This is a question I genuinely appreciate people asking, because the answer matters. Holistic therapy isn’t a replacement for conventional medicine — it’s a complement to it, and knowing which is most appropriate for which situation is important for getting the right care at the right time.
When to See Your GP First
Some situations require medical assessment before — or instead of — holistic therapy. These include:
New or unexplained symptoms — if you’ve developed a new symptom that you haven’t had before, particularly pain, breathlessness, a lump, significant changes in body function, or anything that concerns you, see your GP first. Holistic therapy works alongside medical diagnosis, not instead of it.
Acute illness or injury — infections, fractures, appendicitis, cardiac symptoms, acute neurological symptoms — these need immediate medical assessment. Holistic therapy has nothing to offer in acute emergencies.
Mental health crisis — if you’re in a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, a mental health crisis line, or emergency services as appropriate. Holistic therapy is excellent support for mental health over time, but it’s not appropriate as a crisis intervention.
Symptoms that are worsening significantly — if a condition is deteriorating, don’t delay medical assessment to try holistic therapy first.
When Holistic Therapy Is an Excellent Choice
Chronic conditions that are managed but not thriving — if you’ve been diagnosed, you’re on appropriate treatment, but you’re not feeling well, holistic therapy addresses the dimensions of the condition that medical treatment doesn’t reach. This is where the therapies I offer add the most value.
Stress-related symptoms — if you know that stress is the driver (or a significant driver) of your symptoms, this is exactly the territory of holistic therapy. Reflexology and Reiki address stress at the physiological level where it lives.
Preventive and maintenance health — you don’t need to be unwell to benefit. Regular holistic therapy as an ongoing practice is one of the most effective forms of preventive care available.
Conditions with an emotional or trauma component — Emotion Code and craniosacral therapy address dimensions of health that conventional medicine doesn’t directly engage with.
The Ideal Answer
The ideal is coordinated care — your GP managing the medical dimension, holistic therapy supporting the nervous system, emotional, and energetic dimensions. They are not competing approaches; they address different layers of the same person. More about this on the therapies page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with GPs? I’m always happy to discuss a client’s care with their GP if they want me to. Some GPs actively refer clients to complementary therapists; others are neutral. I work within whatever care framework is in place.
Should I tell my GP I’m having holistic therapy? Yes — it’s good practice for all your care providers to have the full picture. Most GPs will be neutral or supportive.
What if I can’t access GP care for my symptoms? If access is an issue, please don’t use holistic therapy as a substitute for medical investigation of symptoms that need it. Try NHS 111, urgent care centres, or online GP services. I can support wellbeing, but I’m not a substitute for medical diagnosis.
I’m based in Wilby, near Wellingborough. Get in touch to discuss whether holistic therapy is the right choice for your situation, or explore the full range of therapies I offer.