Your Questions, Answered

Everything you need to know about natural medicine, our treatments, and how we can support your health journey in Bray and across County Wicklow.

  • Natural medicine is a holistic approach to health that works with the body's own healing processes, rather than simply suppressing symptoms. While conventional medicine often focuses on treating specific diseases with pharmaceutical drugs or surgery, natural medicine looks at the whole person — including physical, emotional, lifestyle, and environmental factors — to identify and address the root causes of illness.

    At Bray Clinic of Natural Medicine, we draw on a range of evidence-informed therapies including naturopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and nutritional medicine. Natural and conventional medicine are not mutually exclusive; many of our patients use both alongside each other.Item description

  • Yes. The therapies we use are grounded in a combination of traditional knowledge and modern clinical research. Practitioners at our Bray clinic are fully qualified and hold professional memberships with Irish and international regulatory bodies.

    We always conduct a thorough health assessment before any treatment plan, and we take care to ensure that any natural remedies or supplements do not interact adversely with medications you may already be taking. Your safety is our first priority.

  • Absolutely. We actively encourage an integrated approach to healthcare. Natural medicine works best as a complement to — not a replacement for — your existing medical care. We are happy to liaise with your GP or consultant where appropriate, and we will always ask about current medications and treatments during your initial consultation.

  • ItYour initial naturopathic consultation at our Bray clinic is a comprehensive health assessment lasting approximately 60–90 minutes. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history, discuss your current symptoms and lifestyle, and may review relevant test results. Some practitioners also carry out functional health assessments.

    From this, a personalised wellness plan is created, which may include dietary recommendations, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes. Follow-up appointments track your progress and adjust the plan as needed.em description

  • We offer a wide range of natural health therapies, including:

    Naturopathy — a whole-body approach combining nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and natural therapies.
    Acupressure — traditional Chinese medicine using fingers and pressure to rebalance energy and reduce pain.
    Herbal Medicine — plant-based remedies tailored to your specific health needs.
    Nutritional Therapy — personalised dietary and supplement guidance to support optimal health.

    Shiatsu Massage Therapy — therapeutic bodywork to ease tension, pain, and stress.

    Contact us to discuss which treatment may be best suited to your needs.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

  • Shiatsu is a form of Japanese therapeutic bodywork rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. The name literally means "finger pressure" (shi = finger, atsu = pressure).

    What it involves: A practitioner applies rhythmic pressure using thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, and sometimes knees or feet along energy pathways called meridians. Sessions are typically done on a floor mat, with the client fully clothed. It also incorporates stretching, joint rotations, and gentle manipulation.

    The underlying theory is that life energy (ki, equivalent to Chinese qi) flows through meridians, and illness or discomfort results from blockages or imbalances in that flow. Shiatsu aims to restore balance.

    There is reasonable evidence for:

    • Reducing stress and anxiety — multiple studies show measurable relaxation responses

    • Easing muscle tension and mild musculoskeletal pain

    • Improving sleep quality

    • General sense of wellbeing and relaxation

    The bottom line: As a relaxation and stress-relief practice, it's generally considered safe and many people find it genuinely helpful. As a treatment for specific diseases, the scientific evidence doesn't strongly support it beyond placebo. Most Western medical bodies classify it as a complementary therapy — fine alongside conventional care, not a replacement for it.

    It’s very popular in Japan where it originates

  • Yes, we offer clinical herbal medicine as part of our holistic approach. Our qualified herbal practitioners create bespoke formulas tailored to your individual constitution and health goals.

    In Ireland, herbal products are regulated under EU directives — traditional herbal medicinal products must meet quality and safety standards set by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Our practitioners only prescribe high-quality, professionally sourced herbal remedies and will always check for any interactions with existing medications

  • You can book an appointment by contacting us directly by phone, email, or through the booking form on our website. We offer morning, afternoon, some evening appointments and appointments on Saturdays to suit busy schedules. We recommend calling ahead to discuss which treatment is right for you if you are unsure.

    We are conveniently located in Bray, Co. Wicklow, with excellent transport links from Dublin city, Dún Laoghaire, Greystones, and throughout Wicklow.

  • Consultation fees vary depending on the treatment type and duration. Initial consultations are typically longer and priced accordingly, while follow-up appointments are shorter and less expensive. Please contact us directly for our current fee schedule, as we aim to make natural healthcare accessible and offer competitive rates for the Bray and south Dublin area.

    First consultations are €90

    Subsequent consultations are €60

    Shiatsu treatments are €90

    Herbal Medicine is charged per weekly prescription, typically between €10 and €20 per week

  • No, it’s not covered by any of the main insurance companies. We are working on this and hope to have it covered in the future.

  • Usually with herbal medicine results are experienced within 5 days and by the time your second consultation happens there will be a distinct change

    With Shiatsu and body work the results are more immediate with patients noticing improvements after just one session often being able to reduce pain killers and increase their activities.

    Some patients with chronic, long-standing conditions may require a course of treatment over several weeks or months.

    At your initial consultation, your practitioner will give you a realistic indication of what to expect and how many sessions may be recommended. Natural medicine is not a quick fix — it works by supporting the body's underlying health — but many patients experience meaningful improvements in wellbeing relatively quickly.

  • Natural medicine can support a very wide range of health concerns. Conditions our Bray clinic commonly helps with include:

    Digestive health — IBS, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, food intolerances
    Stress, anxiety & sleep — burnout, insomnia, low mood, anxiety
    Hormonal health — PMS, menopause, fertility support, thyroid issues
    Chronic pain — back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines
    Immune & respiratory — recurrent infections, allergies, sinusitis, asthma support
    Skin conditions — eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea
    Energy & fatigue — chronic fatigue, low energy, post-viral recovery
    Weight & metabolic health — weight management, blood sugar balance, cholesterol

    If you're unsure whether we can help with your particular concern, please get in touch — we are always happy to have a brief chat before you commit to an appointment.

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