The Family Practice

21/06/2025

A heartfelt goodbye and thank you to all the wonderful patients I’ve had the privilege of seeing in North Devon.

I began this chapter on the winter solstice and now, on the summer solstice, I’m closing it — marking six incredibly meaningful months caring for patients at the beautiful clinic of the brilliant Niamh Honey.

It’s been a true honour to look after her practice: supporting existing patients on their journey to improved health, and welcoming many new faces too — from newborns to teenagers, new mums to those navigating perimenopause and menopause, grandmothers, and yes, even a few men!

From straightforward neck pain to complex pelvic conditions, from acute flare-ups to chronic pain, from elite sportswomen to those feeling unwell all over — thank you for trusting me. It’s been a privilege to support each of you, and I truly hope I’ve been of service and made a difference in some small way.

Now it’s time to say goodbye, and happily so — because Niamh is returning to work at ! You’re in excellent hands once again.

Strangely, I’ll miss the long drive and the change of scenery, but my own clinic now needs my full attention. I suspect my reception team will be relieved to see a slightly less tired version of me back — maybe even one who’s catching up on paperwork!

For those that were asking my gofundme page for the humanitarian medical expedition to Kenya is now up and running ready for any donations. It all will help so much. Thank you in advance.

https://gofund.me/54f2172e

With deep gratitude,
Juliana

06/03/2025

16/02/2025

🌟 Unlocking Potential: How Osteopathy Can Support Children with Autism 🌟

As parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you’re always looking for safe, effective ways to support your child’s well-being—and osteopathy may offer new hope.

Recent case reports (Wolf et al., 2023) show that Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) can lead to positive changes in children with ASD, including:

✅ Improved mood & emotional regulation
✅ Better focus & concentration
✅ Enhanced posture & physical comfort
✅ Increased social engagement & communication

What is OMT?
It’s a gentle, hands-on approach that focuses on identifying and easing physical tensions (somatic dysfunctions) that may be affecting your child’s nervous system and overall well-being. Each treatment is tailored to your child’s unique needs—because no two children with ASD are the same.

Why consider OMT?
With ASD diagnoses on the rise and limited universally effective treatments, OMT provides a complementary, non-invasive option to support your child’s development. Best of all—these studies reported no adverse effects.

💡 Our goal as osteopaths is simple: to help your child feel more comfortable in their body, which can create ripple effects in behavior, communication, and daily life.

If you’re curious about how osteopathy could support your child’s journey, we’re here to help.

📞 Get in touch to learn more or book a consultation—we’d love to support your family.

21/01/2025

🌟 Supporting Your Baby’s Health 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce that our Osteopathic Children’s Clinic is back every Tuesday, offering gentle and effective care for your little ones.

For over 10 years, we ran the Bristol Osteopathic Children’s Clinic at The Family Practice. However, with Covid and all the restrictions it brought, we integrated the clinic into our usual weekly schedule. Now, we’re delighted to relaunch it as a dedicated clinic once again!

Led by our experienced team of paediatric osteopaths – Nina Hurrell, Gill Jones, Esther Barton, and Laura Morris – we’re here to provide:
✔️ Careful clinical examination to assess your baby’s needs
✔️ Hands-on effective treatment to ease tension, discomfort, and support natural development

Why see a Paediatric Osteopath?
Babies can experience:
• Restlessness or trouble settling
• Feeding difficulties
• Colic, reflux, or digestive discomfort
• Head shape or movement imbalances

Our gentle techniques can help:
✔️ Promote relaxation and better sleep
✔️ Improve feeding and digestion
✔️ Support your baby’s healthy growth and movement

💬 Book now for baby checks and treatment every Tuesday!

10/01/2025

Anita working in the lovely shepherds hut today.

10/01/2025

What’s Better Than Taking Collagen?

Collagen supplements are everywhere, but are they really the best option? Research shows there’s a better way: bone broth + vitamin C. I sat with Anita Beardsley today in our new shepherds hut discussing collagen and why even I have started to wonder whether all the collagen for sale in shops is actually effective.

Bone broth provides the amino acids your body needs to build collagen naturally, while vitamin C helps kickstart the process. Together, they’re a powerhouse for your skin, joints, bones, and overall health—without the hype or questionable results of collagen supplements.

The best part? You don’t have to make it yourself! High-quality, ready-made bone broth is easy to find, making it simple to add this to your routine. You can buy it in many forms fresh or in ready made tablets like you would buy stock or even gummies I believe.

Why take it? Women especially benefit from this duo, supporting bone health, reducing signs of aging, and improving skin elasticity. As Anita Beardsley has taught us, making small, smart changes can have a big impact on your health.

Upgrade your approach to collagen production—choose evidence-based solutions that work.i think it is very easy to be swayed by marketing for products that seem a good idea but may not be that effective and are quite expensive. However helping to build more collagen is a good idea and bone broth plus vit c does seem to be the answer.

