• Pain Management – incorporating various techniques to reduce pain levels and increase mobility using gentle stretches and mobilisations. Myofascial Release, Kinesiology, Kinetic Chain Release (KCR), Emmett Technique.

•  Hawaiian Healing - Includes self-care tools to change your emotional state, working with the root cause of emotional issues and looking to resolve internal conflict.
• Smoking Cessation - Using pain free low level laser therapy to help stop the cravings and stress related to Nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
• NLP- Neuro Linguistic Programming- Proven techniques to assist in removing the root cause and symptoms of negative emotion and trauma including Anxiety, Depression and Phobias.

• Managing Chronic Pain
• Improving poor posture
• Emotional Pain and Internal Conflict
• Anxiety and Depression
• Phobias and Fears
• Trauma, PTSD
• Improved Sports performance
• Addressing Limiting Beliefs

Avi Lago

Ayurvedic Practitioner & Consultant

• Diet and Lifestyle
• Ayurveda
• Vedic Counselling
• Indian Medicine

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT AN AYURVEDA CONSULTATION

The first consultation lasts 60 minutes. Avi will take a detailed medical history covering not only your current complaint and medications, allergies, and family history, but also your diet and lifestyle. Your pulse and tongue will be checked - this will give the practitioner a deeper understanding of the underlying issues. As Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic system of health, this will explore areas such as how we interact with ourselves and others. Many people will have a keen interest in yoga and meditation, this will give each seeker a better understanding of their connection to the wider universe. Here Avi will give a detailed insight into your unique Body/Mind type (Dosha), explore the bodily tissues (Dhatus), and channels (Srotas), when Avi brings these three levels together this will bring a clear picture of the root cause. Like many people who come to Ayurveda it is to become in sync with the self, season, and our environment. This will be covered in diet and aftercare.

Your Diet/Lifestyle plan will then be discussed and agreed with you to suit your needs. Following the consultation, Avi will formulate suitable herbs individually tailored to your needs which may include a tea (dried herbs), supplements and oils. Nutritional or lifestyle advice, if appropriate, may also be given where required to suit your Dosha and Prakriti (unique body type).

A follow-up consultation will take place 2-3 weeks later to monitor your progress. This will last approximately 30 minutes. If you need further consultations, additional visits are generally at four or six-week intervals to help integrate the plan and lifestyle.

ABOUT AVI

Avi is a qualified Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle consultant. As fourth generation British Indian, his love for his culture developed from a very young age, exploring the spiritual realms, and integrating this in various ways. One of these ways that took him from the start was the plethora of herbs and spices at home with his mother and grandmothers. He learned that our food is our medicine. This led to the journey of the versatility of preparations of herbs in teas, tinctures, oils. Naturally this developed with his own travels of seeing the various systems of medicine around the globe on his journeys to India, USA, the Far East and North Africa.

Avi qualified under the great care, support and guidance of Dr. Deepa Apte, in the heart of London - Founder of Ayurveda Pura Clinic and Academy. Dr. Apte is a fully qualified Indian Medical Doctor (Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery, India), a qualified Yoga teacher and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. She is also an Executive Director of the APA (Ayurvedic Practitioners Association) of UK.

Having had the chance to meet various teachers before knowing this path was for him, after a beautiful experience in the Ganges, Avi returned to his roots and realised Avi what he could offer to Glasgow. 

Just as he was taken on a journey to the roots of the Vedic culture of the Indus valley, come with Avi and let him guide you each step of the way back to the source of you using Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation.

If you would like to book an appointment, please contact Clinic Reception on, or at 0141 339 5859 or glasgow@napiers.net. If you would like to discuss whether Ayurveda could support you or for more information, please contact Avi on 07582957615 or email avilagoo@gmail.com.

APPOINTMENTS FOR PATIENTS GLASGOW CLINIC CAN BE MADE WITH AVI BY TELEPHONE/IN PERSON. PLEASE CONTACT THE GLASGOW CLINIC DIRECTLY TO BOOK.

