Therapies
acupuncture
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese art of inserting fine needles
at selected points in the body. The Chinese believe that energy
flows through the body along channels or meridians and by inserting
needles at points along the meridians, the energy flow can be
stimulated, sedated or balanced. This is the basis for treating
a whole range of diseases. It is particularly applicable to
arthritis, back problems and muscular and nerve disorders, but
can be used to treat almost any condition.
Most animals tolerate acupuncture sessions very well, and feel
little or no discomfort. Needles are sterile and are used once
only, so that there is no risk of infection to the patient.
The needles are left in a place for anything from five to twenty
minutes, depending on the problem being treated.
Response to acupuncture therapy is usually good, at least 75%
of patients receiving acupuncture show improvement in symptoms.
For further details including price see paragraph under homoeopathy
bach flower therapy
The Bach Flower essences are named after Dr Edward Bach. He
was a well respected bacteriologist and homoeopath, who turned
his attention to the healing powers of a wide range of flowers
and trees. He discovered that the healing properties of flowers
corresponded to the mental and emotional state of the patient
concerned. For instance, the Bach Flower Mimulus helps patients
who have specific fears, such as fear of noise or fear of the
dark. Because physical illness is often linked with the mental
and emotional state of a patient, Bach Flower therapy will not
only relieve mental and emotional problems, but also physical
illness and disease.
The essences are in the form of liquids that are either given
directly by mouth, or diluted first and then given orally, or
in drinking water. The remedies are safe to use, and no side
effects are seen. Cats seem to respond particularly well to
Bach Flower Therapy, but any species of pet can benefit - even
birds!
An especially well known Bach remedy is Rescue Remedy - in fact
a mixture of several different essences which is ideal for any
instance of acute shock or trauma.
For further details including price see paragraph under homoeopathy
herbal
therapy
Herbal Medicine is probably the oldest system of natural medicine
used by man. Nothing could be more natural than harnessing the
healing powers of the herbs and flowers around us to cure our
diseases and those of our pets. Animals in the wild have an
uncanny ability to seek and eat plants which will help when
they are ill.
Modern drugs are often isolated extracts of herbs, or are more
likely to be synthetic derivatives of these substances. Aspirin
(derived from the bark of the Willow tree) and Digitalis (derived
from the Foxglove) are two drugs still in common use today with
herbal origins. However isolated extracts and synthetic compounds
are more likely to cause side effects and have less total healing
power than the herb itself. Herbal medicines are gentler, safer,
yet no less effective than their conventional counterparts.
Herbal remedies are now available in tablet form, making dosing
easier as tablets are often more acceptable to pets than traditional
herbal tinctures or teas.
For further details including price see paragraph under homoeopathy
homoeopathy
In the late 18th century a German physician, Dr Hahnemann, discovered
a new system of medicine - homoeopathy. He found that minute
doses of certain poisonous minerals and herbs could cure the
symptoms which the poisons themselves would normally cause.
So, for instance, a 'homoeopathic' dose of Arsenic will relieve
symptoms of food poisoning, whereas giving Arsenic itself would
cause similar symptoms to food poisoning. This is known as the
law of similars, or more simply, 'like cures like'. Although
often produced from poisonous substances, a homoeopathic remedy
is so diluted as to be safe to use and is very gentle but powerful
in its healing effect.
Homoeopathy is a holistic therapy. At a homoeopathic consultation,
information is obtained about the patient as a whole and not
only the specific problem present at the time. Remedies are
chosen which correspond with the individual nature of each patient,
including likes and dislikes, as well as the way in which the
specific illness is affecting the patient. So two patients with
the same disease may need completely different remedies. Homoeopathy
is particularly effective for chronic problems such as eczema,
colitis, bronchitis and arthritis, which conventional drugs
may be unable to deal with.
further details for acupuncture,
bach flower therapy, herbal
therapy and homeopathy
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Where: |
Potters Bar/Bayswater |
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Who: |
Richard Allport |
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When: |
Mon,Tues 9.20-6.20 & Thurs 9.20-1.20 at Potters Bar |
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Wed 9.30-4.00 at Bayswater |
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Referral req: |
Yes |
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Price/Length: |
As part of initial consultation £128.00 - 40mins
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Subsequent consultations £64.00 - 20mins |
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Frequency: |
Varies; progress normally reviewed monthly
For acupuncture an average course of treatment might be once
weekly for 3-4 weeks then 'top up' consultations once monthly,
depending on response to treatment |
physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is simply the treatment of disease or injury by
physical and mechanical methods rather than medication. Techniques
of physical therapy include exercise, massage, gentle mobilisation
and soft tissue release. Other methods are based on the application
of energies, including light, sound, heat, cold and electromagnetism.
All are used to stimulate and assist the natural healing process.
Janet Prager MCSP SRP grad dip phys, has been a practitioner
of physiotherapy for 30 years, and is a Category A member of
the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy.
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Where: |
Potters Bar |
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Who:
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Janet Prager |
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When:
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Monday mornings (and other times by arrangement) |
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Referral req: |
Yes
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Price/Length:
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Initial consultation £45.00 - 40mins |
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Subsequent consultations £35.00 - 20mins |
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Frequency: |
Depends on nature of the condition |
osteopathy
The therapeutic effects of manipulation are well known for human
back and joint conditions, but are equally effective for pets.
