MysticMag has the pleasure of chatting with Santhy Shetty, a dedicated Specialist holistic Medicine Consultant based in Birmingham and now has extended her holistic therapies to London, offering rejuvenating and calming therapies through Narié Holistic and Naturopathic Clinic. Specializing various alternative therapies including acupuncture and natural Bach Remedies, Santhy creates tailored solutions to alleviate anxiety, stress, and sleep issues. Recognized for her compassionate approach, she integrates holistic therapies to complement conventional treatments, helping clients manage illness and enhance overall well-being. With a focus on mind-body wellness, Santhy’s therapies are designed to support clients on their journey to better health and balance.
Santhy, can you describe how your background as a registered pharmacist influences your approach to holistic therapy, and how you integrate traditional and alternative medicine in your practice?
I am an independent Prescribing Practitioner Specialised in Skincare, Hormone Imbalance, Pain management, Mental Health and Weight Management as a Specialist Holistic Medicine consultant with over 12 years of experience in pharmacy, health care, and holistic medicine. I completed my professional qualification from University Of Oxford (Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre) Oxford NHS Trust for CBT, and Contemporary Development in Coaching. I have a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from Aston University, a Master’s degree in Community Health and Preventive Medicine from University of Kent, and a Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing from University of Birmingham. I am a Fellow member of Complementary Medicine Associations FCMA,
I studied Pharmacy at Aston University, driven by a deep interest in the field, particularly in phytochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and the broader aspects of medicine. During my studies, I received a bursary, which supported my academic journey. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at university, where I not only gained a solid foundation in pharmacy but also developed a keen interest in the intricacies of medicinal chemistry.
I completed a summer placement with Boots in Worcestershire and later gained experience through a hospital placement. Following my studies, I completed my registration as a trainee pharmacist in Worcestershire. Upon finishing my training, I was offered a position with Boots, the largest chain of pharmacy stores in the UK. My time there was invaluable; I received excellent training and had the privilege of working alongside experienced senior pharmacists. After becoming fully qualified as a community pharmacist, I was headhunted by Lloyds Pharmacy, which offered me a more attractive package. This led me to start my career in a region that included Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Oxfordshire, covering a large area and supporting various communities.
This period was immensely fulfilling as I engaged with a diverse patient population, reviewing their medications and providing advice. In particular, I worked in an area with a significant elderly population, many of whom had multiple comorbidities. These patients often asked insightful questions when they visited the pharmacy, seeking advice on how to manage their conditions, reduce side effects, and explore alternatives to their current medications.
My passion for helping patients grew stronger during this time. I began exploring holistic approaches as a hobby, driven by my personal interest in holistic health and the desire to offer my patients additional support. Many patients asked about supplements and herbs, and I realized that my pharmacy background, combined with holistic practices, could greatly benefit them. This led to the creation of Narié Holistic, which started as a small project with a therapy room where I could offer personalized care.
I conducted extensive research on the mind-body connection and how it impacts health. I observed that many patients experienced pain, mental health challenges, and lifestyle issues that could be alleviated through a holistic approach. The word about my work spread, and I was approached by Jasmin Herr, a research and development professional at the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (QEHB). She was intrigued by my project and offered me funding to explore how holistic medicine could be applied to various conditions, such as Skincare, pain management, health anxiety, depression and menopause.
With this support, I expanded my work, focusing on women’s health, stress, diabetes, postnatal depression, sciatica, and other conditions. My project grew organically, primarily through word of mouth, as patients and clients shared their positive experiences.
As a pharmacist, I frequently encounter patients dealing with complex conditions. For instance, many painkillers can cause addiction or gastrointestinal disturbances, leading to a cycle of taking additional medications to counteract side effects. This is where holistic therapy plays a crucial role. It helps patients address the root causes of their issues, such as lifestyle factors that contribute to conditions like diabetes, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Holistic therapy often involves treating the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected. How do you tailor your treatments to address the unique needs of each client, particularly when dealing with conditions like stress, anxiety, or chronic pain?
Holistic therapy offers a preventive approach, allowing patients to manage their health before conditions become chronic. By integrating this with traditional pharmacy practices, I have been able to provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health. For example, I tailor holistic packages that might include talking therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional advice, which help patients reduce their reliance on medications like painkillers.