Dee Atkinson

BA(Hons) FNIMH Medical Herbalist

Fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Associate of The Royal Society of Medicine

• Herbal Medicine
• Lyme Disease
• Long COVID Clinic

Dee is the senior herbal practitioner at Napiers the Herbalists in Edinburgh. She runs a general medicine clinic with a special interest in women’s health, managing hormonal health and ageing. More recently, Dee set up the Napiers Long Covid Clinic to facilitate an integrated approach between doctors, herbalists and nutritionist to this new disease.

APPROACH TO TREATMENT

I take an eclectic and wide ranging approach to health and to both assessing and working with my patients. I have learnt that there is no one answer or way to good health, but rather many inter-linking paths and crossovers. I have trained in orthodox medical science and clinical diagnosis but also have an understanding that illness has both a physical and an 'energy' side. I take time with my patients to work on both the presenting symptoms and the possible underlying causes. I will often ask for copies of blood work, or arrange for further testes to be done. I know that flexibility and understanding are needed when working with complex health situations and there is rarely a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I often use different modalities such as nutrition and lifestyle advice and working within a multidisciplinary clinic means that patients have the benefit of access to other therapists and I often cross refer where appropriate.

Ill health and disease are often the expression of internal imbalance. In many cases, we do not fully understand the mechanisms that lead to this imbalance, sometimes seeking help for one physical problem, such as a rash for example, when the real issue comes from an internal imbalance. I always look beyond the presenting complaint to try to understand this imbalance: it might come from the gut microbiome for instance, or it could be an inherited pathway or perhaps be driven by stress. The true aim of a herbal consultation is to restore both physical and energy balances throughout the body and to help the patient with a health road map. Herbal Medicine is the oldest known form of medicine and, in world terms, is the most widely used form of medicine. Herbal medicine can work well alongside orthodox medicine and patients can often benefit from a dual approach.

WHO COMES TO DEE'S CLINIC?

Many of my patients have chronic health issues and come to herbal medicine looking for support in the management of them, whilst others have a single problem that they want to address. Some patients are referred by their GP or consultant, and I often work as part of a patient's healthcare team. I may suggest that other treatments, either orthodox or complementary, would be more appropriate for your condition. It is always my responsibility to make sure that I take the best approach for your health issue.

A large part of my practice is working with women's health care, with an emphasis on managing hormonal change and ageing. I also support patients who are undergoing cancer treatments, often working with their healthcare team. This is an area of special interest in which I have personal experience. I have over 35 years of clinical experience and have worked with many different health scenarios. If you are unsure about whether I can help, please contact me before booking or talk to the Edinburgh Clinic reception team.

ABOUT DEE

Dee qualified in 1988 after four years of intensive study at the now famous School Of Herbal Medicine under the guidance of Hein Zeylestra. With a passion for the UK tradition of herbal dispensaries and the history of plant medicine, Dee was offered the opportunity to take over Napiers in Edinburgh, the UK’s oldest herbal house. She re-built the business and set up integrated health clinics, bringing together students of herbal medicine, doctors and qualified herbalists. Dee has handed over the Napiers business and now she concentrates on her clinical practice.

Dee is a Fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and regularly attends conferences and training workshops both in the UK and abroad. She has been a Council Member of NIMH, and has represented the profession in negotiations with The Department of Health and in Parliament.

Dee is a senior clinical supervisor on the Heartwood Professional Course in Herbal Medicine and a guest lecturer on the Royal Botanic gardens Diploma in Herbology course.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dee please contact Napiers Edinburgh Clinic Reception on 0131 225 5542, or email us at edinburghclinic@napiers.net. 

Lynn Bennett

GOsC

• Craniosacral Therapy
• Osteopathy

Lynn is a registered osteopath and has been practicing osteopathy for nineteen years. She studied osteopathy and cranial sacral therapy at the European School of Osteopathy and graduated in 1991. Lynn has a background in physiotherapy and is trained in structural, craniosacral, fuctional, fascial and visceral osteopathy.

