Claire Dickinson - BSc (Phytotherapy) M.C.P.P.
Claire graduated as a Medical Herbalist in April 2002. During her four years of studying herbal medicine, Claire worked in Napiers Dispensary at Bristo Place. She has being practicing as a herbalist at the Bristo Place branch since graduating and has being running the 'Digestive Clinic' since 2004. Although Claire enjoys treating a wide variety of health conditions, she has a particular interest in disorders of the digestive system. An initial appointment involves taking a detailed medical history, along with details of the presenting problem; this usually takes about 50 minutes, at the end of which a herbal prescription will be supplied. A follow up appointment takes place about 4 weeks later, at which Claire will review the problem and spend time with the patient looking at their 'diet diary'. Supplements may be given or tests ordered at this time if appropriate. The progression of treatment is then variable, depending on the particular patient and disease. Typically, Claire will review with patients every 3 months until the end of treatment. Digestive disorders which can be helped with herbal medicine include IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, acidity, ulcers, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, gallstones and liver disease. If you have a digestive problem and are considering an appointment with Claire but aren't sure if herbal treatment is suitable for you, please call Bristo Place reception on 0131 225 5542, leaving your details and Claire will call you for a chat. Claire has teamed up with IWDL, ARL and York Test Laboratories, and via these organizations is able to offer a wide variety of tests to her patients. A Testimonial from a Patient with Crohn’s Disease I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 16 and have lived with it for 27 years. During that period I have been in hospital countless times and had 3 operations to remove parts of my intestine. When I came to see Claire Dickinson I was very underweight, and existing on a liquid diet of Modulen, prescribed by my doctor. Prescription drugs for Crohn's had not helped me, and I had reacted badly to some of them. I believe that dealing with stress and negative emotions is vital for someone with Crohn's, and diet and nutritional supplements also play a big part in healing this condition. I was, and still am, addressing those issues, and they have played a part in my recovery. However, I really felt I needed something to help me right away on a physical level with the diarrhoea, inflammation and exhaustion that was I was experiencing. 2 weeks after beginning to take the herbal preparation that Claire prescribed for me, I noticed that I was feeling brighter and less tired, and there was less mucous in my stools. A couple of months later, still taking the herbs, I was eating solid food again, putting on weight, and feeling much more well and energetic. 5 months later, I have put on 3/4 of a stone, have much less diarrhoea, and have more energy than I have had for years. I am living so much more fully and happily than I felt able to before. I notice that if I stop taking the herbal medicine for a fortnight, I feel a slight return of my symptoms, so although I know the other things I am doing as regards diet and my emotional state help a lot, I am convinced that the herbal medicine Claire has prescribed has played a big part in supporting and balancing my physical health. I am very grateful to her and would recommend anyone with Crohn's disease to give herbal medicine a try. Please call the Napiers Bristo Place clinic on 0131 225 5542 to book an appointment or for more information. www.napiers.net |