About Raquel
As a nutritional therapist and energy worker, my unique combination offers support on all levels in a holistic way, not just the physical body. It’s fascinating to me that our health can be transformed by not only what we eat, but also by what we feel and think. My passion is to help others improve their wellbeing so that they live their lives to the fullest.
I have seen incredible changes in the health of my clients, and I hope to do the same for you.
Please click on ‘Testimonials’ to see what some of my clients had to say about me.
Nutritional Therapist
I specialise in women’s health, including perimenopause, thyroid, menstrual problems and intimate health conditions. I also have extensive experience in dealing with gastro-intestinal complaints, food sensitivities, blood sugar dysregulation and weight loss issues.
Have you been struggling with health challenges for years but have been told that all your test results are “normal”? My mission is to unravel your health story to get to the heart of the problem.
Functional medicine looks at the person as a whole. Very often, for example, female hormonal problems and skin issues are actually rooted in the gut. Difficulty losing weight may be as a consequence of stress. Problems in the gut may be coming from compromised nerve activity in the brain. Fatigue may be caused by inadequate nutritional intake.
Using the functional medicine model I will aim to get to the root cause of your symptoms or condition. I will support you in making dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. I will use functional lab testing where appropriate.
I work with all the leading laboratories in the UK and offer a variety of functional testing: advanced female hormones, gastro-intestinal health, food sensitivities, adrenal health, genetic testing, health of your gut/oral/vaginal/urinary microbiomes, detoxification, methylation and more.
At the start of our journey together I will gather a lot of information about your health through careful history taking. We will discuss all your body systems, I will ask you about your health from birth to present day, your level of physical exercise, your lifestyle, life stresses and dietary habits (using your completed food diary as reference). I will explain how I believe that these factors may be contributing to your health issues.
From this, a nutritional programme will be developed that is completely unique to you and that works for you. Your treatment plan will reflect the goals that we agree for you, and it is likely to include nutritional advice, lifestyle changes, functional lab testing and supplement recommendations.
Only by tackling the root cause of a health issue will there be permanent long term health improvements.
If you’d like to know more about how I can support your health and to discuss which package is best suited for your needs, please book a free no-obligations call. I would love to hear from you.
I am registered with the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT). I am also a member of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the Naturopathic Nutrition Association (NNA). As a CNHC member, I meet the National Occupational Standards in the practice of nutritional therapy and I am obliged to abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. I am also fully insured by Balens Specialist Insurance Brokers.
REIKI MASTER PRACTITIONER and CRYSTAL HEALER
I am a verified and CNHC registered Reiki master practitioner with more than ten years’ experience and also a crystal healer. I offer both online and face-to-face treatments.
Are you feeling low? Stressed? Anxious? Are you in physical or emotional pain (e.g. grieving)? I can help you! Reiki and crystals can bring back balance into your life.
As well as having my own private practice, I also work at St George’s hospital as part of Full Circle’s team of therapists. For more information on the latter please click here. and here. and here.
I have co-written a paper on the effect of Reiki on patients at St George’s, which has won an award and the abstract has been published in EJSO (European Journal of Surgical Oncology).
I practise self healing daily and regularly attend Reiki shares and training events to keep strengthening my Reiki through time.
My journey with Reiki started in 2010, when I was initiated into the Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho system by Victoria Dalgleish. In 2012 I started working with the highly respected Tripuri Dunne, who prepared me for public practice. Later on I achieved my master
title with Anne-Marie Carratu. Therefore, my lineages are as follows:
Dr Mikao Usui, Dr Chujiro Hayashi, Hawayo Takata, Wanja Twan, Kajsa Krishni Boräng and Tripuri Dunne.
Dr Mikao Usui, Dr Chujiro Hayashi, Hawayo Takata, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, Lucy Reed, Pennie Quaile, Anne-Marie Carratu.
