Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Dr Sanien de Beer - Practitioner of Phytotherapy


DR SANIEN DE BEER
Practitioner of Phytotherapy
AHPCSA Registration number A01304

About

Dr Sanien de Beer has been involved with Holistic Health for the past 15 years. She is a qualified Phytotherapist, has a Diploma in Nutritional Medicine and is one of the few registered practitioners of Bach Flower Remedies in South Africa. In addition to these areas of expertise, she also offers treatments in Clinical Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Reflexology, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder method) and Thermo Auricular Therapy.

The empowerment of patients through the sharing of knowledge about health and lifestyle choices is paramount to Dr de Beer, who feels that patients should be able to take responsibility for their own health.  She is passionate about the versatility of medicinal plants, which enables her to approach each patient individually and with sensitivity to their particular needs.  Through scientific research, she is able to support her knowledge and interest in traditional medicinal plant uses, thus offering her patients an integrative approach to wellness.  

What is Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is derived from the word ‘phyto’, which means ‘plant’ in Greek.  By combining scientific research and the highest professional standards with the practice of herbal medicine and effective and safe use of medicinal plants; Phytotherapy translates into modern herbal medicine at its best.  

In Phytotherapy, plant medicines are selected mainly to stimulate or strengthen the normal functions of the body, thereby supporting the body in its healing process. Since plant medicines are often used in conjunction with modern, orthodox drugs, Phytotherapists are aware of potential drug herb interactions and will treat their patients accordingly. Depending on the patients’ specific needs, herbal medicines are offered in the form of tinctures, tablets, herbal teas, creams or oils.

Patients who will benefit from these treatments
·       Children
·       Adults
·       Those suffering from chronic conditions
·       Pre and post operative patients
·       Those suffering from lifestyle associated diseases

Other Treatment Modalities

·       Nutritional Medicine: 
Food, diet and nutritional supplements are viewed from the perspective of their therapeutic potential, which enables Dr de Beer to provide dietary advice and prescribe nutritional supplements to assist in the treatment of a broad range of health conditions.   Nutritional Medicine is used to support organ function, treat disease and restore mental and emotional balance. It is also successfully used for weight gain and weight loss.

·       Therapeutic Reflexology:
Therapeutic Reflexology helps to relieve stress and tension, allowing the body to function more effectively. It is a non-invasive therapy that involves specialized techniques performed on the feet and/or hands.  By stimulating these reflex areas, the body is supported to achieve wellbeing and balance.

·       Clinical Aromatherapy:
Clinical Aromatherapy is a multifaceted, non-invasive system of treatment that uses aromatic plant extracts to facilitate the restoration of health. The sense of smell has a direct connection to the brain, which explains the profound effect of essential oils on both a mental and emotional level. Used appropriately, Clinical Aromatherapy is a safe, effective, natural treatment modality – so much more than just a ‘fragrant rub’.

·       Bach Flower Remedies:
This is a system of 38 plant and flower remedies, which were discovered in the 1930’s by Dr Edward Bach. The purpose of these remedies is to support a person’s fight against illness by addressing emotional factors such as depression, anxiety and trauma, which are thought to impede physical healing. It can also be used preventatively during times of anxiety and stress.

·       Thermal Auricular Therapy:
This treatment entails the professional use of Hopi ear Candles and is an ancient, natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. It is a pleasant and non-invasive treatment of the ears, used to treat a variety of ear, nose and throat conditions and associated problems. It is safe for children and has a deeply relaxing effect on both body and mind.

·       Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder method – MLDV):
This is the most widely know method used to treat a variety of conditions related to lymphoedema and swelling.  It is an advanced massage technique, which eases swelling and inflammation caused by injury, trauma or surgery.  As a pre and post operative treatment it is unparalleled in its ability to ease most of the tissue swelling, speeding the healing rate of damaged structures while having a profound effect on the immune system.