Reflexology, Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy, Iridology, Remedial Massage, Ayurveda, Lymphatic Drainage in Bradford-on-Avon
Traditional Healing, Sound Science: Integrated Therapies for the Whole PersonPlease scroll down the page for "Latest News"
Welcome to my homepage. Here you'll find information about my background, and the therapies I practice in the Bath & Bradford-on-Avon area - reflexology, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, ear acupuncture and lymph drainage. I am also qualified in Ayurvedic medicine and Iridology. Some people just like to have a consultation to find out their Ayurvedic prakriti or Iridology constitution and how to maximise their health. There is no obligation to have a course of treatment.
I practice holistically, inspired by the ancient Greek concept of HOLOS and the Healing Power of Nature. I am trained in several therapies and this commitment to holism is fundamental to each. My patients benefit from being able to have a single therapy or an integrated combination of therapies according to their needs.
Please feel free to call and talk with me about your needs at no obligation.
My reflexology and integrated therapies practice is in Bradford on Avon and within easy reach of Bath, Trowbridge, Frome, Devizes, Melksham, Corsham, Chippenham, Mere, Wincanton and Radstock.
I have written several books and articles on reflexology, aromatherapy and herbal medicine, Ancient Greek Medicine & Ayurveda. These books can be viewed and purchased on Amazon.
I am listed on the Complementary Therapy Directory webpage. Complementary Therapy Directory
"Neither wealth nor anything else is of any value withouthealth." Hippocrates
Latest News
The Future of Herbal Medicine in the UK February 16, 2011: Government announces decision FOR Statutory Regulation of Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners
In Parliament the Minister of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, made the following statement: Written Ministerial Statement
"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Practitioners of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine
Wednesday 16 February 2011
The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): The issue of whether or not practitioners of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine should be statutorily regulated has been debated since the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science and Technology’s report in 2000 recommended statutory regulation for the first two of these groups.
We have today published an analysis of the 2009 consultation by the four United Kingdom Health Departments which sought views on the possible regulation of practitioners of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. This factual report has been placed in the Library and can be found on the Department of Health’s website at:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Responsestoconsultations/DH_124337
Copies are available to hon Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office.
The Government has now had the opportunity to consider its overall strategy on professional regulation in light of the consultation response and I can now set out how we intend to take forward the regulation of herbal medicine practitioners and traditional Chinese medicines practitioners, specifically with regard to the use of unlicensed herbal medicines within their practice. As this matter is a devolved matter in Scotland and Northern Ireland we have had discussions with Health Departments in the three Devolved Administrations which have been constructive and we are committed to a unified UK-wide approach to the regulation of these practitioners.
When the European Directive 2004/24/EC takes full effect in April 2011 it will no longer be legal for herbal practitioners in the UK to source unlicensed manufactured herbal medicines for their patients. This Government wishes to ensure that the public can continue to have access to these products.
In order to achieve this, while at the same time complying with EU law, some form of statutory regulation will be necessary and I have therefore decided to ask the Health Professions Council to establish a statutory register for practitioners supplying unlicensed herbal medicines. This will ensure that practitioners meet specified registration standards. Practitioner regulation will be underpinned by a strengthened system for regulating medicinal products. This approach will give practitioners and consumers continuing access to herbal medicines. It will do this by allowing us to use a derogation in the European legislation to set up a UK scheme to permit and regulate the supply, via practitioners, of unlicensed manufactured herbal medicines to meet individual patient needs.
The Health Professions Council is an established and experienced statutory regulatory body which has the necessary experience to be able to successfully establish and maintain a statutory register for practitioners wishing to supply unlicensed herbal medicines. Subject to Parliamentary approval, such practitioners who wish to supply unlicensed herbal products will be required by law to register with the HPC.
The four UK Health Departments will consult jointly on the draft legislation once it is prepared. This will give practitioners and the public the opportunity to comment. Subject to Parliamentary procedures we will aim to have the legislation in place in 2012.
Until the new arrangements are in place the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will continue to take appropriate compliance and enforcement action where products are in breach of the regulatory requirements. In line with the MHRA's normal approach, the action taken will be proportionate and will target products which pose a public health risk. Guidance issued by the MHRA makes clear their view that, where practitioners hold stocks of unlicensed products on 30 April 2011 that legally benefited from transitional arrangements under the European Directive, the practitioner can continue to sell those existing supplies to their patients.
