January Newsletter

I have been looking at ways to nurture myself after the Christmas season and have gathered together 5 great ways we plan to help you too at Westbourne Medical Studios over the coming weeks.  Find out more in the newsletter below and if you want to know my favourite tips for keeping well through winter, click on the photo below.

Here are Five Ideas to help yourself to a great start to the year.

1. Vitamin C injection - read Nurse Diane’s Notes to find out more about how this natural antioxidant can make you feel and look healthier.
2. Day Retreat - On Sunday 18th January we’ll bring together a balance of nutrition, movement, meditation and information to set you up for a wonderful year.
3. Medicine you can hear - the vibrations and sounds at these sessions can help induce a state of deep relaxation and well-being.
4. To welcome the Chinese New Year, Nina Lunghi our acupuncturist will take you through a restorative session of Qi Gong and guided self-acupressure with essential oils from Zing Organics.
5. And simplest of all - a wonderful recipe for warm, nourishing Carrot, ginger  and orange soup.

Why is Vitamin C especially important in winter?

Vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables is a powerful antioxidant which can strengthen the body’s natural defence against infection.  There have been many studies to discover the effects of Vitamin C; Some show it may help to lower blood pressure; reduce heart disease; and reduce uric acid which helps to protect against gout.  It has even been found in some studies to have a protective effect on memory.

If your iron levels are low vitamin C helps to improve the absorption of iron which  can be indicated where there is low energy, feeling weak, hair loss and breathlessness.

One of the main reasons people take Vitamin C though is for boosting the immune system, helping white blood cells to function more effectively, repairing damaged cells and reducing inflammation.  All this repair and protection on the inside helps to give you a healthy glow on the outside.  People often tell me their friends noticed they were looking better after their infusion.

Whilst it is possible to eat plenty of Vitamin C, in the winter months where we are more likely to eat cooked food which damages this delicate vitamin, it is harder to eat as much as we need.

We administer Vitamin C as an infusion meaning the medicine can enter the bloodstream and start acting immediately.  It is a simple process which lasts under an hour - you can relax and read a book or bring a friend and sit in our nourishing studio.

If you have any questions or you would like to book an infusion, please click on the link below.

Our medical specialists share with you the latest research and insights.

New Year - New Baby?

Our medical specialists share with you the latest research and insights.

Deciding you are ready to have a baby is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

There can be much more to it than simply stopping using contraception.

Growing another human inside you shifts all your organs, changes your metabolism and along with puberty and menopause causes a seismic shift in hormones.

For many people these big shifts can have far-reaching effects for the rest of their life but with the right support at the start the whole process can be a lot smoother with a quicker return to normal.

It is often only when they try to conceive that some women discover issues which can prevent this.  The window of time can be short by the time this is discovered putting unbelievable stress on a couple.

I understand the pressure this can put on a woman and here at Westbourne Medical Studios I aim to see you within a few weeks of making your appointment, carry out whatever tests  can help to establish what is happening and establish the best way to help you on your journey to parenthood.

It is very important to me to listen carefully so I understand what it is you want.  Then to explain clearly and work collaboratively to ensure you feel informed, empowered and cared for.

Dr Claire Higgins is our Consultant Gynaecologist

On Sunday 18th January from 10 - 4 why not join us for a Day Retreat?

You will be greeted with a welcome health drink, take part in gentle yoga session.  Marie Dandie will talk to you about nutritional adjustments that can make a world of difference to your health and then you will be treated to a delicious lunch.

After lunch Dr Veronica will talk about how to look after your mental wellbeing to keep you happy and well all year round and then to round off the day she will take you through a guided meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes.  As you feel increasingly calmer you start to explore your body's response to sound.  The vibrations and sounds at these sessions can help induce a state of deep relaxation and well-being leaving you ready for anything the year can throw at you.

If you wanted to get this for a gift for someone else simply add their name when booking it online.

On Thursday 28th January, 7-8.15pm why not join us for our monthly Sound Medicine Workshop?

Dr V will take you through a guided meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes.  As you feel increasingly calmer you start to explore your body's response to sound.  The vibrations and sounds at these sessions can help induce a state of deep relaxation and well-being.

No need to bring anything except yourself - we have mats, cushions, chairs and blankets so you are comfortable.

Wednesday  25th February 6-7pm

Come and celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 and welcome the year of the Fire Horse at Westbourne with a restorative session of Qi Gong and guided self-acupressure with essential oils from Zing Organics.

Clear out negative energetic patterns, calm your mind and bring your body back to a balanced state for the year ahead. Finish the session with some Chinese herbal tea to take home with you.

Everyone is welcome - No experience required.  Please wear comfortable and loose clothing.

Proceeds from this workshop go to World Medicine, a registered UK charity providing acupuncture to people suffering the effects of trauma, disaster or poverty.

Escape the hustle and bustle with Dr. Veronica's guided meditation sessions every Wednesday from 12.30 - 1pm.  Join us for a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation as we embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Join us every Thursday evening at the new time of 6-7pm for rejuvenating yoga sessions with Jen. Dive into relaxation and mindfulness as Jen guides you through poses in our serene studio setting.  All levels are welcome!

Every Tuesday/Wednesday - Nurse Consultant IV Vitamin Therapy - book

Every Wednesday 12.30 - 1pm - Lunchtime Meditation

Every Thursday 6-7pm - Yoga

Sunday 18th January 11-4pm - Retreat day

Wednesday 28th January 7-8.15pm - Sound Medicine Workshop

Wednesday 25th February 6-7pm - Restore and Rebalance Workshop

Carrot and Ginger Soup

This delicious creamy soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.  At the time of writing it is -5 degrees outside and we are expecting snow.  I’m going to make a batch of this this weekend to nurture me after a long day at work.

Using chicken or turkey stock is a good way to enhance the nutritional content of this soup.

Ingredients:

• 50g butter
• 6 to 7 sliced carrots
• 2 medium chopped onions
• Salt
• Grated ginger - I like lots but at least a teaspoonful
• 2 Pints of stock / water and vegetable stock cube
• 3 large strips of zest from an orange
• Chopped fennel or orange zest for garnish

Method:

In a saucepan melt the butter and sauté the onions and carrots until they have softened.

Add stock, ginger and orange zest, bring to the boil then simmer until the carrots are completely soft.

Blend until completely smooth.  Taste it and add salt if needed. 

Pour into bowls and decorate with chopped fennel or orange zest.