Latest from our Blog
Herbal Medicine in Modern Times
Traditional systems of medicine, like herbal medicine —approach health and illness from a very different perspective to modern medicine which can feel quite foreign to those of us who have been brought up with or trained in conventional medicine.
Unlocking the Healing Power of Essential Oils
Aromatherapy, is the therapeutic use of essential oils, which are highly concentrated extractions from plants. It has been gaining increased recognition within integrative medicine particularly within integrative oncology and palliative care. We often associate aromatherapy with anxiety relief or mood improvement (the calming properties of lavender being a famous example!) but there have been various studies in its use to complement conventional cancer treatments across a range of physical and psychological conditions particularly nausea, vomiting, cancer pain, fatigue and quality of life.
Fasting for Life
The evidence is compelling: intermittent fasting can help with weight control, supports fat-burning hormone production, boosting metabolism, lowering insulin levels and reducing insulin resistance; it improves the gut microbiome, helps regulate blood sugar, reduces liver fat, cholesterol and blood pressure and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The evidence strongly supports its role in improving metabolic health and also potentially cognitive function which is promising for the world of dementia and Alzheimer’s research – now the leading cause of death in the UK.
Mistletoe Therapy in Integrative Oncology
How Mistletoe Therapy is used in combination with conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to reduce their side effects and support the body’s fuller recovery.
Is Stress a Choice?
Stress is often seen as something that happens to us, an unavoidable byproduct of our modern lives. But what if, at least in part, stress is something we choose? Not the stressors themselves, of course, life will always throw us curveballs, and this is out of our control. But how we respond to those stressors plays a much bigger role than we often realise.
NEW Podcast: Integrative Medicine Matters
I can’t wait to share with you my brand new podcast, Integrative Medicine Matters where I will explore whole-person health with leading experts in integrative, functional, and lifestyle medicine. In each episode, I’ll be joined by expert guests who are pioneering new ways of thinking about healthcare.
Why weight loss jabs are NOT the answer to longevity
Why Ozempic is NOT the answer to longevity I've been watching the news on the GLP-1 weight loss injections with frustration and sadness with the latest headlines reading they are the key to longevity. Drugs like this should be available for those in extreme cases who...
Trauma Conference Summary
Dr Elizabeth Thompson will summarise the key insights from the recent one day in-person NCIM Spring Conference on Trauma Informed Care within an Integrative Medicine Model, including the latest research and practical strategies for recognising and responding to trauma.
From Pollen to Peace: Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
It’s that time of year when I can really suffer with seasonal allergies. Whilst 1 in 4 Britons suffer with hayfever there really has been very little advancement in modern medicine to help the most chronic sufferers who can find themselves suffering for months on end which can be extremely debilitating.
Mind Matters: Breaking the Silence, Building Strength
This mental health week, instead of relying on a hashtag or a celebrity endorsement, what actionable things can we as healthcare professionals do to bring about meaningful change within healthcare?
Sleep and Why It’s So Important
In the UK, sleep issues are a significant concern, with 67% of adults reporting struggles with sleep with only 33% achieving the recommended 7-8 hours of rest per night.
Activating Healthcare Through Nature: An Integrative Healthcare Festival
What if the future of healthcare wasn’t just about treating illness, but actively cultivating health through connection—to ourselves, to each other, and to nature? That’s the powerful idea behind Activating Healthcare Through Nature, the very first Integrative Healthcare Festival, hosted by NCIM in collaboration with Weleda UK with special guest speakers Julia Bradbury.