General
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We are regulated and fully insured under the governance of our professional governing bodies for the services we offer.
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No referral is needed, you may contact us directly for any of our services. However, should you require a further assessment, a referral will be made.
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Functional medicine, also known as lifestyle medicine, is an individualised approach to patients' health, taking into account all the possible contributing factors and looking at a wider picture. For example, we consider how lifestyle choices and external factors may be negatively impacting your health, in order to identify and address the root cause of ill health. This approach starts with determining your state of health, identifying any essential elements that may be lacking and causing the body to malfunction. This is often achieved with functional lab testing.
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The treatments that we offer are all backed up with scientific data and have been recognised as effective therapies within the field of functional medicine. This is only the beginning! As more research is conducted and the science moves on, we will be adding more treatments to expand our offering.
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Yes, but we do insist on an initial consultation with your oncologist before commencing any treatment. This is because whilst our services are often used in cancer treatment, there may be contraindications depending on your medication and type of cancer. Please note, our treatments are not intended to be undertaken as a cure for any type of disease or illness.
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We recommend that you contact your insurer directly to see if the services are covered under your policy. We will be able to provide you with a full receipt, so that you can claim directly with your insurance.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Please see here for a full explanation of how HBOT works.
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We would always recommend a course of treatment, as HBOT is most effective when practised regularly over a period of time. Please consult with your practitioner on the best course of action for you. Alternatively we are always delighted to advise where we can.
HBOT can cost as little as £140 per session when booked as part of a course of treatment sessions.
Upon request, we can also organise a consultation with our specialist HBOT clinician who has more than 35 years of experience in treating patients.
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We do ask that you complete our health questionnaire ahead of your appointment. Depending on any existing conditions, we may ask you to obtain the consent of your GP or specialist doctor before commencing treatment.
We advise you to eat before an HBOT session, to avoid any possible hypoglycaemic effects. Please avoid alcohol and drugs, as these could cause unwanted side effects.
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Please note, it is recommended that you do not fly 24 hours before or after a session.
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HBOT is a completely clothed therapy. We would advise you to wear cotton clothes, no jewellery or watches and ideally no hair products, skin oils or nail polish where possible.
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Ideally not, but you can take a book! Most of our clients treat this session as a wonderful opportunity to disconnect and focus on your breath.
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Your chamber operator will make sure you are comfortable and talk you through the control panel on the inside of the chamber. You can speak to the operator at any time during your treatment session and they will remain with you throughout the session. Once the session begins you can control the speed of pressurisation down to suit your comfort level. The chamber operator will talk you through the process via a little tannoy speaker inside the chamber. Then simply relax and enjoy the experience!
The Vital Practice runs a two seater chamber, so you may not be alone during your treatment. We do ask for your cooperation in the event that the session needs to be terminated for any reason.
If at any time you want to exit the chamber, simply advise the operator and they will start the decompression. This usually takes around 5 minutes, but can be accelerated to under 2 minutes if necessary.
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Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes. The treatment itself and the number of sessions required will depend on your individual requirements.
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Our Oxyhelp chamber is extremely safe, in fact it is widely regarded as the safest on the market. You will also be closely supervised by the Hyperbaric therapist, who will stay with you and guide you through the process for the duration of the treatment.
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Depending on your needs, you might be advised to have a course of either 10, 20, 40 or 60 sessions, ideally every day or every two to three days per week. The regularity is as important as the number of sessions.
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This depends very much on the individual. Some people will notice an immediate difference after the first session, others a couple of weeks after the completion of the treatment.
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There are three main contraindications:
If you have issues with fluids in your lungs or pneumothorax.
If you are pregnant (please see below)
If you have issues with your ears and sinuses.
Please note, HBOT is not suitable for 24 hours before or after flying.
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No, we do not advocate HBOT during pregnancy, for the same reason that doctors advise against flying after a certain point in your pregnancy. This is because of the very small risk of possible adverse effects on the foetus that could be induced by a change in oxygen pressure. Due to the insufficient studies that have been carried out, we will not offer you HBOT during pregnancy.
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We would strongly advise against undergoing HBOT after drinking, this is because the pressurised chamber may intensify the effect of alcohol. You must tell us if you have consumed alcohol before entering the chamber as we cannot be held liable for any negative effects that could occur as a consequence.
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The most common side effect is minor discomfort or pain to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. We can easily minimize this risk by clearing the ears during compression, with frequent yawning or gentle blowing of the nose (valsalva maneuver), just as you would on a flight.
If you have confinement anxiety or claustrophobia, this may be triggered by being in the chamber. Often however, patients find that they feel absolutely fine, due to the ceiling of the chamber being glass.
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If you are able to, it is better to try and relax after HBOT. You might also feel very tired after a session. If you are really keen to exercise however, there are no known contraindications!
Osteopathy Services
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Before commencing any treatment, we will always explain and agree the process with you. your range of motion and all meaningful movements will be assessed before and after treatment, so that an understanding of progress can be made. After the first session clients commonly notice a positive progression towards their goal.
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We understand each patient to be individual, and therefore will respond, react and progress at different rates. We suggest a rough treatment course of 6 sessions, however in our experience some patients resolve sooner, whilst others take more time. Therefore any prescriptive ‘block packages’ feels inappropriate.
Photobiomodulation Therapy
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PBM is a simple therapy that is not only very relaxing, but also completely pain free. Our osteopathic team will determine whether PBM is required and advise on a treatment programme.
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No, not at all, just bring yourself to the appointment!
