About Nutritional Therapy & Naturopathy
Nutritional Therapy is a type of preventative healthcare, focussing on the optimization of physical and mental health and the management of chronic diseases, often with complex multiple causes. This is primarily achieved through personalised dietary and lifestyle changes, and often also targetted supplementation. While Dieticians generally provide dietary advice based on your diagnosed health condition, Nutritional Therapists can provide more personalised guidance, recognising that each individual has unique needs. My approach to Nutritional Therapy is naturopathic – see below.
What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy is an approach to health that seeks to support the body’s natural healing and rebalancing mechanisms. These processse are the only way that the body heals itself, no matter the approach taken by the healthcare practitioner. If a plaster is applied to a cut, it is not the plaster that heals the cut, but the body’s own healing mechanism. Likewise, if a broken bone is put into a plaster cast, again it is the body that does the healing, not the cast itself. Many modern medical treatments work against this natural process by suppressing the current symptoms, which can enable more serious conditions to develop later. Naturopaths understand that symptoms are simply signs that a deeper issue exists – they are not the issue itself. We instead work with the body to support its optimal function through a range of different techniques. For more information about the naturopathic approach and philosophy, please read this article (click here).
Nutritional Therapy is a major part of Naturopathy, but I am also trained in a wide range of other naturopathic disciplines which can be integrated into our consultations where appropriate. These include Eastern nutrition (Ayurveda, Chinese, Tibetan & Unani), Homotoxicology, Hydrotherapy, Iridology, and the Bowen technique. See my About page for more information about my training and each of these disciplines.
What can Nutritional Therapy and Naturopathy help with?
Naturopathy and Nutritional Therapy contain a wide range of tools to support your body to return to a better state of well-being.
Common presentations include IBS and digestive issues, skin problems, hormonal issues, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue and burnout, and fertility issues. However, due to the nature of naturopathy, practically any problem can potentially be addressed.
What does a consultation involve?
Consultations are available worldwide via online video call or face to face in Tavistock, Devon, at the Wellness Rooms or the Tavistock Therapy Centre.
When you first come to see me, I will ask you to fill up some forms beforehand which will cover topics such as your symptoms, any medications/supplements and your health and family history. I will also ask you to give some information on your current diet. I will review these before we meet in person, so that we can make the most of our face-to-face time.
The initial consultation will last around 90 minutes and we will use this time to dig deep into understanding your current symptoms and how they have developed over time, including how your family history has influenced this. If relevant, I may also conduct an examination of your tongue, nails, pulse and jaw. I will help you to understand the reason for your current symptoms and together we will agree upon a plan to bring you back to balance as quickly as possible. After the consultation, I will prepare your new health plan, which might include nutritional and lifestyle changes, supplementation and more information. Supplements may be recommended from the Natural Dispensary, which stock a huge range of natural health products or in some cases direct from the suppliers. For example, I am registered as a practitioner with DR.VEGAN professionals and may recommend DR.VEGAN supplements where appropriate. If you sign up for a package, you will receive a discount on all supplements (for details of the discount, refer to the information on each plan).
Follow-up consultations are recommended where we can assess progress and make the relevant adjustments to your plan in order to keep you moving forwards and towards maintaining a good state of health.
For best results I recommend that we work together for at least three months. I offer packages with different options, all of the information can be found via any of the “Book” buttons. This gives time for you to implement the suggested changes in nutrition, lifestyle and environment and for the body to react to this and begin the process of healing. It also allows time for the therapy to be adjusted to facilitate deeper results. The appropriate length of time depends on your current health and your health goals. If necessary, we could discuss this via email or on a free discovery call prior to booking.
Consultations are available worldwide via online video call or face to face in Tavistock, Devon, at the Wellness Rooms or the Tavistock Therapy Centre.
Clients commonly present with:
- IBS, constipation and/or diarrhoea
- Food intolerances or sensitivities
- Other digestive issues
- Skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis
- NAFLD or other liver issues
- Low energy or chronic fatigue
- High cholesterol
- Autoimmune conditions
- Thyroid problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Asthma
- Mental health concerns
…and much more.