Back problems are surprisingly common in pets, often leading
to weakness in the hind legs. Back and joint problems may occur
as a result of accidents and injuries, congenital defects, arthritis,
and for many other reasons.
Many joint conditions that are unresponsive to conventional
treatment will respond to osteopathy. Relief from pain, increased
mobility, and decreased stiffness, are all effects to be expected
from osteopathy, which can help not just spinal problems, but
most forms of joint and muscle disease.
Barbara Sherringham, BSc (Hons) Ost Med, DO, MRO, ND, is an
experienced osteopath with a special interest in the treatment
of animals.
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Where: |
Potters Bar |
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Who: |
Barbara Sherringham |
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When: |
Thursday afternoons |
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Referral req: |
Yes
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Price/Length: |
Initial consultation
£40.00 - 40mins |
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Subsequent consultations
£30.00 - 20mins approx |
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Frequency: |
Varies; some just initial consultation but normally two or three,and occasionally more for recurring conditions |
healing
In a sense, healing, (often known as Spiritual Healing or Faith
Healing), is the purest form of treatment for illness. It involves
no pills, no needles and no equipment. The laying on of hands
to heal disease is of ancient origin, and in all societies and
cultures people with healing powers are acknowledged.
Most reputable healers abide by the code of the National Federation
of Spiritual Healers, which was drawn up in conjunction with
the Royal Collage of Veterinary Surgeons. It ensures that healing
is carried out in a professional and ethical manner.
Healing can help any illness or problem from which our pets
suffer, and can often help in 'incurable' diseases such as cancer.
Even if a cure is not achieved, animals will almost always seem
to feel better after healing sessions, with a reduction in any
pain or discomfort.
The Natural Medicine Centre is pleased to have the services
of Helen Hilliard available. Helen was a friend and colleague
of our previous healer, Charles Siddle, who passed over in December
2000. Helen now continues his work.
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Where: |
Potters Bar |
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Who: |
Helen Hilliard |
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When: |
Tuesday 1.00-6.30
Friday 9.00-12.30 |
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Referral req: |
No, but your pet must have been seen by a vet |
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Price/Length: |
Each consultation
£25.00 - 15mins approx |
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Frequency: |
Depends on nature of the condition, however once
weekly for several weeks is the norm |
colour
therapy
This is a very ancient and powerful therapy. The vibrational
energies that constitute light are used by colour practitioners
(and are beginning to be utilised also by conventional medicine,
for example in Photodynamic Therapy). It is a therapy that works
not just with our physical body but with our emotional, mental
and spiritual aspects. We are beings of light, surrounded and
interpenetrated by the colours that constitute light. Therefore
using colour in therapy is treating with what we are, namely
light. It involves giving the required colours to the animal
with a light torch or instrument. Between treatments, remedies
solarised with the necessary colours are prescribed for the
patient.
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Where: |
Potters Bar |
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Who: |
Pauline Wills |
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When: |
Consultations by arrangement |
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Referral req: |
Yes |
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Price/Length: |
Each consultation
£20.00 - 15mins approx. (Cost
of solarised remedies extra) |
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Frequency: |
Best once weekly |
tellington
ttouch therapy
Tellington TTouch is a specialised approach to the care and
training of pets which can help to overcome anxieties, injuries
and illnesses. The circular TTouch movements elicit changes
in brainwave patterns that bring tangible results - without
force, fear, pain or changing basic nature.
Improvements can be made in health and performance as well as
common behavioural and physical problems. It also helps establish
a deeper rapport between humans and animals through increased
understanding and more effective communication.
Some of the benefits of using TTouch are: a reduction in aggressive
behaviour, excitabilty, car sickness, extreme fear/shyness,
separation anxiety, ageing problems and noise sensitivity. Pets
have also experienced improved balance, confidence and mobility
often from problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, as
well as a quicker recovery from surgery and illness.
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Where: |
Potters Bar |
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Who: |
Sue Gavin |
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When: |
Thursday mornings (and other times by arrangement) |
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Referral req:
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No, but your pet must have been seen by a vet
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Price/Length: |
Initial consultation
£65 - up to 90mins |
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Subsequent consultations
£55 - 60mins |
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Frequency: |
Varies; often once weekly for a month |
nutritional
therapy (dogs only)
'You are what you eat' is a philosophy that applies as much
to dogs as it does to humans. As more and more dogs are developing
health problems which can often be directly related to poor
nutrition, it is becoming increasingly necessary to return to
Nature's simple, safe and effective methods to cure many of
their ailments
Rosamund Walters ChMIACE, author and nutritional therapist,
realised through her association with dogs that quite often
all that is required to restore good health is a change to a
'natural' diet. After receiving information on your pet she
will devise a personal diet plan for your dog, and give ongoing
support by post to help solve any of your pet's problems through
their diet.
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Where: |
By post - please contact us for further details |
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Who: |
Rosamund Walters |
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Referral req: |
No, but your pet must have been seen by a vet
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Price/Length: |
£40 - individual diet for your dog |
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Frequency: |
Ongoing support available if required
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pet
behaviour counselling
Please
ask for further details – Chris Mancini DipCABT (Coape) NOC
TO
BOOK A CONSULTATION OR FOR MORE INFO
CONTACT US