The 2009 consultation also looked at practitioners of acupuncture. The practice of acupuncture is not affected by the EU Directive and, therefore, compliance is not required. I am confident that acupuncturists have their own voluntary regulatory measures in place, which are sufficiently robust. Additionally, local authorities in England have powers to regulate the hygiene of the practice of acupuncture, to protect against the risk of transmission of certain infectious diseases. Similar measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
I am pleased to say that this decision marks a significant milestone. I am confident that this is the right decision, which will benefit both practitioners and the public who use herbal medicines."
You, our patients and supporters, HAVE helped to save herbal medicine by responding to the 2009 Consultation and writing Andrew Lansley your MPs, attending our demonstrations and lobbying in other ways. We thank you deeply and sincerely. People power has made a difference! The responses to the Consultation numbered over 6,500, the most ever for a government consultation and tribute to the strength and depth of feeling for maintaining the historic acces to herbal medicines and prescriptions by a medical herblist.
Background:
The European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA) was founded in 1993 when it became clear that, with the development of the European Union, the legislative framework under which herbal medicine was practised in the UK and Europe was likely to undergo radical change. It is an umbrella body which represents professional associations of herbal/traditional medicine practitioners offering variously western herbal medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurveda and traditional Tibetan medicine. The EHTPA is dedicated to the development of herbal/traditional medicine, preserving and enhancing the legal basis of practice across EU Members States and promoting best practice throughout the traditions.
The statutory regulation of practitioners of herbal medicine and acupuncture was recommended by the House of Lords Select Committee for Science and Technology in their report: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2000). Three Department of Health Working Parties since then have also recommended statutory regulation, most recently through the: Report to Ministers from The Department of Health Steering Group on the Statutory Regulation of Practitioners of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Other Traditional Medicine Systems Practised in the UK, chaired by Professor Michael Pittilo, Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University. It can be found at: Click here
Reflexology for Family & Friends
The Art of Reflexology for Self HelpPlease call to reserve your place for the next course in 2011. 01225 867700
Research uncovers the reasons why people choose to consult medical herbalists
Recently published in Elsevier, Complementary Therapies in Medicine "Simply because it works better: Exploring motives for the use of medical herbalism in contemporary
U.K. health care"
C.V. Little ∗
School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth House, Bournemouth University, Christchurch Road,
Bournemouth, BH1 3LH, United Kingdom
Available online 9 September 2009 at www.sciencedirect.com
About Herbal Medicines
We are fortunate to live in the early years of the 21st Century, at a time when we can benefit from new understandings of the way herbs work - their biochemical activity and potency - and yet are still connected to the holistic understanding of traditional herbal medicine.
Traditional herbal medicine has always taken advantage of the fact that herbs are complex in their actions and that this actually is one of the main ways they benefit us. We humans are complex. Even in the simplest, most common ailments, the body is responding in a complex way with several systems involved. Herbal medicines work in cooperation with the body's own healing activities.
How to Enjoy Herbs
Go out and walk in nature. Spring is putting on its best show and the healing herbs in the hedgerows, fields and roadsides are bursting with vibrancy and healing energy. Just to look at them is therapy! Look out for dandelion, plantain, burdock, comfrey, nettles, hawthorne blossoms, elderflowers, wild garlic and so many more.In your garden, commune with your lavender, rosemary, sage, lemon balm, roses, thyme, chamomile, bluebells. Suffuse your airways and minds with their aromas.
Make a herbal tea. Create a new tea blend of your own from herbs you have collected or grown. Enjoy the aroma, the taste - and the satisfaction of connecting with deepest nature right in your own garden and kitchen.
Visit one of the website links below to learn more about herbs.
Complementary Therapies in the News
"COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE WORKS" ... "PATIENTS CALL FOR NHS COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY"
These were some of the news headlines on publication of the report on a government-backed pilot research project. The results detail the outcomes of making complementary therapies available on the NHS in two GP surgeries. Go to Hospital Healthcare and Getwell UK to read reports on the results. The getwelluk.com webpage also has a link to the full report and further related links.
GLOBAL NATURAL HEALTH CARE TRUST
The dedication of Annette and her staff in South Africa (and Cornwall) is truly outstanding and inspiring. Please visit the website of the GNHCT and make a donation if you possibly can.
