About the Consultation
The aim of the first consultation is to obtain a detailed idea of how the health problem in question arose as well as a more general health history and assessment of the current state of health. In order to achieve this various questions will be asked, and with the patient's permission, relevant examinations will be performed - much as in a consultation with a doctor.
The difference is that I have the luxury of taking rather more time over it in order to get the full depth of understanding required to plan a holistic treatment. The first consultation may last up to an hour after which I will decide on a blend of herbs suited to the requirements of the individual patient. I will prepare the medicine at my dispensary, and post the preparation to the patient the same day.
Depending on the nature of the condition, I will prepare medicine to last for a week or two, until the first follow-up consultation. This is a chance for me to see how the treatment is going, and adjust the prescription if necessary. Thereafter, when I have an idea how the medicine is working, I can give more medicine, and subsequent follow-ups will usually be required at intervals of a few weeks, until the treatment is complete.
If at any stage it seems that the treatment I can offer is not quite right for the patient's particular needs, I may recommend referral to another practitioner, or if necessary an orthodox doctor. A large part of my training was dedicated to the diagnosis of conditions that I may be unable to treat in order that I can protect the patient's safety by early referral where a more serious condition is suspected.
I charge a rate of £40 an hour, and 100 ml of herbal medicine costs £5 and lasts a week. For a full list of prices, click here.