09/01/2025

The family practice is the family practice because well …. we are or used to be one family. . Dougal and I ( Juliana ) are siblings. He is my baby brother and having recently seen a few patients with him I am totally amazed at what a brilliant osteopath he is. I could only aspire to be as knowledgeable as him and as careful and precise. When he was younger he used to wish for highly technical textbooks for Christmas and birthdays. Who reads those I thought …. Dougal does!

I am proud every day to work alongside him. I am proud that he is my brother. I cannot recommend him enough. He is brilliant as is his wife Tanya …

There is one problem. He doesn’t laugh as much and his knowledge of womenshealth is still not quite as good as mine …. for now.

We were just sent this photo of us …. Possibly the only one we have of the two of us. I thought I would share it with you all.

31/12/2024

Happy New Year!

As we welcome another year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey at the Family Practice.

To our wonderful patients: thank you for choosing us and trusting us with your care.

To the consultants and GPs: thank you for entrusting your patients to us. Your confidence in our work means the world.

To the amazing midwives, doulas, and breastfeeding/lactation consultants: we deeply appreciate your ongoing referrals and collaboration in helping families thrive.

To the dedicated personal trainers, yoga instructors, barre and Pilates teachers: thank you for sending your clients our way for additional support and guidance.

To our colleagues across the healthcare spectrum—chiropractors, osteopaths, counsellors, psychotherapists, physiotherapists, women’s health physios, and massage therapists: the relationships we’ve built with you have been invaluable. Together, our patient-focused approach has made a difference in the lives of thousands this year.

Working alongside such passionate and skilled professionals is one of the things we’re most grateful for, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative journey in the coming year.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2025 for all of us!

24/12/2024

Instagram Post

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Hi, I’m Vicki Hill, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’m joining the amazing group of practitioners at The Family Practice! Starting January 2025, I’ll be offering 1:1 sessions and Hypopressive courses in this supportive and inspiring space.

💪 As a Personal Trainer with a deep passion for Women’s Health, I’ve been specializing in pregnancy, postnatal exercise, and menopause since 2006. My work is all about helping women gain confidence to exercise while addressing pelvic floor issues.

✨ Over the years, I’ve trained as a Holistic Core Restore Coach and in Hypopressives, methods that focus on breathwork to connect the body, build strength, and foster endurance—from the inside out.

Everything I do starts with raising awareness about your body and how the breath can support your pelvic health. Whether you’re pregnant, postnatal, going through menopause, or simply want to exercise in a way that truly supports your body, I’ve got you covered!

🏞️ I also run outdoor fitness classes, but I’m so excited to now bring my 1:1 Hypopressive & PT sessions to The Family Practice.

Let’s work together to build strength, confidence, and a strong connection to your body! 💕

📅 Book your session for January 2025—get in touch today!

24/12/2024

🎄 Holiday Hours Update 🎄

We’re officially closed for Christmas! 🎅

📅 Closed Days:
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
• New Year’s Day

💻 Need to book an appointment?
Use our online booking system or email us anytime! Reception will be open on all regular working days.

Thank you for trusting us with your care this year. We can’t wait to see you in 2024!

🎉 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🎉

23/12/2024

🌟 Our Amazing Reception Team 🌟

Mandy, Julia, and Emma—our incredible receptionists—are the heart of our family practice. 💙 Where would we be without them? From keeping us practitioners organized (a bit like herding cats at times, I admit!) to trying their best to keep me (Juliana) running on time, they are nothing short of superheroes.

They work tirelessly to ensure that our patients get the appointments they need while always bringing kindness, patience, and professionalism to everything they do. Truly, this clinic wouldn’t be the brilliant place it is without them.

Let’s give them the love and appreciation they so greatly deserve! 👏💐

22/12/2024

🌙 The Art of Wintering ❄️

We are all so very busy, all the time. No time to pause, no time to rest—until we’re forced to, when illness or pain finally slows us down. At the family practice, we see this so often. People come to us in pain, when what they needed—long before they reached us—was simply rest.

Wintering isn’t just about enduring the colder months; it’s about giving ourselves permission to stop. To breathe. To reflect. To listen to what our bodies and minds have been quietly asking for all along.

As I read Wintering by Katherine May, it’s been a powerful reminder of the importance of slowing down before we’re forced to. This season is an opportunity:
✨ To rest our bodies and minds
✨ To reflect on our journey
✨ To reconnect with the simple, meaningful things

Life doesn’t have to be a constant sprint. Embracing the slower moments—before illness or burnout demands it—is where healing and growth begin.

So here’s your reminder: take a pause. Rest before you need to. Let this winter be a time of renewal and care for yourself in the way you truly deserve. 🌨️

What does wintering mean to you? Share your thoughts below. 💬