Lynn has been a practitioner at Napiers for over fifteen years and has a significant client base. She has treated thousands of patients ranging from babies only a few hours old to patients over ninety. Lynn is an established practitioner in her field and often converses with leading practitioners and doctors to ensure that she continues to be well versed in the latest treatments and techniques. 

Approach to Treatment

Osteopathy is a holistic therapy that helps to treat ailments related to the skeletal, muscular and joint structure, as well as the underlying cause. In doing so the therapy helps to treat the structure of the entire body. 

Lynn is a passionate practitioner and she has an overwhelming aptitude for treating the human structure. Lynn uses the non-invasive technique of osteopathy or cranial sacral osteopathy to alleviate problems such as neck and shoulder pain, headaches, repetitive strain injury (RSI), sports injuries and much more.

There may be many conditions that can be helped using osteopathy or craniosacral therapy; Lynn is always ready to discuss any questions you have.

Lynn practices from Napiers Edinburgh Clinic.
To make an appointment or for more information, call 0131 225 5542 or email edinburghclinic@napiers.net

Nikki Biddiss

BSc (Hons), MNIMH. Medical Herbalist

• Herbal Medicine

• Lyme Clinic

QUALIFICATIONS

• First class honours degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of East London in 2011 
• ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy. 
• Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the UK’s leading professional body representing herbal practitioners. 
• Diploma in Cognitive Coaching & Mentoring from University of the West of Scotland

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Stress management, Lyme disease, Menopause and Reproductive Health, in addition to general practice.

ABOUT NIKKI 

Nikki was awarded a first class honours degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of East London and trained at clinics in Glasgow and London. She was also awarded the Arthur Barker prize for her final examination grades. Nikki also has ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy. 

She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists which is the UK’s leading professional body representing herbal practitioners. NIMH members follow a strict code of conduct and are committed to ongoing and continual practitioner development and training.  

NIKKI’S HISTORY 

Nikki’s first degree was a BA (Hons) Economics from the University of Strathclyde and she worked in commercial banking for 14 years, 5 years at Director level before retraining in Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy Massage. At 29, she was one of the youngest females to be appointed a Director in the bank’s history. Amongst many career highlights, Nikki obtained the ‘Healthy Working Lives’ Award for her business in recognition of the Health and Wellbeing Initiative she devised for her division. 

She notes “As a manager with responsibility for nearly 100 staff. I could see the toll modern life was taking on people and was motivated to explore therapies which sought to manage physical, emotional and mental health. I believe we all want to take responsibility for our own wellbeing and I see my role as working with the patient to formulate management plans which puts them back in control and supports them in maximising their health and wellbeing.” 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT A HERBAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION 

The first consultation takes 45 minutes. Nikki will take a detailed medical history covering not only your current complaint and medications, allergies and family history, but also your diet and lifestyle. Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked and sometimes further physical examination may be necessary. 

Your management plan will then be discussed and agreed with you. Following the consultation, Nikki will formulate a mix of suitable herbs individually tailored to your needs. The medicine may be in the form of a tincture (ethanol and water based herb extract), a tea (dried herbs) or a cream. Nutritional or lifestyle advice, if appropriate, may also be given. 

A shorter follow-up consultation will take place 3-4 weeks later to monitor your progress. This will take approximately 30 minutes. If you need further consultations, additional visits are generally at three, four or six week intervals. 

HOW WILL YOU FEEL DURING/AFTER A HERBAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION? 

Many patients are delighted at the opportunity given to discuss their physical and emotional wellbeing in-depth and can feel a sense of relief that their needs are being listened to by a skilled practitioner. 

The same disease does not necessarily affect two individuals in the same way and patients really appreciate that medicines are being formulated and tailored to meet their specific needs. 

