HiHA (Health in Harmony Acupuncture) - Profile BAcC Registered Practitioner

Introducing Myself

I am a fully qualified and widely experienced five element acupuncturist who

graduated from the School of Five Element Acupuncture (SOFEA). However, I began my studies in 2002 at the London College of Traditional Acupuncture (LCTA) and so possess a broad background in other acupuncture traditions as well.

In addition, I receive continuous professional development (CPD) and completed a post-graduate excellence programme at the London Institute of Five Element Acupuncture (LIFEA - in association with the Kite Clinic).

I was also one of the practitioners who took part in the King's Funded CACTUS study (Classical Acupuncture for Treating Unexplained Symptoms) with GP surgeries throughout London, run in conjunction with LIFEA and the University of Exeter.

Special Interests

My special interest is in fertility and stress related issues and I regularly carry out appointments in/around London and Tunbridge Wells. Furthermore, I work voluntarily for The Stress Project a registered mental health charity based in Islington, helping disadvantaged members of the community suffering from depression and stress related illnesses (see where?). Previously, I also worked voluntarily for an organisation providing support care for people living with terminal illness.

My initial interest in acupuncture came from looking for an alternative to what was being offered to help with the chronic tinnitus and debilitating, visually impaired migraines I was experiencing, both aggravated through stress and anxiety. As a result, of looking into Chinese Medicine and after receiving several appointments, I now virtually no longer experience migraines.

As for the tinnitus, even though I now know it can't ever be totally cured, the condition is at least drastically more manageable. Moreover, it was just such a huge relief to know there was a system of medicine that actually recognised the cause of tinnitus, allowing me to experience improvements without any adverse side effects.

Complementary Interests

Other than acupuncture, I have also completed a Kampo apprenticeship (Japanese Herbal Medicine - see herbs) and trained in the Martial/Health Arts for over 25 years (see blog). Formerly, I also worked 10 years within Imperial College (Faculty of Medicine) as a central support manager/health & safety adviser. Prior to this I gained my degree in Nutrition & Sports Science from the University of North London.

Qualifications/Associations

Lic. Ac. Licentiate in Acupuncture

BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Sport Science

NEBOSH National Examination in Occupational Safety & Health

Full First Aid at Work Certificate

MBAcC Member of the British Acupuncture Council

Member of the NHS Directory of Complementary & Alternative Health Practitioners

British Acupuncture Council

As a registered acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council I carry full Medical Malpractice & Public/Product Liability Insurance and am bound by strict Code of Professional Conduct & Safe Practice with full disciplinary procedures.

The BAcC Code of Safe Practice lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilization for needles and all equipment. These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against the transmission of infectious disease. The BAcC also maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times acupuncture.org.uk.