Herbal medicine is both an art and a science. The consultation provides time and space to tell your story. The herbalist will then use their technical knowledge and intuition to create an individualised herbal treatment plan for you. Herbal medicine can address a wide range of physical and emotional problems. For example, there is research evidence to support the use of herbal medicine as an effective treatment in the following conditions:

How do herbs work? Plants are all sophisticated chemists. They rely on chemistry to protect themselves from threats and communicate with their allies. These molecules can have diverse pharmacological effects. For example, the resins that trees produce to fight infection will generally be antimicrobial against human infections too. But herbs also have more subtle and complex qualities that our herbalists use to match the right herb to the patient.

What to expect. In the first consultation, the herbalist will fully discuss your health problems with you. This takes up to 90 minutes. Together we will try to understand the underlying patterns that have caused your ill health. The herbalist will then usually prescribe and make up an individualised prescription of herbal medicines for you to take away.

Subsequent consultations are shorter, usually around 45 minutes, including dispensing. The herbalist will discuss progress, suggest the next steps, and adjust the herbal prescription accordingly.

Our herbalists have over 50 years experience in herbal medicine between us and all are trained to degree level in herbal medicine. We are members of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, which is a highly respected professional body of fully qualified practitioners. We have a wealth of practical clinical experience, from simple first aid to long term chronic conditions.

We also offer a low cost clinic on two Wednesdays per month where consultations are taken by trainee herbalists under the supervision of one of our experienced professional practitioners. Consultations in this clinic are subsidised.

Do you feel that you need to take steps to improve your health?

Our practitioners will take the time to talk through your diet, lifestyle, personal stresses and medical history. We will take a thorough case history, and if necessary carry out physical examinations such as taking blood pressure. If indicated, we may refer you for blood tests, urine tests or other assessments. We will then work with you to analyse your current state of health in order to put together a plan for the future.

Our suggestions may include:

• Herbal and other natural remedies

• Nutritional supplementation

• Lifestyle changes

• Dietary changes

We are all qualified health practitioners with at least degree-level training in herbal medicine, including training in nutritional advice, clinical examination skills and analysis of blood and urine tests. We use both modern and traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment that encompass physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

What to expect. The initial consultation takes up to 90 minutes. Subsequent consultations, if needed, are around 45 minutes.

Soft Tissue Therapy is a person centred approach to the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of minor and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and pain, using massage and other soft tissue techniques to relax tissues and improve movement. This means that when you come for a treatment with me I treat you as a whole person rather than just looking at the painful area in isolation; I want to know as much about you as possible.

As part of the massage consultation I look at posture and movement and take a history. This helps me to place your muscular aches within a context, for instance an old injury whose residual effects may be causing muscular tension in another area; long periods of stress; a chronic illness; a job with repetitive movements. Often the underlying issue that requires treatment is in another area to where the symptoms are manifesting.

Massage therapy helps to relieve muscular aches, pain and tension whether caused by sporting activity, repetitive or stressful daily activities, injury, or illness and prolonged inactivity. It benefits both acute and long standing conditions. Massage is also helpful where there is mental and emotional tension as it promotes relaxation and a sense of well being; it can also help us be more aware of our bodies and how we are feeling. It is suitable for everyone of all ages and occupations. It can help with postural, accident and work related muscular problems such as whiplash, headaches, sciatica, RSI and back and neck stiffness or pain. It is beneficial alongside other treatments to ensure good recovery from surgery and injury.

Appointments last 45 minutes (£35) or an hour (£45). For most of the treatment you will be lying down but I may also ask you to stand and move around as part of the assessment and treatment and to explore with you different ways of moving so it is advisable to wear suitable underwear. Exercises and stretches may be recommended alongside massage to achieve lasting benefit. More information can be found on my website https://katesheridan.org/

Acupuncture is well known for pain relief and is used for much more as well. This includes a wide range of physical problems and also emotional or mental health issues. My acupuncture incorprates different styles. I learnt TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine - a Chinese Communist invention) at college, and have since learnt different methods. I adapt my needling technique to suit the client - some like it heavy and others much lighter. I gauge this as I'm working. I charge £35 per session.

Reiki is an ancient and simple system of ‘laying on of hands’ that uses gentle touch to reduce the effects of stress, balance the nervous system and promote a deep sense of relaxation. This practice, originally from Japan, can relieve pain and promote natural, self-healing, which also encourages mental wellbeing. Reiki is performed on the massage table with the client fully clothed.

Reflexology is a treatment whereby pressure is applied to certain points on the feet to prevent and treat ailments throughout the whole body. Reflexology has become a popular complimentary therapy that can bring relief from the stresses of modern lifestyle.

Out of all the five senses, smell I directly connected to our emotions. Specific scents can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate depression. When essential oils are used with massage, the treatment can have deeply therapeutic and profound effects, bringing comfort and reassurance.

This holistic massage uses oils and massage techniques that are stimulating, invigorating, and relaxing for all the muscles in the body, and aims to bring the body and mind back into balance. Along with lifestyle and aftercare advice, Swedish Body Massage is a great way to help you keep in control of your health.

This ancient form of massage from Thailand uses stretching and pressure points to release blocked energy and relieve tension in the muscles. The participant remains fully clothed throughout the sessions. The massage is performed on a futon on the floor.

Each session last 60 minutes and can be adapted to suit the needs of the individual.