Totnes Natural Health Centre

30/07/2026

🌿 What does a Medical Herbalist actually do?

When we think of herbs, we often think of a soothing cup of peppermint tea or a sprig of rosemary in the garden.

But did you know that medical herbalists undergo years of training to understand how plants have traditionally been used to support health and wellbeing?

A medical herbalist takes the time to get to know you as an individual. Rather than focusing on just one symptom, they consider your overall health, lifestyle and wellbeing before recommending a personalised herbal programme.

At Totnes Natural Health Centre, Peter Neumann has been a qualified Medical Herbalist since 2003. Alongside his clinic, he teaches student herbalists, co-runs a Herbal Wisdom course and helps supervise a local herb garden.

Whether you're curious about herbal medicine or simply interested in learning more about the fascinating world of medicinal plants, we'd love to hear from you.

Have you ever used herbs to support your wellbeing? Which ones have earned a permanent place in your kitchen or garden? 🪴 💚

29/07/2026

🌕 Tonight, look up.

Tonight's Full Buck Moon is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can have the biggest impact on our wellbeing.

Taking just a few minutes to step outside, breathe deeply and notice the world around you can help you slow down and reconnect with the present moment.

Whether you spend the evening sharing the view with family, enjoying a quiet walk, or simply looking up at the night sky before bed, we hope you find a moment of calm.

At Totnes Natural Health Centre, we believe wellbeing is about caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit – and sometimes that starts with simply pressing pause.

If the skies are clear tonight, we'd love to see your moon photos in the comments.

🌕 Wishing you a peaceful evening from everyone at Totnes Natural Health Centre.

27/07/2026

What exactly is Shiatsu?

If you've heard of Shiatsu but never quite known what it involves, you're not alone!

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese therapy that uses gentle finger pressure, stretching and movement to support relaxation and encourage balance throughout the body.

Unlike many forms of massage, Shiatsu is usually carried out fully clothed, on a comfortable futon rather than a treatment couch, so there's no need for oils.

At Totnes Natural Health Centre, Regina offers a calm, gentle approach, creating a safe, nurturing space where you can slow down, unwind and reconnect with yourself.

Whether you're simply curious or looking for a different way to support your wellbeing, Shiatsu could be something worth exploring.

Have you ever experienced Shiatsu, or do you have a question about it? We'd love to hear from you in the comments. 💚

23/07/2026

♌ Welcome to Leo Season ♌

Today, Val Belcher, our resident astrologer, reminds us that the Wheel of the Year turns once again as we say goodbye to Cancer, the 🦀 Crab, and welcome Leo, the 🦁 Lion, to centre stage.

Ruled by the Sun, Leo is the second of the fire signs and is associated with confidence, creativity, generosity, and self-expression.

Val reminds us that while some Leos naturally enjoy the limelight, others are much quieter, depending on the rest of their birth chart. But one of Leo's greatest gifts is knowing when to step back and shine the spotlight on someone else, helping them to shine too.

✨ Where could you help someone else to shine this month?

👇 Tag someone who always brings out the best in others.

22/07/2026

☀️ Summer Special at Totnes Natural Health Centre ☀️

We're delighted to welcome Justin Crook to the Centre for a limited six-week placement, offering donation-based massage appointments on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until 3 September.

✨ Available treatments:

💚 Therapeutic Massage
💚 Deep Tissue Massage
💚 Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage
💚 Over-clothes massage also available

Justin offers tailored, hands-on treatments designed to release tension, reduce pain and restore movement. Whether you're carrying stress in your shoulders, feeling stiff after long hours at work, or recovering from sport or exercise, each session is adapted to your individual needs.

Working slowly into the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, Justin aims to ease persistent knots, improve circulation and support your body's natural recovery, all in a calm, professional and client-led environment.

You'll leave feeling looser, lighter and more at ease in your body.

📅 Available Tuesday & Thursday mornings
📍 Totnes Natural Health Centre
⏳ Until 3 September

To book your appointment, please contact Reception or book online.

22/07/2026

💚 We're proud to support our charity partner, Stepping Stones Food and Wellbeing, and this is one of the many practical ways they're helping people in our community.

