I first came into contact with Acupuncture nearly thirty years ago, after myself becoming seriously ill. I was cured, quickly, completely and, it seems, permanently. More than ‘cured’, I was impressed, intrigued – and hooked for life!
Since that time, Acupuncture and the traditional Chinese approach to wellbeing have been a major passion for me. I feel privileged to be able to make a living from something I care about so much. The philosophy of life that created Traditional Chinese Medicine some three thousand years ago is now a tree with many branches. It would take several lifetimes to explore them all! However, I have at least managed to make a thorough study of a few of those branches: the ones that are most useful to my patients in the clinic. I began my formal studies in 1993 at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, Reading, UK. This is a three-year study course, with a six-month clinical. The college specialises in the integration of two major strands of ancient Chinese Medicine, known as Five Elements and TCM. (I also have trained privately in certain styles of Japanese Acupuncture, and have a great interest in S.E. Asian techniques. |
I graduated from the Reading college with a licentiate in Acupuncture, and subsequently joined the British Acupuncture Council, (BAcC). The BAcC is the main governing body for the profession in the UK. As with doctors, advanced training in the form of continuing professional development (CPD) is an ongoing, mandatory commitment for us all.
NADA PROTOCOL
In addition to my original training in Acupuncture, I am also a qualified and accredited member of NADA GB. This organisation represents the UK's commitment to the internationally-recognised NADA Protocol. The protocol is a specific branch of Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, and is used around the globe in many applications, most especially in detoxification from substance or alcohol abuse and in the treatment of anxiety, trauma and PTSD. I use NADA privately in the clinic, or in my role as one of the founder members of E.A.R. (Ear Acupuncture for Refugees).
TUI NA MASSAGE
I next went on to qualify in Chinese Massage (Tui Na) at the Bodyharmonics Institute, Cheltenham. Unusually, I do not tend to think of myself as a ‘masseur’. Instead I seamlessly integrate techniques from Tui Na massage into my acupuncture practice, often performing both therapies within the same session. This can be highly effective.
NADA PROTOCOL
In addition to my original training in Acupuncture, I am also a qualified and accredited member of NADA GB. This organisation represents the UK's commitment to the internationally-recognised NADA Protocol. The protocol is a specific branch of Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, and is used around the globe in many applications, most especially in detoxification from substance or alcohol abuse and in the treatment of anxiety, trauma and PTSD. I use NADA privately in the clinic, or in my role as one of the founder members of E.A.R. (Ear Acupuncture for Refugees).
TUI NA MASSAGE
I next went on to qualify in Chinese Massage (Tui Na) at the Bodyharmonics Institute, Cheltenham. Unusually, I do not tend to think of myself as a ‘masseur’. Instead I seamlessly integrate techniques from Tui Na massage into my acupuncture practice, often performing both therapies within the same session. This can be highly effective.
CH'I KUNG - THE ART OF HEALTHY LIVING
My other endless source of fascination is Chinese Chi Kung, (pronounced ‘chee gung'). Closely related to Acupuncture, Chi Kung is a complete healthcare system using breathing, movement and meditation techniques to improve health and longevity. I've had many teachers, including Daoist lineage master B.K. Frantzis. I mention all of this because Chi Kung has become a huge influence on not only how I practice Acupuncture, but how I see life itself. I have taught various Chi Kung systems in both public and private sessions and have also had a book published on Chi Kung healing: “Feeling The Way”. Although I do not teach at the moment I still find that Chi Kung makes me a far more effective acupuncturist than I might otherwise be.Traditional Chinese Medicine and its philosophical roots in Ancient China have been a major passion in my life since the early 1990's. I feel privileged to be able to make a living from something I care about so much. 'Feeling The Way' by Rob Long - Published 21st October 2016 Available direct from Singing Dragon, Amazon and other online retailers. *Please note; This book is written primarily for therapists and for those people who already have an established Chi Kung practice. |