Sharing Knowledge
Karen Atkinson
Karen qualified in London in 1988 with a BSc (Hons) in Nursing Studies, then gained further qualifications in physical and complementary therapies. These included yoga teaching, therapeutic massage, stress management and aromatherapy. Her balanced approach combines her medical knowledge with evidence- based complementary therapies. Karen specialises in chronic, long-term conditions such as chronic pain, chronic stress, chronic fatigue and illness. She supports her patients both psychologically and physically as they develop a deeper understanding of their condition, by helping them to cultivate a more balanced awareness of their body and mind. This enables them to feel more in control, boosting self-esteem, so that they become more empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
After many years of working in the NHS and private sector, Karen’s passion for this integrated approach to healthcare culminated in her founding York House, Centre for Integrated and Complementary Medicine in Taunton. Here she sees patients on a one to one basis, teaches yoga classes and runs Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses alongside other senior practitioners. Karen also writes for a number of publications such as Spectrum and Yoga and Health, and is a health columnist for a Somerset magazine, covering different health topics every month. In addition, she runs courses, workshops and gives talks to health care professionals, yoga teachers and other interested groups.