Chronic pain, digestive disorders, and cancer are among the
most disabling conditions
worldwide
How many more studies do we need to face this situation?
Currently we know this is highly linked to how we eat, drink, move, feel
and think . . .
At Kalavik, we combine advanced research with personalised nutrition therapy to confront
these challenges
head-on . . .
Our role is to listen, to
accompany, to develop
tools that help rebuild
health & autonomy
when standard care
isn’t enough.
Using Tools to Empathise
We leverage modern tools like Notion, Elicit, Scispace, OpenEvidence, Consensus, and complementary AI research engines into a structured evidence workflow, one that structures and organises our research as a living, relational knowledge database.
What
People Say
Dr Fermin Viejo Tirado
Director of the Forensic Anatomy Museum Javier Puerta, Royal College of Surgery of San Carlos
'I have never seen a better explanation of pain. This research approach to pain should be studied in every medical school. We need more researchers of this calibre.'
Dr Angel Peña-Melián
Tenured Professor of the Department of Human Anatomy & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine UCM
'The value of this research is evident, because its usefulness can extend across the entire clinical field.
The approach is truly holistic and integrative, offering valuable insights for specialists across many disciplines. Dr Cardeña's research is highly recommended as a knowledge resource for clinicians, researchers, and patients alike.
The work developed over recent years on the RIF Model of pain can be regarded as a deeply comprehensive guide, an essential reference in the clinical relationship with patients experiencing pain.'
Dr Inmaculada Perdomo
Director of the Women’s Institute &
Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities ULL
'For the first time, research of such rigour and conceptual depth integrates, with genuine coherence, new situated epistemologies within the positive study of pain.
A much-needed voice for contemporary clinical practice and for a truly integrative understanding of the patient.'
Dr David del Río Grande
Sr Researcher in Neuropsychology
& Physiology
'An integral and in-depth approach that brings disciplines into meaningful dialogue, and with practical relevance. A unique study of pain.'
Angeles
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Migraine
'As a 60-year-old patient living with chronic fibromyalgia and migraine, I had been carrying symptoms and discomfort for years that had simply become part of my daily life. Through the support provided in the sessions, I have experienced real and progressive changes. Everything is explained with remarkable clarity and, if something is not immediately understood, it is carefully reformulated until it becomes completely clear. I have gained a far deeper understanding of my own bodily processes. The follow-up is consistent and attentive; responses are quick, and any doubts are addressed with genuine care.
​
The process has been gradual and tailored to my preferences and needs. I have adjusted my dietary habits step by step, incorporating practical options and new functional foods. These simple changes have significantly improved my digestion, my bowels pain and the chronic constipation caused by the medication I must take. I have also received guidance on specific foods for fibromyalgia and memory concerns, along with preventive strategies looking ahead, like joint care in relation to osteoporosis and support during the menopausal stage.
​
I have felt supported, truly listened to, and guided with both professional judgement and empathy. I would wholeheartedly recommend this work to anyone seeking a serious, personalised, and genuinely committed approach to meaningful health improvement.'
Susana
Breast Cancer
'I want to share my experience about my case. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42. I had already spent six months going through tests, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. No one had suggested making changes to my diet, I was simply told to carry on eating normally. But I kept asking (at Pilates, in the herbal shop, at the pharmacy) and everyone told me the same thing: diet was extremely important, that there were strategies. This is how I was recommended Kalavik.
After the sessions, I began to understand so much about my body. He explained everything I didn’t understand from the medical reports. He showed me how to use food within a ketogenic diet and why it is scientifically supporting in cancer care. When he explained the reasons behind it, my scepticism disappeared.
​
The confidence with which he speaks always gives me reassurance. The care he shows you, and the knowledge Dr Cardeña has, he gives to you as practical tools —and on top of that, they are tasty and nourishing. What’s most valuable is that he stays with you through it. You don’t feel alone between injections and pain. My back pain disappeared, I stopped vomiting after chemotherapy thanks to his advice, and for that I am deeply grateful.
​
At home, we now eat differently. And when my chemotherapy ended and the tumour markers disappeared, I was not only well: I felt better than before I even knew I had cancer. It was an experience of excellence. I still don’t understand why nutrition is not applied from the very beginning. I recommend it to any woman going through what I went through.'
