Tag Archive for: naturopathy

The ‘Next Day Delivery’ culture of expecting results at the click of a button is becoming increasingly prevalent.  Online shopping, crash diets, and intensive driving courses – we’re all eager for immediate solutions and not prepared to wait for results.  And our approach to recovery from injury is no different.

At Robin Kiashek Clinics we often see patients who are very keen to find immediate fixes to injury.  Often so as not to disrupt their exercise routines. But this just isn’t always possible when it comes to injuries.

My approach is to look beyond the injury and take into consideration the emotional wellbeing and lifestyle of the patient.  This enables me to look at ways to prevent a re-occurrence.

Emotional Behaviour and Contributing Factors

Many patients who have a sports-related injury feel that exercise is vital for them in combatting and controlling stress.  But overdoing it at the gym after a long day at work is quite often a factor in causing the initial injury.  And then the patient is reluctant to rest properly because they feel it impacts their ability to manage their stress.  And so the cycle continues.  But rest is a very important part of recovery.  So, in addition to treating their injury, I encourage my patients to engage in new ways of managing stress.  Which means that, even when they are recovered, they have alternative ways of coping with their daily life.

Autogenic therapy is a style of relaxation therapy.  I work with patients over a course of eight sessions to teach them a set of simple mental and physical exercises and techniques, with the aim of taking steps towards restoring and healing body and mind. With a wide range of allied therapies like autogenic training on offer, tackling stress, anxiety and other emotional factors can be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan.  Ensuring that recovery is emotionally, as well as physically, beneficial.

Lifestyle

My aim is to not only to address current symptoms, but also prevent illness or further injury.   I may use therapies such as Naturopathy, where I work with the patient to identify areas that might be undermining their health.  This could be diet, lifestyle choices, medical history, and physical or emotional circumstances.  The plans I develop for my patients are designed to encourage the body to heal itself and to help guard against future illness or injury.  And our patients agree!

“Professional, highly skilled, holistic – Robin’s treatments have helped reduce my back and neck pain which had plagued me for years. He has taught me how to reduce re-occurrences through exercise and lifestyle change.  I was very despondent before I came to see him and he continues to help me hugely; I’m very grateful.”

Have you picked up an injury or feel that your lifestyle may be impacting your overall health?  Why not book an appointment at either our Central London or East Finchley clinic?  Our specific osteopathy approach can be highly effective in identifying wider health issues and therefore instrumental in fixing the whole self.  Although we still can’t make any promises in terms of next day delivery recovery!

I’ve always been interested in the balance of the physical, emotional and biomechanical – or the Naturopathic triangle.  I chose to study at the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy (now the British College of Osteopathic Medicine) as I was keen to explore more than just the mechanical side of the discipline.  Since qualifying in 1996, I have further expanded my expertise to encompass a range of therapies, so I can offer a bespoke treatment to patients.  But Naturopathy – which promotes the body’s own self-healing mechanism – remains a cornerstone of my treatment plans.

21st century impact

Modern life is far removed from how we originally lived so it’s unsurprising that it can take a toll on our bodies and pose a challenge to our health:

  • burning the candle at both ends
  • the impact of the ever-present technology
  • multiple and continual calls on our time that lead to stress and anxiety
  • poor eating habits
  • sedentary lifestyles
  • modern pollutants

In fact, environmental factors – both physical and emotional ones – can even affect our genes.  This is evidenced in Epigenetics – the study of cellular and physiological traits, or the external and environmental factors, that turn our genes on and off, and in turn, define how our cells actually read those genes. Dr Bruce Lipton has written extensively about this and you can find out more here.

Who is Naturopathy for?

Naturopathy can help patients young and old and in many states of ill/health. It can help a person understand their health and well-being from a broader point of view; even with regard to chronic or acute conditions.  But its principal aim is not only addressing current symptoms but also the prevention of illness.

How does Naturopathy form part of a Robin Kiashek consultation?

