Integrative medicine is the field of health that puts the importance and individuality of the patient at the centre of the relationship between patient and practitioner. Focussing on the person, the practitioner uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to promote healing and the restoration of good health.

For example, a patient taking antibiotics or antimalarials might be prescribed herbs to relieve nausea and supplements to recover their gut microbiota. A medical herbalist could liaise closely with a patient's oncologist to support someone with the side effects of cancer treatment. A general practitioner might also recommend acupuncture or herbal treatment but equally would know when a chemical drug approach is best for the patient. A dietician might suggest counselling or hypnotherapy where a patient's digestive health is affected by stress as well as diet. All NIMH-registered medical herbalists have been taught about herbal safety and drug interactions. 

Napiers has been an early pioneer of integrative medicine in Scotland. The Edinburgh team, led by medical herbalist Dee Atkinson with 30 years of practice is a multidisciplinary team. Napiers Edinburgh clinic also has a full phlebotomy service. In Bathgate Monica Wilde researches drug-herb interactions and herbal safety. She is currently specialising in Lyme disease and other co-infections, and working alongside doctors and infectious disease specialists to get the best outcomes for patients. In Glasgow, medical herbalist Nikki Biddiss is also a trained stress counsellor and qualified in aromatherapy massage. Within each clinic, practitioners of multiple disciplines work together to ensure the best for each patient.

If you would like to discuss a holistic approach to your health, or your current or planned treatment, please get in touch by phoning our clinics

Napiers Bathgate 01506 353 786

Napiers Edinburgh 0131 225 5542

Napiers Glasgow 0141 339 5859