Selfheal Practise

Victoria Wright

Traditional Medical Herbalist
Complementary Health Practitioner

Practising

Traditional Medical Herbology integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Western Herbal Traditions.

Barefoot Doctor Techniques - Moxabustion, Cupping & Scrapping

Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Therapeutic Massage.

Plants as Medicine

Herbs have been used to heal mind and body since the beginning of human existence and continue to play a vital and integral part in medical systems and cultures across the world. Modern herbal medicine continues to draw on this rich healing legacy while evolving in the light of new knowledge.

It was not until the 19th century that conventional medicine began to use synthetic drugs on a large scale and to dominate Western medical practice. Though many manufactured drugs are still based on the chemistry of living plants, conventional medicine prefers to isolate and employ what it regards as the single active compound. By contrast, herbal medicine has always been committed to the principle of holism and employs the full range of the plants’ healing properties.

Holistic Medicine

Herbal medicine is one of many different alternative practises which are classified as holistic. Holistic medicine embraces the whole person; body, mind, emotions and spirit. It is not just the physical symptoms which are treated, but the whole person is addressed. It emphasises the uniqueness of the individual and the importance of tailoring treatment to meet each person's needs. The root imbalance is sought out and treated so that long-term health can be attained. Illness is seen as an opportunity for change, self-discovery and personal growth.

Prevention of dis-ease is a priority, whilst the emphasis is placed on the responsibility of each individual for his or her own health. Health is not merely the absence of disease, it is well-being in all areas of life and not having restrictions in your freedom at mental, emotional and physical levels.

What is Herbal Medicine?

As practised by a qualified and trained professional, herbal medicine:

• uses preparations of plants or plant parts (flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds) to treat disorders on a physical, mental or emotional level. Preparations include for internal use : teas, tinctures, encapsulated powders, syrups, and flower essences, and for external use: essential oils, ointments, creams, lotions, liniments, and oils.

• retains the herbs’ natural balance, maximising its healing potential, making it easier for the body to use while reducing the possibility of side effects.

• treats holistically and aims to restore health by addressing the root cause of any imbalance which may bring about dis-ease conditions, rather than by focussing on symptoms alone.

• is more than the substitution of herbs for a modern drug. It is based on a naturopathic, integrated approach to health and the understanding that all bodily systems work in harmony to bring optimum health and well-being on all levels. Herbalism is aimed at gently activating the life force within to enable self-healing to occur naturally.

Is Herbal Medicine Safe?

YES: herbal medicine as practised by a trained professional has an excellent safety record. URHP members follow procedures which ensure that their herbs are botanically identified and traceable to source.

Consulting a professional herbalist is more beneficial and usually more cost effective than self-medication with over-the counter herbal preparations because the most suitable herbs for your condition and your body are chosen.

The Consultation

When enquiring about your initial consultation the costs shall be fully discussed before committing yourself to advice and treatment. After booking you will be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to your first visit.

Your initial visit can last 1½ hour, with subsequent visits usually being ½ hour. Your full medical history both past and present, medications and supplements shall be discussed in detail. Evaluate your symptoms and the overall health of your body through questions, observation and any relevant external examinations such as pulse taking, blood pressure reading and tongue inspection. We shall explore other aspects of your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and emotional well-being and make appropriate recommendations. If indicated I may advise you to seek additional help from another health-care professional.

The Treatment

An individual herbal prescription shall be formulated with full instructions of its use. Your response to the prescription shall be monitored and the prescription changed over the period of treatment, depending on the progress made. A dietary plan and lifestyle advice shall also be given along side the herbal prescription.

Complementary therapies may also be offered such as meditation, cupping therapy (a method of causing local congestion by creating a partial vacuum through suction), moxibustion (application of heat via mugwort wands burned safely above the skin) and magnetic therapy. The duration of treatment is a very individual matter which can be discussed at the initial visit.

Costs

Initial visit (up to 1½ hours) - between £10.00 - £50.00*.

Follow-up visit (¼ - ¾ hour) - between £5.00 - £25.00*.

Prescription fees weekly (approx): £10.00* - £20.00*.

*Dependant on the complexity of the case.

Concessionary charges available. When you ring to book accurate fees shall be given.

Integrated Herbology

Victoria studied herbalism with Michael Tierra who developed a new global concept of herbal medicine called Planetary Herbology. Michael is one of the top authorities of natural medicine in the USA with 40 years of experience and has studied extensively in India, China and with indigenous peoples of the world. He founded the American Herbalist Guild, authored many books and created the East West Herb Course. Planetary herbology is a unique approach to the study and practice of medical herbalism because it integrates plants and diagnostic tools from the three major healing traditions of the world; Western, East Indian Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese healing systems.

What is the URHP?

• The URHP is a professional association and register of qualified herbal practitioners.

• Its members have completed extensive training and are fully insured.

• Members are obliged to follow a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct and continuing professional development.

The URHPis unique. It is able to offer the public a wide choice of professional herbal treatments from practitioners trained in different herbal traditions, currently these are: Western Herbal Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda (traditional medicine of India), and Unani Tibb (traditional medicine of Islam).

The EHTPA is an umbrella body which represents professional associations of herbal/traditional medicine practitioners of Western, Chinese Herbal, Ayurvedic and Tibetan healing systems.

The EHTPA is dedicated to the development of herbal/traditional medicine, preserving and enhancing the legal basis of practice and promoting best practice throughout the traditions across EU Member States.

For further information or to book an appointment please phone Victoria on 01823 336 834.

Home visits available.

Qualification Details

East West Certified Herbalist Diploma
Anatomy and Physiology Diploma
Pathology and Disease Diploma
ITEC Complementary Therapies Diploma QCF L3 (Therapeutic Massage, Aromatherapy & Reflexology)
ITEC Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Diploma QCF L3

Professional Body: Member of the Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners
Insurance: Balens