A holistic health centre in Carlisle is celebrating 14 years of helping people through alternative health practices. 

After being forced to leave a teaching career due to a severe case of eczema at just 25 years of age, Ruth Irving was inspired to change lives. 

"I was prescribed strong steroid creams by my GP and told to adapt to this debilitating condition", she said.

"Out of desperation, I sought alternative treatment with acupuncture."

This desire led to the establishment of Carlisle Therapies 14 years ago, after experiencing the transformative effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture on her own health. It spurred on a degree in traditional acupuncture. 

"My skin cleared, and I haven't had a flare-up since," Ruth said. 

Carlisle Therapies, originally the Town House Cafe, is located at 34 Lowther Street.

Ruth renovated the building alongside her brother and created four bespoke treatment rooms to facilitate a multiplicity of services.

These rooms became the base for her acupuncture clinic and later, a professional holistic health centre.

“I remember how daunting it felt at first. I had four treatment rooms and only a handful of acupuncture patients and no other practitioners working alongside me.

"Luckily, the word spread and patients and practitioners came, many still visit the centre 14 years on," she said. 

The extensive provision delivered by this establishment over the past 14 years includes services from acupuncture to hypnobirthing, reiki and yoga.

Furthermore, the rooms are hired out to visiting practitioners, mobile medics and special events are held frequently.

Carlisle Therapies continues to evolve and expand, thanks to the freshness and energy brought in by new members of the team.

The most recent addition is Toosie Bawden who is now expanding her physiotherapy clinics to include Mondays.

"Lured from London to Carlisle by our close proximity to the Lake District and Scotland, Toosie is a specialist on Women’s Health Physio and musculoskeletal pain and injury.

"We are still re-building ourselves post Covid," Ruth said.

"Only this week we saw the relaunch of our chair yoga classes for seniors.

"Shortly, I will be resuming my outdoor yoga classes on the turf fields at my home Kirkbride.

"Carlisle Therapies would like to thank the community of Carlisle and surrounding areas for their continued and growing support.

"We really value your commitment to your treatments, your yoga classes and your health and well-being," Ruth said. 

For more information about Carlisle Therapies visit www.carlisletherapie.co.uk or call 07788 616 488