Naturopaths create one stop shop for good health

ONE STOP SHOP: Naturopaths Nicola Rayner, left, and Anita Baker are excited to open their new venture, the Wairarapa Natural Health Clinic.

Two Wairarapa naturopaths have teamed up to open a "one stop shop" for the natural health solutions becoming more sought after in the region.

Anita Baker, of Gardien Health and Wellness Clinic in Masterton and Carterton's Nicola Rayner, founder of Ambrosia Health Clinic, are the team behind the Wairarapa Natural Health Clinic, officially opening this weekend.

The clinic, housed at the former Self Heal Clinic site in Carterton, will specialise in complementary therapies and organic products -- including naturopathy, reiki, plant-based skin care and gluten-free and vegan food ranges.

Services also include life coaching from Maree McManaway of LYF4U and massage from Kathy Bartlett.

Anita and Nicola met on Facebook when Nicola, in her second year of training at the Naturopathic College of New Zealand, was seeking a qualified naturopath to mentor her.

When Self Heal Clinic founder Sarah Beesley announced she was relocating to Masterton, the women saw the perfect opportunity to start up their own natural health venture.

Anita, who volunteered for the Self Heal Clinic last year, said more people are interested in exploring alternative health practices.

"The other day, we had a woman come in, on her way to her doctor's appointment, and ask about naturopathy," Anita said.

"People like the safety net of [Western] medicine, but are looking for different solutions for their wellbeing.

"We want to be the first port of call for effective and affordable health care."

Anita, a registered nurse and qualified beautician, studied herbal remedies at Cottage Hill Herbs in Upper Hutt, and completed her naturopathy training last year.

Under the Gardien label, she has created a range of chemical-free skin care products, including cosmetics, moisturisers and healing balms.

Nicola has trained in homeopathy, reiki and vibrational medicine and BARS therapy.

Having run both a deli and catering business before studying naturopathy, one of her passions is food and nutrition -- and she hopes to run classes on nutritious cooking from the clinic.

"I've collected a stack of recipes for my clients, as it can be overwhelming to be told you have to cut all this stuff out of your diet," Nicola said. "I want to be able to educate people about healthy food, as what goes into the body determines how healthy you are."

She and Anita also plan to make smoothies, offer vegetable-based spray tans and sell organic vegetables.

"The dream is for the clinic to become a busy little hub," Anita said.

The clinic will be officially opened on Saturday April 23 by Carterton Mayor John Booth.