I was initially attracted to Reiki as a tool for personal development. It has given me that and so much more! Through the years Reiki has become part of my life. It has helped me find my path in life and has given me the courage to follow it. Reiki is now so embedded in my life that I could not imagine not having it.
I would love to spread Reiki as much as possible and see everyone around me benefit from it as much as I have done (and continue to do!).
My passion for developing myself as an energy worker has led me to complete further training in reiki and also in a variety of other areas:
-
- Healing with Crystals, practitioner level
- A day with Reiki Master Joyce Winough
- One Day Transformational Breath® Retreat
- Family Constellations with the Klinghardt Institute
- Healing (with) the ancestors
- Working with the Spirit Doctor Team
- How to communicate reiki to everyone – Workshop with Pamela Miles.
- Reiki 2 circle with Don and Annelie.
- Reiki 2 circle with Krishni Borang: Working with the energy of trees and angels
- Four Aspects of Reiki
- A Workshop by Robert Jefford: “An Experience of Reiki Kei Ko – Reiki in the Ancient Way”
- Deepening the power of stillness
More about me
My interest in nutrition started as I struggled with my own health issues. As time went by, I had to stop doing sport, which made me feel distraught and pushed me to find a way to recover. After visiting several doctors, doing tests, physiotherapy…etc. for over a year, I didn’t get any better. Eventually, I followed a nutritional protocol which helped me to recover and to do sport like I used to. This was a huge eye opener for me as to the healing power of food, to the point that I decided to change career and qualify as a nutritional therapist.
I graduated from the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) with a diploma in naturopathic nutrition. The College of Naturopathic Medicine is one of the UK’s largest, most highly-respected and well-known natural medicine training providers, with colleges all over the UK and Ireland. During my final year at CNM, my final portfolio was selected to represent outstanding work in that year’s accreditation visit at CNM.
Before making this career move to nutrition I worked in the corporate world for almost twenty years, so I am fully conversant with the challenges of trying to follow a healthy lifestyle with the daily juggling act of a stressful job.
My background in data analysis and statistics means that I can use my logical mind to analyse my client’s information and connect different symptoms, which may appear uncorrelated, until I build a picture that gets me to the root cause of my client’s health condition. Only by tackling the root cause of a health issue will there be permanent long term health improvements.
Continually learning and deepening my knowledge is of vital importance to me. New studies are done every day and with them, new research information comes to light; I love keeping up on what’s going down in the health world, which means that I regularly attend CPD (continual professional development) lectures and seminars. This keeps me up to date with new research, practical applications and most importantly, safe practice.
I am registered with the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT). I am also a member of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the Naturopathic Nutrition Association (NNA). As a CNHC member, I meet the National Occupational Standards in the practice of nutritional therapy and I am obliged to abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. I am also fully insured.
I have completed extensive post-graduate training, some examples by area are as follows:
Optimising Women’s Health in Menopause and Beyond, by BANT. Vagiversity- Holistic genitourinary health: Six Month Mentoring Program, by Dr. Moira Bradfield. Functional Approach to Perimenopause with Dr Terry. The Menopausal Vagina, with Moira Bradfield.
Gastrointestinal Health Mastercourse, by Dr. Jason Hawlerak. SIBO online certified course, by Dr. Allison Siebecker (Invivo Clinical). SIBO in Clinical Practice Masterclass, by Tanya Borowski. Demystifying SIBO with Dr Jason Hawrelak.
Type 2 Diabetes and Blood Sugar Dysregulation, by BANT. Optimising cardiometabolic health, by Pharma Nord; Metabolic Syndrome including Obesity, by BANT.
Thyroid Health, by Robyn Puglia and Ben Brown. A Functional Approach to the Thyroid: How It Works and Where It Goes Wrong, With Jo Gamble.
Toxicity and Detoxification, by Dr. Joe Pizzorno and Lara Pizzorno. Dr. Chris Shade: The Right Steps to Real Detoxification.