Naturopathy is based on understanding the person as a whole. So, when a patient first visits me I ask them a series of questions about their lifestyle, medical history, physical and, when appropriate, emotional circumstances.

Depending on the answers and the patient’s requirements/objectives, I may then undertake a clinical examination.  Then I work with the patient to identify any factors that may be undermining their health and to develop a plan based on their needs.  The aim is to plan a future protocol that will help them move towards a healthier life.  This will likely involve looking at diet, lifestyle routines, sleep and hydration.  But I may also incorporate my other specialisms – Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Low Level Laser Therapy and Autogenic Training.

Chess but not as we know it

To return to the Naturopathic Triangle, I like to think of what I do as playing chess on a three-layered board.  With the top layer representing the physical being, the middle board the emotional and the bottom board the nutritional.  And a move on the top board will affect not only the pieces on that board but also those on the middle and bottom.

So, as a qualified Naturopathic Osteopath based in London, I can help you equip your body with the tools it needs to heal itself, or even to prevent illness from developing. Essentially, I help my patients achieve wellbeing through natural methods and treatments, allowing their bodies to fight and prevent disease, minimising the need for surgery or drugs.

To find out more on how my holistic brand of Naturopathic Osteopathy can help combat the stresses and strains of modern life, why not book an appointment at one on my clinics?

Hints and tips for achieving a better night’s sleep.  For a happier, healthier you.

Sleep is a hugely popular topic of conversation. And with over 60% of us unhappy with the amount of shuteye we get* it’s not surprising that it’s often the first thing we discuss with our partners in the morning – especially when young children are involved! Read on to find out why sleep is so important, how our bodies can be affected when we don’t get enough and some top tips for getting a blissful night’s rest.

*Dreams UK Sleep Survey 2016

Why is a good night’s sleep so important?

Sleep plays a significant role in brain development and is essential to maintaining cognitive skills such as speech, memory and innovative and flexible thinking. It’s also vital in protecting our physical health.

And whilst most of us know that a lack of sleep often leaves us feeling grumpy and sluggish, how many of us realise the huge impact it can have on other areas of our lives, including our physical and emotional health?

Tell-tale physical signs

The physical impact of not achieving the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night can bring a range of issues:

  • Sallow skin;
  • Dark circles under the eyes;
  • A lowered immune system;
  • Increased chances of developing chronic illness such as diabetes and heart disease;
  • Imbalance in the hormones that tell us whether we are hungry or full, which could result in weight gain;
  • Reduced energy levels;
  • Higher insulin levels which could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes;
  • Decreased ability to heal, build muscle mass or repair cells and tissues;
  • Back and neck issues from poor sleep positioning;

Emotionally drained

But the impact of poor sleep isn’t limited to physical issues, it can also have a significant emotional effect:

  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Irritation, anger or hostility
  • More easily annoyed
  • Fuzzy thinking and difficulty in making decisions
  • A lack of positivity
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased anxiety
  • Forgetfulness

Stress and sleep

Like sleep, or the lack of it, stress is another factor that affects many of us and I’ll be looking at this in more detail in my next newsletter. But increased stress levels can have a significant effect on the quality and quantity of sleep so it’s well worth considering whether you feel anxious and if you can pinpoint stress factors in your life that could be addressed.

What can I do?

So, what can you do to combat the signs of sleep deprivation and reduce the impact it has on your life? Here are some tips for getting that all important 8 hours:

