About
Christelle Stockdale
In practice for 15 years, I'm a graduate of Naturopathic and Herbal Medicine from the London College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) and a registered practitioner with the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and the General Naturopathic Council. I incorporate the latest research into my health plans and am currently adding to my practitioner education with the Institute of Functional Medicine.
I see clients with many types of chronic conditions and help them to get to the root cause of disease and restore healthy function.
Herbal Medicine
The use of medicinal plants to heal ailments is one of the earliest kinds of medicine and is still the most widely practised medicine worldwide, the primary form of healthcare for 80% of the planet, according to the WHO. Many modern drugs have their origins in plants.
Plants, have a diverse spectrum of compounds, phytochemicals, which work together synergistically, in contrast to modern medicines, which often have a single active ingredient. Phytochemicals have a natural affinity for our bodies. Scientific study in this field has really taken off, yielding encouraging results and improving our understanding of how plants help us.
Based on traditional knowledge of their actions and supported by current scientific research, the herbs in your prescription are specifically chosen for you and your condition. This is typically taken as a liquid medicine of herbal tincture made up of a variety of herbs customised for you. Alcohol is present in the tincture. For those who need to avoid alcohol we can use herbs in an equivalent liquid formulation of glycerites or in the form of powders and teas. Herbs can also be included in creams that are applied topically.
Herbs can be used in conjunction with conventional medications, but caution is advised because some herbs and medications should not be taken together. Please bring any medications or supplements you are currently taking to the consultation (or bring pictures of the labels) so that I can select ones that do not interfere with any drugs you may be taking. It's also important to let your doctor know if you take any herbs or supplements.
Nutritional Therapy
As the father of medicine, Hippocrates, has stated "Let your medicine be your food and your food be your medicine".
We can all understand that nutrition is the fundamental cornerstone of good health. One of my favourite quotes epitomises that much of the ill health around today is related to what and how we are eating: "Do not dig your grave with your knife and fork!"
During our consultation, your nutritional status is evaluated, possibly along with recommendations for lab tests. Deficiencies and imbalances are then treated with high-quality nutritional supplements and food as medicine. The treatment process involves a lot of instruction. I work with you to understand what optimum nutrition means for you and how we can easily incorporate a healthy mindset and eating pattern into your life to help you achieve your health goals and prevent disease. I teach you how to balance your meals, advise on personalised diet plans, shopping and cooking methods.
We work on keeping a whole foods diet, free from processed food (or more to the point: food-like products). Yet there is of course much more to nutritional science than just giving the body the best building blocks you can.
When imbalances arise, we can look at specific foods to include or avoid, in order to improve the functioning of the body. As with herbal medicine, dietary changes and supplementation with nutraceuticals work to correct functions which have become out of balance, restoring health and wellbeing.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on supporting and stimulating the body's natural healing abilities.
It is based on the principle that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself when provided with the right conditions. As Naturopaths, we strive to identify and address the root causes of illness rather than merely treating symptoms. We employ a range of therapies, including nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle modifications, physical manipulation, and mind-body techniques, to promote wellness and prevent disease.
Naturopathy emphasises individualised care, taking into account the unique needs and circumstances of each person.
By fostering a balance in physical, mental, and emotional well-being, naturopathy aims to promote optimal health and vitality.
Environment
Much of the chronic illness of today can be attributed to the way we live. Along with high levels of toxicity and sky rocketing stress levels, never before have so many people consumed a diet which is so adulterated and devoid of nutrients. It is not enough to simply prescribe medicines, whether pharmaceutical or natural. Environmental factors must be addressed.
Chemicals, EMFs, molds, microplastics, pollutants of all kinds are all around us in the air, in our skin care products, in our foods, in our homes and cleaning products, in our water supply. Everywhere! A recent study worryingly found that breast milk from mothers in the United States contains an average of 200 chemicals, many of which have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems. They may be difficult to avoid completely, yet there are many ways we can both reduce our exposure to these chemicals, whilst simultaneously supporting the body's natural detoxification mechanisms. This is part of what we can evaluate in your health care and we can work together to reduce this toxic load and maximise nutrient density - this is so fundamental to wellbeing.
All of the above factors and approaches will be taken into consideration as we work together on your health journey