If you feel that this is not necessary because your condition is mild or stable, and you are happy to proceed without it, I will ask you to sign a consent form at the consultation.

We intuitively know that our health, energy and wellbeing is the result of wellness in all aspects of our being. Equally, we know that when we are feeling stressed, anxious or low, we are more likely to experience physical symptoms, poor immunity or a lack of energy. This is backed up by medical research – a field called psychoneuroimmunology.

A holistic approach takes into account the mind, body and spirit, as well as hereditary, lifestyle, environmental and other factors — it treats the whole person.

The principle of a life force is common to many cultures and religious traditions around the world. It is known as Qi in traditional Chinese medicine and Ki in Japan. The ancient Hindus wrote of Prana, the invisible ‘breath of life’ that is cultivated through the practice of Yoga. Homeopaths talk of the Vital Force.

Regardless of terminology, viewed through this lens, illness and disease are thought to result from an imbalance or blockage of the life force. Health can be maintained and optimised through practices and treatments that encourage this life force to flow freely.

Homeopathy acknowledges the energetic basis of health and is termed a form of energy medicine because the remedies used are highly diluted and are through to act on a vibrational rather than a material level. Aromatherapy works both energetically and through physical means.

For example, traditional Chinese medicine links specific organs to different emotions: grief is said to be stored in the lungs; the kidneys and urinary system are considered to be associated with fear, etc. Many holistic healers and medical intuitives have explored this further and found that the body often ‘speaks’ in symbol or metaphor.

When treating people, it is useful to explore the mind–body connection where appropriate. The emotional language of the body especially relevant when we see chronic or repeated patterns of illness not explained by lifestyle factors or when there is illness after a particularly stressful time. The language of the body can sometimes help us get in touch with what is true for us but are struggling to admit to ourselves. What is your body trying to tell you?

When we have been very active for a period of time, we get tired and need to rest. However, if we are stuck in perpetual overdrive, perhaps because we are running on fear-based beliefs, we can end up in a state of adrenal exhaustion and illness. We can get stuck in all sorts of different ways and so can our body. Disease and illness can be viewed as a state of ‘stuckness’.

Health is the ability to go with the ebb and flow of life. Health is adaptability. Life requires constant adjustments – psychologically and physiologically. Homeostasis is the process by which body tissues maintain an environment for optimum functioning in the light of changing circumstances (for example, after eating a salty meal). Psychologically we also need to able to adapt to all that comes our way, including changes, losses and ageing.

A holistic approach identifies areas of imbalance and inflexibility in our lives and helps to address them on different levels.

My approaches can be safely used alone, where appropriate, or alongside conventional medical treatment or surgery. I collect full details of medications and supplements in case taking, so I can prescribe appropriately. If there are any symptoms that suggest an undiagnosed condition, I always instruct the patient to get these checked by their GP and discuss the full range of conventional treatment options in order to make informed decisions.

I am always happy to work openly and collaboratively with any other healthcare practitioners also caring for my patients.

We work in partnership. This means that we work collaboratively to both explore all the issues and to achieve your goals for health and wellbeing in the context of your circumstances. Unlike conventional medicine, where things are done to you, holistic healing requires input from you – to reflect on the issues and explore the impact of choices or lifestyle, and sometimes a preparedness to make changes.