The charity uses herbal medicines and a huge amount of TLC and is having significant impact on the illness in this desperate population. Her work has expanded, due to need, to include an orphanage, and growing fields for herb. Please click on the website below or go to www.gnhct.org for more information and to find out how you can help. GNHCT and herbal medicines ARE making a huge difference, saving lives and nourishing well being on many levels. Thank you. www.gnhct.org
Hippocrates Now! Seminars
Previous Seminars have been very successfull. Comments include: " I enjoyed the seminar. You have inspired me to look more deeply". "I told my husband about it and he wished he could have come too." " Many thanks for such an inspiring day."
Please contact me for details about future seminars.
HIPPOCRATES NOW! ANCIENT SOURCES OF THE WESTERN HERBAL TRADITION
email info@vickipitman.com for details and registration form.
Healthy Living Advice For Everyone
For those interested in making a positive change in lifestyle here are a some guidelines from the wisdom of traditional medicine. The guidance is general and for all constitutions, but knowing your own constitutional type or Prakrti in Ayurveda, means more specific guidance can be given for each person. Appointments are available for constitutional assessments only, as well as treatments. Phone 01225 867700 for more information or to book your consultation. Visit my blog for some 2009 for tips using herbal teas to maintain health.
1. If you are "going on a diet", be sure to choose the right time. Even spring may not be ideal for everyone as weather can be cold still. Late spring-summer-early autumn are more favourable for restricting food intake in a cold climate. The body is naturally conserving energy to keep body temperature up. Also, severely restricting calories - the units of heat energy from food - can actually cause the body to react, as if facing famine, by slowing metabolic rate and holding on to fat.
2. Choose the right type of changes for you. Each of us is individual in body type and metabolism. Take into account your activity level and age too. As a general rule, "cold" foods are not good for the body during the cold of winter, except in very small amounts. Warm types can tolerate them better than cooler ones among us. Eating only salads and raw foods should not be the basis of winter meals- use warming vegetable soups instead. The exception is sprouts which are rich in enzymes and vitamins and "warm" with the energy of growth. Let wholegrains, rice, and pulses form the core of the diet, with fish and lean meat a few times a week, if desired. Keep cold drinks, foods and cold dairy products to a minimum. Try not to eat foods and drinks straight from the fridge. The coldness of foods can be balanced by cooking (e.g. baked macaroni cheese) and by including warming herbs or foods: fennel, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme and rosemary, onions, shallots, and garlic. These additions strengthen digestion and absorption of nutrients, reduce accumulation of wasste. Food Fact: black pepper improves the ablsorption of nutrients from the digestive tract. Use it generously.
3. Let your food be fresh and freshly made. Use good quality, cold-pressed vegetable oils. Avoid processed foods or precooked meals, which contain unnecessary additives, unless you make them yourself - i.e. simple soups and one-dish meals, with all that goodness you've put into them, that you can re-heat for meal times.
4. Exclude or restrict salt and alcohol intake. Many of us use far too much salt. While needed by the body, in excess it may cause the body to retain water. Alcohol has to be processed by the liver and the liver is also a major player in digestion and nutrition. Let it devote all its energies to giving you the maximum energy from your food. You will feel the difference.
4. Think positive and find time for some genuine relaxation and recreation - whatever works for you: meditation, singing, communing with nature. Let go of an activity for a little while, if it only adds another layer of stress. Review and release any old attitudes and habits of mind that are no longer valid to make room for more positives in life.
5. Get a sound sleep. Some thrive on less than others but it is important to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. If you are not, seek help from your doctor or other healthcare practitioner.
6. Exercise can't be forgotten. Again choose something you really enjoy to really reap the rewards in vitality. Work up gradually to a new regime. Exercise until you begin to sweat a little, then allow time for cooling down with slower movements. Drink some water about 30 minutes later. But remember, keeping fit doesn't have to mean joining a gym. A good walk three or more times a week is a very healthy option. And Spring is one of the best times to get out and about, as there is always something interesting to see as buds, leaves and flowers emergy. You can feel the rush of vital energy all around.
The Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners
European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association, for the Frankincense Newsletter and updates on herbal medicine
Global Natural Health Care Trust
Association of Reflexologists
International Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists
HerbalGram, a US source for excellent information on herbal medicines
International Academy of Ayurveda in Pune India
Planetary Herbs, the site of my teachers Michael and Leslie Tierra. Lots of good information.
Jonathan Treasure's site, for his brilliant discussions of issues affecting herbal medicine and natural healing
Henrietta's Herbal Pages, another good site for herbal information
Yuan College, for information and courses on ear acupuncture
Int'l Grand Centennial Convention on Ayurveda, for the Ayurveda Centennial Conference website