Michaela Scott BSc MNIMH
BSc Degree in Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine)
Member of The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH)
ITEC Diploma in Swedish Massage
VTCT Diploma in Indian Head Massage
Diploma in Pregnancy Massage
Doula (Member of Doula UK)
Hello,
I’ve been in practice for over 10 years now. Herbal Medicine, which has always had at its core what is now often referred to as a Functional Medicine approach (focusing on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease) has never been more relevant. Antibiotic resistance, the opioid crisis, and the myriad of health conditions that can’t be fixed with that one ‘magic bullet’ drug are leading people to realise the importance of taking responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
But doing that is not always easy. You can also do all the right things and still get thrown a curveball. What I love about my work is taking the time, with every single one of my patients, to understand whats happening in their life and their body. Having someone who will work with you in a holistic way, for as long as you need, really does make a difference. Getting well is life-changing; I know this from personal, as well as professional experience. I consider it is a real honour to be part of your health journey.
Education and training:
I began my training at Leeds University where I studied Medical Sciences for 2 years before transferring to a degree in Herbal Medicine with The College of Phytotherapy. Here I continued my study of medical sciences – including anatomy, biochemistry, differential diagnosis, physiology, pathology and medicine – alongside subjects such as botany, material medica, nutrition, pharmacology and pharmacognosy. Through its clinical training programme I gained practical experience at the student clinics of the College of Phytotherapy in Battle, Leeds, London, Scarborough and Sheffield, as well as the Universities of East London, Middlesex and Westminster. I completed a Clinical Examination course at the British School of Osteopathy, covering Abdominal, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Neurological and Respiratory physical examination techniques. During this time I also trained in Swedish Massage and Indian Head Massage.
I graduated with a BSc degree in Herbal Medicine in May 2008, after an extended period of study, punctuated by two wonderful children, who both challenged and enriched my studies.
Background:
I was born and brought up in York where my parents had their own business selling health-foods, herbal remedies and supplements, so from an early age I was exposed to the values of good nutrition, taking responsibility for your own health and a number of complementary therapies. I have always been interested in how the human body functions in both its healthy and diseased state, as well as having a strong desire to help people to be as healthy as possible. Personal experience of illness as a teenager encouraged me to re-evaluate my views of health and disease and gave me greater insight into how ill health can affect people physically and emotionally. At the same time it also made me more fully appreciate the wonderful blessing of good health and I became increasingly interested in Herbal Medicine (and other complementary therapies) as it was clear to me that ‘conventional medicine’ did not have all the answers.
I am not anti conventional medicine. There are many things that it does very well. As a practitioner I am committed to acting in the best interests of my patients which means I am vigilant for ‘red flags’ and will refer patients back to their GP or specialist if necessary. I am trained to understand modern drugs and can prescribe herbs which will not interfere with any medication a patient may already be taking. I am excited by the possibilities of Herbal Medicine becoming more accepted into the mainstream of medicine and I look forward to the day when we have truly integrative healthcare.
I am particularly drawn to Herbal Medicine as it combines a holistic approach with a valid scientific rationale. Herbs are complex pharmacological entities. They work on account of their complex chemistry. We would be doing both our ancestors and ourselves a disservice if we ignored the innate wisdom and instinct which discovered the healing properties of particular plants, however, we would be reckless not to also rely on scientific knowledge and research before dispensing such active substances. Any given herb contains hundreds of chemical compounds – their chemical complexity means that they have a broader range of activity than any single drug – they can adapt multiple functions in the body. Often this multi-functionality increases their therapeutic effect, sometimes it moderates its actions – reducing unwanted side-effects.
I strongly believe that herbal medicine should be accessible to all and that part of a herbalists role is education and empowerment – working within the community to help people to improve their own health.
Setting the standard in Herbal Medicine since 1864
