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.
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.