Would you like to get to the root causes of your health issues?
To understand why you feel this way and what you can do to feel better?
If you cannot find a suitable time or have any questions about my services, please contact me at michael@reclaimyourhealth.co.uk. If you would like to speak with me before booking, please click here to book a no-obligation free discovery call or reach out to me via email.
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I have had four sessions of Bowen therapy with Micheal and I highly recommend his services I was sceptical of the therapy I have continuously suffered with sciatica and foot pain for years, after 4 sessions with Micheal the pain has almost gone away. This has been far more affective than physiotherapy or a chiropractic. Micheal talks you through each step in caring way. I highly recommend him.
I have recently finished a course of Bowen Therapy treatments with Michael.I have experienced great benefit and found the theory and the gentle application of the treatment so interesting.I feel a lot more grounded. My occupational - related aches and pains have eased and the treatment itself is a mindful and restful experience.Michael is kind, professional and calm and generously shares his other knowledge of nutrition and well-being. This empowers his clients to help themselves between treatments and beyond.Thank you Michael!
Michael has been fantastic. I got in touch with him in the hope he could help me with some long standing digestive issues and eczema. He is very easy to chat to, great at listening and provided an in-depth protocol tailored for me to follow. I have really valued his expertise and have been all the more delighted at the results I have experienced which have seen digestive issues clear up, and my eczema disappear. The support Michael provides through his package of consultations has helped me to tailor my diet and bring in lifestyle tips to reduce stress and better understand what I need to do to help myself going forward. I’m so grateful to Michael for his professional, wise and understanding approach and very much recommend him as an incredibly knowledgeable practitioner.
BLOWN.AWAY! For context, I've had upper back pain for over a decade. It started whilst I was in an extremely stressful job and there was generally a lot of trauma at that time in my life.As things improved, the pain subsided but as I went through another very challenging episode, it came back with a vengeance.I had numerous sessions of physiotherapy and was even put on setralin at one stage which is a mild antidepressant which relaxes the body. None of these did very much.Over time, my body got stuck in fight or flight.The slight bit of stress and it would immediately flare up resulting in debilitating headaches.They did an MRI scan and found nothing.It was all stress related from past events with my body going into fight or flight at the slightest bit of stress.I don't smoke, very rarely drink alcohol and have a very healthy diet and this was really weighing me down which led me to take painkillers regularly.Then, I had a Bowen session with Michael. It is literally like a miracle. It has completely rewired my nervous system!After the second session, my sense of smell was so heightened, my energy is off the charts and my mental clarity is mind blowing.I have 4 sessions booked in total and can't wait to find out what emerges next!If you suffer from chronic pain, you know what it's like to have the weight of pain in your body all the time. It leads your life!Michael is so kind, so genuinely caring and his practice is extremely professional.In this age of automation and where it feels difficult to find anyone you can trust, I highly recommend Michael!
Michael has helped me to overcome serious pain and discomfort using Bowen. He is a kind, gentle and very respectful practitioner with a great depth of knowledge. He has helped me to deepen my understanding of my body and what my body's needs are.
I had four sessions with Michael for an intractable shoulder problem. He gave very good advice and performed a very gentle and sensitive treatment regime. Don't hesitate, make a booking if you need this kind of therapy.
I started working with Michael back in October, and after three months feel that I have made some real progress in addressing my health issues. He has really helped me to navigate my way through making some significant dietary and lifestyle changes which I feel really positive about, after the NHS left me pretty high and dry after a worrying diagnosis with a “see you in a year” service. I plan to keep going with this as nothing is more important than one’s health and wellbeing. Thank you, Michael.UPDATE: Six months in now and a fibroscan has shown that I am now firmly back in the normal range for fibrosis with no evidence of scarring. It just shows that you CAN reverse liver damage with diet and lifestyle changes alone. I’ve also, on Michael’s recommendation, pursued a gluten-free diet and thanks to his instincts have uncovered an intolerance which was contributing to the ill health. I’d strongly recommend that anyone with an ailing liver to consult with him to see what can be done.