María del Mar
Spinal Osteoarthritis, Herniated Disc
'With a diagnosis of spinal osteoarthritis and early stages of a herniated disc, I had been living with constant lower back pain that shaped every part of my daily life. I was taking tramadol, but it never offered a real solution. Instead, it caused very unpleasant side effects —I was clearly intolerant to the opioid. Living with pain while also feeling worse because of the medication was deeply discouraging.
​
Today, I can say that my back pain has almost completely disappeared, and I no longer need to take any kind of painkillers. But beyond that fact, what has truly changed is my quality of life. Recently, I was able to spend an entire day travelling with my husband —from early morning until after midnight, in the cold, many hours away from home— and my back did not hurt. Before, that would have been unthinkable. There was a time when I could not even lie down on the sofa in my own home without pain; now I can do so normally.
I am profoundly grateful. His professionalism, his attentiveness, and his deeply human way of accompanying patients make a real difference for those of us who have spent years living with chronic pain.
Inmaculada Herranz: Herbolario Teresa
Naturopata – Herbolario Teresa Ecotienda
Calle de las Peñuelas, 54, Arganzuela, 28005 Madrid, Spain
'I know Dr Cardeña not only as a professional, but as a true reference in clinical nutrition and the integrative approach to pain. After 38 years working in the field of natural health and collaborating with numerous doctors and therapists, I can say with complete confidence that he is one of the most comprehensive and committed professionals I have met.
​
I have referred several patients to his practice. One oncology patient who required serious integrative medical support was deeply satisfied —not only because of his extensive knowledge, but because of his constant involvement and personalised follow-up throughout the entire process. She felt listened to, accompanied, and supported at every stage of the process.
​
Another patient with an autoimmune condition, after seeing many specialists without receiving clear answers, found in him a unique approach: scientific rigour, a global vision of the patient, genuine warmth, sincere interest in the person, and continuous support that made a significant difference in her progress. Both describe him in the same way: highly qualified, deeply human, and fully committed.
​
He has also supported my 90-year-old mother in managing pain and multiple pathologies. His manner has always been impeccable, prudent, respectful, and attentive.
​
As a professional with extensive experience in natural and integrative health, I am very demanding when it comes to recommending someone — even more so when it concerns my own family. I place my full trust in Kalavik and do not hesitate to entrust the people I love most to their care when they require comprehensive, rigorous, and humane attention. Dr Cardeña brings together something uncommon: solid training, integrative vision, and genuine commitment to the individual. He is a reliable reference in the treatment of pain and in the nutritional approach to complex conditions.
​
I recommend his work with absolute conviction.'​​
Lucía: La Nodriza
Ecotienda La Nodriza, C. de los Caños del Peral, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
'Dr. Cardeña is a professional with broad and profound experience. A researcher who combines scientific depth with great sensitivity in patient care — an essential quality in today’s fast-paced world.
​
I would especially highlight his empathy and his attentive listening attitude, which allow him to address questions thoroughly and ensure clear, confident understanding. Patients consistently express how pleased they are when I ask about their experience and the care they received.'
Questions
& Answers
About Kalavik
What is Kalavik?
Kalavik is an integrative nutrition space dedicated to therapy and research. We focus our methods on personalised, evidence-based care, personalised attention and guidance. Our approach combines clinical nutrition, lifestyle assessment, and therapeutic practice to support complex and long-term health needs on chronic pain, digestive pathologies and cancer.
How Can Integrative Nutrition Help Me?
Integrative nutrition helps you understand why problems are happening in your body, why they developed and how, focusing on understandable clinical reasoning with the person in front of us and how to support the journey. Integrative means it makes different systems come together as a whole, instead of isolated paradigms. Because what we eat will become in our tissues, we use nutrition as a full tool to recover tissue function, even when patients are not getting better with medications. By reengaging with functional metabolism, hormonal, gut health, and lifestyle areas we can regain long-term regulation and recovery.
What Is Kalavik’s Therapeutic Approach?
Our approach is personalised, structured, and educational. Sessions are longer by design and focused on clinical understanding, not quick fixes. We combine evidence-based nutrition with therapeutic coaching so changes are realistic, sustainable, and meaningful. We have a Zero BS policy, underpinning everything we apply from solid contemporary research.
What Are Kalavik’s Research Lines?
Kalavik develops and contributes to research in integrative nutrition, phytotherapy, gut health, and clinical decision-making. Our work focuses on bridging scientific evidence with practical, personalised therapy and professional education. We specialise in chronic pain, digestive pathologies and ongoing cancer journeys. We practice with a preventive, supportive and modern view, bridging new research to other doctors, physical therapists, psychologists, or any other healthcare professionals already working with you.
