I started my Acupuncture training in 2001 and graduated with a BSc(Hons) in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Towards the end of the degree I realised my affinity combining Acupuncture and bodywork so added a diploma in Qi Gong Tuina (Chinese Massage therapy) and studied Thai Massage and Cranio Sacral therapy at the same University. I went on to study in China and Tibet in 2004.
Later while working for Neals Yard Remedies while at University, in 2007 I completed their Essential Oil Science and Aromatherapy course and later became a Yoga Teacher with Yoga Campus. I’ve added many more post graduate courses such as Deep Tissue Massage, Electro Acupuncture, two in depth Facial Acupuncture courses, Obstretric and Fertility Acupuncture, Neals Yard Remedies Facials and Trigger Point work.
I’ve had the privilege to work as a therapist for twenty years. I’m one of the longest serving therapists in Neals Yard Remedies, gaining experience in private practice and for five years in an acupuncture fertility clinic with fantastic colleagues Selina Macnair and Mandy Brass.
I’m keen to treat any condition and it’s always so interesting to research into something I haven’t come across before. Having said that I have developed a special interest in treating anxiety, stress, grief and overwhelm, pain symptoms of any complaint, digestive issues and fertility, pregnancy, menstrual cycle and menopausal issues. Acupuncture is a quietly miaculous medcine, it’s difficult to explain and describe it’s intricacy, effectivness and value. It creates a shift; that change can be the difference to pain and relief or a clear mind rather than ruminating thoughts. Something I often talk about with patients is this sense of change it can manifest. This might be nuanced as suddenly a patient can make headway on a project they’ve been putting off, or have a difficult conversation with someone or experience a peaceful sleep or better sports performance.
I see myself as an Acupuncturist primarily but usually incorporate massage, aromatherapy, mediation and breathwork techniques into treatments. When you come for a treatment I like to think you receive a combination of appropriate therapies and experience tailored to you
After all of my adult life in London, most in my beloved Hackney, I now live in South Oxforshire with my husband and three young daughters. I’m starting a practice there in time but will continue with my Wednesdays in Neals Yard Covent Garden - I love our new life out of town but I adore my weekly fill of London life!
Acupuncture
I’m a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) the UK’s largest body of acupuncturists. They maintain high standards in the profession including the requirement for mandatory annual CPD. Acupuncture has a huge evidence base with many complaints and conditions being investigated. The BAcC research-referenced factsheets are really useful if you’re exploring whether Acupuncture might be able to help you. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call.
I’ve treated patients aged 12 up to 89. I see a variety of people with a rich mix of symptoms and ailments and things going on in their lives. Some patients I see once because of something acute happening, others I see for a course of treatment. Often, in either scenario, I end up treating a patient over the years; perhaps every six weeks or every few months for a top up; a physical and emotional health MOT as one of them calls it! I love this way of working with patients. Acupuncture puts us back together, reminding our nervous system of its correct course.
Acupuncture has a fantastic affinity with our endocrine (hormonal) system which is much of the reason it’s renowned for helping with Women’s Health. I’m experienced in fertility coaching and have used Basal Body Temperature charting with patients for many years. I support and treat women trying to conceive naturally and with medical assistance. In many ways it’s best to have a chat on the phone before making an appointment; I can explain and we can discuss how I might be able to help.
Chinese Medicine recognises the interplay between our mental and physical health. This logical and sensible system always has done - unlike Western medicine which has only recently connected the two. I see many patients suffering with Anxiety and am currently part of a research study in partnership with the charity Anxiety UK.
I’ll often combine treatments so usually with an Acupuncture treatment I use some bodywork too. I see lots of pain symptoms; bad backs, tense shoulders and so on and to get my hands on and have the skills to feel the tissue and fascia and where the congestion lies is invaluable.
Working in London clinics for twenty years I have seen many patients who are overwhelmed, stressed and over tired. One of the best things about my job is seeing them feel grounded, centred, clear and calm leaving a session. It is so fulfilling! Working with patients in this way leads many to come at difficult times in life when our body and mind need to recalibrate.
Massage and Aromatherapy
My Mum used Aromatherapy on my brother and I when we were kids and the smell of Mandarin which she used on us alot is evocative to this day! Aromatherapy was my first love. I trained in Holistic Massage at University in 2002 and have completed many shorter courses to add on techniques since. My work is never a sequenced routine, you’ll notice I don’t offer many of the techniques as a stand alone treatment. Rather you receive a tailored massage incorporating different modes which explore the posture, tension and movement patterns of the individual. For example, I will often blend a bespoke combination of essential oils for patients and when clients have needles in during Acupuncture session I tend to do a guided meditation and some breath-work then Acupressure and facial massage techniques as appropriate to deepen the treatment.
Tunia massage is a little like the more commonly known Acupressure or Shiatsu. It’s movements working with the Chinese Medicine meridians. How I usually use Tuina is on the diaphragm, with breath-work. This often under-used muscle does so much for us and is often tight and held. Working into it with breathing techniques and massage is powerfully relaxing and has a profound affect.
Yoga
Yoga is my most recent qualification. I studied a 16 month course in 2018/19 with Yoga Campus, one of the UK’s most thorough courses. I’m qualified to teach safe, effective and beneficial yoga which can incorporate Vinyasa and flow, held and active poses and restorative, passive ones.
I follow two Yoga teachers who offer different methods. Alexandra Wright is a Iyengar Yoga teacher in North London with a cult word of mouth following. Iyengar yoga is precise and structured with a focus on alignment. That’s not to say it ignores the emotional and philosophical element of Yoga, Alexandra will weave this into her class too.
My other teacher, Paula Andreewitch has a fluid, somatic approach within the flowing yoga she teaches. She always includes meditation and breathwork.
One of the first people I met when we moved to Harwell was the phenomenal Helen Pull. I’m pretty sure it was fate. She is one of the best Yoga teachers I have come across.
I draw my inspiration from these different styles. My home practice has helped me notice what I need on different days and honouring that requirement. I’m not teaching in a class environment at the moment but do advise patients on poses which will benefit them. Often I’ll do a video for a patient which they can refer to at home.
