Visiting a complementary wellbeing clinic for the first time can raise questions about what happens during an appointment, what information you will be asked to provide and what you can expect from the consultation.
At The Boughton Clinic, our aim is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where you have time to discuss your individual wellbeing, ask questions and consider practical approaches that may be appropriate for you.
Our consultations are alternative wellbeing services. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or advice from your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Before your first consultation, you may be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the reason you are seeking support.
It can be useful to think about:
You should also let us know about any relevant medical care you are currently receiving so that the consultation can be approached appropriately.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition, are taking prescribed medication or are undergoing investigations, you should continue to follow the advice provided by your healthcare professional.
Your initial appointment provides time to talk through your individual experiences and wellbeing goals.
We may discuss areas such as:
The purpose is to understand your experience and identify areas that may be appropriate to explore from a complementary wellbeing perspective.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the appointment, and you should feel comfortable discussing anything that you are unsure about.
Where included in your appointment, bio-energetic screening may be used as a complementary part of the consultation.
The screening is not a clinically validated medical diagnostic test. It should not be used to diagnose a disease, identify the medical cause of symptoms, measure hormone levels, diagnose allergies or food intolerances, or determine whether an organ or body system is medically healthy or unhealthy.
Any results are discussed as part of the wider wellbeing consultation and should not be interpreted as a medical diagnosis.
If your symptoms require medical investigation, we will recommend that you discuss them with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
We can provide time and space to discuss your wellbeing and consider complementary lifestyle and wellbeing approaches.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include discussion around:
We do not claim to diagnose or cure medical conditions through complementary consultations or bio-energetic screening.
We also do not recommend stopping or changing prescribed medication without speaking to the healthcare professional responsible for your care.
This distinction is important because symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, digestive problems, skin changes or hormonal symptoms can have many possible causes. Appropriate medical assessment should always take priority where it is needed.
Where appropriate and requested, complementary remedies, including homeopathic remedies, may be discussed during your consultation.
These are offered as part of a complementary wellbeing approach and should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based medical treatment.
If you take prescription medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a diagnosed medical condition or are receiving treatment from another healthcare professional, please discuss any proposed changes or additional products with an appropriate healthcare professional.
At the end of your consultation, we will discuss any wellbeing recommendations that may be appropriate based on what you have shared.
You should leave with a clear understanding of the suggestions being made and why they may be relevant to your wellbeing goals.
There is no expectation that you should make major changes immediately. Small, realistic changes that fit your circumstances can be easier to maintain over time.
If you are already receiving medical or psychological care, complementary wellbeing support can be considered alongside that care rather than instead of it.
A complementary wellbeing consultation is not suitable for emergencies or for diagnosing potentially serious symptoms.
If you have new, persistent, worsening or unexplained symptoms, speak with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact 999 or attend A&E.
For urgent but non-emergency medical advice in England, you can contact NHS 111.
For mental-health concerns, appropriate professional support should also be sought. If you are at immediate risk of harm or unable to keep yourself safe, seek urgent help.
We believe you should understand what a complementary wellbeing consultation involves before deciding whether it is right for you.
Our aim is to provide a calm, respectful environment where you can talk openly about your wellbeing and receive clear information about the services available.
We will always encourage appropriate medical assessment when your symptoms or circumstances indicate that this is necessary.
Your consultation* will be tailored to your individual circumstances and wellbeing goals.
If you are unsure whether a complementary consultation is appropriate for you, please contact The Boughton Clinic before booking so that we can explain the service and its scope.
*Alternative wellbeing services are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.
