one of the most important decisions that a person makes. We spend a lot of time and energy just existing and not actually living the life we want. We know that life could be more productive, enjoyable and have more balance, and yet most people feel that to change this way of being means huge changes have to be made, however, this is not the case. More often than not it's the small changes done consistently over a period of time that have the greatest affects. This is where Life Coaching can be of help. Anil Arora Dips.Hyp MNCH(lic) LNCP Fee per session - £55.

Meridian Stress Assessment Meridian Stress Assessment System (MSAS), formerly known as Bio Energetic Stress Testing (BEST), is a simple, quick and effective way of determining how your body is functioning. MSAS health screening can also accurately monitor your nutritional levels, hormone balance, food sensitivities, environmental sensitivities and toxin levels. The results from health screening allow accurate recommendations of herbs, nutritional supplementation and remedial action to promote health and healing. A printout of the results is provided immediately with a summary of findings and recommendations. The MSAS Professional System 2008 represents the latest in 21st century health screening technology combined with acupuncture principles. This advanced profiling Bioelectrical Impedance Measurement (BIM) instrument is non-invasive, safe and quick. The software module effectively analyses, profiles and interprets impedance measurement data to present client profiles in a simple, effective and easy to use format. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Fee depends on individual health screen, click here to view cost.

NLP NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) explores how we know what we know and how we do what we do. Neuro means brain, linguistic language and programming refers to coding. So in simpler terms it examines the relationship between thought, communication and behaviour. NLP allows us to unpack how we do what we do, so if a client arrives with a belief or behaviour that is not helping them in their life, then using NLP and some of it's techniques we can firstly highlight what is going on and then go about changing it. There is a lot more to NLP, however and trying to explain it in more detail may just confuse the matter. One thing that all NLP practitioners will agree on is that it is a very powerful form of therapy. Anil Arora Dips. Hyp MNCH(lic) LNCP Fee per session - £55.

Nutrition Food has been used as a preventative to disease for over 4000 years by physicians of natural medicine. Food is a major determinant of health that is directly under our control. We cannot always control pollution, hereditary factors, noise, environment, and the social and emotional behaviour of others, but we can certainly choose what and what not to eat. Many people accept a level of ill health as normal and put up with symptoms that are considered by the medical profession as part of the human condition. This is not so; we are all conceived with the potential to be healthy and a capacity to enjoy life to the full. The quality of the food we eat and the influence that processed foods have on our bodies' has placed us under an incredible strain. In typical western societies the price we pay is virtually half the population suffering from digestive dysfunction, leading towards more serious health issues. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Fee per session - £34.

Osteopathy Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. It is distinctive in the fact that it recognises much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease. Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient. Osteopaths use soft tissue techniques and massage, as well as mobilisation, manipulation, exercises and postural advice. Pascaline Risbourg DO BSc(Hons) Ost. Treatment fee - £36.

Psychotherapy There are several different types of psychotherapy. Although there are many different types, they all have one thing in common, they are all treatments based on talking to another person and sometimes doing things together. People who see a psychotherapist are generally suffering from some kind of emotional or psychological issue that they are unable to resolve themselves. Anil Arora Dips.Hyp MNCH(lic) LNCP Fee per session - £55.

Reflexology Reflexology is the therapeutic massage of the reflex points in the feet, although it can be just as easily applied to the hands. It is believed that the reflex points "mirror" the organs of the body, so specific areas of the feet relate to specific areas of the body. For example, the big toes relate to the head, the inside edge of the foot relates to the spine and so on. The most useful function of reflexology is in the relaxation/stress reduction that it offers clients. It is a great tool for re-establishing "homeostasis" or balance within the body, and when the body is relaxed, it is in the best position to heal itself. It is non-invasive, and suitable for most stress-related conditions and ages. Reflexologists do not claim and never should claim to diagnose conditions. If you have an undiagnosed condition, it is always best to seek medical advice. However, reflexology can indicate areas of tension/congestion within the body. Andrea Clarke BA(Hons) MCTha Treatment fee - £35.

Reiki Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, an energy which is all around us. Reiki is the name given to a system of natural healing which evolved in Japan from the experience and dedication of Dr Mikao Usui (d. 1926). Fired by a burning question, Dr Usui was inspired to develop this healing system from ancient teachings after many years of study, research and meditation. He spent the rest of his life practising and teaching Reiki. Today Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have trained in the tradition passed down from Master to student. There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive or learn to give a Reiki treatment, the only prerequisite is the desire to be healed. Andrea Clarke BA(Hons) MCTha Treatment fee - £35.