Many come to appreciate the power of natural remedies dispensed by a highly trained medical herbalist. 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT AN AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE CONSULTATION? 

Massages can be booked for 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Nikki will start by doing a consultation with you to find out about your health and wellbeing asking questions about your medical history, general health, diet, sleep patterns and lifestyle. This will help decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you and Nikki will discuss with you which areas you would like the massage to focus on such as the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs feet, face or scalp. 

You will be able to change in private and will need to get undressed (apart from your underwear) for the massage but you will be covered up by towels at all times except for the parts of the body being worked on. 

We suggest that you don’t eat for two hours before the massage and no alcohol should be consumed before or immediately after the massage. 

HOW WILL YOU FEEL AFTER AN AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE? 

You'll probably want to lie back and enjoy smelling beautiful for a while! How you will feel depends on the type of massage you have asked for: either relaxing or invigorating. After a massage, clients often feel calm, relaxed and maybe even a little sleepy or they can feel emotionally uplifted and revitalised. It is important that you relax after having a massage and drink lots of water. 

Sometimes, depending on the oils used, the therapeutic effect can be instant; sometimes it is more subtle and develops over time. Hopefully you will leave feeling more balanced and with an overall improved sense of well being. 

Brett Buchanan

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Brett is a qualified CBT Counsellor having completed the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills and Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork, A Cognitive Behavioural Approach in 2008.

He has a wide range of experience having worked as a volunteer counsellor at CRISIS Erskine, Renfrew Association for Mental Health and The Second Chance Project dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.  He is also a trained Bereavement Counsellor and is currently in practice with CRUSE Bereavement Care Scotland.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Brett is an individual Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abides by their ethical code of conduct.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.  It is a clinically and research proven therapy for a wide range of mental health problems in adults, young people and children.

CBT can help you to change how you think (Cognitive) and what you do (Behavioural) by challenging negative automatic thoughts and the associated feelings and behaviours that may be causing you problems.

A CBT approach may look at the origins of your disturbance, often in childhood.  Importantly, the approach will focus greater emphasis on how the disturbance affects you in the ‘here and now’.  Your CBT Therapist will introduce you to tools and techniques designed to support increased self-awareness of your thoughts, feelings and subsequent physical responses in the present. 

CBT is an empowering approach that supports the idea that you are the expert on you.  Through awareness of self and the CBT model, you are encouraged to become your own therapist.  Building confidence and trust in yourself offers an opportunity to step away from negative past experience and to consider a more desirable future.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING CBT SESSIONS?

With CBT, you’ll usually have a session with the therapist once a week or once every two weeks.  This may change as you progress through therapy and would be decided collaboratively between yourself and the therapist.

Each session will last for 50 minutes and as you progress through your course of therapy, it is likely you will be asked to complete work between sessions.

The length of treatment may vary depending on each individual.  CBT is a time limited approach, designed to encourage a solution focus.  As such, an initial course could expect to last for six sessions.  Where appropriate, further sessions would be discussed, again collaboratively between yourself and the therapist.

WHAT CAN CBT HELP WITH?

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides independent, evidence based guidance for the NHS on the most effective ways to treat disease and ill-health. NICE recommends CBT in the treatment of the following conditions:

• Anxiety disorders (including panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety and shyness)
• Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Diagram illustrating a typical continuous cycle relating to depression and anxiety.

There is also good evidence that CBT is helpful in treating many other conditions, including:

• Stress
• Low mood / self-esteem
• Phobias
• Bereavement
• Chronic Fatigue
• Chronic Pain
• Sleep Difficulties
• Anger Management
• Addictions
• Trauma

Dr Simon El Nahal

Medical Herbalist & Medical Doctor

• Herbal Medicine
  
  Simon is a dual trained medical herbalist and medical doctor, practising both in Edinburgh and his home on North Uist. 

