A New Health Paradigm

It’s taking me time to set up as a herbal practitioner and health coach. If I’m honest, the main obstacle holding me back is fear. Fear and frustration. Fear that people will be shocked by my view of our current prevalent health care practices. Frustration over the lack. Lack of education, and lack of knowledge and understanding about health. Even our

National Health Services knows very little

about health, but we’ll come to that later.

Health ignorance

The lack of knowledge that I am referring to relates to our ability to recognise the first signs of illness, imbalance, or of needs left unmet. Or even if we do, the inability to appropriately act upon it. And when I say take action, I mean that which supports ongoing strength and wellbeing. Not choices that contribute to a progression of ill-health. And not within the limited treatment options that are the mainstay. It seems to me we are immersed in a culture of health ignorance. Taught to ‘Keep Calm & Carry On’. Present an image of calm. Suppress. Ignore. Carry-on.

Cultural influence

Many of us remember the TV adds, (perhaps they continue?), “Feeling unwell? Get up, take suppressive drugs, carry-on with your busy work schedule”. As a culture we have been fed this nonsense for years. Made out to look weak for resting; for prioritising health. I get that some people would struggle to take time off work when unwell and want to just push on with the days tasks. I get that resting is challenging for some. All that sitting around in boredom and suffering. Confronted with your own roaming mind. No tasks to mask what’s inside. But that’s another story.

Personal experience

Most of us have personal experience of ignoring the first signs of something, only for it to escalate to the point where it can’t be ignored anymore. Like a cold recurring and next contracting a bout of ‘flu. Tiredness that becomes exhaustion. Reflux that becomes dysbiosis. An injury that just won’t heal.

Society influence

We don’t see as much health pro-action as I’d like. Mostly medicine cupboards are stocked with paracetamol and asprin. Most people we know buy over-the-counter, (OTC), drugs or visit the GP for anti-biotics. If anyone strays from the norm, they may be seen as either odd and irresponsible, or possessing knowledge outside of the average person’s remit. When it’s what everybody does, it’s often what we do automatically and without question. I’d really like to change this. To empower and offer choice.

Historical influence

Like others who studied the ‘History of Medicine’ within their GCSE course, I found it fascinating to learn about how we progressed from primitive medicine to the system of medicine in use today. Medicines were once mostly plant based and became further and further removed from the source as time went on. What I also find fascinating is the history of herbal medicine to present day. There’s an awesome book called ‘New Green Pharmacy’ by Barbara Griggs which begins with what we learned about the history of medicine in school before it took a turn along the path which became the modern conventional medicine of today. The author then followed the progress of those who kept up the practice of herbal medicine and how it evolved into the present day Western Herbal Medicine that I practice. It gives a whole new perspective. Including how chemical pharmacy has and still does play a huge role in conventional medicine, the history of which is very eye opening, especially in the evolution of today’s Big Pharma, again, another story!

What is medicine anyway?

To me the definition of a medicine is something which builds the body up, brings it back into strength and proper functioning, restores balance and returns us to a state of vitality. Always working with our body’s capacity for self-healing. So medicine can be food, it can be herbs. It can be the nourishment of close relationships and the skin-to-skin of a mother. It can be fireside stories and expressive emotive art. It can be a great book in the bath or beautiful walk in nature. All of these things build us up into a greater state of health resilience. Thriving in health and vitality. Ready and equipped. These are real medicines.

Conversely, agents used in conventional medicine practice, which are often referred to as medicines, (which in my opinion should never carry that title), are those that disconnect us from our needs via suppression, ones that disrupt functioning and cause further issues to be addressed with yet more agents. Ones that poison our liver, cells, brain and hope. Those that kill off our vital microbiome with huge negative consequences. Agents that are overall depleting and exhaust our internal resources. Leaving us dependent, sick and tired. Agents that trash our immune systems and leave us with very little capacity for self-preservation, let alone thriving. These agents should never be called medicines. These agents are drugs. Powerful drugs support the process of disease.

Wise women

I live in Somerset with ancestors dating back to at least 300 years within this area and I really do feel a great affinity for this richly green and beautiful county. One thing that saddens me is our loss of connection to the land, and to our knowledge of how to harness the healing virtues of our local medicinal plants. Right here. Growing on our doorsteps. It saddens me to think of all the healing wisdom lost through the persecution of witches, otherwise known as mothers, wives, crones or wise women. It saddens me that the herbal healing songs once sang by mothers to daughters whilst tending the herb garden is lost. I grieve. Such wisdom frowned upon, stamped upon and shunned as old wives tales or heresy. Granted, there were some questionable practices, (as in conventional medicine today), but at what cost was the mission to eradicate all our household herbal healing knowledge? Now we are left in a mess of fear, ignorance, failure and chronic illness. In the age of information, we can learn more than ever before without waiting for years of history to reflect upon. Now is the time for change. Now is the time for a paradigm shift.