Michael has been a godsend. I value the appointments I have with him. He is very knowledgeable and wise. He helped me adjust my diet, and advised on what supplements to take to help with my awful IBS and Diverticulosis. I have to say there has been lots of positive changes with my conditions.I would 100% recommend Michael, for people who have run out of options, as I had.Well worth it.Thankyou so much Michael.
I went to michael with a myriad of issues. Michael thought that I had symptoms showing I was intolerant/allergic to dairy and gluten. He gave me tailor made program to follow removing those foods and replacing them with others better for me. He recommended lots of little natural remedies that I could make at home and take alongside the program. 2 months on and I haven't had acid reflux since I changed my diet and I am feeling really good with more energy. I am so surprised at the difference. I couldn't recommend michael any more if I tried. He has helped so much.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any other package options? Can I book a one-off consultation?
I can offer customised plans to better suit your needs. Just get in touch to discuss this by emailing me at: michael@reclaimyourhealth.co.uk
Packages are recommended for best results and will work out cheaper, but I can offer a one off consultation if this is your preference.
Are the consultations online or in person?
All sessions can be delivered either online via video call or in person in Tavistock, Devon if this is convenient for you. The choice is yours.
If you wish, you may have some sessions online and some in person.
Is there any support available between consultations?
Reasonable support via our online client platform is included between sessions on all of our packages. This support is intended to cover any issues you may encounter between sessions but does not include major changes to your plan or interpretation of any test results (if applicable), which would be better discussed during follow-up sessions. One off consultations do not include this support, which is partly why packages are recommended.
If you would like extra support in addition to the email support offered, telephone support consultations are possible for a fee. Please contact me at michael@reclaimyourhealth.co.uk for details and to arrange this.
Both email and telephone support are only offered on standard working days. I will endeavour to reply to emails and messages within a maximum of three working days.
Will I need to buy a lot of supplements?
Due to depleted soils and various other factors, it is now difficult to get the optimal nutrition from food alone. In most cases, I will suggest the use of various carefully selected supplements to accelerate progress towards your health goals and help you to reclaim optimal health.
In general, I prefer to minimise the use of supplements, focusing on dietary, environmental and lifestyle changes with the targeted use of only the most important and effective supplements. This makes life easier for you and keeps the costs of supplementation to a minimum.
I will always give options for those on tighter budgets and work with you to find a plan that is suitable for your situation.
Will I need to cut out certain foods? Or eat things I don't like?
Enjoyment of our foods is a vital part of good health, so I would never want you to eat things that you don’t enjoy. In order to reclaim our optimal health, some changes are usually needed, but I will work with you to find ways of doing this that are agreeable and fit in with your lifestyle.
In some but not all cases, you might benefit from the removal of a certain food from your diet that may be triggering your immune system or causing other issues. This is not always permanent, and we can work together on healing the digestive system to deal with a wider range of foods.
Do I need to have any testing done?
Private laboratory testing (sometimes called functional testing) can be a useful tool to get to the bottom of complex health challenges and obtain more detailed information to better inform treatment. However these tests are not always necessary and it is possible to progress without their use. If I feel that a test would be beneficial, I will share relevant information with you and we can discuss the options.
One test that can be very informative is a hair tissue mineral analysis. This is a very reliable test that provides a wealth of information on mineral status, toxic metals (including mercury, arsenic, aluminium, antimony, berylium, cadmium, lea, and uranium), blood sugar balance and metabolic trends, thyroid function, adrenal status and stage of stress, and oxidation rate. The current fee for this is £72.
Some tests will be available free of charge through your GP on the NHS. Examples that I might suggest if relevant to your case include B12, iron panel, thyroid function.
Any testing that you might choose to undertake is charged separately and results will be interpreted during one of our follow-up consultations.
Any other questions?
Please contact me at michael@reclaimyourhealth.co.uk with any other questions and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Would you like to get to the root causes of your health issues?
To understand why you feel this way and what you can do to feel better?
If you cannot find a suitable time or have any questions about my services, please contact me at michael@reclaimyourhealth.co.uk. If you would like to speak with me before booking, please click here to book a no-obligation free discovery call or reach out to me via email.
