Hi, I'm Helen Donnison – a medical herbalist and naturopath, mother of three teenagers, gardener, dancer and recreational athlete. I am passionate about food and nutrition, natural health and healing, active living, personal and spiritual development, and sustainable living.  I have studied natural health from a scientific, traditional and holistic perspective over the past 10 years or more, and my aim is to enhance health and wellbeing in the general population in what ever way I can.

My interest in health began as a young child. I was brought up in a medical family – my father was a doctor and mother was a nurse.  We were brought up on good wholesome 'real' food including home grown fruit and vegetables, were nursed lovingly back to health when we were sick and were given common sense advice about taking care of your self - medicines were only prescribed as a last resort.

In my early 20s I gained a Masters Degree in Science majoring in Biology, and after spending several years in science research I decided this wasn’t the career path I wanted to take.  After much exploring about ‘what I wanted to do with my life’, I began studying herbal medicine from both a scientific and traditional perspective which was like awakening an ancient memory as it seemed so easy and natural.

In 2001 I started work in a herbal dispensary and teaching various aspects of herbal medicine at the Waikato Centre for Herbal Medicine - nutrition and herbal therapeutics, anatomy and physiology, and manufacturing medicines and natural skin care products. I continued teaching for the next 7 years.  In 2003 I graduated with a Diploma in Herbal Medicine and set up a clinical practice from home. I went on to complete a Diploma in Natural Therapies including massage, reflexology, energy healing and basic kinesiology.

In 2005 I completed the practitioner programme for The Journey, studied Reiki, and attended the Vitality, Longevity and Anti-aging programme through Metagenics. In 2008 I studied fitness instruction, and in 2010 I embarked on the next leg of my journey of discovery, adding Being in Colour, Reiki level 2 and ThetaHealing to my toolkit of healing therapies. As I have learnt and grown personally and professionally, I have gathered tools and skills that can help my clients to a much greater degree.

My mission is to share my knowledge, wisdom and experience with anyone who seeks health and wellness. I am available for natural health consultations in my clinic Monday – Friday 10 am – 5:30 pm. I also run a series of workshops entitled 'Living the Good Life' to share a healthier and more holistic and sustainable way of living, and have also been developing the EnlightenMe weight management programme which runs over a course of 6 weeks.

I look forward to helping you to heal in the best way possible, for the greatest outcome for your long term health and wellbeing.