Paradigm shift

I propose a paradigm shift in the way we approach our health needs from health ignorance to self-empowerment, and of a flip from the herbal practitioner being the last resort, to the harsh medicines of the hospital specialist being the last resort. Rather than ignorance, suppression and negating responsibility, we instead take early positive action towards long-term health and wellbeing:

As you can see, this re-ordering involves the individual taking responsibility of their health needs. Being proactive and able to flow forward in wellness. By going for prevention or nipping it in the bud. By discovering what options are available when feeling out of our depth. Because early attention really does pay off. It is much more straightforward and really does avoid the challenge that comes with more serious chronic issues after years of inattention, negating responsibility and lack of action. Come on people. Let’s not be ignorant. We know the score. It’s time to wise-up and take positive action for better health! And be assured that holistic practitioners are trained to recognise and refer on to GPs in the case of red flag symptoms, & that we work really well alongside essential conventional medicine:

Slow to change

We have enough awareness to know that we are stuck in a system that supported needs long past, but are so embedded the necessary evolution is slow and cumbersome. Positive health research is out there. It takes time to filter down. Do NHS consultants study health and nutrition yet? If not, Why? It’s our most basic fundamental need. They are trained to understand disease and its progression through years of observing responses to harsh chemical drugs with very little attention to diet and lifestyle, (which could have huge impact in terms of halting or reversing conditions). Their treatment options are limited and often suppressive and depleting, and in my experience of working in a busy London herbal clinic, often fails, (we received many patients not served well with conventional treatment). It’s no wonder that consultants paint a picture of no hope of recovery. Many patients came to us as a last resort. When all else had failed.

Treatment options

But what were all the other avenues that were explored? Since the power to treat ourselves and our family was taken from us and granted only to the educated physicians, many still hold the view that healthcare is something we outsource, rather than manage ourselves. It tends to be that we reach for OTC drugs or visit the GP as our first port of call. I gave up visiting the GP for anything other than diagnosis or referral to physiotherapists years ago. I was so disappointed with what I received; Automatic reaching for the prescription pad, rarely with any practical advice. I know this has something to do with expectation. People visit their GP with the expectation of receiving a diagnosis and treatment. Not to be sent home with practical advice on how to self-manage. So aside from OTC drugs and GP visits, what other options are well known and utilized?

Age of information

Obviously we now live in the age of information, where almost everything we wish to know can be found at the touch of a button. Google, YouTube and blogs galore! We really could take our health into our own hands if we chose to. However, the age of information is also the age of overwhelm. Where do we start? What really works? How do we fit in learning what we need to know? Attending to the changes we need to make. Discerning what we really need in the first place. Is it really health ignorance?

Is it really health ignorance?

Could it simply be that we are coming from an age of negated responsibility and limited options, and are now learning to find our way in a sea of information and new options. Where do we go? Who will help us in our quest for great ongoing health? And what do these other health practitioners do anyway? Which therapist should I choose? Would it really help? Is it worth it? Carving a new path can often be daunting, but it can also be liberating! Think of how fantastic life would be if you knew how to read the signs of early ill health, take positive action that is strengthening, rather than depleting, and reduce your reliance on OTC drugs, chronic medications and visits to the GP. Really take charge of your health to enjoy sustainable wellness. Now doesn’t that sound empowering!

Filling the treatment gap

Herbalists and health coaches fill the treatment gap between health and the more serious medical conditions that require hospital care. From basic ailments easily treatable with food, kitchen herbs and healthy habits, to chronic issues requiring symptomatic relief whilst at the same time addressing the underlying cause, (with prescriptions containing a number of herbs, often in tincture form, specifically formulated for the individual). What I wanted couldn’t be offered by the GP. I’m talking support, education, practical advice and really effective medicines that foster healthy lifestyle choices.

Personal Health Quest

If you are on a quest to understand what’s going on with your health, then enlisting the help of a herbal medicine consultant or health coach with their detailed overview is an awesome tool to really get into the crux of what’s needed. Ongoing support to ensure the new knowledge is put into action to meet your important health needs. Once you make a decision to pay attention to your health needs and let your self-awareness grow, you are in a prime position to make positive change. Sometimes it’s not easy feeling like we’re swimming against the tide, doing what others aren’t in a position to manage yet. Working with a herbal health coach makes the task far more effective. They can guide you, cheer you on, give you a herbal nudge and in the gentle changes you make through conscious choice and effort, bring you onto a path of sustainable health and wellbeing.

Vision of interdisciplinary healthcare in the heart of the community

What I would love to see emerge is a health center which has expanded to hold a wealth of health practitioners. Perhaps where a GP could be freely consulted on which practitioner would be of most benefit in our unique health needs. Health coaches could run a number of classes on specific health challenges as well as offer 1:1 support to make positive change. Herbalists prescribe natural medicines and nutritional therapists can pick up on specific nutritional needs that may need more than a dietary adjustment. Bodyworkers would be accessible under the same roof, as would acupuncturists and other valuable healing modalities. We would be given the freedom and choice in how and by whom we are treated, as well as education and empowerment towards sustainable wellness. Preventative medicine, early treatment, self-responsibility and support. Medicines that build. Medicines that strengthen. Medicines that support sustainable wellness.

And while I’m on the subject of my ideal vision of a future healthcare system, I’d like it to be combined with a community center full of fun ways to stay fit and healthy, and specifically for this to be in a natural setting where many classes can take place outdoors. Where there is ample space for wholesome community gatherings. Fireside and seasonal honouring. Music, song and storytelling. A vibrant hub for health!

Work with me

If you’re interested in working with me as your herbal health coach, please get in touch. Together we can identify your health needs and co-create a treatment plan that is empowering. And with the aid of the awesome healing powers of plants, guide you back on the path to wellness, strength and vitality. Back to thriving. Regaining your thirst for life, and all the exciting things you love to do!