PRECONCEPTION & FERTILITY
Research has shown that the health of prospective parents before conception can influence the health of the egg, sperm and resultant embryo. By addressing diet and nutrition and changing lifestyle habits we can optimize our fertility and improve our chances of conception and a successful pregnancy. Herbal medicine offers effective treatment for a range of reproductive disorders, such as endometriosis and PCOS, which can reduce fertility.  In many cases, male fertility issues can also be improved with lifestyle and dietary changes and supplement programs.

PREGNANCY & POST NATAL
There is much you can do to ensure a healthy and stress free pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of great change for your body and your nutritional requirements are increased. Good dietary & lifestyle choices along with nutritional supplements where needed give your baby the best start. Herbal medicine and homeopathy also offer effective treatments for the common complaints of pregnancy such as morning sickness, fatigue and heartburn and can help prepare for labour and birth, postnatal recovery & breastfeeding.

BABIES & CHILDREN
Babies and children have an intrinsic vitality which should be nurtured. Being aware of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices for our children allows them to thrive and reach their full potential. Natural medicines such as herbs and homoeopathy are particularly suited to children and provide safe and effective treatments for most common childhood complaints. These include colic, nappy rash, teething, eczema, cradle cap, diarrhoea & constipation, behavioural issues, asthma, allergies, recurrent infections (colds, ear infections, tonsillitis), lowered immunity and sleep issues.

Karen runs Natural Medicine for Babies & Children workshops that are designed for parents who wish to feel confident caring for their children at home using safe and effective natural health care principals and also learn how to recognise the need for medical intervention. For more information about these courses click here.

STRESS MANAGEMENT
Health is not merely the absence of disease. Emotional stress and a chaotic environment are just as detrimental to our health as physical disease.  When we react to a situation that induces a stress response, a series of biochemical and physiological changes take place in the body and mind. Our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises, our breathing rate and depth changes, our digestion is slowed, healing and repair mechanisms are put on hold and we have a tendency to sweat.  The hormones released by the adrenal glands when we are stressed have been shown over prolonged periods to impair brain function, immune function and induce ageing. Taking time out and seeking balance in our everyday life can help to offset the negative impact of stress.  Exercise, relaxation techniques (such as yoga, tai chi and meditation) and enjoyment should all be part of a healthy life and will positively influence our physical wellbeing.

MENOPAUSE
The word menopause is often used in reference to that period of time in a woman’s life which is marked by hormonal changes.  In fact the years leading up to the menopause are more accurately coined the peri-menopause.  This transitional time is often marked by changes in menstrual cycle, both in length and blood flow, as well as a host of other hormone related symptoms.  These may include hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood change and memory loss. Many things will influence a woman’s experience of the peri-menopause and beyond.  Diet and lifestyle, including exercise and stress levels, can play an important part in this phase.  Natural therapists view the menopause as a natural transition and seek to support women through this period, providing both symptom relief and preventative health care advice.

Hormone replacement therapy implies that menopause is a deficiency syndrome rather than a natural process.  For most women, HRT is not necessary for a healthy menopause experience, and its use should be carefully considered as it is not without inherent risks.