Their TQ9 Food Club is a community supermarket designed to help household budgets go further. For just £3.50 a week, members can choose up to 10 grocery items from a wide range of cupboard essentials and food products when they need it.

With the cost of living continuing to affect so many people, initiatives like this can make a real difference.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit, please do take a look. And if it's not something you need yourself, sharing this post could help it reach someone who does.

At Totnes Natural Health Centre, we know that wellbeing starts with life's essentials, and having access to affordable, nutritious food is an important part of that. 💚

Stepping Stones Food and Wellbeing
Tuesday opening
Food Store 10am-3pm
NO WARM HEARTS CAFE

Come and chat to us about our TQ9 Food Club

21/07/2026

What makes you feel like you? 🌿

For some people, it’s time by the river.
For others, it’s a quiet walk, a good conversation, a treatment that eases tension, or simply having somewhere calm and welcoming to go when life feels a bit much.

At Totnes Natural Health Centre, we believe wellbeing looks different for everyone.

The Centre has been part of the Totnes community for nearly 50 years, offering a range of therapies and support to help people feel steadier, stronger and more themselves again.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more about the therapies available at the Centre, the people who work here, and the role we play in supporting health and wellbeing locally.

So we’d love to know…

What makes you feel like you? 💚

13/07/2026

💚 New Chair of Trustees 💚

Today we welcome Louise Jenner as Chair of Trustees at Totnes Natural Health Centre, following the wonderful leadership of Chris Meeson over the past few years.

In Louise's own words...

"For those who don't know me, I'm Louise, a Devon girl, born and bred, with family roots in nearby Dartington. I learnt to swim at Totnes Pool and spent part of the 1990s working in the Danish Bakery shops on Fore Street and in The Narrows. Totnes has always held a special place in my heart, so it feels particularly meaningful to be taking on this role.

I'm honoured to be supporting this incredible charity that has been serving the local community for almost 50 years. Helping make natural healthcare accessible to everyone is at the heart of what we do.

As a young woman in my early twenties, I was fortunate to be introduced to reflexology by a therapist here in Totnes. That one experience opened the door to a whole world of natural health and wellbeing that too many people don't discover until much later in life, if at all.

Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to spend time with our trustees, centre manager, volunteer receptionists, therapists and supporters. What has struck me most is the genuine care, generosity and commitment that so many people bring to the centre. It is this spirit that makes TNHC such a special place.

I love seeing people of all ages experience what our centre has to offer, whether that's trying a therapy for the first time, volunteering, or simply discovering different ways to support their wellbeing.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Chris for her leadership and dedication as Chair over the past few years. I'm incredibly grateful for all the support she's given me during the handover period, and I'm looking forward to building on everything that's been achieved.

I believe we have a wonderful opportunity ahead, and I'm looking forward to supporting the centre and the wonderful people who make it possible as we continue helping our community thrive.

Thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and support to make TNHC what it is today. I look forward to working alongside you as we begin this next chapter together."

Louise Jenner
Chair of Trustees
Totnes Natural Health Centre

💚

Louise Jenner

08/07/2026

☀️ Feeling the heat?

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is simply slow down.

Hot weather can leave us feeling tired, restless, irritable or struggling to sleep. It's our body's way of asking for a little extra care.

Alongside drinking plenty of water and keeping cool, gentle holistic therapies may help you relax, unwind and support your overall wellbeing during periods of prolonged heat.

Whether it's massage, reflexology, acupuncture, Reiki, counselling or one of the many other therapies available at Totnes Natural Health Centre, our experienced practitioners are here to support you.

However you're spending these warmer days, remember that looking after yourself isn't a luxury - it's an important part of staying well.

💚 Discover the therapies available at TNHC by visiting our website.

07/07/2026

☀️ The hot weather looks set to continue for a few more days, so please take care.

💧 Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
🌳 Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day where possible.
👒 Wear light clothing and sunscreen if you're outside.
❤️ Check in on older relatives, neighbours, friends and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

A quick phone call, a cold drink or a friendly visit could make all the difference.

Stay cool, stay hydrated and look after one another. 💚