Methylation and Clinical Nutrigenomics, by Seeking Health. Nutrigenomics, by MyDNAHealth and also by CAM. Nutrigenomics Testing, by Anne Pemberton.
OTHER: Sleep, Stress and Insomnia, by BANT. Mastering Mold and micotoxins with Dr Shania Lee. Getting to the Guts of Histamine Intolerance, by Invivo. Strengthening musculoskeletal health through nutrition, by Pharma Nord. Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by Dr. Sarah Myhill. Natural Therapies for Chronic Illness with Judy Rocher, by AONM. Chronic Illness Uncovered: Lyme Disease,Viral Pathogens,Morgellons,Mould & More.. , by AONM.
Testimonials
Please also click here to see the reviews left for me in Google.
I first realised the value of Reiki in the 1990s, without having had any formal sessions. Decades on, I have been living with a number of commonplace health difficulties, which, when combined, have been making life difficult, painful and slower. Mainly they are conditions for which conventional medicine does not seem to have easily available treatments. I found Raquel’s details online and am extremely glad that I did.
It seems to me that her intent is to “tune in” to her client and simply to allow the Reiki energy to go where it will. As a nutritionist, there may be questions she needs to ask or comments she would like to make but they are never intrusive. She has a way of accepting my answers without ever over-emphasising any point she may wish to bring to my attention. Raquel seems to take time to prepare mentally for a treatment session. I do not ever feel that I am in a revolving door and I have her full attention in the most gentle and natural way.
Four months into my Reiki sessions, there are big improvements to some aspects of my health, including my confidence and mental/emotional position. Other things take more time naturally. Reiki just seems to emerge and take effect in its own time and way. I would not hesitate to recommend Reiki and Raquel to anyone who comes asking. I feel very fortunate to have found her as my practitioner. Vaninne, Nov-22
“Raquel, thank you so much for getting my life back on track and for helping me understand how to get my symptoms under control through the power of nutrition. I cannot thank you enough for that! You are a pleasure to work with, you demonstrate empathy and clearly are a subject matter in your field – I cannot thank you enough!” Mrs Jones, Surrey
“After struggling with cystitis and digestive issues for over a year Raquel has been able to apply western and eastern medicine to show drastic improvements to my health and wellbeing within just five months! She understands when lifestyle factors get in the way of the program and how to adapt or modify to fit the current lifestyle. Overall highly recommended a wonderful practitioner!” Natalie
“I first made an appointment with Raquel as I felt like I was living a healthy lifestyle (eating reasonably healthily, cooking homemade meals from scratch and getting 8-9 hours sleep a night), yet I was constantly feeling tired, sick and run-down. It was affecting my ability to exercise and I could feel myself getting steadily worse. I had been avoiding some foods due to digestive symptoms, but was curious to know if there was anything else I should be avoiding or including in my diet. I also sensed that I was at a turning point with my health, and that if I continued to eat as I was, I was going to develop much worse symptoms and issues.
“Raquel’s professional approach will get you results. She is thorough and determined and will look further where others will stop to understand the cause or your issues. She got to the bottom of my digestive issues and I am now being finally treated for SIBO (with a mixture of diet, supplements and natural antibiotics) after years of suffering without a clear answer as to why. I would highly recommend her services.” Mayra
“The first time I heard of Reiki was through Raquel. Initially I was sceptical however after a few treatments I noticed an improvement in my sleep, a reduction in my anxiety and a change in my food habits. The treatment takes place in a comfortable environment and Raquel always prepares me before and checks on my wellbeing afterwards. I highly recommend sessions with Raquel.” Hannah
“If you have discovered Raquel Martin’s web site, or have a condition that you think she might be able to assist with, I would suggest that you take up the recommendation – Raquel Martin is very good.