More on Sessions
For a detailed explanation of how sessions work, what’s included, pricing, and common questions, you can explore the full therapy Sessions page and FAQs.
Languages,
Location & Accessibility
In What Languages Are Services Available?
Services are available in English and Spanish. This allows therapy to be conducted in the language you feel most comfortable expressing your health history and concerns.
Is It All Online?
Yes. Kalavik works primarily online, supporting clients internationally. Video calls are designed for personal sessions with structure, depth, and clinical quality. This makes therapy accessible regardless of location. We can communicate via WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meets, what you prefer!
Do You Offer Flexible Scheduling across Time Zones?
Yes. Appointments are scheduled with international clients in mind whenever possible, allowing for flexibility across time zones. We are open from Monday-Sunday, from 11am to 8pm (Irish Time).
Research, Education & Clinical Collaborations
I Am a Researcher — How Can We Collaborate?
Kalavik collaborates on applied research projects, case studies, and knowledge development in integrative nutrition, phytotherapy, gut health, and clinical decision-making. Collaborations can involve data analysis, protocol design, literature synthesis, or real-world application. We support PhD works and thesis writing. If you think we can work together, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com
Work with Clinicians, Doctors, Psychologists, or other Therapists
Kalavik works collaboratively with healthcare and mental health professionals when appropriate, contributing integrative nutritional and lifestyle perspectives that complement existing clinical care. We apply orthomolecular therapy and phytotherapy alongside major therapies that a given client might been undertaking. We are happy to contribute with research and a solid integrative vision to support your patients with further tools. If you think your patients can benefit from integrative nutrition, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com
Work with Universities & Educational Institutions
Kalavik collaborates with universities, training programmes, and educational institutions through guest teaching, curriculum support, workshops, and applied research initiatives. We support learning with Atlas AI as well, with discounted seats for students to explore nutritional tools and phytotherapy databases with modern protocols and updated resources. We also facilitate shadowing and internships for final year students interested in the field. If you are an educational representative, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com
Do You Work with Schools?
Yes. Kalavik collaborates with schools on educational, preventive, and wellbeing-oriented initiatives. This may include workshops, educational content, staff support, or integrative nutrition guidance adapted to children, families, and educational environments. If you are an educational representative, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com
Can I Participate in Case Studies or Research Projects?
Yes. Kalavik regularly develops case studies and research projects. Participation is always voluntary, clearly explained, and conducted with informed consent and strict data protection standards, all anonymysed by the Oslo Protocol. You will also benefit from a Free Follow Up Session if you enroll in our study. If you are interested, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com
More on Our Research
For a deeper explanation of how work on research, our method and lines, as common questions, you can explore the full Research page.
Business &
Partnerships
Can Brands or Products Be Promoted through Kalavik?
Although Kalavik does not offer conventional advertising, we are open to widen a network of professionals and producers. Any visibility or mention of products is strictly based on clinical relevance, evidence, and transparency—never on sponsorship or commercial pressure. We can promote products that involve phytotherapy, mycotherapy, nutrients and specific foods if they are formally relevant to the journey of our clients, for whom we can endorse usage if we assess it is a good value for their performance. We do facilitate product placement on Atlas AI Databases as a resource for purchase so our clients, bridged doctors and therapists using Atlas can find relevant products.​ If you are a company representative, a farmer or a producer, you are proud of your product and think it will be valuable, we are happy to meet, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com​
Herbal Shops, Nutrition & Supplements Businesses or Pharmacies — Are Partnerships Possible?
Yes. Kalavik is open to partnerships with herbal shops and pharmacies that prioritise quality, evidence, and responsible practice. Collaborations may include educational initiatives, professional training, or research-based projects, product placements and social network collaborations. We work with highly reputable shops in Ireland and Spain that we are happy to recommend to our clients. If you are a business representative or owner and interested in networking, we are happy to meet, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com​
I Represent a Company — Can We Use Atlas AI for Training?
Yes. Atlas AI can be made available to companies for research, professional use, or internal knowledge development. Access and use are open for any businesses producing or selling phytotherapy, mycotherapy, supplements, nutritional tools or foods to deepen into the properties of those, generate new research evidence and better formulations. If you're interested in working with Atlas for training your employees or supporting your products with scientific data, don't hesitate to write us to hello@kalavik.com​
We support Irish and Spanish local businesses​
© 2026 Created with love by Kalavik. Integrative Nutrition & Clinical Research.