Vicki Pitman
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Reflexology, Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy, Iridology, Remedial Massage, Ayurveda, Lymphatic Drainage, Ear Acupuncture in Bradford-on-Avon
Traditional Healing, Sound Science : Integrated Therapies for the Whole PersonWelcome 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.* Although I am trained in several therapies, this commitment to holism - taking account of body, mind and spirit - is fundamental to each. My patients benefit from being able to have a single or combination of therapies according to their needs.
Here are just some of clients' conditions I have helped resolve: back pain, headache, stress, digestive complaints, fluid retention, insomnia, fatigue, period and menopausal discomforts, chronic respiratory congestion, muscle tension, labrynthitis, overweight. 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">Complementary Therapy Directory
* See, The Nature of the Whole, Holism in Ancient Greek and Indian Medicine, Pitman 2006
"Neither wealth nor anything else is of any value withouthealth."
Hippocrates
Invest in your health!
Each May we celebrate the health giving benefits of herbs as medicines. Herbs are our oldest medicines.
Herbs are our effective medicines for a wide range of ailments.
Herbs can be combined with conventional medicines in an
Integrated Medicine approach to care.
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 celebrate Herbal Medicine Awareness Week
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.
Talk to your local herbalist. Hug a Herbalist!
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 MEDICINE WORKS" ... "PATIENTS CALL FOR NHS COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY"
Some good links:
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
Herbs are our effective medicines for a wide range of ailments.
Herbs can be combined with conventional medicines in an
Integrated Medicine approach to care.
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 celebrate Herbal Medicine Awareness Week
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.
Talk to your local herbalist. Hug a Herbalist!
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.
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.
International Grand Centennial Convention on Ayurveda 2008
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.
In August I attended an important conference on Ayurveda in Coimbatore, India. Please read my blog for further details and links.
Department of Health Publishes Steering Group Report on the Future of Herbal and Traditional Medicine in the UK
Monday, June 16, 2008: Professor Michael Pitillo, Vice-Chancellor, Aberdeen University and Michale McIntyre, EHTPA held a press conference at the King's Fund, London to announce the publication of the Department of Health Steering Group Report on Statutory Regulation of Herbal and Traditional Medicine, TCM and Acupuncture in the UK. The Report recommends statutory regulation for this sector. Read Vicki's Blog for more information and go to www.ehpa.eu to view and download the Report.
GLOBAL NATURAL HEALTH CARE TRUST
January 2009: Annette Montague-Thomas has reported that the number of people coming to the clinic has doubled. Yet she is still seeing each person individually. More herbal medicines are needed. 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.
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
Historical and philosophical context of the Hippocratic Writings, c.460-350 BC
Holism, concepts and practice: Pneuma, Humours, Constitutions
Medical practices after Hippocrates: In the Hellenic world, Galen and medical sects
Herbal Lineage: Herbals from Hippocrates & Dioscorides' Materia Medica, to Renaissance times.
Problems and Possibilities: ancient use for a modern world?
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.
Monday, June 16, 2008: Professor Michael Pitillo, Vice-Chancellor, Aberdeen University and Michale McIntyre, EHTPA held a press conference at the King's Fund, London to announce the publication of the Department of Health Steering Group Report on Statutory Regulation of Herbal and Traditional Medicine, TCM and Acupuncture in the UK. The Report recommends statutory regulation for this sector. Read Vicki's Blog for more information and go to www.ehpa.eu to view and download the Report.
January 2009: Annette Montague-Thomas has reported that the number of people coming to the clinic has doubled. Yet she is still seeing each person individually. More herbal medicines are needed. 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.
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.
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.
Some good links:
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