I first came across Raquel Martin a couple of years ago when I was suffering from recurring sinus problems, fatigue and my head felt like it was full of cotton wool. After a couple of meetings with Raquel and a few tests, she pointed out that my diet was having a significant negative impact on my health and that there were a number of foods to which I had an intolerance. I have since changed my diet and, whilst this has not always been easy to maintain, I am now seeing significant improvements to my original symptoms and my overall wellbeing. I am now much more discriminating over my choice of foods, both at home and when out at restaurants (easier than I thought); and whilst the object of the exercise was never directly targeted at weight loss, just by eating more healthily, I have also managed to lose approx. 14lbs in weight and feel very much better for it………and my clothes fit properly again !
I have to confess that I was a little cynical at the beginning and my journey continues…… but I am now a believer !
Throughout this process Raquel, has been knowledgeable, engaged, professional and supportive; and there is little doubt that she is passionately committed to her vocation. I would highly recommend her services to anybody who is struggling to take back control of their health.” John
I have now lost two stone in weight. I have managed to get rid of one of the stomach infections. I feel more energised, calmer and less anxious and depressed.
I still have more weight to lose and one infection to get rid of, and I must continue keeping my stress levels down, but I know I am in the right hands with Raquel. Her approach is holistic. She is a positive, encouraging and empathetic lady and I am grateful to have benefited from her expertise and the way she has delivered it. I would recommend Raquel to anyone – as long as you are prepared to put the necessary work in, it will change your life.” Cathy
“When my GP told me few years back “Mr. Joshi, there is nothing we can do about your stomach. I am sorry but you will have to live with this pain in your upper stomach for rest of your life”, I took the words of the expert and a little discomfort in my upper stomach became part of me.
I contacted Raquel when my GP this year told me that I have high cholesterol and that I should change my eating habits. I also mentioned to Raquel about some digestive issues I had and this discomfort in my upper stomach. Four months down the line with Raquel’s suggestions, I have lost a lot of extra weight, I feel healthy, the digestive issues are gone and the discomfort in my upper stomach, which my GP gave up on, seems to be healing.
Being a professional myself, I really admire the patience and attention to detail that Raquel has given to my case. For me she is one of the very sincere ones out there. I am very thankful to her for changing my life so positively.” Vijay
“I took my teenage daughter to see Raquel as she has been suffering with eczema since birth. After years of trying various treatments, from steroids to traditional Chinese medicine, we were not seeing any improvements and the eczema was getting worse. Since meeting with Raquel 3 months ago, we have seen a marked improvement in my daughter’s eczema and it is the best it has been for many years. Raquel is extremely knowledgeable and very thorough and, after the initial consultation she put forward a number of recommendations, including allergy testing, supplements and dietary changes. It has been quite a journey, but the results are definitely worth it, as we can see the huge difference it has made to my daughter’s skin, as well as her energy levels and her sleep.” Yvonne
“Before I met Raquel five months ago, I was feeling very tired and anxious despite having what many would consider a healthy diet. I didn’t understand what was going on with my health and lack of energy. I had an underactive thyroid but I was taking levothyroxine and my lab tests seemed to be normal. Raquel quickly identified the likely cause and recommended that I take some blood tests, gut health tests and food intolerance test. All of them confirmed her suspicions, including that I had Hashimoto’s. As a result of her protocol my fatigue and anxiety are gone, and I am now able to follow a healthy diet that works for my body. Raquel didn’t just help me but also my family. My 4-year-old daughter and husband also have food intolerances and thanks to her suggestions I know how to help them too.” Magdalena
“I have been seeing Raquel for a while now. I contacted her in desperation after suffering ill health for several years. She made several suggestions and I agreed to be tested for intolerances. To my surprise, there were quite a few items on the list including foods that I love and found difficult to give up. I found it hard to put into practice the ‘new regime’ but with her continual support and encouragement I was able to do this and because she is so knowledgeable she was able to suggest alternatives so that I did not feel I was ‘missing out’. I am now so much better and would whole heartedly recommend visiting Raquel as her holistic approach, along with meditation has worked really well for me. Thank you Raquel.” Jean
“Raquel has helped me tremendously. I was feeling awful and things were pretty desperate for me when I found her. I had become unwell very quickly, my energy levels were virtually non-existent and I was struggling badly with painful joints and aching muscles.