Shiatsu Shiatsu in Japanese literally means 'finger pressure' and it is sometimes called acupressure because it uses the same energy points and pathways as acupuncture. Shiatsu is different from other physical therapies because you stay fully clothed, either lying on a wide massage table, on comfortable mat on the floor or sitting in a special chair. The Oriental view is that physical and emotional ill-health is linked to changes in the body's flow of life energy or Qi. A shiatsu treatment stimulates this energy and promotes self-healing using pressure with the hands, mobilisations and stretches. Physically, the treatment stimulates the circulation, releases tense muscles, relaxes the nervous system and improves joint flexibility. The result is a deeply relaxing and highly effective treatment which is gaining increasing popularity. Evelyn Molloy-Brown BA(Hons) Initial treatment - £35, Follow Up - £32.

Sports Therapy Massage An athlete, or any active person doing sport, is under stress emotionally and physically and the body is also prone to injuries. Practices before the event lead to constant build-up of tension in the muscles and cause stress on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves. Apart from muscle tension, the athlete is also bogged down with fatigue and injuries which may hamper the main performance. Sports massage is the answer to emotional and physical well being for an athlete before, after and during a performance. Sports Massage is a specific type of massage which is generally rendered before, during, and after athletic events to help prepare the athlete for desired performance, to relax the nerves and prevent injuries. This type of massage can be rendered only by a professional who has a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology and particularly the muscular and skeletal systems. Sports Massage works deep to eliminate toxins embedded in muscle fibers, remove adhesions, and minimize scar tissue buildup. Muscle lengthening in sports massage helps restore a range of motion and overall flexibility. Sports massage also leads to improved circulation which aids better cell nutrition, greater elasticity of muscle fiber, and reduced recovery time. Recovery from sports injury or trauma can be speeded up by using sports massage. Brian Clarke LSSM(Dip) MGCP Initial treatment - £22 (30 mins), £38 (1 hour), Follow Up - £22.

Swedish Massage Swedish massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues, with the use of hands, fingers, thumbs and elbows. The term 'soft tissue' refers not only to the muscles, but also the tendons, ligaments and the fascia which surrounds all structures within the body. Swedish massage, as we know it today, dates back to the 19th century and was developed by Professor Ling of Sweden. The preference then was to use talc; today carrier oils are more popular, mainly because of their therapeutic properties but also because they aid fluidity of movements, moisturise the skin and generally add to the relaxation value of the treatment. It utilises long, gentle, gliding strokes called effleurage to initially warm up the muscles and calm the nervous system, followed by more vigorous strokes such as kneading, pummelling, and friction. These are designed to stimulate the flow of blood to the tissues, improve the lymphatic flow, breakdown adhesions, and lengthen and soften the tissue. Andrea Clarke BA(Hons) MCTha Initial treatment - £35, Follow up - £35 (60 mins), £22 (30 mins).

Therapuetic Massage Therapuetic massage is based on the Swedish style but uses more advanced techniques which are designed to target particular problem areas/imbalances/postural issues. It utilises deep tissue techniques, neuromuscular techniques, trigger point work, deep friction, acupressure, PNF, MET, soft tissue release, and other remedial and sports massage techniques. Relaxation techniques, nutritional advice, exercise and stretching are also used where needed, so it has a more "holistic" approach to the healing process. Therapuetic massage would be indicated where there are specific issues which need to be addressed - injuries, pain, mobility problems etc, rather than an all-body massage which, whilst making you feel very relaxed, does not always necessarily have a lasting impact on sore, tight muscles and imbalances. Andrea Clarke BA(Hons) MCTha Initial treatment - £35, Follow up - £35 (60 mins), £22 (30 mins).

Tuina Massage Tuina, (pronounced twee-nar), was developed in China over 5,000 years ago and is commonly known now as "the grandfather of all massage". It encompasses acupressure, reflexology, stretching techniques, joint mobilisations and massage. The Japanese bodywork of shiatsu was developed from Tuina just over 100 years ago. Tuina works on the energy channels and points on the body using the same principles as acupuncture, except hands and fingers are used instead of needles. This wonderful massage session invigorates blood, increases circulation, relieves pain, soothes stress and eases tense, tight muscles. Grahame Gargini MBAcC MRCHM Initial treatment - £38, Follow up - £28.