Stephen Fursey

Stephen Fursey qualified is a herbalist after completing a four year course of training at the School of Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine). He is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists which was established in 1864 and is the oldest body of practising herbalists today. All members adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Prior to that Stephen worked for 10 years in the field of Environmental Health during which time he obtained a Diploma in Environmental Control and Public Health. Before graduating as a medical herbalist, Stephen obtained two further diplomas: Anatomy, Physiology and Body Massage Diploma as well as a Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy.

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists was established in 1864 and is the oldest body of practising medical herbalists in the world. All members have undergone a rigorous four year training and adhere to a strict professional code of ethics. They have the letters MNIMH, or FNIMH after their names.

Stephen is available for treatments Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays by appointment

Herbal Medicine

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine is the use of plant remedies in the treatment of disease. It is the oldest form of medicine known. Our ancestors, by trial and error, found the most effective local plants to heal their illnesses. Now, with the advancement of science enabling us to identify the chemical constituents within these plants, we can better understand their healing powers. Herbalism, in this country, is now classed as an 'alternative' or 'complementary' discipline but it is still the most widely practised form of medicine worldwide with over 80% of the world's population relying on herbs for health.

The Herbalist's Approach

Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors but take a more holistic approach to illness. The underlying cause of the problem is sought and, once identified, it is this which is treated, rather than the symptoms alone. The reason for this is that treatment or suppression of symptoms will not rid the body of the disease itself. Herbalists use their remedies to restore the balance of the body thus enabling it to mobilise its own healing powers.

The first consultation will generally take at least an hour. The Herbalist will take notes on the patient's medical history and begin to build a picture of the person as a whole being. Healing is a matter of teamwork with patient, practitioner and the prescribed treatment all working together to restore the body to health. Treatment may include advice about diet and lifestyle as well as the herbal medicine. The second appointment may follow in two weeks, subsequent ones occurring monthly - this will depend on the individual herbalist, the patient and the illness concerned.

How do herbs work?

People have always relied on plants for food to nourish and sustain the body. Herbal medicine can be seen in the same way. Plants with a particular affinity for certain organs or systems of the body are used to Teed' and restore to health those parts which have become weakened. As the body is strengthened so is its power and ability to fight off disease and when balance and harmony are restored, health will be regained.

What are the Differences between Pharmaceutical and Herbal drugs?

Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used today are based on plant constituents and, even now, when scientists are seeking new 'cures' for disease it is to the plant world that they turn. They find, extract and then synthesize in the laboratory a single active constituent from the plant (the active constituent is the part of the plant that has a therapeutic value), this can then be manufactured on a large scale. Herbal drugs, however, are extracts from a part of the whole plant (e.g. leaves, roots, berries etc.) and contain hundreds, perhaps thousands of plant constituents.

Herbalists believe that the active constituents are balanced within the plant and are made more (or less) powerful by the numerous other substances present. For example, the herb Ephedra Sinica is the source of the alkaloid ephedrine which is used, in orthodox medicine, to treat asthma and nasal congestion but it has the side effect of raising blood pressure. Within the whole plant are six other alkaloids one of which prevents a rise in blood pressure. Synthetic diuretics (drugs that increase the flow of urine) seriously reduce the potassium level in the body, this has to be restored using potassium supplements. The Herbalist uses dandelion leaves which are a potent diuretic but contain potassium to naturally replace that which is lost.

What can Herbal Medicine Treat?

Herbal medicine can treat almost any condition that patients might take to their doctor. Common complaints seen by herbalists include skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema, digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion. Problems involving the heart and circulation like angina, high blood pressure, varicose veins, varicose ulcers etc. can also be treated successfully as can gynaecological disorders like premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems, also conditions such as arthritis, insomnia, stress, migraine and headaches, tonsillitis, influenza and allergic responses like hay fever and asthma. Stephen will know and advise you when a condition is best seen by a doctor or another therapist.

Cost: £50* First Consultation (60mins) ● £30* Follow Up (30mins) (*Herbal Prescriptions extra approx. £6 - £8 per week)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD Vodder Technique)

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a therapy which is designed to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system. This is primarily achieved through gentle, rhythmical movements of the skin which stimulate the contraction of the lymphatic vessels. As a result a greater amount of the metabolic waste products and excess fluid are being removed from the body's tissues and enter the lymphatic system. The fluid is now known as lymph and passes through a series of lymph nodes where it is cleansed of dead cells, bacteria and other waste products. The clean lymph is then returned to the blood stream.

A well functioning lymphatic system contributes to healthy body tissue and plays an important part in the body's immune responses. MLD can be applied to many conditions and is excellent as a preventative measure to enhance wellbeing:

Clears the skin
Can be profoundly relaxing
Alleviates fluid congestion such as tired puffy eyes and fluid retention due to pre-menstrual syndrome
Promotes the healing of wounds and burns and can improve the appearance and texture of old scars
A key element in the treatment of venous oedema
Has successfully been used to aid the healing of leg ulcers
Is used in the treatment of both secondary and primary lymphoedema
May be used pre and post surgery to aid healing

Where required, your therapist will work in conjunction with your medical practitioner and other healthcare professionals.

Cost: First Appointment (60mins - part assessment & treatment) £50 ● Follow Up Treatments (60mins) £50

Prepaid course of 3 treatments £140 (saving £10) ● Prepaid course of 6 treatments £270 (saving £30)