ABOUT SIMON

Born into a family of doctors, I followed my parents’ path into medicine, qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2015. Exposed to both the strength and weaknesses of orthodox medicine, I sought a wider perspective throughout my training which included spending several weeks at the Institute of Tibetan Medicine in Dharamsala and spending time with doctors in the UK who practice holistic approaches by integrating mindfulness and healing therapies into their clinics.

I studied herbal medicine with Heartwood UK and completed a Diploma in Herbal Medicine, gaining a distinction. This included 500 hours of clinical training, many of which was spent with Dee Atkinson and her herbal team at her clinic on Bristo Place, Edinburgh.

My work as a doctor has taken place in hospital settings within a wide range of specialities and I currently work in both emergency medicine and general medicine at speciality registrar grade (ST1/2).

I believe the body has a great capacity for healing and, whilst there may never be a magic cure for all the illness a person can face, the power of the body to recover when given the right conditions is not to be underestimated.

I offer an integrated approach to herbal medicine. As both a hospital doctor and medical herbalist, I am able to bring together the best of what these often contrasting disciplines can give. Orthodox medicine has honed its ability to diagnose and understand illness, whilst herbal medicine looks deeper at the root causes and offers medicine from the plants around us to help shift our bodies back towards health.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Through my training in orthodox medicine I have seen, first hand, the limitations of its approach. Whilst powerful and life-saving in an emergency or with severe illness, my experience of orthodox medicine is that it frequently fails to address the underlying reasons people find themselves unwell and in hospital.

Seeking an alternative perspective, I found in herbal medicine an expansive and inclusive world of healing and support. Plants are our oldest healers, and their ancient wisdom has nourished humans and other animals for as long as we know. The huge diversity of plant species, and the variations between individuals of the same species, echoes our individuality as human beings. We are each completely unique and the medicine we need is equally as unique; one size does not fit all, and rarely fits two the same.

Herbal medicine requires an approach that takes into account the entireness of a person, from the problem with which they are seeking help, to the way they eat, sleep, live and move.

SIMON'S CLINIC

I welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to my clinic. Whether your problem is new or longstanding, whether I am the first person you have approached or you are already receiving treatment, and whether your problem is physical, emotional, or spiritual, my door is open to support you on your jouney.

During the consultation, I will listen to your story and the issues you seek help with, asking questions to better understand you and the processes that could be underlying what is going on. I might also suggest an examination of the relevant body system to support this. From there, I will make a treatment plan together with you, using plant medicines alongside nutrition and lifestyle.

If you are already receiving orthodox medicine, I will make sure the herbs prescribed can be used safely alongside any medication you are taking. I might recommend that you see your own doctor for further testing or referral, and can write to them should you wish me to. I might also suggest another therapy to work alongside your treatment plan if I feel it would be particularly beneficial.

I will aim to see you again in clinic after 4-6 weeks to see how you have been doing and to allow any adjustments to be made to your prescription.

I live with my family on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides and practice there as well as my regular face-to-face clinic here at Napiers Clinic in Edinburgh. You can also book a consultation with me on Zoom or on the telephone.

Kirstin Bruges

RSHom MA

• Homeopathy

Kirstin is a fully qualified member of the Society of Homeopaths and holds an RSHom distinction in Classical Homeopathy. Kirstin qualified in 2019 from the Northwest College of Homeopathy's four-year training course in Manchester.

Kirstin treats a wide variety of conditions, but has a special interest in autoimmune diseases, gynaecological issues, and the treatment of anxiety and mental health conditions. She also specialises in gastrointestinal problems, arthritis (musculoskeletal issues) and chronic fatigue. She combines her extensive knowledge of Classical Homeopathy as well as up to date research in homeopathy and integrated health management in order to provide the best quality care to her patients.

In 2017, she received the ‘UK Student Achievement Award’ from the Society of Homeopaths. She continues professional development through attending research seminars, clinical observation and supervision groups.

