A GROUP of therapists practicing osteopathy to acupuncture are on board a new complementary medicine venture in South Lakeland.

Armed with 30 years of experience, Kendal osteopath Daphne Jackson has launched a new centre that caters for seven therapies all under one roof.

The third generation osteopath, whose grandparents trained under the founder Andrew Taylor Still, decided after three decades in private practice it was time for a change.

She explained: “Each discipline has its own benefits. I’ve been in practice for 30 years, and more and more I have realised that each of us has our own limitation. I felt together we could offer a much more complete service”.

The new centre on Appleby Road caters for osteopathy, acupuncture, counseling, homeopathy, massage, pilates and tai chi.

After finding the originally far-from-perfect property in January, architect Ted Fletcher worked his magic and Kirkby Lonsdale decorator Liam Docherty painted peaceful hues.

“It had been very difficult to find a place that was suitable but once I did everything just fell into place. The right people have been happy to come on board at the right time,” she said.

But the osteopath is very keen to shake off the ‘alternative’ tag, stressing that the group are complementary practitioners.

“We are complementary, not alternative. We work with the medical profession so that we are a useful part of the whole. We want to co-operate with our medical colleagues and become a useful resource to the area”.

She added: “I’m thrilled with it. It’s the next phase of my working life”.

Masseuse Steve Salt is among the new recruits who will be flexing his fingers in one of the centre’s four treatment rooms.

A former financial services manager, he packed in his job and weekly commute to London for a course in holistic therapy at Kendal College.

The masseuse, who said he is “looking forward” to the new venture, will be offering a range of relaxing massages including aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head and sports.

Highfield Osteopathic Practice and Complementary Medicine Centre, 33 Appleby Road, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm.