A complementary medicine practitioner has opened up a new office.

Dr Nekia Walker has opened up for business in a traditional Bermuda cottage overlooking the sea in Southampton.

Dr Walker, who practices under the name Dr Nekia, said she had an office in St George’s when she arrived home in 2008 — but decided to go mobile after requests from patients.

But she added: “I did that for a few years, but I missed having an actual physical office where patients could come and relax instead of me being in their environment.

“It’s a cottage overlooking Jews Bay — instead of being in Hamilton, I wanted people to able to come to a private, comfortable setting.

“They’re loving it — they’re all surprised when they come in because it’s an old Bermuda cottage with exposed beams and right on the water so it’s very relaxing.

“A lot of people want architecture, but are nervous about it and water is very calming for them.”

Dr Nekia, who has a PhD in transpersonal counselling, which focuses on self-improvement, sexuality and relationships, offers a range of treatments, including eastern-based massage therapy for relaxation, as well as for medical and sports-related problems.

She also offers acupressure and acupuncture, complementary medicine based on Oriental techniques, herbal medicine and a sauna.

Dr Nekia, who also writes a relationship advice column for The Royal Gazette on Mondays, said: “I particularly specialise in musculoskeletal treatments.”

She added: “You can have a disease like diabetes — a lot of people have nerve pain from diabetes, people are injured in car accidents, bike accidents or have athletic injuries like an Achilles tear. Hamstring and groin injuries are also very common. I also see a lot of knee injuries.”

Dr Nekia first graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, focusing on neuropsychology, from the University of Maryland.

She spent a further nine years of study acquiring qualifications in health science, became a Master of Oriental Medicine and other certifications which qualify her as a healthcare provider in US states, like Florida.

To qualify to treat psychosexual disorders, Dr Nekia acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Metaphysics, and a Masters in Divinity, as well as her PhD.

Dr Nekia, who opened her new premises, located at 155 Middle Road, at the end of last month, said that, despite the recession, she had seen a steady stream of clients.

She added: “Because I am registered with the Bermuda Health Council, insurance covers my services so if someone has comprehensive insurance it makes it very affordable for anybody to come.

Dr Nekia said: “The first week was kind of slow, but this last couple of weeks have really picked up. I usually get booked up quite fast, so I encourage people to book 24-48 hours in advance.”

She added that, because of her western location, she had introduced extended hours to make treatment more convenient for city workers.

The office is open from 6.30am to a last appointment at 9.30pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 9.30pm on Saturday and from 2pm to 9.30pm on Sunday.

Dr Nekia said: “Because I am out of town, I offer a schedule where people can work around their own work day.”

More information on the range of treatments is available at www.drnekia.com or by phone at 703-3158.