Kirstin was treated successfully with homeopathy for Post Viral Fatigue and to manage her own autoimmune condition, celiac disease. She credits Homeopathy for restoring both her mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. She has been using homeopathic remedies personally ever since and with all family members, both old and young.

APPROACH

Kirstin’s approach is to view each person individually and to go beyond the surface symptoms (which may only be temporarily relieved) and resolve balance at a deeper layer, within an individual. Homeopathy has a huge potential to make a positive difference in our lives, whatever physical or emotional challenges you are currently facing.

WHAT PATIENT’S SAY ABOUT KIRSTIN:

“Going to see Kirstin for homeopathy is one of the best things I've ever done. From the first session, the effects were dramatic. I went with an open mind and was amazed at how two little pills could transform my energy, mind-set and outlook in such a profound way.

Kirstin is very easy to talk to, thoughtful and considerate of what treatment best fits individual situations. The treatment she chose for me has been brilliant. It helps me to calmly and confidently deal with the stresses and challenges of my busy day-to-day life.

For anyone wanting try homeopathy, but unsure, I'd say to give it a go and you, like me, may be surprised by how a little can achieve such a lot – in my case, more than I ever imagined or thought possible. Thank you, Kirstin!”

SS patient

CONSULTATIONS WITH KIRSTIN

An initial consultation will usually last 90 minutes (60 minutes for children under 16 years old), during which time she will discuss in detail the current symptoms, as well as the past medical history and emotional wellbeing. Homeopathic treatment is a long-term investment to better health and a minimum of two follow up appointments are advised.

Repeat consultations last 45 minutes, during which time Kirstin will assess the progress of the condition, and make any changes necessary to your remedy.

Kirstin practices from Napiers Edinburgh Clinic.
If you would like to discuss whether homeopathy could support you or to make an appointment, please contact Kirstin directly on  07838503091 or visit Kirstin's website here.

Alternatively, if you need further help please call Napiers Edinburgh Clinic on 0131 225 5542 or email edinburghclinic@napiers.net

Mary Gibson

ITEC

• Aromatherapy Massage
• Hands Free Massage
• Hopi Ear Candling
• Maternity Reflexology
• Reflexology
• Therapeutic Massage

Mary trained in Edinburgh, and has been working as a complementary therapist since 1999, holding diplomas in Clinical Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage and Hopi Ear Candling gained from the International Therapy Examinations Council (ITEC). She is a member of, and is fully insured to practice with, the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA). 

She has extensive experience in combining therapies for best results, and will always tailor treatments to your needs and comfort. Being able to relax and enjoy the treatment will allow your own natural healing processes to work so much more effectively.

Aromatherapy Massage

Massage is a wonderful way to support the body in easing tight and painful muscles, helping recovery from strenuous activity to periods of illness where the body feels sluggish and blocked. 

Individually selected essential oils will enhance the benefits of massage, and can be used in whichever type of massage you choose, with pressure light and soothing to deep and vigorous, depending on your preference.

Hopi Ear Candling

Hopi Ear Candling uses hollow wickless candles made from flax, honey, beeswax and soothing herbs. The candle is inserted gently into the ear canal, producing a mild suction effect. 

Hopi Ear candling may be beneficial for sinus congestion, migraine, excess ear wax, persistent sore throats and colds. There may also be an improvement in conditions such as with tinnitus, snoring, pain when flying, vertigo and Ménières disease. A very relaxing treatment which combines effectively with Reflexology.

Reflexology

Reflexology uses gentle pressure on points on the feet to bring balance and help stimulate healing. While the treatment is deeply relaxing and comforting, you may find that your energy levels improve as stress and tension lift. 

Reflexology may help support the immune system and help alleviate sinusitis, migraine, digestive problems and hormonal imbalance. Mary has also used reflexology extensively to support those with fertility problems.

Mary practices from Napiers Edinburgh Clinic.
To make an appointment or for more information, call 0131 225 5542 or email edinburghclinic@napiers.net