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On average, the treatment takes between 10 and 20 minutes. You may undertake several sessions every day or every other day for up to two weeks, depending on your needs.
Treatment might need to be repeated if you have a degenerative condition.
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Yes, PBM is extremely safe, there are no known side effects and no danger whatsoever.
This is what is known as ‘cold’ laser therapy.
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It depends on your health issue and how your body reacts to photobiomodulation. Multiple sessions are the norm.
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As there has been no specific research on PBM as a treatment for pregnant women, we would advise against this therapy during pregnancy.
If you have tattoos we will cover these up before treatment on the bed, as there has been no specific research on the effect of laser through tattoo ink to date.
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Usually you feel an immediate result, although it may take up to a few hours after the first session. Treatment has a cumulative effect, meaning that every time you visit the results will be more noticeable.
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Alcohol has no known effect on PBM therapy.
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Yes!
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Yes, you can, but you do need to have the full support of your oncologist and we will work with them to make sure there are no contraindications. Regrettably we are not able to accept cancer patients as self-referral for any of our services.
Please note that PBM is in no way curative. It is often used to assist convalescence and to help the body recover from cancer treatment.
If you would like to visit us as a cancer patient, please firstly gain permission from your oncologist. We will ask you to fill out a short intake form to find out what you would like to use PBM to help with, before suggesting a treatment plan.
Phlebotomy Services
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Phlebotomy is a blood draw service that helps you manage your functional medicine testing. It’s essentially the same as going to your GP for a blood test.
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At present, your blood work can only be ordered by a doctor, nutritionist or health practitioner. Your results will be shared directly with them, so that they can interpret the results and advise on any treatment accordingly.
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Yes, depending on what analysis you are doing. Once your appointment is booked, we will send you full instructions, which contain all the information you need to know ahead of time. Please read all instructions carefully and consult with your practitioner directly if you have questions.
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The blood sample is typically taken from your arm, so please wear something easy to roll up.
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This is a very simple process, similar to visiting the GP for a blood test. On arrival, we will make sure you are comfortable, offer you a drink and answer any questions you may have. We will then take your blood sample, after which you are free to leave. We will prepare your samples and send them to the laboratory the same day.
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Appointment times last on average between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the number of blood samples required.
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Prices range from £55-£65, depending on requirements.
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Results often come back within a few days, but may take up to 3 weeks. Your practitioner will arrange a consultation to explain your results once they receive them back from the lab.
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Your lab results will be sent directly to your practitioner, who will then share your results at your next appointment.
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There is no need to inform us if you are pregnant.
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Yes, we have a centrifuge and a lab fridge on the premises of our practice.
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No, we currently do not have a freezer on the premises of our practice. For our patients that require their blood sample to be frozen, we advise you to contact your lab directly for further advice. Kindly note, our phlebotomist can draw your blood, complete the necessary paperwork and assist with the packaging, however it would be the responsibility of the patient requiring this service to freeze their sample at home and arrange delivery.
IV Nutrient Infusion Therapy
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An Intravenous (IV) drip is a safe and extremely effective way to deliver specific nutrients into your bloodstream.
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Because this method of introducing nutrients bypasses the gut, it avoids any potential absorption issues and ensures 100% bioavailability of the vitamins and minerals that your body is deficient in.
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We generally recommend no more than two drips per week, and no more than ten over a six month period.
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Because this method of introducing nutrients bypasses the gut, it avoids any potential absorption issues and ensures 100% bioavailability of the vitamins and minerals that your body is deficient in. You should also take into account the quality of your food, there are a lot of variables including how fresh the food is which affect bioavailability.
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Results do vary depending on the person and the type of infusion, as we all have different biological make up. Many people feel the difference immediately, others won’t feel any different physically, but that doesn’t mean the nutrients haven’t been absorbed - you will still be reaping the benefits.
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Please eat and drink as normal on the day of your IV drip. Please wear something easy to roll up so that we can comfortably access your arm.
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Our IV menu outlines all the options along with an explanation of the benefits of each concoction. If you can’t decide or have questions, please feel free to contact us and we can help you choose the best IV drip for you.
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Regrettably we are currently unable to offer this service to pregnant women.
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Infection is very rare, but as with any procedure there is a very small risk. Bacteraemia (blood infection) affects 0.5 cases per 1,000 days of IV access of peripheral cannula insertion, compared to 2.7 cases per 1000 days IV access for central catheter insertion. This equates to around a 1 in 48000 chance of infection.
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Unfortunately not. As with many therapies, there has not been sufficient research done for us to be able to make this service available during pregnancy.
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Yes.
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The fluid that enters your bloodstream is often slightly lower than your body temperature, and it is this that can make you feel a little cold.
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No, there are no known negative side effects to IV Drip therapy.
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Yes, this therapy need not affect your usual routine, although you may want to leave it an hour or so after your treatment before you exercise.
Our practice manager Yasmin is a fully qualified phlebotomist and cannulist and happy to answer any questions you may have.
The Practice
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The practice is conveniently located just off Regents Street in central London, a 5 minute walk from the BBC.
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Yes, we are open to everyone! Please note, a referral is required for our Phlebotomy service - and depending on your initial health questionnaire you may be required to consult your GP before undertaking Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and Photobiomodulation therapy.
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Of course! We are always delighted to advise, but please note we are not able to provide specific medical advice or offer a diagnosis.
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Never. Our advice is freely given in the hope that it may help you on your journey to optimum wellness.