I’d been told there might be a thyroid problem by my GP and was eventually diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease (the auto-immune version of Hypothyroidism). Raquel’s guidance also helped identify that I was suffering with leaky gut and dysbiosis. Her deep knowledge in these areas helped me to better understand the auto-immune processes taking place in my own body. She guided me in what I needed to be requesting in my blood tests and subsequently analysed my results. She provided me with a dietary protocol: a combination of eating certain foods, avoiding certain others and a recommendation of food supplements to help put things back on the right path. This helped me and I gradually began to improve. However some of my symptoms remained so Raquel arranged a food intolerance test for me. The results were very surprising and really enabled Raquel to fine-tune my recovery protocol. She helped me to understand the lifestyle changes, the commitments and sacrifices I needed to make in order to feel well again.
Nine months or so after my first consultation with Raquel, I feel much better and am well on the path to recovery. This is all thanks to Raquel, she has helped me tremendously.” Ashley
“I went to Raquel as a result of having Typhoid a number of times and taking many courses of antibiotics. As a result, I started having bad digestive problems, at times I felt nauseous and I felt as if I was not digesting my food properly, all of which caused discomfort.
Raquel was the first nutritional therapist I had ever been to and I found it really helped. The approach she used was a holistic one, where she looked at many areas of my life and as a result gave me a diet to follow for approximately 8 weeks, as well as taking a supplement. The diet was hard, as it involved cutting out caffeine (!), but it was really worth it. It really made me increasingly aware of how important your diet is and the effect it can have on your physical and mental well being.
After the diet and taking the supplement I felt a lot better, it was gradual but I could see the results and I am still feeling them now. I would definitely recommend Raquel if you want to go for a more holistic and alternative approach, she is very friendly and the sessions were really informative and enjoyable. Thanks.” Pascale
Raquel’s sincerity and professionalism is admirable. I am thankful to Raquel for opening up possibilities in my life through Reiki. ” Vijay
“I received four reiki sessions from Raquel on four consecutive days. She made me feel confortable and cared for. The reiki helped me to relax and approach my personal circumstances with a different perspective, more at ease.
Lately she has also given me distant healing. I am always amazed at Raquel’s intuition in these sessions helping me to realize what is going on in my unconscious mind.
Raquel is a very good reiki practitioner and I feel privileged to have her around.” Rocio
“I had a Reiki session from Raquel during a very tough time of my life where stress and negativity surrounded me from everywhere. I didn’t know what Reiki was supposed to do to me, I just knew that it’s a way of channelling the positive energy in the universe towards you through the practitioner.
Raquel started by putting on relaxing music in the background which helped me to be more relaxed. When she started the practice, I felt really warm all over my body; the warmth came from within. My eyes were closed during the session but to my surprise all what I was able to see while having my eyes closed was light, strong bright light. Half way through the session I started to feel really uplifted spiritually and physically, I felt so energetic and extremely positive. At the end of the session my mind was very clear, my body was warm and comfortable and I had a very strong feeling of positivity, happiness and strength to deal with any life challenge mentally and physically.
I would definitely go for more Reiki sessions with Raquel again.” Angie
“I’ve had the fortune of receiving Reiki by Raquel in a number of occasions and for different reasons. Most recently she helped me see through a difficult patch of bad sleep and restless mind during some hardships in my personal and professional life.
Raquel always takes the time to prepare the atmosphere and to make me feel at ease before each session. The Reiki I get from her helps me tackle each situation with a more positive, optimistic approach and with a clear head. I am always surprised at how much more relaxed I feel after every session and how long this beautiful sensation lasts for.
Overall, Raquel is an intuitive and compassionate practitioner who makes you feel well cared for. I would highly recommend Raquel both to experienced or new discoverers of Reiki.” Sikelia