One case that stands out is a patient who approached Narié Holistic after undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She was struggling with sleep, menopausal symptoms, and anxiety. Due to her medical history, she couldn’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I developed a personalized plan for her that included talking therapy, acupuncture, Reiki, and nutritional guidance. These interventions significantly improved her sleep, reduced her anxiety, and helped her manage her symptoms. She was able to return to her routine and work, expressing immense gratitude for the holistic approach that complemented her NHS treatment.
In my practice, I emphasize the importance of the mind-body connection, especially in conditions like tension headaches, skin problems, and chronic pain. I tailor treatments to each individual, incorporating holistic therapies that support their overall well-being. By addressing the root causes of their conditions and providing tools to maintain a positive mindset, I help my patients achieve better health outcomes without the side effects associated with conventional medications.
Holistic therapy is increasingly recognized for its ability to complement allopathic treatments, offering a comprehensive approach to health that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. My work with Narié Holistic continues to grow, driven by the positive impact it has on my patients’ lives.
Your clinic offers a variety of holistic treatments, from Bach Remedies to Reiki and acupuncture. Could you share some insights on how you determine which therapy or combination of therapies is best suited for a particular client’s condition?
If someone is battling cancer, we provide a comprehensive approach that includes talking therapy, Dr. Bach’s flower remedies—known for their lack of side effects even when used alongside chemotherapy—to help manage anxiety and depression. We also offer health advice on supplements that boost immunity without interacting negatively with chemotherapy, as they are natural and akin to food supplements. We ensure these supplements are safe for those undergoing chemotherapy, or for patients who have completed their treatment and are now on their healing journey.
During this recovery phase, it’s essential to support their immunity and overall well-being. Sometimes, even after chemotherapy is completed, the journey to getting an “all-clear” can take time. We focus on providing the necessary support to facilitate this process. This includes introducing meditation techniques, such as Raja yoga, which I personally practice. We also incorporate Dr. Bach’s remedies, acupuncture if feasible, and facial acupressure massages. These massages not only alleviate symptoms like tension headaches but also promote better circulation, offering a radiant outlook—especially when emotional distress has taken a toll on the skin, leaving it looking tired. Our goal is to combine these therapies effectively to support the patient’s overall well-being.
With the increasing recognition of holistic therapies by institutions like the NHS, how do you see the role of holistic and naturopathic treatments evolving in the future of healthcare?
I believe holistic treatments will gain popularity because more patients are seeking these options, especially when dealing with chronic conditions. While we always adhere to medical guidelines, there’s often a collaborative approach between the patient and clinician to explore complementary therapies. From my experience, particularly with the aging population, there’s a growing interest in managing multiple health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain, with natural methods.
Many patients prefer trying natural or holistic treatments to reduce their reliance on allopathic medications. It’s important to note that holistic medicine is not just about alternative therapies; it plays a crucial role in helping patients feel better overall—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The holistic approach addresses the whole person, fostering a connection between mind and body.
There are numerous examples and evidence showing that these treatments can improve patients’ well-being. It is clear that when patients feel better emotionally, they experience better sleep, improved mood, and even better control over conditions like diabetes. This emotional well-being is a significant part of the healing journey, demonstrating the value of integrating holistic practices into patient care.
Workshops on holistic art therapy, meditation, and the holistic health approach are part of your offerings. How do these educational sessions complement your one-on-one treatments, and what impact have you seen them have on your clients?
Seeing the impact of my work has been truly rewarding. I feel like I’ve made a significant difference in some clients’ lives, particularly through coaching, meditation techniques, and the workshops we offer online. One notable example is a client who was a company director and had cancer. She mentioned on LinkedIn that she wished she had met me sooner. The assurance I provided, combining my healthcare background with holistic medicine, gave her extra confidence. She underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer, and although the cancer is now cleared, the process was very challenging. My support helped her sleep better, manage her responsibilities more effectively, and lifted her spirits. It was incredibly fulfilling to see such positive changes in her life.
You can read more about these experiences in the reviews on my Google and LinkedIn pages. The feedback has been amazing and shows how powerful the mind-body connection can be. Holistic and alternative therapies have proven effective for many patients, offering significant benefits without being costly. Even with just a few sessions, clients find these therapies to be valuable tools for their healing journey, providing comfort and support during challenging times.
If you would like to find out more about Santhy Shetty, please visit :
https://www.narieholisticlondon.co.uk or
https://www.narieholistic.co.uk/