  • Don’t go to bed on a full stomach – avoid heavy or large meals within a few hours of bedtime. They could lead to discomfort and keep you awake;
  • Avoid alcohol before bed – initially it may make you sleepy but can cause wakefulness after a couple of hours and make it difficult to get back off again;
  • Stop the stimulants – caffeine and nicotine are best avoided in the run up to bed time. The effects of caffeine can last for up to 8 hours, so that late afternoon coffee could be causing a problem;
  • Create a calm environment – cool, dark and quiet are the ideal elements to promote a good night’s sleep;
  • Develop a wind down routine – calming activities such as taking a bath, reading a book or performing relaxation techniques could all aid sleep;
  • Timing is key – try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day to re-inforce your body’s sleep/wake cycle;
  • Power down – switch off computers and phones at least an hour before bed;
  • Pillow perfection – make sure your pillow is the correct size and firmness for you. It should fit snuggly into your neck and shoulders so that it fully supports your head;
  • Check that mattress – the recommended lifespan of a mattress is eight years so it might be time for a trip to the shops;
  • It’s all about the base – Your mattress should suit your physical needs, which isn’t necessarily always a hard mattress, as is often the case. In addition, your mattress of choice also needs support. Placing a mattress on slats will not benefit the longevity of it. Consider investing in a divan which is itself sprung and onto which your mattress rests. This combination will be much more beneficial.

But if you are still feeling the effects of lack of sleep and need something extra to help you combat the impact this is having on your life, then why not come and see me?

As an Osteopath and Naturopath (with clinics in North London and Soho, Central London) registered with both The General Osteopathic Council and The British Naturopathic Association, I am committed to helping my patients achieve physical and emotional wellbeing.

I will work with you to address your presenting symptoms and to understand the cause of them. I will also support you to improve your overall health. Plus, there is some encouraging evidence which suggests that acupuncture has a role to play in helping people to deal with longstanding sleep problems and that might be something we could explore.

So why not get in touch today to find out how you can start the journey to a better night’s sleep?

Naturopathy is a complementary health profession based on the old-age philosophy that the human body has the innate ability to heal itself through nature.

From modern pollutants and poor diet to emotional and psychological issues today’s world can pose a challenge to our health and block natural influences.

Who can naturopathy help?

Patients of all ages and most states of health can be helped by naturopathy. Naturopathy not only addresses current symptoms but also aims to prevent illness before it develops.

Naturopathy treats each patient as a unique individual and is based on understanding the person as a whole.

What you can expect when you first visit me

As a Naturopath, my role is to help rid your body of the toxins and underlying issues that may harm its capacity to heal itself. I will help you to achieve wellbeing through natural methods and treatments.

I will work with you to develop an individual plan based on your needs and to achieve this I will work with you to identify any factors that may be undermining your health.

To better understand you, on your first visit, I will ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, medical history, physical and when appropriate, emotional circumstances and diet.

I may undertake further tests depending on the answers you have provided and your specific requirements and objectives.

Based on the information I gather, I will begin to work with you to develop a plan suited to your specific circumstance. It may be appropriate to harness other treatments that I offer and you can find out more about these in the How I Help You section of the website.

For more information on Naturopathy or to book a Naturopathy consultation in one of my London Clinics in W1 and N2 N10 please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.

My aim, as an experienced London osteopath, is to help my patients achieve overall health of the body and the mind.

Treating each patient as an individual

In addition to being a registered London osteopath I am also qualified in a range of other complementary therapies that allow my patients to benefit for an integrated approach to their wellbeing based on a treatment plan that is specific to their individual needs.

Other complementary therapies offered

The other complementary therapies that I am qualified to practice have both specific and general applications. They can also work extremely well in combination with each other. These therapies include:
Naturopathy
Life Coaching and Neuro Lingustic Programming (NLP)
The Perrin Technique
Autogenic Training
Acupuncture (Western)
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

What some of my patients say

“Robin’s “holistic” approach attracted me … I can’t thank him enough for all he has done for me and I highly recommend him” JH (Read more)

“After all these years and the many, many things I have tried, I really didn’t think anything would help me, thanks to Robin and Autogenic Training I have been proved to be wrong– and that’s a first!!” DL (Read more)

“Robin has been my osteopath for 10 years. His addition of NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming & Life Coaching to his practice has been useful to me.” RK (Read more

Visit an experienced London Osteopath in W1 and N2 N10

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how I may help you or to book an Osteopathy appointment at either of my osteopathy clinic in London W1 and N2 N10 please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.